UFC Fight Night 35 Preview

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Bantamweights

Mike Easton (13-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. T.J. Dillashaw (8-2, 4-2 UFC)

The Matchup: After an impressive four-fight winning streak saw him climb the bantamweight rankings, Dillashaw suffered an excruciatingly close loss to fellow top 10 resident Raphael Assuncao at UFC Fight Night 29. Many unofficial scorecards favored the Team Alpha Male representative in the fight, but the setback should not be too damaging for Dillashaw, provided he bounces back against Easton.

“The Hulk” enters the contest with a little more desperation. For all his skills, Easton could be looking at a three-fight skid if he should falter against Dillashaw. Despite a solid blend of jiu-jitsu, wrestling, striking and physical strength, Easton is prone to fits of inactivity. This probably cost him against Brad Pickett, who was the busier fighter in capturing a split verdict at UFC on Fuel TV 9. If Easton can maintain his focus and make necessary in-cage adjustments as the fight goes on, he has a very real chance of defeating Dillashaw. If he falls into the trap of winging power punches in his opponent’s range with little variety in his approach, then all bets are off.

Dillashaw has improved greatly since his appearance on “The Ultimate Fighter 14.” Then, he was known primarily as a wrestler with a stout right hand. Under the guidance of Team Alpha Male coach Duane Ludwig, the former Cal State Fullerton wrestler now does a better job of stringing punches together, mixing in kicks and utilizing fakes and feints with his strikes. The heart of Dillashaw’s game remains his wrestling, and he could give Easton problems by consistently transitioning between striking and takedowns. He must be wary of leaving his neck exposed on his shot, because Easton possesses a dangerous guillotine choke.

As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Easton should be able to hold his own in scrambles on the mat. Ideally, Easton will mix punches, kicks and knees on the feet with grueling clinch work and takedowns.

The Pick: Easton’s strength is formidable, but Dillashaw will gradually wear him down and earn favor in the judges’ eyes through relentless pace and pressure. Expect another close battle, with Dillashaw edging Easton via decision.

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