UFC 285 preview: Derek Bronson

In the introduction to UFC 285, we will see Helluva’s match in the middleweight division. Top contenders Derek Bronson (23-8) and Dricos du Plessis (18-2) will battle it out as they look to make a move towards title contention.

Derek Bronson said at the start that he only had one fight left after his last fight. However, he has recently changed his tune and now wants to go so he can get his elusive title. Bronson last fought just over a year ago against Jared Cannonier.

That fight was considered a title eliminator. Bronson won five straight fights leading up to the Canonier fight. Had there been a sixth minute in the first round, Bronson would probably have won and taken the championship title. However, in the second round, he appeared to be out of breath and finished Cannonier.

Now, he is looking to get back up against Du Plessis who has been undefeated in his UFC career. The last time we saw Du Plessis was in December when he introduced Darren Till. This was Du Plessis’ fourth fight in the promotion and this was his third finish. He looks forward to making a statement against Bronson on Saturday night.

UFC 285 prediction

This is a great match between the middleweight contenders and I love both of them in this match for different reasons. Du Plessis has the potential to knock Bronson to his feet and put a huge amount of pressure that could test Bronson’s heart.

Bronson has shown the ability to put good shots on his feet and we know he has good grappling. Du Plessis also has good wrestling, but I can’t see him trying to go for that in this match against Brunson’s superior wrestler.

Du Plessis needs to be sharp in defensive wrestling and he can’t keep his guard level too high. There have been many times I’ve seen him back down where he leaves himself wide open to takedown attempts. I mean, Darren Till was able to take him down.

I’ve gone back and forth with that expectation, but I think I’ll go with Bronson. Something just tells me wrestling is going to make the difference and he’s going to win big at UFC 285.

Prediction: Derek Bronson by decision