By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report
Many men and woman look the part, and act the part in Mixed Martial Arts. Time however inevitably exposes the hype. Categorizing the serviceable pro from the contenders, and relegating those who never live up to expectation into obscurity. The combat roads are littered with those who dared to believe their own hype, before creating anything more than raw ability. In the fight game toughness and god given ability will get you far, but not far enough.
Liam McGeary (8-0 MMA) is the latest fighter to find himself on that road. Complete with an endearing smile, charming accent, and a very aggressive style; McGeary has all the tools and the early success that could make him the next great light heavyweight. His last fight was supposed to be his toughest test yet. The Bellator brass wanted to see if there protege could stand up against a higher level opponent. His opponent Egidijius Valavicius (27-11 MMA) was far more experienced, and a tough dude who had fought some of the best in the business including Fedor Emelianenko.
The matchmakers at Bellator MMA had there plans thwarted as McGeary dispatched the veteran in just 2:10 into the fight. Utilizing his superior reach McGeary picked his way inside of Valavicius and tore through him with nasty elbows and knees forcing the stoppage. One question however was answered. McGeary ate a few big shots from Valavicius early into the round, and he walked right through them.
In answering those questions, McGeary also punched his ticket to move on in the light heavyweight tournament. His opponent in the finals will be toughest test yet for McGeary as he will face off with American Top Team’s Kelly Anundson (9-2 MMA). Anundson possesses some of the best wrestling in the division and that could be the focus of the fight. Will McGeary, who is primarily known as a striker, be able to withstand the relentless pressure that Anundson brings to every fight.
With a grappler as accomplished as Anundson its not a matter of if he will shoot for the takedown but when? Can McGeary stop them, certainly not all of them. This fight will eventually end up in Anundson’s living room. However if McGeary can get back to his feet, he is deadly in the clinch. So although Anundson has the wrestling advantage, he is going to have to walk through a hell storm of knees and elbows to finish the shot.
The key to victory for either fighter is being able to score in the opponents territory. If McGeary is on his back he has to be active with the strikes, in order to counter the methodical smothering of Anundson. For Anundson, it is imperative for him to score on his feet. He can not allow McGeary to manipulate the distance. If he does, he has a tendency to telegraph his shot, especially as he wears down. If he does, McGeary should be able to avoid, and counter with his superior striking.
In a weekend filled with fights, both Boxing and MMA this is the single most intriguing fight of the weekend, and one that cannot be missed!
The winner of the fight will face the winner of the Joey Beltran vs. Emanuel Newton fight, and vie for the Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Prediction: Liam McGeary via TKO RD 2
THE CLINCH REPORT 