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NGANNOU VS FERREIRA

UFC 131 Preview: The Prelims

Jason ProbstJun 07, 2011
Jason Young (top) is taking a step up in competition. | Photo: Jim Page/Sherdog.com


Featherweights
Dustin Poirier vs. Jason Young

The Matchup: Nothing elevates a guy’s profile like an upset, and Poirier’s one-sided decision over Josh Grispi at UFC 125 was a definite boost. However, that performance lost some of its luster when Grispi was dispatched by George Roop at UFC 130. Poirier -- who was simply too aggressive and strong for Grispi on New Year’s Day -- draws Young in the Englishman’s big-show debut.

The jury remains out on what Poirier’s victory against Grispi means. Did he catch him on a bad night or was he just the first to expose the onetime prospect? Certainly Poirier has great conditioning and aggression going his way.

A veteran of the Cage Rage, Ultimate Challenge MMA and Cage Warriors Fighting Championship circuits, Young will enter the cage on the strength of a two-fight winning streak. All three of his career losses have come by submission.

The Pick: Young will not be able to outwrestle Poirier and should be readily available on the feet, which gives “The Diamond” the win via second-round knockout.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Aaron Rosa vs. Joey Beltran