‘The Ultimate Fighter Nations’ Finale Preview

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“The Ultimate Fighter Nations” Welterweight Final

Chad Laprise (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (4-0, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Aubin-Mercier’s path to the final mirrored that of his pre-“Ultimate Fighter” professional career, as the 25-year-old relied heavily on his grappling skills to dispatch Richard Walsh and Jake Matthews. Although the bout was unofficial, Matthews became the first person to go the distance against Aubin-Mercier despite having the Canadian attached to his back for the final four minutes of the second round. Other than that, all of Aubin-Mercier’s triumphs -- including the one against Walsh -- have ended via rear-naked choke inside of a round.

Laprise authored the most memorable knockout of the season when he broke teammate Kajan Johnson’s jaw with a wicked overhand right in the other 170-pound semifinal. The matchup was relatively competitive prior to the spectacular finish. Laprise would be wise to control the distance against Aubin-Mercier, who can be extremely sticky once he is able to latch on to his opponent. Laprise has a solid jab and good countering ability, as he demonstrated against Johnson.

Aubin-Mercier is conservative on the feet, but he seems to have a good sense of when to close the distance behind his punches. In addition, the judoka has displayed a decent kick to the body. Of course, Aubin-Mercier’s strength is his ability to control the fight on the ground. He will use methodical ground-and-pound to help him advance position, and he is diligent about securing hooks or a body triangle once he takes his foe’s back.

Laprise’s task will be to outbox Aubin-Mercier and circle away from the fence so he does not get trapped and dragged to the canvas. A little more diversity, including more kicks, would not hurt his cause.

The Pick: Aubin-Mercier takes this by decision or late submission.

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