While most of Swick’s success has come as a striker, he has shown the intelligence to throw changeups at the opposition. Remember when he adopted a wrestling-centric approach against Marcus Davis at UFC 85? That versatility and Swick’s willingness to use it will play heavily into just how much of Hardy’s vaunted striking the sure-to-be rabid locals will get to see.
The X-Factor: There will not be much Hardy can do if Swick starts shooting for his legs, but the mohawked Brit has shown himself to be a gifted counterpuncher, and Swick has the habit of getting wide with his fists. Both bode well for Hardy, who needs to use his jab and force Swick to set up his takedowns with punches.
Those punches will give Hardy the time he needs to measure his counters and perhaps force Swick into exchanges for which he is not prepared. Hardy has the equal measures of patience and aggression necessary to make the strategy work; it boils down to staying focused in between takedowns.
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The Bottom Line: It will not be pretty, but Swick will take an uneventful decision fueled by savvy strategy and tactical ground-and-pound. Prepare to keep your sound system on low because the chorus of boos will be loud enough to shatter glass.