Marcus Jones vs. Matt Mitrione Fight Prediction – TUF 10
MATT MITRIONE vs. MARCUS JONES
Fight Overview: Following a brief but intense altercation on the final episode of The Ultimate Fighter, Team Rampage’s Marcus “The Darkness” Jones and Team Rashad’s token “Meathead”, Matt Mitrione, will meet on the Season Ten finale. With both coming off losses, a possible UFC career on the line, and some degree of personal animosity between them, the two will have a lot to fight for.
Mitrione’s Strengths: Mitrione’s best strength is his standup. He has shockingly fast hands for someone his size, and packs a lot of power into his punches. Against Jones, who is clearly not fond of taking shots, that could be the difference-maker.
Mitrione’s Weaknesses: Mitrione, a fairly raw and inexperienced young fighter, still has some holes in his game. For one thing, his cardio against Scott Junk was completely pathetic, and even if you assume he has improved his conditioning his gas tank could pose problems, especially against someone Marcus’ size. He also has questionable submission defense, which is very problematic against a grappler as dangerous as Jones.
Jones’ Strengths: For one thing, Jones is a physical beast. He is tall, largely built, and extremely physically powerful. For another, he uses his size and strength very well to get his opponents to the ground. Once a fight hits the ground, his grappling is very technical, which is very dangerous coupled with his vicious ground and pound.
Jones’ Weaknesses: Put simply, Jones does not like getting hit. Of course, no one really likes getting hit, but Jones’ aversion goes perhaps a step or two past what could be expected of someone who fights for a living. Unfortunately for him, he also has awful, mummy-like boxing and pitiful defense, so he is extremely likely to get punched.
Prediction: This is pretty much a one and done fight, for both guys. If Mitrione can land a meaningful strike before getting taken down, he will win. If Jones can secure a takedown before Mitrione makes him run away from punches, he will win. I think that Jones has the best chance, because his huge frame and powerful wrestling will make it easy for him to tie Mitrione up trip him to the mat, where he will easily overwhelm him with ground and pound.
