Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Pettis vs. Moreno’

Featherweights

Martin Bravo (11-0) vs. Humberto Bandenay (13-4)

THE MATCHUP: Bravo made his UFC debut at lightweight, a division for which he did not have to cut one ounce of weight, and destroyed talented opponent Claudio Puelles in two rounds, doubling his counterpart’s output in the process. You will forgive me then if I am a little too obviously excited to see this 23 year-old undefeated and exciting prospect at his ideal weight class. If you do not share my excitement, then allow me to sum up Bravo’s style in a way that should entice any self-respecting MMA fan: He is the right-handed, Mexican Diaz brother.

For those pitiful souls unfamiliar with the hallmarks of the Diaz game, allow me to describe the way Bravo fights. Like Nate Diaz, he uses a long, serpentine jab. By stepping, he gets surprising reach on this punch and throws it to the head and body with equal prejudice. The same can be said of Bravo’s various other punches, all of which come in combinations as he inches endlessly forward. Not unlike Nick Diaz, his ropey arms do real damage on the inside. Though he has a reputation as a wild man, Bravo is no boor when it comes to technique. He may lack a standout athletic talent, but he is unafraid of being hit and well-educated in how to hit right back. He is scrappy but focused, and like both of the Diaz brothers, he likes to flex his biceps and make fun of guys as he beats them up.

At 7-1, Puelles was Bravo’s most accomplished opponent yet. Despite the convincing win followed by a smart weight cut, Bravo cannot afford to take promotional newcomer Bandenay lightly. At 22, he is a year younger than Bravo, but his record boasts six more fights. Four of those are losses, but Bandenay has accumulated a great deal of quality experience in his short career; and he is bigger than most of the guys Martin was fighting at lightweight. In fact, Bandenay is five full inches taller.

Bandenay is a more explosive striker. He attacks in rushing flurries, frequently lacking technique but exceeding in violence. Bandenay’s best weapon is his left round kick, which he uses as a southpaw to soften up the exposed ribcages of his orthodox opponents, often as a prelude to wrapping his foot around the back of the opponent’s head. On the ground, Bandenay tends to look a little rushed and unsure of himself. This is not surprising given his youth, but it is worth noting that Bravo seems very comfortable on the ground, with five wins by submission to back up the claim. Bravo is quick but methodical in grappling exchanges, whereas Bandenay gets hasty.

THE ODDS: Bravo (-300), Bandenay (+250)

THE PICK: Bandenay’s body kicks will be a problem for Martin. Of the 29 strikes landed by Puelles in Bravo’s UFC debut, over half were kicks to the legs and body. Like the Diazes, Bravo is so focused on his boxing attack that he rarely predicts or evades a fast kick. He can put a tremendous amount of pressure on his opponents, however, and his boxing is more effective going forward than Bandenay’s kicking will be retreating. Volume should be on Martin’s side, too. Despite Bandenay’s size advantage, this high output should allow the smaller man to corral him around the cage en route to a finish. The pick is Bravo by submission in the second round.

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