Also being shown on Spike is the broadcast debut of two UFC rookies, with Chris Weidman stepping in for TUF ’11 winner Court McGee against Jesse Bongfeldt.
Chris “The All American” Weidman is a promising middleweight prospect with a mixed martial arts record of five wins and zero losses. Not only is he a two-time NCAA Division 1 All American wrestler but he also holds a BJJ purple belt under Matt Serra. A veteran of the New Jersey independent circuit, Weidman seized the chance to debut for the UFC in March of this year when he replaced the injured Rafael Natal for a match up against Alessio Sakara. The All American shocked the veteran Sakara, capturing an unanimous decision win thanks to his repeated take downs and vicious ground attack.
Canadian Jesse “Water” Bongfeldt is a former TKO welterweight Champion and King of the Cage competitor with fifteen wins out of nineteen fights. Bongfeldt is a well rounded fighter who has finished seven of his last eight bouts by knock out or submission. His Octagon debut came in December 2010 at UFC 124 where he faced Rafael Natal in a grueling three round contest that ended in a draw. The Natal match was hardly Jesse Bongfeldt at his best but he was able to hold his own for an entire three rounds, successfully going the distance for the first time in his career.
Since both men are still green they should rely on the fundamental skills that brought them to this point in time. Look for Jesse Bongfeldt to use the jab to keep Weidman at bay long enough to set up some combination striking and has the grappling to look after himself should the fight go to the ground. As well it might, if Weidman uses his “All American” athleticism, superior strength and speed to establish his dominance. Expect Weidman to come out and immediately blitz Bongfeldt, trying to catch his opponent off guard and get the takedown early. He’ll land some ever shots, wearing down Bongfeldt until he gets the TKO stoppage in round three.
