UFC 121 Preview: The Main Card

Heavyweights
Brendan Schaub vs. Gabriel Gonzaga

The Matchup: Oddsmakers probably feel the same way about Gonzaga that they did about Kevin Randleman back in the day; he is inconsistent yet exceptionally talented, and the results bear out the fact that you never know how he’s going to perform.

Progressing nicely since his KO loss to Roy Nelson in the “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 10 final, Schaub has reaffirmed faith in what fans immediately saw in him on the reality show. He’s athletic, explosive and has the kind of wham-bang hitting power and technique that can propel a fighter, especially a big man, into stardom.

The Pick: While Schaub is a good grappler with technical submissions you don’t see out of many heavyweights, Gonzaga isn’t likely to be threatened by these as long as he’s reasonably conscious.

If Schaub lands big early, expect an all-out barrage in an attempt to finish; if Gonzaga can operate reasonably well on the feet, he can drag out the fight and secure clinches and takedowns. The pick? Gonzaga by close decision in an exciting, back-and-forth bout.

Jason Probst can be contacted at [email protected].