Preview: UFC 202 ‘Diaz vs. McGregor 2’

Connor RuebuschAug 17, 2016

Welterweights
Hyun Gyu Lim (13-5-1) vs. Mike Perry (6-0)

THE MATCHUP: Perry, 24, made his professional debut less than two years ago, and he has all the makings of a future welterweight contender. He is a powerful striker, having earned a 100 percent knockout rate in six pro fights. As might be expected, however, his technique is in need of polishing. Perry is extremely dependent on his heavy right hand and typically throws his power shots without set-up or follow-up. He is liable to stand stock still in front of his opponent with nothing but a static high guard as defense.

Rapid improvement is to be expected from fighters like Perry, but Lim has an obvious edge in experience and training. With that being said, wildness is at the core of Lim’s fighting style. A massive welterweight, he relies heavily on size and power to overcome his opponents. Lim’s best strikes are his knees, which he throws to head and body with reckless abandon. Like Perry, Lim’s defense is more or less nonexistent. He prefers instead to thwart his opponent’s attacks with offense, and he has finished all but one of the 13 men he has beaten.

Do not expect much grappling in this contest. Perry will look for opportunistic takedowns, but Lim’s sprawl is solid, and he will use his knees to punish early attempts. This one is going to play out on the feet, and it will be wild.

THE ODDS: Lim (-275), Perry (+230)

THE PICK: Perry has the power to put away Lim, and Lim is there to be hit. However, he is also extremely durable. Lim is a more fluid striker than Perry at this point, letting his strikes flow freely, whereas Perry is a little more stiff and reserved with his offerings. Perry was knocked out at the bell in his last fight before returning in the second round to win. That means he is tough -- but not tough enough to stay off the canvas against a puncher like Lim. The pick is Lim by first-round KO.

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