UFC 120 Preview: The Prelims

James McSweeney vs. Fabio Maldonado

Looking for the slugfest on the prelim slate? Look no further, as McSweeney appears all but guaranteed to trade hands with Maldonado for however long this light heavyweight encounter lasts. Expect a mad dash, with the finish line being a knockout victory for the first man to land something serious.

Neither fighter has the kind of distinct advantage in technique that would make him a favorite. In other words, the fight boils down to which man imposes his brand of brawling. McSweeney wants to stay just outside of mid-range, where his kicks compliment his overall game nicely; Maldonado has proven akin to a close-quarters siege tank.

Maldonado’s approach has one problem: he does a poor job of closing the pocket. Wading in on McSweeney will only end with his being blasted by kicks and flailing to land punches, and he will not be fighting someone who will flail along with him.

Even though McSweeney may never grow into a long-term part of the UFC, he remains a reasonably talented fighter, and making the long overdue cut to light heavyweight should make a huge difference in his game. Expect Maldonado to fall within the first round, with McSweeney soaking in the adulation of his countrymen.

Follow Tomas Rios’ ongoing quest to become the world’s greatest slacker on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Tomas_Rios.