UFC Fight Night 25 Preview: The Main Card

Alan Belcher is returning from a long layoff. | Photo: Dave Mandel

The Matchup: One of the more gifted middleweights on the UFC roster, Belcher returns for the first time since he submitted former title contender Patrick Cote in May 2010. MacDonald, a seasoned veteran with a stout submission game, is often used as a litmus test for rising talents to see what they have, as he can surprise them when he is in his groove.

Belcher’s standup is a significant edge in this bout, along with his overall strength; he has the frame of a 205-pounder stuffed into a middleweight’s body. With thumping kicks and an overlooked jiu-jitsu game, he is a lot of fun to watch when he is on. He mixes in kicks with punches exceptionally well and fights to finish. MacDonald is crafty from his back. However, given this style matchup and his limited standup, that is probably where he needs to end up, as he has few other options to win.

Belcher should be smart and build up points standing while wearing down MacDonald, especially with his sapping body kicks. He is also potent from the clinch and should remain patient there in order to deny MacDonald takedowns from that position, all while using short blows in close to further sap the Canadian’s strength. If it goes to the ground, Belcher is not likely to get submitted there, as he is simply too technical and strong.

The Pick: Belcher will pick his spots and score heavily on the feet, dropping bombs as MacDonald gives a game but overmatched effort in a second-round knockout loss.