UFC 202: Diaz vs McGregor 2 Fight Pass prelims preview

After a week off last week, the UFC returns with one of the most anticipated cards of the year. While most of the attention is being paid to Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz’s feud, there is quality matchups throughout every potion of the card outside of main event. While I can’t blame Lorenz Larkin for being upset about appearing on Fight Pass, it makes perfect sense for the UFC to put him and Neil Magny on the internet streaming service to attract viewers… or should I say buyers? Either way, it’s one of the better fights on the card, one that I can’t wait to see.

The Fight Pass Prelims start at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT.

Neil Magny (18-4) vs. Lorenz Larkin (17-5), Welterweight

Pop quiz: who has made more appearances in the Octagon this year? You’d think the notoriously active Magny, but the correct answer is actually Larkin.

Considering Magny took a hell of a beating in his victory over Hector Lombard, it really isn’t all that surprising that he was forced to take a lengthy break from the fight game. As busy as he had been the previous two years, it might actually be a good thing for him to have taken a breather. Winner of ten of his last eleven, Magny isn’t very far from being able to ask for a title shot without fans sniggering about him being delusional.

Larkin is a bit further off course than Magny from being in title contention, but his record of 3-1 since dropping down to the welterweight division indicates that he isn’t one to be ignored. His lone loss since the drop was a tight decision to Albert Tumenov. Though he is taking the bout on short notice, Larkin recognizes that this is his opportunity to make a name for himself by reminding us of why many once considered him to be a future title contender.

Owning a 6’3″ frame and an 80″ reach, you’d think that Magny would want to stay on the outside and exploit the ridiculous size advantage he possesses over virtually every other welterweight on the roster. While Magny has developed a stiff jab and better use of his length for defensive purposes, his real wheelhouse is in close quarters. Making effective use of a plum clinch, he ravages the body of his opponent by driving his knees into them with devastating effect.

Despite owning an 8″ reach disadvantage, Larkin will look to stay on the outside. A bit of a slow starter, Larkin traditionally warms up by flicking out his jab and throwing a number of low leg kicks. Once he has his timing and rhythm down, he explodes with fast combinations into his opponent. What Larkin is most known for is his lightning quick round kicks to the head and body. Used to fighting longer opponents, Larkin uses his crisp footwork to find effective angles in which to outstrike his opposition.

If the fight goes to the ground, it will assuredly be Magny who takes it there as Larkin has exactly one takedown in nine UFC contests. It will be a chore for Magny to get the fight there as Larkin has typically been tough to take down, especially since the drop in weight as he is no longer outsized by a sizeable margin. Magny …

continue reading in source www.bloodyelbow.com