UFC 96 Breakdown: The Undercard

Tim Boetsch vs. Jason Brilz

Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 6’0/205 lbs.
Age: 28
Hometown: Camden, Maine
Fighting out of: Sunbury, Pa.
Team: Team Triple Threat
Record: 8-2

The breakdown: A rugged brawler, Boetsch needs to keep this fight standing by getting right in Brilz’s face and bullying him around. That means throwing plenty of punches to keep Brilz occupied and pushing him against the cage, where Boetsch can unload the soul-sapping blows that have become his calling card. Establishing himself as the stronger wrestler early will be Boetsch’s key to showing he’s the better striker later.

The X factor: Conditioning has been a major issue for Boetsch in the Octagon, and his high-volume, brawling style does his gas tank no favors. Banking on a quick stoppage is no way to get by, so Boetsch needs to come in ready to impose his will from bell to bell.

Jason Brilz Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’11/205 lbs.
Age: 33
Hometown: Bismarck, N.D.
Fighting out of: Omaha, Neb.
Team: Mid-America Martial Arts
Record: 16-1

The breakdown: Win, lose or draw, banging it out on the feet with Boetsch is a sadist’s idea of fun, and Brilz does not have the striking savvy to survive any exchanges. Instead, Brilz should focus on turning this into a wreslting match by constantly pressuring Boetsch with takedown attempts. Even if he struggles to score the takedown initially, the pressure will tax Boetsch’s stamina and leave him vulnerable later in the fight.

The X factor: The temptation to hold his own standing will be strong for Brilz since it will not be easy to absorb Boetsch’s thunder in his search for a takedown. Brilz needs to ignore that temptation, however, as any time spent on the feet in this bout will only provide Boetsch more opportunity to expose him.

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The bottom line: Boetsch may never repeat the human barrel toss he pulled off against David Heath at UFC 81, but the fighting pride of Maine will deliver another textbook mauling. That will not result from a lack of effort from Brilz, but his wrestling skills will not be enough to topple Boetsch, and the disparity in skill on the feet will be painful for Brilz and obvious to everyone else.