UFC 120 Preview: The Prelims

Rob Broughton vs. Vinicius Kappke de Quieroz

Every now and then, especially in the heavyweight division, the UFC will throw two random guys together and hope one of them does something to warrant a return trip. The bout between Broughton and Queiroz may be one of those cases, though it looks like a nice bit of matchmaking, as well.

Broughton’s top control-centric style has always stalled against fighters who can give him different looks on offense, while Queiroz’s lanky frame and shopworn defensive wrestling have made him an easy target for takedowns in the past. Queiroz has the advantage as the better athlete and actually stays active, on his feet or on the floor. He represents exactly the sort of fighter against which Brought struggles. Will his top control prove stout enough to corral the Chute Boxe Academy fighter?

In a 15-minute fight, it remains incredibly difficult to work such a limited style effectively unless one’s opponent has no clue how to work a proper guard. Queiroz may not hit any brilliant transitions on the floor, but will not be afraid to open up his guard and try to make something happen, either. Broughton fancies himself a ground-and-pound fighter but lacks the lockdown control and power necessary to make that style sing.

It only gets worse for Broughton if he runs into any trouble executing his takedowns. Queiroz will have a massive reach advantage, and while he does get sloppy at times, he can land with real power and has excellent finishing instincts. Basically, any time spent on the feet that does not involve Broughton hitting takedowns will put him in danger of getting summarily throttled.

Unfortunately, the hometown crowd will not have much for which to cheer, as Queiroz serves up a referee stoppage.