UFC 171 ‘Hendricks vs. Lawler’ Preview

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Lightweights

Diego Sanchez (24-6, 13-6 UFC) vs. Myles Jury (13-0, 4-0 UFC)

The Matchup: In mixed martial arts, people tend to remember what you have done most recently more than anything else. Despite a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Melendez in his last outing at UFC 166, Sanchez’s stock might be at an all-time high. The Jackson’s MMA product’s trademark heart and aggression were on full display as he marched fearlessly forward against the former Strikeforce king in a bout many tabbed as 2013’s best fight.

Jury, meanwhile, might have slowed his momentum some during a tepid victory over Mike Ricci at UFC 165. After steamrolling Chris Saunders, Michael Johnson and Ramsey Nijem in his first three Octagon outings, the man known as “The Fury” looked overly cautious in taking a split verdict against Ricci.

Fortunately, Sanchez is not likely to allow such reluctance. The New Mexican will pressure Jury consistently, moving forward with flurries of punches while mixing in the occasional kick to the body or head. While Sanchez’s trademark durability allows him to attack without fear, it also makes him hittable. Jury does not necessarily throw strikes in high volume, but he is an able counterpuncher with a dangerous right hand. Prior to facing Ricci, Jury had finished all but one of his first 12 foes by knockout or submission. It is more likely that an opponent with Sanchez’s tendencies will revitalize Jury’s aggressive side.

It has not been a factor of late, but Sanchez had a lot of success early in his career landing takedowns and winning scrambles and transitions on the mat. He imposed his will more through tenacity than technique, however, and as the sport has evolved, takedowns have been more difficult to come by for the New Mexican. As it stands right now, Sanchez’s career takedown rate is an underwhelming 22 percent, according to FightMetric.com.

Although Jury is a solid grappler and scrambler, he will find it difficult to control Sanchez on the mat for an extended period of time. Sanchez, meanwhile, would prefer to bait Jury into an all-out brawl. Jury can slow his opponent’s charge by mixing in punches to the body, something recent Sanchez opponents like Melendez and Takanori Gomi have had success doing.

The Pick: Sanchez’s combination of intensity, pressure and experience will be enough to hand Jury his first official defeat. “The Dream” takes this one by decision.

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