Paul Kelly (right): Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com
Paul Kelly vs. T.J. O'Brien
The Matchup: In the qualifying round for Season 12 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” O’Brien was blitzed by Marc Stevens, which is an unfortunate way to make your debut on the big stage. With 15 of his 16 wins by submission (including 10 by triangle choke), there’s a lot more to his career than one bad showing in which he made a mistake. It’s a fickle sporting public in front of which athletes perform, to be sure.
That said, Kelly is experienced in the Octagon and has shown a consistent fire and willingness to stick his nose into the mess. At 6-foot-2, O’Brien will be five inches taller and will be looking to take it to the ground. Kelly should be able to mix in kicks and combinations but will have to consistently get away clean and evade O’Brien’s reach, which he can use to pull guard to take it down.
The Pick: I like Kelly’s experience in this one, as he grinds out a second-round stoppage.