UFC 199 features a Lightweight showdown that should have fans salivating.
UFC 199 is right around the corner and it features some of the best match ups of the year. Headlined by two championship fights, it’s easy to imagine how some fights are flying under the radar. For anyone who enjoys a good throw down between two game and rugged fighters, this match is for you. Both Dustin Poirier and Bobby Green are combatants who have seen their fair share of experience and have a tendency to have exciting fights. Ever since returning to the Lightweight division Dustin Poirier has looked revitalized, dominating his last three fights. In his most recent match against Joseph Duffy, Poirier demonstrated his maturity and mixed things up with powerful striking and grappling. While Duffy had some success on the feet, it was Poirier who constantly pushed forward and pressed the action. His smothering top control and elbows proved to be too much for the Irishman netting him a hard fought unanimous decision victory. What Poirier will need to do to secure victory in this match up is utilize his power punching to set up takedown attempts and visa versa in order to throw Green off of his game. But that’s easier said than done against a fighter as unorthodox as “The King.” Bobby Green has had a pretty successful UFC run during his tenure with the promotion. He has frustrated a number of his opponents in the Octagon with unorthodox movement, potent boxing, and a wrestling game that he utilizes both offensively and defensively. The biggest advantage Green has in this fight will be his forward pressure. For all of Poirier’s powerful striking, he’s not a fighter who does well when he’s forced to fight moving backwards. Bobby Green’s entire style is based around pressure and even the most talented of strikers have fallen into his game. It wasn’t until he encountered the ultra talented Edson Barboza that Green ran into some trouble. He wasn’t able to shift gears and dropped a decision because of it. If Green hopes to win this fight he’ll have to use his pressure styled game to cut off the cage on Poirier, throw a high amount of volume, and keep his opponent backing up. Though many will point to Poirier’s power, Green has some great head movement and often has success with drawing most fighters into his world. Look for Bobby Green to pull of an upset in an exciting fight that goes to a decision. Who do you think will win this battle of talented Lightweights? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.