THE CLINCH REPORT

Andre Fili at Tachi Palace v Enoch Wilson. Photo By: John Walsh

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Andre Fili vs. Max Holloway

Max Holloway is a real tough dude, but unfortunately for him he is running into a juggernaut in Andre Fili. Fili should have no problem out working Holloway, utilizing his superior reach, and dynamic arsenal of strikes. However Fili has yet to prove his game on the ground, which is where Holloway will try to capitalize. Fili should be able to keep the fight upright, utilizing his length. Look for him to get more comfortable as the fight wears on. Winner: Fili via UD

Yancy Medeiros vs. Jim Miller Filling in on short notice is difficult enough, but to do so against 155 lbs stalwart Jim Miller takes testicular fortitude. In Miller,  Medeiros; who stepped in for injured Bobby Green will face his toughest test yet in the world of MMA. Miller has been “The Guy” in the 155 lbs division who decides wether you’re worth a shot or not, for a long time, and will be for the near future. Miller will rely on his experience to sink in a slick submission. Winner: Miller via Submission

Tim Boetsch vs. Luke Rockhold Tim Boetsch is a grinder with elusive power. He is basically Vladimir Matyushenko with Wanderlei-esque knockout power. In the clinch his uppercuts starches chins, and his ground game is pretty powerful as well. Luke Rockhold however is going to be way too much of an athlete for Boetsch. Rockhold’s striking prowess, natural athletic ability, and solid grappling will neutralize Boetsch where he is at his best, frustrating him. The fight could end in merciful TKO, but it will probably be an ugly one sided decision, simply because Boetsch is one tough dude! Winner: Luke Rockhold via UD

Phil Davis vs. Anthony Johnson Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson is back in the UFC following his successful run in The World Series of Fighting at Heavyweight. Now back at 205 lbs, and back with the UFC, ‘Rumbles’ first fight is no small task. In fact, Johnson will have to rely on his heavy hands to test the previously uncracked chin of Phil Davis. Davis is one of the sports most accomplished wrestlers, and more importantly he is probably the most successful at adapting a pure wrestling style into one that is effective in MMA. His long reach and trunk-like base make shooting for a takedown, a very punishing experience. Johnson will have to somehow get inside and maintain his feet if he expects to win. However Davis is looking to make a statement in the division, and looking to do so at ‘Rumble’s’ expense. Winner: Phil Davis via Submission

Jon Jones* vs. Glover Teixeira For Light heavyweight title (*current champion)

Jon Jones is one of most talented fighters to ever set foot in the cage. His only official career blemish came because of a questionable DQ loss to Matt Hamill. And since defeating Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua in March of 2011, the title has remained on Jones waist. However, in his last fight Alexander Gustafsson was able to beat Jones to the punch, in most cases, leaving the champion battered after five rounds. Jones was able to escape with a narrow decision, however his facade as an unbeatable fighter had been torn away. In steps Brazilian slugger Glover Teixeira. Teixera hasn’t lost a fight since Pope John Paul held the Vatican’s title. However, in the UFC hs wins come over Ryan Bader, James Te Huna, Quinton Jackson, Fabio Maldonado, and Kyle Kingsbury. A nice collection of wins, but none except Jackson were ever title contenders, and he was long removed from that status when he fought Teixeira. Jones, on the other hand has fought everyone, and defeated them! Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Maurico Rua, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, as well as Jackson and the aforementioned Gustafsson. Experience favors the champion, but fortune favors the bold, and Glover Teixeira is more than ready for this fight.

Winner: Glover Teixeira via TKO