Ryan Jimmo has won 17 of his last 18 fights. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
Light Heavyweights
Ryan Jimmo (17-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Igor Pokrajac (25-9, 4-4 UFC)
It was the first loss for Jimmo since his professional debut in 2007. Now the former Maximum Fighting Championship 205-pound titlist must rebound against Pokrajac, a protégé of Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic with a penchant for engaging in slugfests. “The Duke” was battered in the clinch by Joey Beltran in his most recent outing at UFC on FX 6, but the loss was overturned when Beltran failed a post-fight drug test.
Pokrajac’s best asset is his heart, as he will move forward in the face of heavy fire. Jimmo is the more technical striker, and his ability to land a variety of kicks should help him to control distance. Pokrajac has heavy hands but should look to take his opponent to the ground, as Jimmo is solid when he is imposing his will from top position but struggles when forced to defend from his back. Pokrajac is not a fluid athlete, which makes dragging the fight to the ground a more difficult task, especially when one considers the power Jimmo has flashed in his first two UFC appearances.
Jimmo is solid in the clinch, and he should take note of the success Beltran experienced in attacking Pokrajac against the fence in December. Despite those struggles, the Croatian will not hesitate to engage in a close-quarters battle, and Jimmo must be wary of his foe’s knees in tie-ups.
The Pick: Look for Pokrajac to press the action and swing for the fences, with Jimmo attempting to control distance with a varied arsenal. Jimmo avoids spending too much time on his back and wins a decision.
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