Prior to each UFC fight card, Jay Primetown takes a look at some of the key contests at each event. In the latest installment, we look at an entertaining welterweight matchup between Alan Jouban and Mike Perry. Alan Jouban (Record: 14-4, +115 Underdog, Fighter Grade: C) The Louisiana born Alan Jouban has been a must watch fighter every single time he enters the Octagon. Jouban has won two fights in a row and four of his last five overall heading into his first ever fight on network television. Alan Jouban is an all action fighter that has won three UFC Fight of the Nights in his career. He has a diverse striking attack and does so a fantastic clip. He’s landed 5.31 strikes per minute inside the Octagon which is the third highest striking output in welterweight history for a fighter with over five fights in the UFC. He can land with punches and elbows, but also has an excellent kicking game capable of landing a fight ending strike in that fashion. Jouban is a fighter that when he hurts an opponent he doesn’t waste any time in looking for the finish. He pours on the attack in hopes of ending the fight. With such a high output, energy becomes an issue for him late in fights and he’s susceptible to being hit easily late in fights. He has a decent chin, but as he’s gotten older (currently 35 years old) he’s vulnerable to being hurt and knocked out in fights against heavy punchers. Mike Perry (Record: 9-0, -135 Favorite, Fighter Grade: C) “Platinum” Mike Perry takes his undefeated record into Sacramento. He’s only fought twice in the UFC, but has won both fights by knockout. Mike Perry is an exciting young prospect in the welterweight division. Training out of Team Sparta, the Flint, Michigan born fighter is first and foremost striker. He has heavy hands and is a threat to floor his opponents at any time. He can land with kicks, but his stand up game is primarily boxing based. Defensively he has decent striking defense, but what allows him to be so aggressive is a fantastic chin. He can take a punch as well as anybody in the division. That alone will keep him in many fights. He has decent cardio and keep a high pace for the majority of a 15 minute bout. Matchup On paper, this is the most exciting fight of the UFC on Fox 22 card. Both of these fighters are aggressive strikers that are always stalking for a finish. Jouban has a slight height and reach advantage; two inches in both categories. I expect both fighters to come out early in this bout and look to put their stamp on this fight. Jouban has a more diverse striking attack, but Perry has the power advantage overall. What I think this fight comes down to is durability. Mike Perry can take a punch as well as anyone on the UFC roster. With just nine career fights and only 25 years of age, he hasn’t had as much wear and tear as his 35 year old opponent. I expect both fighters to have their moments early in this fight, but Perry will be able to withstand Jouban’s striking offering. At some point, Jouban will not be able to hold up the same way and will be floored by the hard hitting Perry. Mike Perry’s been on a nice run in the UFC and I believe he’s on his way to a third straight knockout. Mike Perry (-130) is one of my favorite bets on the card because he not only can match Jouban’s output, but he has the durability to weather the storm and finish on his own accord.
