The Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland is the site selected to host UFC 172. The full promotional card is stout with intriguing matches that are sure to electrify the audience, both live at the arena and those watching on television. The Fox Sports network is scheduled to televise a few of the preliminary bouts while the main prizefights will be available on UFC pay-per-view. The main battle of the night is a light heavyweight title match between the defending champion, Jon "Bones" Jones (19-1, 13-1 UFC), and the gritty Brazilian banger, Glover Teixeira (22-2, 5-0 UFC). The titlist is on a 10-fight win streak while the challenger has won his last 20 cage matches. The tilt is scheduled for five rounds.
Jones, a native New Yorker, is coming off an epic title defense from September 2013, when he was pushed to the limits by Swedish MMA monster, Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson. In that bout, many felt that Gustafsson was winning but "The Mauler's" conditioning failed him in the last round and a half, giving "Bones" just enough momentum to pull out the victory by decision. The physical beating the Swede handed Jones, who was believed to be invincible at the time, was brutal as Gustafsson was able to neutralize the champion’s most prized possession: his height. "The Mauler" punished Jones early and often utilizing great footwork, lateral movement and excellent boxing that befuddled Jones, the consensus pound-for-pound MMA ruler. It will be interesting to see if there are any lingering effects for "Bones" from his war of attrition with Gustafsson.
The good news for Jones is that Teixeira is nothing like "The Mauler." This is not to say that the Brazilian lacks skilled, but the fact is that Teixeira is not the type to stick and move. That is where the good news ends for "Bones" as there is no question that Teixeira is a live underdog in this contest. The 34-year-old MMA veteran is a bruiser: he grinds the opposition down with constant pressure and menacing bombs to the head and body. The Brazilian is also known to be well-engaged and focused in the heat of battle. His finishing ability is undeniable, as Teixeira ended 19 of his 22 victims inside before the final bell. If Teixeira gets Jones in trouble, there is a solid chance that the American's title reign will come to an end.
It is not all good for Teixeira, either: the Brazilian has a major obstacle to overcome since Jones is a master with great timing and keeping the fight at his distance. He is an excellent striker and his ground game is second to none. Once his opponents tire out from a systematic beating, "Bones" shoots in for the kill. Jones is also a lethal finisher, as 15 of his 19 victories have come by way of stoppage.
This fight will be competitive but one sided; it will be determined by how tentative Jones will be early on in the contest. Barring the possibility that Gustafsson beat the fight out of the American, Jones will likely measure the Brazilian early, working from the champion’s preferred range, and once he senses Teixeira weakening, "Bones" will move in and will end the Brazilian’s title hopes within three rounds.
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
