Bantamweights
Brad Pickett (20-6, 0-1 UFC) vs. Damacio Page (15-6, 0-1 UFC)
The Matchup: Page has the type of all-out attacking style that should have made him a “Fight of the Night” regular by now, but the Jackson’s MMA fighter has been plagued by myriad injuries in recent years. First, a torn labrum suffered in a victory over Will Campuzano kept him out for more than a year.
Once a world-ranked bantamweight, Page has drifted to outskirts of the divison. The talent is there -- remember that the New Mexican debuted in the WEC with a victory over former 135-pound title challenger Scott Jorgensen. The UFC isn’t easing Page back into action, however, as Pickett is a hard-nosed customer who won’t back down from the type of battle that Page has been known to favor.
Conditioning will be a key here. “One Punch” has solid takedowns and works at a fast rate, and there are few opponents who can keep up with him. He ran into a buzzsaw in Renan Pegado, who was able to put the Brit on his back and pounce with lightning precision for a fight-finishing choke. Pickett likes to force exchanges in the pocket, and he is skilled at firing off combinations and landing his lead hook and left uppercut.
Page is known to unload his entire arsenal early, throwing punches like a much larger man in hopes of landing a kill shot. He is willing to absorb a few shots in order to give it back, but he has been preaching patience in the weeks leading up to this fight.
Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see these two engage in at least one furious exchange in the center of the Octagon. Eventually Pickett will play the percentages, however, and change levels in hopes of securing a takedown. How well Page defends these shots will determine how successful his return to action will be.
The Pick: Page has an excellent killer instinct, but sometimes that aggression can cost him. Changing things up and forcing Pickett to work from his back would swing the odds in his favor, but the London native is tireless on the mat. If Page can’t hit a home run early, Pickett will gradually impose his will, earning a tapout from his tiring foe in round three.
Continue Reading » The Prelims