Alan Belcher vs. Denis Kang

Alan “The Talent” Belcher Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 6’2/185 lbs.
Age: 24
Hometown: Jonesboro, Ark.
Fighting out of: Biloxi, Miss.
Record: 13-5

The stakes: While Mississippi and MMA normally go together like the Middle East and peace, Belcher is doing his part to make Mississippi the epicenter of American catfish aquaculture. Look it up: Mississippi is all about that catfish. Man cannot live on catfish alone, though, and Belcher is in no position to drop a bout to a UFC debutante like Kang.

With a win over Ed Herman the latest addition to his mantle, Belcher needs another quality win to cement his contender status and make a run at the division’s higher ups. Lose to Kang and it looks like Mississippi will be left waiting for its MMA savior.

The breakdown: As always, Belcher needs to stay mindful of avoiding the ground game, which remains his Achilles heel inside the Octagon. Against Kang, that will be paramount as any forays on the mat will likely consist of Belcher going into survival mode while Kang racks up points at his expense.

Avoiding that infinite loop means Belcher must stay disciplined while his T.O.-level cockiness often gets in the way of common sense and leads him into the kind of mistakes even George Michael would shake his head at. If Belcher can use his underrated footwork and create angles to pick apart Kang, he’ll head off with a win to Sweet Home Alaba … never mind.

Denis Kang Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’11/185 lbs.
Age: 31
Hometown: St. Pierre and Miquelon
Fighting out of: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Record: 31-10-1(2 NC)

The stakes: After years of dancing around each other, Kang has finally signed on the dotted line with the UFC and, like any name fighter strolling into the middleweight division, he has become the latest entry in the Anderson Silva sweepstakes.

Granted, Kang hasn’t been on a hot streak lately, having lost three of his last six bouts, but the UFC represents a fresh start for Korea’s favorite Canadian. A fresh start that could lead to a title shot in short order but not unless Kang proves he can handle the Alan Belchers of the world.

The breakdown: The more versatile of the two fighters, Kang must use his multifaceted attack to keep Belcher’s slick striking in check since the standup game has been unkind to Kang of late. Always a talented fighter, Kang’s inconsistency has made a return appearance of late and cost him dearly.

If Kang can rediscover old form and be the dominant fighter he looked to be throughout most of his stint in Japan, he’ll have no problem overwhelming Belcher from the opening bell. If we see more of the guy who dove headfirst into a triangle against Gegard Mousasi, well, let’s just say the UFC won’t be pleased with its latest investment.

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The bottom line: This is a tough fight to call based on both fighters being talented and prone to moments of mental malfunction worthy of a Jessica Simpson blooper reel. With that said, Belcher is the more reliable performer of the two. While Kang holds an edge on the mat, he tends to favor the striking game anyway.

Sticking to the standup will be the latest fistic folly for Kang, as Belcher finds his range early and puts him away with a stunning KO late in the first round. No word on if Belcher will jump into the General Lee just in time to save Hazzard County from Boss Hogg.