Setanta.com previews and predicts the UFC 99 tussle between Ben Saunders and Mike Swick.
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THE TALE OF THE TAPE
|
Ben Saunders |
Mike Swick |
| Age |
26 |
29 |
| MMA record |
7-0-2 |
13-2-0 |
| Height |
6ft 3 |
6ft 1 |
| Weight |
170 |
170 |
| Last opponent |
Brandon Wolff (W) |
Jonathan Goulet (W) |
Strictly unofficially, Ben Saunders had been the man The UFC were lining up as Marcus Davis' next opponent - before Dan Hardy stepped up to the plate.
Davis was willing to fight the 'next big thing' in the welterweight division, although setanta.com understands The Irish Hand Grenade was luke warm to the idea.
Now we have 6ft 3 Saunders up against Mike "Quick" Swick, in a battle that could yield the next opponent for Dan Hardy - should he overcome Davis.
Saunders is yet to lose. He drew his first two fights and has never looked back since. A terrific all-rounder, Saunders brings purple belt Jiu-Jitsu to the table, although recent exploits suggests he performs to a higher level on the deck.
Boasting such height and reach, Saunders is an awkward customer when striking, and he will be no easy holiday for Swick wherever the fight goes.
Swick is just as well-rounded though, and he has won eight of his last nine fights, losing only to middleweight Yushin Okami - who beat Anderson Silva (albeit by decision).
Swick's kickboxing skills give him the kind of knock-out power that disposed of Jonathan Goulet in 33 seconds during his last outing, while he has the ground game to squeeze out results - as shown against Marcus Davis.
An AKA member, the 29-year-old wrestles with some of the best in the business alongside Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, and he believes he should be much closer to a title shot than he currently is.
Saunders is the up-and-comer who will wait for his chance, Swick is the middleweight-dropped-to welter who has the bit between his teeth.
EXPERT'S VIEW: A tight one to call, Swick has the experience at doing enough to earn a victory, but there is growing momentum behind Saunders, who may just surprise a few people come Saturday.
PREDICTION: Saunders - submission