One of the main card bouts at UFC Fight Night 46 is a three-round flyweight bout between Brad “One Punch” Pickett and Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall. The current betting line for the fight at Several Bookmakers lists McCall as a -160 favorite (bet $160 to win $100) while Pickett is a +150 underdog (bet $100 to win $150). MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas originally opened up McCall at -140 and Pickett at +100, and so far the action has been on McCall. I agree with the action on McCall as I’m picking him to win the fight. Here’s why. McCall (12-4-1) is one of the top flyweights in the UFC. The 30-year-old American is 1-2-1 in the UFC with a win over Iliarde Santos and a draw against UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and losses to Joseph Benavidez and Johnson. He also has wins over Dustin Ortiz, Jussier Formiga and Darrell Montague from earlier in his career. McCall is a very well-rounded fighter who has excellent wrestling and great striking. He has amazing cardio and he also has a great chin. His footwork is some of the best in the division and he’s one of the fastest fighters at 125lbs for sure. He’s an excellent fighter but unfortunately injuries and personal issues have bogged down his career potential. If he comes in shape and mentally ready he should beat Pickett, which is why he is the favorite, but who knows where his head is at. Pickett (24-8) was one of the best bantamweights in the UFC before moving down to 125lbs pounds in his last fight and defeating Neil Serry by decision. The 35-year-old Brit has a 4-3 overall record in the UFC with wins over Seery, Mike Easton, Yves Jabouin and Damacio Page and the only losses coming to top fighters in Renan Barao, Eddie Wineland and Michael McDonald. He also has a win over current UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson from back in the UFC. Pickett is a well-rounded fighter with excellent wrestling, great submissions, and solid striking. He trains at a great camp at American Top Team and represents the sport well, always showing up to fight and putting on Fight of the Night for the fans. He has good knockout power and finishing ability in general and he has one of the best chins at 135lbs. He is also very experienced. However he has some weaknesses, namely his striking and submissions defences and his speed, as he is plodding on the feet. He has relied mainly on his ability to wrestle and his boxing to win the majority of his fights in the UFC/WEC but going up against another well-rounded fighter in McCall who is younger and fresher, it makes sense he is the underdog here. This should be a closely contested and exciting mixed martial arts match between two of the best flyweights on the planet. On the feet Pickett has more power but McCall is more technical and if this is a striking match I expect McCall to land the more accurate exchanges. Pickett will likely look to revert to his wrestling should McCall be outstriking him, but McCall has excellent takedown defence and should be able to thwart Pickett’s most of takedown attempts. If the fight does hit the ground, Pickett has the edge, but since I expect it to stay standing where I believe McCall will be the more effective fighter and get awarded a decision win. The only problem is the judges could possibly blow it, so one must be careful of laying too much juice on McCall here, but he should get the win.
