UFC on FUEL TV 5: September 29, 2012 Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England UFC Bantamweight Contender Brad Pickett (-215) Profile: The always exciting British fighter Brad Pickett (21-6) has experienced mixed results in the UFC so far following a fairly successful run in the WEC. Currently, Pickett is 1-1 in the UFC with his lone loss coming in his debut against eventual bantamweight interim champion Renan Barao at UFC 138 while his sole win was an impressive submission of Damacio Page at UFC on FUEL TV 2. The 34-year-old Pickett is a fan favorite and a favorite of UFC president Dana White, mostly due to his willingness to scrap and put on a good fight for the fans. UFC Bantamweight Contender Yves Jabouin (+165) Profile: Yves Jabouin (18-7) is a 33-year-old Canadian/Haitian fighter who has always been exciting to watch. In his 25 career fights, Jabouin has earned 18 wins, with 11 coming by knockout. His confidence in his hands sometimes turns on him, as he has been finished more than a few times due to being a bit overzealous. Currently, Jabouin is 4-3 since joining the Zuffa ranks, going 1-2 in the WEC and 3-1 in the UFC. The three wins in the UFC have been the most impressive, coming against solid bantamweight competition in succession. Now the slugger is going to get another fan-pleasing fight when he takes on Brad Pickett in a bout that fans can expect to end on the feet. Opening UFC on FUEL TV 5 Odds Analysis: MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas has installed Picket as a solid -215 favorite (bet $215 to win $100) while Jabouin opened as a +165 underdog (bet $100 to win $165) according to the MMA odds. Pickett has a slightly better resume because he has fought better competition, and 16 of his 21 career fights have come as a result of finishes (six knockouts and 10 submissions). On the other hand, Jabouin is a knockout artist who has seen 11 of his 18 wins end that way. However, Jabouin’s last three bouts – all wins – have gone to the judges, showing he has matured as a fighter and learned to score points as well. Both fighters have the ability to end this fight with one punch, and each will need to show patience and wait for the right opportunity to strike with a decision a real possibility.
