The X Factor: In his match with Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at UFC 89, Cane seemed to falter when Sokoudjou put pressure on him, and his recovery not so coincidentally came right after the Team Quest judoka’s gas tank hit empty. Fighters with a bully complex have been knocked down to Earth before, and Cantwell will not be an easy mark, as his active style makes him difficult to throttle. If Cantwell can find a rhythm early, it will be interesting to see how Cane reacts to a tough opponent who can make him work the full 15 minutes.
* * *
The Bottom Line: Of all the WEC imports, Cantwell is one of the best, but, as Carlos Condit recently learned, the UFC is not a place where past reputations carry any weight. The real problem, however, is that Cane’s rugged, close-quarters style is designed to suffocate his opponent’s offense, and Cantwell lacks the power to force him on the defensive. It should be a fun fight early, but it will not take long for Cane to start getting his maul on.