UFC Fight Night Breakdown: The Undercard

Steve Bruno vs. Matt Riddle

Steve “Hollywood” Bruno Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’10/170 lbs.
Age: 27
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Fighting out of: Coconut Creek, Fla.
Record: 12-4

The breakdown: Coming off a rebound win over Johnny Rees, Bruno now gets to take on one of the more interesting prospects from the seventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in Matt Riddle. A surprisingly physical opponent once he gets inside on his opponents, Riddle presents issues for Bruno, who does not take well to being bullied around. Keeping a strong pace and not allowing Riddle to grind him out on the mat will be key to any potential victory for Bruno. To that end, keeping Riddle at bay with jabs and leg kicks while remaining conscious of Riddle’s mandible-mangling power is the balancing act Bruno will have to manage.

The X factor: The perfect game plan rarely translates perfectly from practice, and Bruno will have to be ready to work off his back. Unless Bruno can keep Riddle from imposing his will on the mat, any work he does on the feet will likely be for naught.

Matt Riddle Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 6’1/170 lbs.
Age: 23
Hometown: Allentown, Pa.
Fighting out of: Las Vegas
Record: 1-0

The breakdown: Nicknamed “Chipper” by former coach Quinton Jackson, Riddle’s big hair and even bigger smile were once the only thing that distinguished him from the usual crowd of unknowns on “TUF.” Now a legitimate presence in the world’s MMA juggernaut, Riddle has impressed with his physical style and grappling acumen. However, Bruno is hardly an easy mark on the mat, and remaining disciplined while controlling his far more experienced foe will be the measure of Riddle’s success.

The X factor: Experience remains an issue for Riddle, who is taking on a legitimate UFC veteran as opposed to a random “TUF” castmate. Throwing around Dante Rivera is one thing, but this sudden quantum leap in competition may be something Riddle is unprepared for.

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The bottom line: Despite the massive experience differential, Riddle remains a tough style clash for Bruno and Riddle’s decision to drop to welterweight from middleweight will make him even tougher to control come fight time. While Bruno will keep it interesting, he won’t keep Riddle from taking a surprisingly dominant decision.