Dana White Talks Du Plessis Win, Strickland's Pre-Fight Comments, More

Knocking out both Mike Perry and Vicente Luque is quite a demonstration of power.

In this bout, Neal matches up to the physical attributes of Garry more than most, meaning he’s not helpless at range like several recent “Future” opponents. He doesn’t have to rush forward into counters, because he can hold his own with kicks and still look to play his outside game.

Opposite Garry, Neal should be looking to extend combinations. Garry does his best work when able to really dictate pace and slow the fight down with precise shots, but his defense tends to falter in longer trades. Neal should aim to be first and third, meaning he initiates an exchange, defends/avoids/absorbs the counter shot, then returns with an exchange-finishing combination of his own.

Ian Garry

Record: 13-0
Key Wins: Neil Magny (UFC 292), Daniel Rodriguez (UFC Charlotte), Song Kenan (UFC 285), Jordan Williams (UFC 268)
Key Losses: None
Keys to Victory: It can be easy to forget amidst all the hubbub that Garry remains a serious contender. He’s a sniper at distance, able to switch stance and pick apart his opponents with sharp, powerful kicks and counters.

I hate to say it, but if I’m in Garry’s corner, I’m advising him to chase the boo birds ... not Neal. Neal is at his best when able to draw his opponents into counter shots, much like Garry himself. Whenever two counter fighters meet, there’s usually a disadvantage to the man who abandons his usual game and advances into his opponent’s danger zone.

Garry has to play it patient. He’s got the more refined jab and low kick game, meaning he should be able to edge the distance battle. If he’s winning at range, the pressure is on Neal to go outside of his comfort zone and start taking risks, which is usually when Garry lands his heaviest punches.

Tags: UFC, Dana White, ESPN

Category:  Ufc