UFC Fight Night 30 Preview

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Light Heavyweights

Jimi Manuwa (13-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Ryan Jimmo (18-2, 2-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Manuwa has been a destructive force throughout his professional career, finishing all but one of his 13 career triumphs by knockout or technical knockout. Thus far, that dominance has carried over to the Octagon, where “Poster Boy” has stopped Kyle Kingsbury and Cyrille Diabate in his first two promotional appearances. Although a leg injury to Diabate brought a premature end to their UFC on Fuel TV 7 encounter, Manuwa was in prime form through the first five minutes, attacking with power punches while mixing in takedowns.

Meanwhile, Jimmo’s third UFC outing was his least dramatic, as he relied on accurate striking and solid clinch work to outpoint Igor Pokrajac at UFC 161 in June. That was not nearly as stirring as the Canadian’s debut, where he knocked out Anthony Perosh in seven seconds, or his sophomore effort, where he had James Te Huna in danger early before fading down the stretch.

Jimmo is capable of giving Manuwa different looks, whether it is landing crisp, accurate strikes on the outside or fighting in close. However, the 33-year-old Brit’s knockout power is always a significant threat. Manuwa is known for his devastating left hook, but he also is capable of doing damage with overhands, uppercuts, head kicks and knees. Additionally, he understands how to set up his most powerful techniques by baiting his opponents.

While he is undeniably imposing and powerful, questions about Manuwa’s conditioning remain. He has yet to see the third round in any fight, and he was clearly tiring before the doctor stoppage in his win over Kingsbury. Jimmo, with his karate background, has the discipline to drag Manuwa into deep waters. By fighting tactically, mixing up his kicks and moving intelligently, Jimmo has a decent shot at shifting the momentum in the second half of the fight. By then, a fatigued Manuwa will be more susceptible to clinch work and takedowns.

The Pick: Jimmo wins by decision.

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