UFC Fight Night 24 Preview: The Main Card

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UFC Fight Night 24 kicks off on Saturday at the Key Arena in Seattle, with Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira meeting in a compelling main event.

One-time NCAA wrestling champion Davis takes on the savvy veteran Nogueira in a bout with added relevance in the 205-pound division, given Jon Jones’ title-winning performance at UFC 128. Like Jones, Davis has exceptional talents wrapped around a great wrestling base. Nogueira, however, poses a tough test and does not figure to go easily.

In the co-headliner sluggers Anthony Johnson and Dan Hardy will square off in what promises to be an exciting fight at 170 pounds.

Read on for the UFC Fight Night 24 main card preview.

Light Heavyweights
Phil Davis vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

The Matchup: If there is a new breed of fighters taking over MMA, this is another litmus test, as Nogueira has been a top light heavyweight for years; Davis’ emergence has been equal parts compelling and impressive, as he has rolled to an 8-0 record. Davis’ grappling prowess has carried him to success, but he is clearly implementing added elements to his game, showing steady improvement with standup and submissions.

Nogueira is a battle-tested veteran with a solid chin and iron will. His submission game, particularly from the guard, is expectably dangerous. The Brazilian also has clever counters and punches from a southpaw stance, through which he will try and make the unpredictable Davis pay for mistakes. Davis will probably want to test out the standing game before taking it to the mat, and it is on the feet where he will win or lose the fight. If Davis’ standup has evolved to where he can land effectively and stay even, that will open up clinches and explosive takedown shots.

On the ground, Davis will have to strike a balance between scoring points and opening himself up for Nog’s slick sweeps and submission attempt. Nog is used to being outwrestled -- like his twin brother Antonio Rodrigo, he’s made a career out of using great jiu-jitsu and patience to pick apart foes. However, this is a tough match for him, as Davis is a rising talent with a huge upside.

The advantage for Davis is that he can kill time to pace himself, as Nogueira is not going to take him down and generally likes to play a counter game on the feet.

The Pick: Davis’ conditioning should hold up in a tense, back-and-forth bout in which he escapes some bad positions and gets his chin checked a time or two. He holds off Nogueira down the stretch for a close decision win.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson