Preview: UFC Fight Night 119 ‘Brunson vs. Machida’

Flyweight

Jarred Brooks (13-0) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (12-0)

ODDS: Brooks (-165), Figueiredo (+145)

ANALYSIS:: Two undefeated prospects with a combined 25-0 record? Sounds like fun and almost assuredly will be, though the whole “undefeated” part is a bit dubious. While he is the righteous favorite in this fight, Brooks got a gift in his Octagon debut at UFC 214 in July, winning a lame split decision over Eric Shelton. Cliché though it might be, styles make fights, and Figueiredo is a fighter against whom Brooks -- a natural entertainer -- can be more exciting. Plus, Figueiredo does not pose many of the defensive issues Shelton did. Figueiredo may have two inches of height and six inches of reach on the former strawweight Brooks, but he is not the sharp, rangy counter boxer Shelton can be. The Brazilian is at his best when he gets top position, drops heavy leather and threatens submissions. He is certainly an adequate wrestler, yet he is wild and defensively porous in all phases; he is not going to stick the smaller Brooks on the end of a jab and thwart the wrestling for long periods of time. Both fighters have similar top games with respect to how they pressure, pound, pass and look to attack the head and neck in transition; and with both being so reckless at times, we should get some entertaining exchanges on the floor. Brooks gets the edge here, though. The switch-hitting “Monkey God” may be giving up size and reach, but he is the more diverse and powerful striker, as well as the cleaner technical wrestler with the purer power double-leg shot. The Mash Fight Team product takes a close, competitive decision and moves to 14-0.

Heavyweight

Christian Colombo (8-2-1) vs. Marcelo Golm (5-0)

ODDS: Golm (-225), Colombo (+185)

ANALYSIS:: This bout was supposed to feature another unbeaten Brazilian heavyweight prospect, but Carlos Felipe tested positive for stanozolol metabolites and accepted a two-year USADA sanction in the run-up to the event. Now, the 37-year-old Colombo will look for his first UFC win against 25-year-old Golm. With just over two years of pro MMA experience, Golm is extremely raw, and it shows in his bouts. He has knocked out all five of his foes in the first round, and the last four of those bouts combined have lasted less than five minutes. Colombo may have more maturity in his skill development, and at 6-foot-5 and with an 81-inch reach, there are tools for him to use where he can potentially land strikes at distance. However, Colombo’s best offensive weapon is his knees in close. Unfortunately for him, he has miserable takedown defense, as evidenced by how Luis Henrique Barbosa de Oliveira tossed him around at will in November. Golm’s entire style at this point is predicated on horsepower, bombing inside behind powerful right hands, bowling over his opponent and delivering thunderous ground-and-pound. Late notice or not, it is a perfect style for a work in progress to pulverize a veteran. Golm by TKO in the first or early second round is the pick.