UFC Fight Night ‘Brown vs. Silva’ Preview

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Lightweights

Daron Cruickshank (14-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Erik Koch (14-3, 3-2 UFC)

The Matchup: Now 25 years old, the cut to the featherweight limit was simply too exhausting for Koch, who was once regarded as a title contender at 145 pounds. Back-to-back losses to Ricardo Lamas and Dustin Poirier probably hastened the Roufusport product’s move to lightweight, but he appears to be better for it. In his first outing, Koch quickly dispatched Rafaello Oliveira with standing-to-ground punches after flooring him with a straight left in the opening frame at UFC 170.

While Oliveria does not qualify as a marquee victory, the fact that Koch’s finishing ability translated to 155 pounds is a good sign as he attempts to move up the divisional ladder. “New Breed” will face a much different type of matchup in his sophomore lightweight outing. Like Koch, Cruickshank has a background in taekwondo, and when given the right type of opponent, his diverse striking arsenal and active kicking game can be a sight to behold: Just witness his wheel kick knockout of Mike Rio at UFC on Fox 10 in January.

Thus far, Cruickshank has had problems with opponents who offer constant pressure and disrupt his rhythm. The 5-foot-10 Koch, however, is more patient and methodical on the feet, as he often prefers to stay outside to set up the knockout. In that sense, there could be moments of feeling out between the two creative kickboxers as they attempt to seek out openings.

While Koch probably possesses the greater knockout power, Cruickshank has the ability to give his southpaw opponent different looks by switching stances and attacking at different levels. “The Detroit Superstar” must be wary of Koch’s submission grappling skills. The World Extreme Cagefighting veteran’s lanky frame is ideal at framing submissions from his back, and he is also adept at transitioning to the back during scrambles on the mat.

The Pick: Cruickshank has been at his best when faced with an adversary who allows him to engage in target practice. Koch will not play that game, and his overall finishing instinct will eventually pay off. Koch takes it by TKO or submission in round two or three.

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