UFC 122 Preview: The Prelims

Welterweights
Pascal Krauss vs. Mark Scanlon

Only three of Krauss’ nine victories have come against opponents with winning records, though his last one came against John Quinn, who was 8-0 entering their bout. At 23, one has to figure he will only get better with each match.

Scanlon’s being a late addition to the card and Krauss’ fighting in his home country represent the kind of X-factor variables that make this anyone’s guess. Scanlon, another UFC rookie, has secured only two of his seven wins against opponents with winning records.

Unlike many European fighters, Scanlon wields a big frame for his weight class and clearly cuts significant poundage to make the 170-pound limit. Krauss, at 6-foot-1, is fairly tall for a welterweight and will need to establish his range and avoid tie-ups. He enters with the advantage of having a full training camp to prepare for the bout, so conditioning could become a factor given Scanlon’s size and lack of notice for the match.

Look for Scanlon to pick up a second-round stoppage, provided he uses that superior size and grappling, along with some fairly stout stand-up, especially kicks.