UFC on Fuel TV 7 Preview

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Welterweights

Matt Riddle (7-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. Che Mills (15-5, 2-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Riddle has not been shy about his distaste for England, which stems from allegedly being spit on by a fan at UFC 105. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 cast member requested a bout with Dan Hardy, but instead he gets another Brit in British Association of Mixed Martial Arts and Cage Rage veteran Mills. Riddle figures to get a rude reception from the London audience for some of his previous remarks.

Far more significant than how he fares in a hostile environment is what kind of strategy Riddle chooses to bring with him to the Octagon. Mills moves well on the feet and has knockout power, meaning Riddle will be taking unnecessary risks by engaging in the type of brawl he sometimes tends to favor. “Deep Waters” returned to his wrestling roots against Chris Clements at UFC 149 in a bout that was later ruled a no contest when Riddle tested positive for marijuana. However, Riddle was less impressive in earning a decision over John Maguire at UFC 154, as he avoided going to the mat with the skilled grappler while landing less than 30 percent of his strikes.

Mills, meanwhile, was dominated on the mat by Rory MacDonald at UFC 145. While Riddle might not be a title contender on MacDonald’s level, he is a good athlete capable of scoring takedowns and grinding down wrestling-deficient foes if he so chooses. Additionally, time spent with jiu-jitsu guru Robert Drysdale seems to have improved Riddle’s grappling chops, giving him yet another option if the fight hits the canvas.

Mills should be quicker in the standup, landing accurate combinations while avoiding most of his opponent’s offerings. Eventually, Riddle will look to close the distance, and, as long as he disguises his shots well enough to avoid getting rocked by a counter, this is where the fight will turn.

The Pick: Riddle is always something of a wild card, but he will quickly find that trading with Mills is a losing proposition. On the strength of superior clinch work and top control, Riddle wins via decision.

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