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Pierce vs. Bradley
In
16 professional bouts, Mike Pierce has never been finished. |
Photo: Sherdog.com
Welterweights
Mike Pierce (12-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Paul Bradley (18-3, 0-1 UFC)
The Matchup: Pierce is an underrated performer who came up just short against high-quality wrestlers in Jon Fitch and Johny Hendricks. Pierce had Fitch in trouble late in the final stanza at UFC 107, when the former title contender decided to exchange with him in the bout’s final 30 seconds. Against Hendricks, many thought Pierce could have won a hotly contested split decision on the strength of a third-round takedown.
Those disappointments aside, Pierce remains a solid performer who can threaten the top tier of contenders and test the up-and-comers in his weight class. Now, he faces Bradley, a man he defeated on a regional card in 2009. “The Gentleman” was a two-time All-American wrestler at the University of Iowa, so he matches up well with Pierce in that area. Bradley’s wrestling was negated thanks to a steady diet of leg kicks from Rafael Natal in his UFC debut, but the greatest danger he faces against Pierce comes from the power in the Oregon native’s overhand right and left hook.
That power can sometimes also hinder Pierce when he searches for one big shot instead of stringing together combinations. With Pierce the smaller man, Bradley needs to try to control positioning in this fight in order to grind out a decision. It is a tall task, considering the level of competition Pierce has faced at welterweight and his ability to connect with punches in the clinch.
The Pick: Against higher levels of competition, Bradley has shown limited standup when his wrestling is stymied. That is bad news against Pierce, who can cancel out his strength while mixing in powerful strikes, as well. As the two men battle for position throughout the bout, Pierce lands enough to get the nod from the judges and take a second decision from Bradley.
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