UFC on Fuel TV 7 Preview

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Light Heavyweights

James Te Huna (15-5, 4-1 UFC) vs. Ryan Jimmo (17-1, 1-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Te Huna continues to roll through mid- to lower-level competition in the promotion’s 205-pound division, most recently delivering a one-sided battering to Joey Beltran at UFC on Fuel TV 4. While Te Huna could not finish the durable veteran, he leveled the “Mexicutioner” with a left hook in round one and dominated the contest with takedowns and boxing.

Te Huna’s combination of punching power and aggression has led him to 10 finishes by knockout or technical knockout, including three in the UFC. His grappling, as exposed by Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 127, remains a weakness, but he thrives against opponents who are willing to stand and trade with him.

Jimmo’s winning streak reached 17 in his Octagon debut, as he tied the record for fastest knockout in promotion history with a seven-second walloping of Anthony Perosh at UFC 149. Jimmo, who was defeated by Antwain Britt in an elimination bout on Season 8 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” clearly wanted to make the most of his second chance with the world’s premiere MMA organization. The former Maximum Fighting Championship 205-pound king’s background is karate, so it is not surprising that the Canadian is comfortable fighting on the outside. In addition to solid kicks, Jimmo has a good right cross and fights well in the clinch, although he might want to avoid locking up too often with the powerful Te Huna.

Jimmo bucked his tendency to start slowly in his initial UFC outing, but it is possible that his opponent’s knockout power could curb his aggression here, as “The Real Deal” was content to fight on the outside and allow Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou to initiate offense in his final title defense in the MFC, despite Sokoudjou’s track record for inconsistency.

Jimmo did not have to worry about the knockout against Perosh, who is known for his ground game, but Te Huna will come out firing whether his foe is ready or not. Te Huna can hurt Jimmo with heavy left hooks and uppercuts, and he will be strong enough to have his way in the clinch, as well. Since Jimmo does not have much of a ground game unless he is on top, Te Huna can shoot for takedowns and unleash damaging ground-and-pound without worrying about submissions.

The Pick: All winning streaks must come to an end at some point. Te Huna is too aggressive and hits too hard to be denied, as he wins via second-round technical knockout.

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