UFC 107 Preview: The Prelims

Damarques Johnson vs. Edgar Garcia

The Breakdown: After losing “The Ultimate Fighter” season nine crown to James Wilks and the considerable promotional push that comes with it, Johnson has to earn his spot the old-fashioned way. It won’t get off to an easy start either against Garcia. Undoubtedly embittered by a controversial split decision loss to Brad Blackburn in his UFC debut, Garcia has the perfect chance to reboot his run in the mutant super-snake pit that is the welterweight division.

Perfect because Johnson keeps his hands low and head still, not a good combination against Edgar, who is in a different league on the feet and has the wrestling to stuff Johnson’s substandard takedowns. While Johnson will have a major reach advantage, his jab is badly telegraphed and lacks the power to back off Garcia, who will look to press from the opening bell.

Johnson didn’t respond well to Wilks’ pressure in their fight, and Garcia will make that feel like a dinner with Andre in comparison. Barring a miracle takedown, Johnson is going to get his brain-cage rattled every time he even thinks of standing his ground.

The X-Factor: Garcia remains unproven on the mat, and Johnson does have the jiu-jitsu to test him. What stands in the way of that is Johnson’s Z-grade wrestling and mind-numbing habit of giving away dominant positions like candy. The dynamism of MMA does lend itself to the unlikely, and Garcia wants no part of a grappling match with Johnson.

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The Bottom Line: When you can’t execute a proper takedown and only move your head to celebrate holidays, you’re going to get cracked. That is exactly what’s awaiting Johnson come Saturday night. Garcia puts him away late in the first round with a right-cross KO.