UFC Skottland: Vices analyser och tankar

New week, new event. This time UFC is back in Europe and Scotland.

NELSON  vs. PONZINIBBIO

The main event of UFC Fight Night in Glasgow brings us exciting fight between 8th and 14th ranked fighters in Welterweight division – Gunnar Nelson and Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Nelson (16-2-1) has won his last three bouts. Gunnar’s only defeats came by the hands of Rick Story (split decision) and Demian Maia (unanimous decision). ”Gunni” is a Karate and BJJ black belt. He has very good foot work and often changes his guard, which helps him to confuse opponents and play his game. In order to win, Nelson needs to neutralize Santiago’s movement and very fast hands by wrestling him on the cage or take him down where Nelson feels most comfortable. When it comes to stand up, Nelson is very fast, unpredicitble and not easy opponent to fight. Ponzinibbio is moving fast around the cage, but he always puts a lot of weight on his front leg, which is very good thing for Gunnar because then he can use fast low kicks to damage Santiago’s lead leg and neutralize his movement. Nelson has ”karate style” of boxing, he keeps his hands very low, just like his teammates McGregor and Lobov. That gives him some sort of advantege because he can throw a punch from many angles and other fighters dont know what to expect. 

Ponzinibbio (24-3) is very dangerous fighter. He won last four bouts and he is very complete fighter with good cardio. He ended 13 of his 24 wins by TKO/KO, 6 by tapping out his opponents and 5 bouts ended by decision. My opinnion is that Santiago needs to keep his hands high, use wrestling to get Gunni tired and work from clinch with knees and elbows, if possible on the fence. Ponzinibbio is a fighter who doesnt start fights fast and agressive. He likes to ”test” opponents during first two, three minutes of the bouts. When he find his range, then he starts to patiently scoring points and wining fights. 

Prediction: Gunnar Nelson, unanimous decision

DANIEL HENRY vs. DANIEL TEYMUR

The fight of two UFC newcomers will be on undercard of UFC’s newest visit to Scotland.

Daniel Henry (10-2) came to UFC as a replacement, but then his original opponent got injured and UFC called Stockholm’s Daniel Teymur (6-0) to the famous Octagon to face Scotish talent in Henry. 

(Both Henry and Teymur usually fight in featherweight division, but this bout will be in lightweight category.)

Teymur is a long time Muay Thai practitioner and multiple Muay Thai Champion in that sport. He has amazing stand up skils, ”diamond” chin and he posses destroying power in his hands. Teymur evolved fast from Muay Thai fighter to complete MMA fighter. His wrestling is very good, grapling as well, but take down defence is something which will surprise Henry a lot. Many bigger fighters in Allstars tried to take Daniel down, but they failed. I think the key element for Teymur in this fight will be patience. He needs to work patiently and not rush to destroy Henry. 

Henry is a dangerous fighter, although he doesnt look like that. He is very skilled, and he has some wins over much experienced fighters. He is patient and he waits long enough for oportunity to finish the fight. 

Prediction: Teymur, KO, R2.