UFC Fight Night 27 Preview

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Bantamweights

Erik Perez (13-4, 3-0 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (17-7-2, 4-2 UFC)

The Matchup: With a key women’s bantamweight matchup between Sara McMann and Sarah Kaufmann scrapped from the UFC Fight Night 27 lineup, Perez-Mizugaki takes its place on the main card. Perez has been turning heads since making his Octagon debut in 2012, finishing John Albert, Ken Stone and Byron Bloodworth inside of a round. Currently the only Mexican-born fighter on the UFC roster, Perez’s progress may prove pivotal in helping the promotion make serious inroads in the potentially lucrative Latin American market.

Mizugaki is without question the most difficult test for the Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts product since he arrived in the UFC. Since signing with Zuffa in 2009, only Urijah Faber has been able to finish the Shooto veteran, who has gone the distance in defeat with a host of high-caliber bantamweights, including Miguel Torres, Scott Jorgensen, Brian Bowles and Chris Cariaso. The 29-year-old Hakkei Gym representative enters the matchup with some decent momentum of his own, having bested Jeff Hougland and Bryan Caraway in his last two outings.

With that in mind, it is likely Perez will have to put in a little more time than usual if he is to dispatch his durable Japanese foe. The most encouraging recent result for “Goyito” is a three-round verdict over tough veteran Paul McVeigh under the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts banner in December 2011; such wins can provide valuable experience upon which to draw against a resilient foe.

Perez’s aggression and finishing instinct have proven to be useful traits so far, but he will have to be patient against Mizugaki, whose best chance at victory lies in making this an ugly affair. Perez, who began fighting professionally at the age of 16, is probably the superior all-around striker, and while Mizugaki often leaves himself vulnerable to eating shots, he also tends to keep moving forward.

If Perez is going to be vulnerable anywhere, it will be through wrestling. Look for Mizugaki to force tie-ups -- though he will have to be wary of Perez’s knees -- and attempt to eventually impose his will through takedowns and ground-and-pound. This is no sure bet, as Perez is active in scrambles and is capable of transitioning to armbars and chokes when given an opening.

The Pick: Perez races out to an early lead on the scorecards and then survives a hard-charging Mizugaki down the stretch to win a decision.

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