UFC on FOX 17 Date: December 19, 2015 Arena: Amway Center City: Orlando, FL Featherweight bout: Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira (+110) vs Myles “Fury” Jury (-130) Fight Breakdown: Headlining the FOX Sports 1 preliminary card for UFC on FOX 17 will be a featherweight contest between the Brazilian, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira and Michigan native, Myles “Fury” Jury. The betting odds for this 145-pound affair are at a near coin-flip, with Oliveira being +110 ($100 to win $110) and Jury being -130 ($130 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira (20-5-1 NC, 8-5-1 NC UFC) last stepped foot into the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 74 nearly four months ago, where he stopped fighting a minute into the fight due to what was has been said to have been a tear in his asophygus. His opponent Max Holloway received a TKO victory and Oliveira saw his impressive four fight winning streak snapped. The streak included submission wins over Andy Ogle, Hatsu Hioki and Nik Lentz, and a unanimous decision win over Jeremy Stephens. Now, after having regrouped and feeling healthy, he hopes to return to the win column and make another run at the 145-pound crown with an impressive victory over Jury. Oliveira has developed into a solid striker, as he has been working on his Muay Thai and focusing on sharpening his all-around game to become a well-rounded mixed martial artist. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his ground game is on another level. His submission game is excellent, both offensively and defensively, though it is worth noting that he was submitted by another elite black-belt in Jim Miller when competing in the 155-pound division, so it is possible he could caught by another black belt in Jury. The Brazilian has good cardio and should be ready for a full three rounds of action in Orlando, should the judges need to have a say in the final outcome. Myles “Fury” Jury (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) last saw action at UFC 182 nearly a year ago, where he lost a unanimous decision to current title challenger Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone after three one-sided rounds of action. After having his first taste of official defeat, he has opted to make the move down to the featherweight division, where greeting him will be the 26-year old veteran, Oliveira. The 27-year old is a talented, well-rounded mixed martial artist who is well versed in every facet of the sport. He is an excellent striker who has great footwork and lateral movement. He is a fast athlete who does a tremendous job of dodging his opponents’ striker and answering back with his own. His counter-striking is very good, especially his counter right hook. Jury also has a strong overhand right, as well as a good uppercut, and he loves to implement his vicious knees and elbows in his offensive striking attack. He is good at being technical and works a solid jab, though at times he can be flashy, but if often pays off with his spinning back fists and flying knees. The Michigan native puts together some great combinations on the feet and likes to mix things up. He has a fantastic kicking game which includes nice leg kicks, great head and body kicks, as well as an effective front kick he likes to frequent. “Fury” owns a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has an excellent submission game, both offensively and defensively. He works good takedowns, including a solid double leg, though he prefers the single leg. He is dominant from top position on the mat and does a great job of advancing positions. Now training out of Power MMA in Arizona, Jury is a well-conditioned athlete who will be ready for 15 minutes of action, if necessary. Gabe’s Thoughts: Oliveira seems to be so up and down that you can’t trust him with your wallet anymore. I think this is a fight he can win, but I don’t trust that he will. I could see a submission coming on either end, but I think Jury also has a decent shot at scoring a T/KO over the Brazilian here. I think the most likely outcome to the fight would be Oliveira winning by submission, if he shows up 100% healthy and ready, because I could see him getting top position in this fight. As for my pick, I would have to see the weigh-ins to make it official, and keep going back and forth on it, especially because I don’t trust Oliveira. However, as for a value play, I like the Total of Under 2.5 rounds here at -115, considering I favor this fight to end inside the distance. The ‘Under’ is also a good bet here, in case Oliveira suffers some sort of taint-tear 15 seconds into the fight. Gabe’s Call: Oliveira by Submission (Peruvian necktie, 3:20 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Under 2.5 rounds (-115) 2.3u to win 2u
