UFC 166 ‘Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3’ Preview

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Flyweights

John Dodson (14-6, 3-1 UFC) vs. Darrell Montague (13-2, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: For a time, Montague was perhaps the most highly regarded flyweight not on the UFC roster. The fact that the Las Vegas-based promotion paired “The Mongoose” with Dodson, a recent title challenger, is perhaps an acknowledgement of Montague’s reputation. It will be a stiff test for a promotional debut, but Montague should be well-prepared.

The former Tachi Palace Fights titlist has competed against some of the world’s best already, including Ulysses Gomez, Ian McCall and Mamoru Yamaguchi. Montague was particularly impressive in his December triumph over Yamaguchi, a former Shooto champion. Facing an opponent accustomed to having his way on the feet, Montague repeatedly beat his man to the punch and maintained consistent pressure with one-two combinations en route to a narrow split verdict.

McCall mixed striking and takedowns to gradually wear down Montague in a third-round submission victory, but Dodson seems more likely to keep things standing. Among the quickest and most explosive athletes in the division, Dodson possesses the type of knockout power rarely seen at 125 pounds. In his title bid at UFC on Fox 6, the Jackson’s MMA product rocked reigning champion Demetrious Johnson on a couple occasions with his formidable left hand. Prior to that, “The Magician” dropped former world No. 1 Jussier da Silva twice in a second-round knockout triumph at UFC on FX 5.

In short, Montague must be wary of Dodson’s power. The Milennia MMA product conceivably has the footwork, movement and multi-faceted arsenal to pull off the upset, but Dodson will be difficult to defeat if he is allowed to find a rhythm. The New Mexican will throw punches and kicks in rapid succession, making it difficult for Montague to apply the type of pressure that Johnson used to tire Dodson in a 25-minute fight. While Dodson’s left hand has been his most trusted weapon of late, his athleticism allows him opportunities to unleash more creative offerings, as well.

The Pick: This is no “gimme” for Dodson. Montague will test “The Ultimate Fighter 14” winner, but look for Dodson’s speed, power and creativity to be the difference in a narrow decision triumph.

Last Fights » The Prelims