UFC on Versus 1 Preview: The Prelims

Mike Pierce vs. Julio Paulino

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The Breakdown: The brilliantly nicknamed “Dominican Demon” Julio Paulino is hoping for an upset special, as he comes in on short-notice against the bulldozer known as Mike Pierce. Not to ruin the drama or anything, but barring Pierce losing at least two of his limbs prior to the fight, Paulino has roughly the same chance of winning as James Toney does of getting his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

Paulino just isn’t ready for this level of competition. His whole game consists of sloppy striking that makes it look like he’s trying to throw a shot put rather than a proper punch. Winging punches at Pierce will only get you on the wrong end of his supersonic shot, and Paulino has nowhere near the takedown defense to keep himself upright.

Even if Pierce obliges him a few exchanges, he keeps a tight defense, has a nasty sweeping left hook and a neck so thick Paulino will need a crowbar just to daze him. Unless Paulino has suddenly developed the takedown defense of a mountain, his striking isn’t going to do him much good once Pierce starts running through him with double legs.

The Bottom Line: On an otherwise wildly competitive card, this fight stands out like a Brooklyn hipster in practically any context. Paulino will come out swinging leather but will lose courtesy of Pierce’s ground-and-pound.