John Dodson vs. Jussier da Silva
The four fight televised card kicks off with the Flyweights. Ultimate Fighter 14 Winner John Dodson takes on former Shooto South American 123lb Champion Jussier da Silva in a bout that could well determine the next contender for new UFC Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson. In theory this could prove to be the perfect opener to a UFC TV show. The almost-dead-pro-wrestling fan in me looks back at WCW Monday Nitro and the exciting little guys theyd stick out there in Cruiserweight bouts to get the fans going and kick off a lot of their shows. For me it makes sense to get these guys on the TV shows rather than the Pay Per Views as the division needs as much exposure as possible. Im sure the UFC would love for Dodson to come out and smash da Silva on live TV and set up a title shot for the Ultimate Fighter Winner, as much for the added credibility it would give TUF as anything else. Dodson is definitely the best wrestler that da Silva will have faced to this point and that should tell us a lot about his chances against Champion Demetrious Johnson if he can get a spectacular win on FX. I dont see that happening though. Instead I think Dodson is going to be difficult to stop and Formiga is unlikely to get a decision working for submissions off his back. For me Dodson can dominate physically and get the all important takedowns that sway fights in the eyes of the judges. Chris: I agree Stephen, Dodson just has too much for da Silva in this one. Make no mistake da Silva is an expert grappler and has a very dangerous submissions game. He will be hoping to get this one to the mat wherever possible and to look for the submission. He does not want to stand and bang with the explosive Dodson and if he cant get it to the ground and Dodson doesnt look for the takedown he is in trouble.I expect Dodson to come through this one without too much trouble; hell be too strong for da Silva and will have too much for him on the feet. I actually think he has enough to get the stoppage in this one so Im going with Dodson to win this one by TKO in the third round and set himself up as the first ever UFC flyweight title challenger.
Chris O Connor
Contributor
Chris, 25, was born in Leeds in the North of England but grew up in Kilburn in North West London. He graduated from the University of Leeds in Philosophy and English and has recently completed an MA there in Writing for Performance and Publication. His interests include philosophy, reading, writing (sketches, tv scripts, short stories) hip hop and Stewart Lee. A life long sports fan his focuses are on Football, Boxing, Rugby League and Mixed Martial Arts.
Drop him an email for any questions or potential writing collaborations on c.p.oconnor@leeds.ac.uk
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