UFC 102 Preview: The Prelims

Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague

The Breakdown: Just one of several genetic anomalies populating the heavyweight division, the skyscraper with fists known as Hague will look to follow up his spoiler win over Patrick Barry by derailing another top-flight prospect in American Top Team disciple Duffee. Unlike Barry, Duffee is a full-fledged heavyweight, and his time with ATT has molded him into a surprisingly well-rounded fighter despite a record that’s thinner than an Olsen sister. That lack of world-class opposition may not matter much, as Hague has not taken on any world beaters. While Hague’s size and surprising skill make him a difficult style matchup, his usual routine of physically overwhelming opponents will not be enough to keep his upset streak alive.

The X Factor: When you have more than 12 feet and 500 pounds of humanity in the cage, cardio is bound to come into play, unless the Octagon collapses. Barring any such incident, the cardio battle will hinge on who can generate maximum offense with minimal effort. Hague’s solid record obscures the fact that his movements are severely telegraphed and his reach is virtually ignored as a strategic advantage. While Duffee is practically the same size as Hague, he is the faster and more dynamic fighter, which makes him the one more likely to take over when the adrenaline and testosterone meters hit zero.

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The Bottom Line: Hague just barely managed to beat Barry and took plenty of damage en route; repeating that feat against a game opponent he cannot bully around is beyond his ability. The UFC hopes this fight can launch Duffee’s career, as he’s one of North America’s premier heavyweight prospects. Hague has just enough cache to his name to pass as a suitable opponent. Watch for Duffee to weather the Octagon jitters by keeping the kind of pace that would make a speed junkie blush. Hague will have no answer, except to tap the canvas when Duffee flips the switch and goes into a ground-and-pound frenzy.