UFC 135 Preview: The Prelims
Romero vs. Te Huna
Ricardo Romero was a two-division champion in Ring of Combat. |
Photo: Sherdog.com
Light Heavyweights
Ricardo Romero (11-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. James Te Huna (12-5, 1-1 UFC)
The Matchup: A battle between a pair of 205-pounders in need of a win unfolds here, and if the loser gets blown out, he is probably going to get his walking papers. With that said, both men have shown guts. Romero beat Seth Petruzelli despite a broken jaw and a torn pectoral muscle; Te Huna dispatched Igor Pokrajac after sustaining a broken arm.
Romero’s better takedowns and limited standup are a stark contrast to Te Huna, whose willingness and some capability to bang contrast with his own deficiencies on the mat, particularly defending submissions. He remains a little green there, and it showed badly in his last fight, where Alexander Gustafsson looked like a Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor giving a “code red” to a mouthy white belt.
The Pick: Good pitching usually beats good hitting, and, in MMA, you always take good grappling over striking, most other things being equal. Romero is definitely the better athlete, as well. He will have to keep his chin tucked and cover up properly when closing the distance, picking a good angle and the right moment to do so. From there, he should be able to improve position, pound as necessary and ultimately get the tap in the first round.
Finish Reading » Next Fight: Junior Assuncao vs. Eddie Yagin
Related Articles
