In the Clinch: Bantamweights Song & Gutierrez Clash, UFC Vegas 83 – The change of venue from Shanghai to the UFC Apex for Saturday’s UFC Vegas 83 event probably doesn’t sweat bantamweight contender Song Yadong much.
Although Song (20-7-1, 1NC), 26, who is Chinese, was set to be the hometown hero against American opponent Chris Gutierrez Saturday, he is more than comfortable at The Apex. He holds a 4-2-0 record there and will look to improve it further while defending his No. 7 ranking.
Song returned to the win column in his last fight against Ricky Simon and has finished his last three victories. His aggressive style of striking has generally served him well and he can go the distance too. His ground game continues to improve as well.
The No. 15 Gutierrez (20-5-2), 32, has an opportunity to leapfrog in the rankings with a big win. Replacing the injured Petr Yan, he is the underdog on paper, but he has come through before as legend Frankie Edgar knows.
Gutierrez has shown he has the striking to compete with anyone. However, I think he will try to get Song to the mat where he has the advantage. He will force Song to defend and extend energy which could set him up for something later. I would not be shocked if Gutierrez has counterstrike plans like the knee he landed on Edgar. He knows he needs a finish to take Song’s ranking and is planning accordingly.
If this fight stays on the feet, the advantage should go to Song. But if Gutierrez can land something and then drag the fight to the ground, then Chris can get the decision. But Chris needs the finish to make the big leap and so I think he will be more aggressive to make it happen.
At any rate, it should be a good fight. Shanghai’s loss is The Apex’s gain.
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Song Yadong
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