UFC 98 Preview: The Prelims

Phillipe Nover vs. Kyle Bradley

The Breakdown: Despite failing to live up to Dana White’s “Next Anderson Silva” prediction, Nover is still one of the more intriguing lightweight prospects around. His bout with boxing convert Kyle Bradley is looking like one of the night’s more competitive offerings. While Nover has the edge in versatility thanks to his muay Thai base, Bradley has the hand speed and fundamentals to give Nover fits from inside the pocket. If Nover moves in and out by mixing kicks with clinch work, he’ll have Bradley outgunned. Any time spent exchanging in the pocket, though, is just more time for Bradley to load up on a game changer.

The X Factor: Look for whoever gets the worst of the striking to try and switch gears to a mat battle -- a reality that puts Nover at a major disadvantage when you consider his takedown defense is still teetering between useless and pedestrian. If Nover gets stuck working off his back and Bradley can milk that advantage without any payback, this bout could turn into a 15-minute seminar on the downside of MMA.

The Bottom Line: Talented as Bradley may be with his fists, he has yet to prove that he can be more than a decent foil for superior fighters. Look for Nover to put together a sterling showing for the win.