MMA Preview – Tyron Woodley vs Kamaru Usman at UFC 235
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 235? Sunday 3rd March, 2019 – 03:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 235? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
What channel is UFC 235 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 235? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 235? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
The first title fight of the evening is a belter and it’s for the welterweight championship with Tyron Woodley looking to defend his strap for a fifth time against Kamaru Usman.
The UFC seemed to have grown tired of Colby Covington’s antics as Usman has leapfrogged him in the queue of contenders but this is a very similar match-up for Woodley. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is an immense wrestler and riding an incredible 13-fight win streak.
Woodley’s streak is not as big but more impressive, collecting the scalps of the best welterweights in the division and although he is under appreciated in the UFC, he is one of the most gifted fighters on the roster. Many slammed Woodley’s fights with Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia but he implemented perfect tactics to nullify their unique talents. He then reminded everyone of his weapons in his fight with Darren Till so a lot is expected from ‘The Chosen One’.
THE PREDICTION
Usman has climbed up the ranks on the back of his wrestling where he has dominated every grappling contest. His striking is nowhere near the level of Woodley’s but his wrestling is so strong that it creates openings for punches to slip through which makes him even more dangerous. Usman claims he can knock Woodley out if he wants to but his game plan will surely be to take 'The Chosen One' down and beat him up on the floor.
However, Woodley’s takedown defence is arguably the best in the UFC and the biggest question in this fight is if Usman can take him down. If he can’t, it will be a mismatch on the feet and although Usman eats hardly any shots, Woodley’s power requires only one shot to to end ‘Nigerian Nightmare’s’ dreams.
Woodley is not afraid to coast a decision to get the win but he doesn’t have the submission threat of Maia and the striking threat of Thompson and Till so there is a good chance we see the trademarked explosion and eruption of power strikes to end the fight.
Winner: Woodley via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric
