UFC 132 Preview: The Prelims

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Bantamweights
Brian Bowles (9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (14-5-2, 1-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Former WEC bantamweight champion Bowles continues down the comeback trail against Japanese veteran Mizugaki.

This is a definite measuring stick-style matchup for Bowles, whose wrestling and power punching will be put to the test against a guy who does nothing great but is just plain tough as nails, no matter where the fight goes. When Urijah Faber put Mizugaki to sleep with a crushing rear-naked choke in November, it was the closest thing one could imagine to someone getting his head ripped off. Mizugaki opted to go to sleep instead, showing the kind of toughness he did in a five-round war with former WEC titleholder Miguel Torres in April 2009.

Bowles’ stout right hand and superior quickness have to come into play here, with him executing effectively. Extended clinches on the cage and tiring, cardio-heavy battles of position and transition on the mat favor Mizugaki, who seems to get stronger as the fight wears on.

When they are standing, Bowles needs to zip in and out, landing while he moves and changes angles. The occasional leg kick will work, as well, as Mizugaki tends to wade forward, heavy on his feet. The Japanese standout will look to make it a down-and-dirty battle, but Bowles is the better athlete and he will have to fight like it.

The Pick: Bowles by close decision.

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