UFC on FX 3 Preview: Johnson Vs McCall

UFC on FX 3 takes place this Friday evening at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida, and the card looks to be filled with frenetically paced, action-packed wars.

Johnson vs. McCall

Headlining the card will be a highly anticipated rematch between Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall. The two squared off on March 2nd at UFC on FX 2: Alves vs. Kampmann.

Because the bout was part of a four-man tournament to determine the titleholder of the new UFC flyweight division, it was supposed to go to a sudden victory round if the fight was declared a draw. The result was announced as a 29-28 victory for Johnson, but UFC President Dana White announced in the post-fight press conference that this was actually an error made tabulating the scorecard. The result was overturned, the bout declared a majority draw, and fans were robbed of what would have been the first sudden victory round, outside of the Ultimate Fighter, in UFC history. Thus the rematch was born.

If it’s anything like the first go-around, it’ll be an incredibly fast-paced bout. Flyweights are always agile and explosive, and Demetrious Johnson in particular has a huge speed advantage over his opponent. However, McCall showcased stellar takedown defense in their first meeting, as well as a good clinch game, solid takedowns and some good old fashioned ground and pound. Whether “Mighty Mouse” has fixed the holes in his game, evident most clearly in the final round of the Mach 3rd bout, remains to be seen.

Silva vs. Brenneman

In the co-main event at UFC on FX 3, Erick “Indio” Silva will face Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman. It is only Indio’s second appearance in the Octagon, his last appearance being a loss to Carlo Prater when he was disqualified for punches to the back of the head in a bout that lasted all of 29 seconds. Before that, Silva defeated Luis Ramos by TKO just 40 seconds into their bout at UFC 134. Expect Silva to come out aggressive, swinging for the fences.

Brenneman, who holds a 4-2 record in the UFC, will be looking to continue the winning streak he started by decisioning Daniel Roberts at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller. A former collegiate wrestler at Lock Haven University, Brenneman holds a distinct ground advantage. Whether he can stifle Silva’s go-for-broke power in the early moments of the bout and work to grind out a decision victory remains to be seen.

Pyle vs. Neer

In a battle of two highly experienced welterweights, Mike “Quicksand” Pyle will square off against Josh “the Dentist” Neer. Look for Pyle, a BJJ black belt, to try to capitalize on Neer’s limited takedown defense and impose his will on the ground. Neer will likely look to keep the fight standing, advancing forward, peppering Pyle with punches, and perhaps looking to strike from the clinch.

Jorgensen vs. Wineland

The final card in the main event of UFC on FX 3 is Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen vs. Eddie Wineland. This fight was actually picked to be on the main card by the fans as part of Harley-Davidson’s Hometown Throwdown contest. (The other options were Seth Baczynski vs. Lance Benoist or Mike Pierce vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha.)

Wineland’s 4-fight winning streak came to a screeching halt when the WEC merged with the UFC, and the former WEC bantamweight champion faced back-to-back losses to Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez. However, he showed a tremendous amount of heart (and skill), with both bouts going to decision. It’s been almost 10 months since Wineland stepped into the cage; he pulled out of a Jan 28th bout with Johnny Bedford due to injury.

Jorgensen lost his last fight to Renan “Barao” Pegado in February. Prior to that, he was on the fast track to title contention, having cemented back-to-back wins over BJJ black belt Jeff Curran and American Top Team product Ken Stone. Jorgensen has never lost two consecutive fights, and has powerful strikes and brutal submissions. Wineland also has good hands, though, so the results of a stand-up war would be anyone’s guess. Jorgensen, however, holds a slight edge on the ground–especially in top position. Look for an action-packed bout between two bantamweights who want to make short work of their foes on their way back to getting a shot at the title.

Preliminary Action

Before the action begins at UFC on FX 3, six prelims will air on Fuel TV.

Mike Pierce vs Carlos Eduardo “Ta Danada” Rocha

Pierce, who is coming off two razor-thin decision losses, will look to use his heavy hands and stellar wrestling to ward off the submission specialist. Rocha, who hasn’t stepped into the cage since his split decision loss to Jake Ellenberger in February 2011, will be looking to hand Pierce his first loss via stoppage.

Seth “The Polish Pistola” Baczynski vs Lance Benoist:

Bacyznski will look to add another victim to his four-fight winning streak. Although Benoist has won all six of his professional bouts, he is definitely the underdog in this bout, and will have to prove that he has the cardio to hang with the Season 11 TUF finalist.

Leonard “Bad Boy” Garcia vs Matt “The Real One” Grice

What Garcia lacks in technique, he makes up for in speed and aggression, and it’ll be interesting to see if Grice can match his pace, avoid those wild punches, and use his wrestling to control the fight.

Dustin “the Disciple” Pague vs Jared “the Jackhammer” Papazian

Although hopes were high for Dustin Pague as he entered the Ultimate Fighter’s 14th season, he has yet to show the world that he’s capable of living up to the hype. And though Papazian showcased his skill in a bout against Mike Easton at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller, the Jackhammer ended up on the wrong side of a majority decision. An intriguing match-up between two fighters very hungry for their first UFC victory.

Tim “The Dirty Bird” Means vs Justin Salas

Tim Means has fire in his hands, with 12 of his 17 wins coming by KO or TKO. Salas’ key to victory will be to get the fight to the ground, if he can get past Means’ sprawls.

Buddy Roberts vs Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes

These two fighters are making their MMA debut. Magalhaes, who trains out of Dragon Fight and the world-renowned Nova Unaio, will be looking to cement his spot in the promotion with a submission victory, and Jackson’s MMA product Buddy Roberts will look to spoil the party.

For die-hard UFC fans, two bouts will be aired on Facebook. Henry Martinez from Jackson’s MMA will face Astralian fighter Bernardo “Trekko” Maghalaes, and Jake “Hitman” Hecht will be fighting Sean Pierson.