Keys to UFC 95 Victory: Joe Stevenson
UFC 95 launches at the O2 Arena in London, England on February 21 headlined by a vastly underrated lightweight clash between Joe Stevenson (34-9) and former welterweight Diego Sanchez (21-2).
Stevenson, a gifted grappler, looks to rebound from his UFC 91 loss to Kenny Florian by upending the versatile Sanchez. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Sanchez looks for a new beginning at 155-pounds after a lengthy run in the welterweight division.
MMAmemories.com takes a look at this pivotal match-up and breaks down what each fighter will need to do to ensure success.
Here are Joe Stevenson’s Keys to Victory:
KEY ONE: CLOSE THE DISTANCE
Given that Stevenson has fought at heavier weight classes before, strength will not be an issue against Sanchez. Height, on the other hand, could be a concern.
Stevenson is four-inches shorter than Sanchez and will be tested in the striking department. While Stevenson is a relentless ground-and-pound artist, he still lacks overall pedigree on the feet. With that said, he’ll need to be cautious against the slick boxing Sanchez. Getting caught at the end of Sanchez’s jab is a dangerous place to be.
In order to negate the size differential, Stevenson should look to close the distance and fight on the inside. From there, he can land short, snapping punches and knees or look for the takedown. Aside from a looping right hand, Stevenson will struggle to land from the outside unless he finds a way to get on the inside.
KEY TWO: OUTWRESTLE THE WRESTLER
This bout should be exciting in that both are excellent wrestlers and grapplers. Although most would give the edge to Sanchez, we think the overall power ground game is owned by Stevenson. Therefore, the 26-year-old Californian should look to plant Sanchez on his back and work from guard. From there, he can land heavy elbows and hammer fists, not to mention continually improve his positioning.
But buyers beware. Sanchez is no slouch in the submission game.
KEY THREE: PRESSURE, PRESSURE, PRESSURE
The best way to make Sanchez uncomfortable is to apply constant, methodical pressure. Pressing the action on the feet would be a good start (see Key One), followed by mixing in takedown attempts. Either way, Stevenson should try to counter Sanchez’s aggressive nature by showing his own relentless attack. Sanchez is easily frustrated and Stevenson should take note.
KEY FOUR: HEAD MOVEMENT
After losing to BJ Penn at UFC 80, Stevenson admitted that he had to get better at moving his head while standing and trading. He must demonstrate improvement in this area in order to defeat the crisp Sanchez. Whether in the pocket or while closing the gap, Stevenson must make sure to bob and weave against his New Mexico-born opponent.
KEY FIVE: DEFEND THE CHOKE
Sanchez admittedly loves finishing fights via the rear naked choke, a maneuver Stevenson has historically struggled to defend. Whether it’s through hand-fighting or avoiding the position altogether, Stevenson must prevent Sanchez from sinking in the hooks and working for a choke.
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