UFC 172 ‘Jones vs. Teixeira’ Preview

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Middleweights

Luke Rockhold (11-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Tim Boestch (17-6, 8-5 UFC)

The Matchup: The most lopsided odds for any fight on the UFC 172 main card do not involve Jon Jones. Instead, Boetsch is the biggest betting underdog -- and by a wide margin at that.

It is really not all that surprising, considering that one could make a case for Boetsch losing his last three bouts; he defeated C.B. Dollaway via controversial split decision in his last outing at UFC 166 to halt a two-fight skid. However, it was not all that long ago that “The Barbarian” was a dark horse contender in the middleweight division. While Boetsch’s title hopes are a thing of the past, he is still a strong, physical competitor with heavy hands who is more than capable of springing an upset should Rockhold come in overconfident. With that said, Boetsch’s preferred method of combat -- a down-and-dirty clinch battle with uppercuts, knees and judo trips and throws -- will be difficult to come by against his more technical opponent.

A southpaw with a three-inch reach advantage, Rockhold is a skilled kickboxer who likes to force his opponents toward the fence. From there, the former Strikeforce champion is adept at attacking with various kicks if his foe circles away or countering with punches if his adversary attempts to move forward. Boetsch will need to be especially wary of Rockhold’s left kicks to the body and head; his ability to change levels with his strikes will keep the former light heavyweight guessing all night.

Boetsch usually attempts to initiate the clinch behind his right hand, but if Rockhold was able to fend off a tenacious Tim Kennedy’s attempts to wrestle for five rounds in Strikeforce, he should be able to keep “The Barbarian” at bay, as well. If it does go to the ground, Rockhold, a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is capable of sweeping or submitting his opponent.

In short, Boetsch is going to have a hard time forcing this into close quarters, as Rockhold’s speed and footwork will make him extremely difficult to track down. Over time, trading with Rockhold at distance will exact a heavy toll on the AMC Pankration product.

The Pick: Rockhold takes it by TKO in round two or three.

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