Ht/Wt: 5’9”/145 lbs.
Age: 22
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Fighting out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Team: Nova Uniao
Record: 13-1
The breakdown: All you need to know about Aldo’s game is that getting within four feet of him is a worse idea than watching a Drew Barrymore movie, and it’s arguably more painful. That fearsome striking game is exactly what Aldo must focus on against Mickle’s more ground-centric style, as he will undoubtedly look to change levels early and often in hopes of evading Aldo’s brain-battering blows.
However, Aldo has shown solid takedown defense, and as long as he avoids the mistake of over-committing on his strikes, he has all the tools to add Mickle’s scalp to what is becoming an impressive collection.
The X factor: This fight marks Aldo’s third in less than four months, and while the 22-year-old is certainly at the right age to attempt such feats, one has to wonder if the physical strain of constantly training will start to wear on him.
Chris Mickle Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’8”/145 lbs.
Age: 25
Hometown: Madrid, Iowa
Fighting out of: Des Moines, Iowa
Team: Des Moines MMA Academy
Record: 26-11-1
The breakdown: One has to wonder if Mickle has been set up for a fall by the WEC, which salivates over the prospect of a dynamo like Aldo taking over its featherweight ranks. Of course, Mickle stands as a far more experienced foe than that to which Aldo is accustomed, and his strong submission background makes him more than just another glorified sparring partner.
Mickle needs to focus on finding a way past Aldo’s reach, and that means being ready to stand back and force Aldo to seek the action. Even if Mickle does not succeed on every takedown attempt, he needs to make Aldo think about the takedown every time he commits to a strike.
The X factor: A veteran of the war in Iraq and a gym rat of the highest order, there’s no doubt Mickle will come in prepared, but he has never fared well against elite competition. That’s a stigma Mickle will have to overcome, and managing that feat against Aldo is much easier said than done.
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The bottom line: Mickle is exactly the kind of fighter Aldo should be facing right now, mainly because he’s the type of opponent who will not roll over. With that said, he’ll end up like all of Aldo’s WEC opponents thus far -- prone on the mat and trying to distinguish between the bright lights and Aldo’s fists. Expect an extended feeling out process early, as Aldo stays behind his jab. Once he finds his range, grab the popcorn and hide the children.