UFC Fight Night Breakdown: The Undercard

Gleison Tibau vs. Rich Clementi

Gleison Tibau Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’10/155 lbs.
Age: 25
Hometown: Rio Grande Do Norte, Brazil
Fighting out of: Coconut Creek, Fla.
Record: 15-6

The breakdown: No one wants to be the official gatekeeper of any division, but after dropping consecutive bouts to Joe Stevenson and Tyson Griffin, Tibau is starting to look like a candidate given his penchant for handling the borderline fighters while struggling at the next level. The struggle will be especially difficult against Clementi because Tibau is reliant on working from the top position and neutralizing opponents. Unless Tibau can crowd Clementi early and force him to work off his back, this bout will turn ugly in a hurry for the Brazilian turned American Top Team disciple.

The X factor: Expecting Tibau to turn into Aleksandr Karelin overnight and go Hulkamania on Clementi is about as realistic as an episode of “Transformers.” What Tibau needs to show is a new offensive wrinkle that will keep opponents from stuffing his takedowns and forcing him out of his comfort zone.

Rich “No Love” Clementi Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’9/155 lbs.
Age: 32
Hometown: Edison, N.J.
Fighting out of: Slidell, La.
Record: 32-13-1

The breakdown: A surprising addition to the UFC lightweight roster, Clementi’s first run with Dana White & Co. was an unmitigated disaster, but the New Jersey native has experienced a renaissance thanks to a suddenly versatile style and tremendous fight IQ. However, Clementi remains vulnerable to opponents who can take him down and work the top-control special, which is Tibau’s perpetual game plan du jour. Turning this into a kickboxing bout by using lateral movement and an active arsenal of strikes is Clementi’s safest path to victory, as a ground war could easily turn into a grappling seminar for Tibau.

The X factor: How well Clementi controls both the tempo and pocket will be the trends to watch. He won’t fare well if Tibau manages to get in his grill and past his guard. If Clementi comes out willing to flash his guard game, that will be all the opening Tibau needs.

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The bottom line: While Tibau is as potent as a box of Xanax when he has the top position, he likely won’t spend much time there against Clementi, who has made strides in the wrestling department. When Tibau can’t control his opponents, he’s typically at a loss for strategy, which will play right into Clementi’s tactical approach.