‘The Ultimate Fighter 18’ Finale Preview

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Women’s Bantamweights

Peggy Morgan (2-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jessamyn Duke (2-0, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: The tallest fighters on Season 18 square off here, as the 6-foot-1 Morgan battles the 5-foot-11 Duke. Both women are accustomed to being the larger fighter, but size should not be a significant factor. As it is, Morgan and Duke are still learning how to utilize their physical tools against smaller opponents; both had shortcomings exposed on the show.

Duke has competed three times for Invicta Fighting Championships, which has established itself as the proving ground for up-and-coming female mixed martial artists. She owns victories over Suzie Montero and Marciea Allen and had a loss to Miriam Nakamato overturned due to an illegal knee strike. Additionally, Duke elevated her status in an entertaining scrap with Raquel Pennington in a Season 18 quarterfinal bout, despite ultimately losing the decision.

Morgan looked imposing in mounting the much smaller Bethany Marshall and pounding away with hammerfists in a bout to get into the “Ultimate Fighter” house. However, Morgan was unable to defend herself on her back against Sarah Moras in quarterfinal action, as she allowed her opponent to move to mount and hammer away with ground-and-pound before securing a fight-ending armbar.

Both fighters will look to control the range with jabs, but Duke is also capable of doing damage with knees from the Thai plum. Duke has also shown decent submission skills in her young career. For Morgan, the key will be surviving adversity if she is not able to dominate early; against someone of similar size, it is unlikely that she will.

The Pick: Duke seems to have the more well-rounded skill set. If she can avoid spending too much time on her back, she wins via decision.

Last Fights » The Prelims