UFC 95 Breakdown: The Undercard

Terry Etim vs. Brian Cobb

Power Ratings

Etim
Striking : 1.5
Grappling : 1.5
Submissions : 2.0
Experience : 2.0
Total : 1.4

Cobb
Striking : 1.5
Grappling : 2.5
Submissions : 2.5
Experience : 2.5
Total : 2.3

Analysis: Cobb will substitute for Justin Buchholz, with a little more than a week to prepare for Etim, a highly promising English talent.

Etim (11-2) holds a title in the Cage Gladiators organization, which has emerged as perhaps the UK’s top brand following the demise of Cage Rage. He competed on the first UFC show in the UK but has flown under the radar due to the outshining performances and promotional muscle put behind middleweight contender Michael Bisping.

Cobb (15-4), a native of San Jose, Calif., wrestled at Cal State Bakersfield before former World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight champion Urijah Faber introduced him to mixed martial arts. He upset UFC veteran Diego Saraiva in May to win the Palace Fighting Championship 155-pound title and has rattled off nine consecutive victories. In a little more than four years as a professional, the bearded lightweight has competed in almost 20 fights and has never been knocked out.

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Prediction: European fighters, in general, and UK fighters, in particular, have one glaring weakness -- wrestling. Due to the collegiate amateur system, the United States remains miles ahead of the Old Continent in the grappling department. This fact will likely decide the bout between Etim and Cobb, as the American will outwrestle the Englishman en route to a decision.