Alan Belcher vs. Denis Kang
UFC veteran Alan “The Talent” Belcher is set to throw down with Canadian import, top free agent, and PRIDE veteran Denis Kang in his first UFC appearance. Belcher will be looking to further cement himself as a valuable addition to the UFC roster, while Kang will be fighting to erase the memory of some recent losses and prove that he is more than just hype, and can cut it in the world’s biggest promotion. Belcher +275 / Kang -350
Belcher, a UFC veteran with decent submissions and very good standup, has won 3 of his last 4 fights, falling victim only to a shocking Jason Day upset. In his last outing, he narrowly outpointed wrestlerEd Herman to earn a split decision victory. Belcher’s best shot at victory, against Kang or anyone else, is to keep the fight standing, avoid the clinch, and try to turn it into a straight up kickboxing match.
Even if Belcher succeeds at making this a standup war, though, it would not guarantee him a victory. Kang’s standup is nothing to laugh at, although he is primarily a grappler with very slick submissions. Once considered one of the top 185 pound fighters in the world, he has hit a rough patch recently, dropping 3 of his last six bouts. That said, all the pressure in this fight is on Kang to prove himself against a mid-level UFC veteran, whereas Belcher has nothing to lose against the heavily favored Kang.
Even with all the added pressure of expectations, though, Kang should be able to hold his own on the feet at least well enough to set up takedowns.
From the ground, this fight would be all Kang, as Belcher’s grappling is not on the same level. Kang by submission, round 3.
