Preview: UFC Fight Night 228 Prelims

Heavyweights

Mohammed Usman (9-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jake Collier (13-9, 5-8 UFC)

ODDS: Usman (-166), Collier (+140)

It might not be the prettiest thing to watch, but Usman at least looks like a prospect capable of rising through the heavyweight ranks. The younger brother of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, “The Motor” is not as natural to mixed martial arts but has the right tools to work with as a large and durable athlete. His striking has grown to a decently functional level—his knockout of Zac Pauga in “The Ultimate Fighter 30” final was an impressive bit of business given his previous baseline—and when all else fails, Usman typically has the physicality to outwrestle his opponents in a division low on takedown defense. After a grind of a win over Junior Tafa in April, Usman figures to follow much the same game plan against Collier, who looks to snap a three-fight losing streak. Collier is an odd case. A former middleweight and light heavyweight, Collier ballooned up near the heavyweight limit after a three-year layoff but surprisingly retained a lot of the speed and creativity that marked his career. That made him a nice counter to the typical slow-paced style of heavyweight fights, but after losing out on what would have been a breakthrough win over Andrei Arlovski via controversial split decision, Collier was the victim of a Chris Barnett comeback and got little done against Martin Buday his last time out. Collier’s recklessness could certainly catch Usman unaware. However, it seems likelier than not that Usman can survive Collier’s offense and slowly impose his game, even if this turns into a bit of a slog. The pick is Usman via decision.

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