Kris McCray (left): Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com
Kris McCray vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha
During his string of appearances on “The Ultimate Fighter,” McCray appeared to be one of those gifted-but-raw guys. Those types of fighters generally make as much improvement as anyone after the show. McCray has a ton of heart and seems willing to keep learning to refine his technique, even if it is not always executed in textbook fashion. Rocha, unbeaten in eight fights, figures to be a good match for him. The Brazilian is effective on the mat and is streaking right now, with his UFC debut at hand.
McCray lost to Court McGee in the “The Ultimate Fighter 11” Finale, but that is nothing about which to feel bad, as McGee, a natural middleweight, looks like one of the better products the show has produced. McCray also has the experience of being under the bright lights for the first time behind him. Never underestimate the value of having this under one’s belt.
McCray should look to work a lot of the “in between” positions -- punches while clinched, clinches while exchanging shots -- and take a piece of Rocha whenever he can.
One trait you have to like in McCray is his ability to pretty much hit an opponent from any position, taking small openings wherever he can. If he can turn it into a back-and-forth style match with momentum swinging both ways, it becomes his kind of fight. If Rocha can take him down and control him, the odds swing against him.
Go with McCray pulling out a tough decision via late rally.