UFC 120 Preview: The Prelims

Paul Sass vs. Mark Holst

Just about every undercard has a fight that sneaks up on fans and delivers in a way no one expects. Sass and Holst appear destined to make good on that trend, as their aggressive grappling styles should play against each other in way that leaves even the most striking-mad fan sated.

Sass, one of England’s most-hyped prospects, and his collection of submission wins suggest a fighter ready to run game against world-class opposition. However, his match with Rob Sinclair exposed wrestling skills that were definitely not where they needed to be.

Wrestling has proven just as problematic for Holst, who could not get much done from his guard in his UFC debut against John Gunderson. Expect lots of position changes, as these two go for broke in search of submissions. That kind of race favors Sass, who has a preternatural talent for sniffing out opportunities and finishing in brilliant fashion. A fine grappler in his own right, Holst has yet to show the same talent for finishing.

The fight itself will be entertaining for as long as it lasts, thanks to both men. Unfortunately for Holst, the entertainment will come to an abrupt end when Sass locks up his hold of choice, the triangle choke, late in the fight.