Height/Weight: 5’11/170 lbs.
Age: 28
Hometown: Carroll, Iowa
Fighting out of: Des Moines, Iowa
Record: 7-1
The stakes: For Burns, this fight’s an opportunity to legitimize his simultaneously unexpected and incredibly controversial win over Johnson at UFC Fight Night 14 and remind the world he was more than holding his own against a fighter expected to turn him into road kill.
The breakdown: Despite the long odds against him, Burns did well by pressing Johnson from the opening bell and never backing down from his, at times, overwhelming physicality. While Burns walked a fine line that evening and often got himself in trouble by playing Johnson’s game, he clearly knows how to stifle “Rumble.” Playing the bully routine again with some hopefully improved conditioning should get him a nod.
Johnson Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 6’2/170 lbs.
Age: 24
Hometown: Dublin, Ga.
Fighting out of: San Jose, Calif.
Record: 5-2
The stakes: While Joe Rogan could write a Master’s thesis on Johnson’s fast-twitch muscle fibers, the fact remains that “Rumble” has been inconsistent at best in his four UFC bouts. He showed some disturbing weaknesses in his first tussle with Burns. If Johnson’s ever going to turn his obvious physical gifts into a worthwhile MMA career, he has to start now by proving he can throttle the Kevin Burnses of the world.
The breakdown: While you’ll no doubt be reminded that Johnson’s a “freak” several times this weekend, let me remind you that he also happens to be very limited in terms of what he can do inside the Octagon. Unless Johnson’s willing to stay in the pocket and unload on Burns, he’ll be in for another disheartening performance.
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The bottom line: The odds aren’t good on Burns lasting another two rounds plus on the feet with Johnson, and while he did have the right strategy the first time around, it still came awfully close to getting him knocked out. Expect Burns to try the same strategy, while Johnson comes out ready to push back. The result will be another monster KO for “Rumble,” followed by an hour-long shriek of excitement from the broadcast team.