Rory MacDonald looked like an elite talent in his victory over Nate Diaz. | Photo: D. Mandel
Welterweights
Rory MacDonald (11-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Mike Pyle (21-7-1, 4-2 UFC)
Pyle is an interesting test, namely because the veteran potentially has the wrestling and takedown game to stymie MacDonald, whose standup will have to deter “Quicksand” from closing the gap. An extended ground battle does not necessarily mean MacDonald loses, but it does get Pyle over a huge tactical hurdle and makes it a far more winnable fight for him.
If there is one asset MacDonald may lack at this point, it is big-man strength for a welterweight, that requisite horsepower to dominate when technique and conditioning are a push. George St. Pierre has it, as does Jon Fitch. Matt Hughes ruled the division in his heyday with it. It is something MacDonald may grow into -- he just turned 22 -- and that is why Pyle is a meaningful opponent at this point in his career.
Pyle’s wrestle-smash of John Hathaway at UFC 120 was a sobering reminder of what a hard-nosed veteran with good grappling chops can do to a talented young fighter. Pyle’s standup is serviceable but nowhere near MacDonald’s, who is getting better on the feet with each fight. MacDonald’s task is simple: dictate the range and keep Pyle at arm’s length while picking his spots and, if taken down, scrambling up immediately. A grinding, wrenching wrestling match is exactly what Pyle needs, and he may be able to force it in spots.
The Pick: This is where MacDonald’s proverbial rubber hits the road, and he will have to bail himself out at some point. He does just that, rallying in the third to win via knockout after a tough back-and-forth bout.
Jason Probst can be reached at Jason@jasonprobst.com or twitter.com/jasonprobst.
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