UFC Fight Night 35 Preview

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Middleweights

Derek Brunson (11-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Yoel Romero Palacio (6-1, 2-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Romero is undoubtedly one of the most credentialed wrestlers to ever set foot in the Octagon, but his tantalizing knockout power is what makes him an intriguing fighter to watch, even at the relatively advanced age of 36. While Romero could probably steamroll lower-level competition on the strength of his wrestling alone, the Cuban has opted for a more aggressive approach, winning all six of his pro MMA bouts by knockout or technical knockout. That includes knockouts of Clifford Starks and Ronny Markes in the UFC.

Neither of those opponents could threaten Romero on the feet, which allowed him to pick his spots with relative ease. Brunson is not likely to give Romero pause in exchanges, either, although he did use a head kick to set up his first-round submission victory over Brian Houston at UFC Fight Night 31. While Brunson does have some power, his technique is lacking, and he usually relies on takedowns and top control to carry him to victory.

The problem here is that while Brunson is a three-time Div. II All-American wrestler at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, that simply does not compare with Romero’s five world championship medals and 2000 Olympic Games silver medal. This is not to say that Brunson cannot get his foe down -- Markes landed a pair of takedowns against Romero in the first round -- but he will have serious difficulty sustaining any type of control. Brunson has not been especially active when he does achieve top position, another point of concern which could result in referee restarts.

Romero should able to force Brunson into exchanges, where he will look to land his straight left and right hook. Romero is ahead of Brunson in this area, as well, whether it comes to using the threat of his wrestling to set up strikes or simply relying on consistent head movement.

The Pick: Brunson could become desperate to score a takedown after he tastes Romero’s power, but that will only hasten his demise. Romero wins by KO or TKO in round one or two.

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