Kurt Pellegrino vs. Rob Emerson
In the opening bout of the televised card, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Kurt Pellegrino is set to face off with journeyman Rob Emerson in a fight that could be very important to both men’s futures in the UFC.
Pellegrino, who is coming off an important win against Thiago Tavares, has had an up and down road in UFC, dropping big fights against Nathan Diaz and Joe “Daddy” Stevenson. Emerson, whose career started with a four fight losing streak and a terrible 2-6 record, has turned things around recently, garnering 6 wins interrupted only by a no contest against Gray Maynard.
Emerson shocked most pundits in his last outing, giving highly-regarded TUF finalist Manvel Gamburyan a one-way ticket to dreamland a mere 18 seconds into their contest. Not previously known as a
particularly dangerous striker, Emerson unleashed the fury on Gamburyan, and securing his UFC contract for at least one more fight. A Ruas Vale Tudo student, Emerson is well rounded but not particularly excellent at any one aspect of the fight game. His biggest strengths are his adaptability and heart. Able to hang in there in any part of a fight, and clearly not having an ounce of quit in him considering his perseverance after such a dismal start to his career, Emerson is a tough nut to crack for any opponent, despite his mediocre professional record.
Pellegrino, a well respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, is clearly extemely dangerous on the ground. Despite his submission loss to Nathan Diaz, Pellegrino is still a constant danger to any opponent as
long as the fight is on the ground. Unlike Emerson, well-roundedness is not one of Pellegrino’s notable strengths. He is a subpar striker to say the least, but makes up for it with his top-level ground
game.Clearly, this is going to turn into a classic, archetypal style vs. style matchup. Pellegrino will be totally outmatched by Emerson on the feet, and the reverse will be true in the grappling matchup. If
Emerson wants a shot at winning this fight, he is going to have to avoid Pellegrino’s takedowns at all costs.
Unfortunately for him, that will most likely prove to be too tall a task, and Pellegrino should be able to put this one away with a second round submission.
