UFC Fight Night ‘Henderson vs. Khabilov’ Preview

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Flyweights

John Dodson (15-6, 4-1 UFC) vs. John Moraga (14-2, 3-1)

The Matchup: Dodson and Moraga squared off for the first time on Dec. 11, 2010 in the Dominican Republic at Nemesis Fighting “MMA Global Invasion.” For a full rundown on that disastrous fight card, click here. Thanks to faulty timekeeping, the initial meeting between Dodson and Moraga could have lasted anywhere from 15 to 18 minutes. Dodson ultimately captured a unanimous decision, but like everyone else on the card, neither he nor his opponent was paid.

Times have certainly improved for Dodson and Moraga, as both challenged for flyweight gold in 2013 in mixed martial arts’ premiere organization. With so many variables -- and no actual footage -- from their initial fight, in many ways this feels like the first meeting between the two. At the very least, minds should be more at ease come fight night. After all, things like proper timekeeping and a paycheck are basically foregone conclusions now.

Dodson, who knocked out Darrell Montague in his most recent outing at UFC 166, is returning from partial MCL and ACL tears in his knee that forced him to withdraw from a proposed bout with Scott Jorgensen in December. Assuming everything is back to 100 percent, “The Magician is one of the fastest athletes in MMA -- period. In addition, very few flyweights possess the type of knockout power the Jackson-Wink MMA representative has in his left hand. Dodson has come closer than anyone to defeating flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson during his title reign, and much of the threat “The Ultimate Fighter 14” winner posed came as a result of a couple powerful left hands landed in the first two frames.

Moraga, meanwhile, lasted into the fifth round against Johnson, but his bout was not nearly as competitive. The Arizonan has since rebounded, posting a somewhat contentious split verdict over Dustin Ortiz at UFC Fight Night “Rockhold vs. Philippou” in January. Moraga should take note of the success Johnson had against Dodson in the clinch and attempt to do the same, using elbows and punches in close quarters. While that is no guarantee for victory against someone as strong as Dodson, it beats attempting to trade with the New Mexico native in space. Though he is a solid boxer, Moraga lacks the speed to match Dodson blow-for-blow. Moraga also has a collegiate wrestling background, but outside of Johnson, no one has been able to take down Dodson.

Another thing to consider is that while Dodson has become known primarily for his left hand, he is athletic and innovative enough to reach deeper into his bag of tricks if necessary.

The Pick: The main goal for Dodson is to avoid fighting at close range for an extended period of time. Dodson takes it by decision or TKO.

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