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)
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.
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