TUF China Finale: Matt Mitrione Vs. Shawn Jordan Fight Breakdown

Tomorrow at the UFC’s second event in Macau, heavyweight sluggers Matt “Meatball Mitrione and “The Savage” Shawn Jordan are set to square off on the main card of TUF China Finale.

The fight is crucial for the two fighters, who are both coming of disappointing losses in their previous outings. Jordan was knocked out by Gabriel Gonzaga, while Mitrione was put to sleep courtesy of Brendan Schaub.

But the match is still an important battle in the heavyweight division, so let’s break down both men’s skills and have a closer look at how they match up.

Striking

Shawn Jordan holds an ultra-impressive record of eleven knockouts in fifteen professional wins, with all three of his victories inside the Octagon coming by knockout. He is a powerful striker with sharp boxing skills, however, in his last defeat to Gonzaga, Jordan suffered the third knockout loss of his professional career.

Mitrione is also a very talented striker who has come on in leaps-and-bounds since his time on The Ultimate Fighter. Like Jordan, Mitrione is somewhat of a knockout artist of his own, incredibly five out of six of “Meatball’s” wins have come by way of KO or TKO. Mitrione is very light on his feet and is more diverse with his striking, for that reason he gets the nod here. 55/45 Mitrione.

Grappling

Jordan was a two-time state champion in wrestling and will most likely be able to put Mitrione on the mat. Whether he does however, is another question. “The Savage” has had so much success with his striking he hasn’t needed to really use his wrestling, but maybe he will for the takedown tomorrow after getting knocked out in his last fight.

“Meatball” isn’t much off a grappler, he prefers to stand and trade, but Mitrione is very athletic for his size which has helped him avoid takedowns in the past. Against Jordan though, the former TUF competitor will most likely be at a disadvantage. 60/40 Jordan.

Submissions

Nether fighter is really known for their submissions, but with Jordan having never been submitted and Mitrione getting choked unconscious in his last fight, you would think the Strikeforce vet will have the advantage.

The 29-year old also has three wins coming by way of submission in his fifteen victories inside the cage. Jordan’s most recent submission came over Lavar Johnson in 2011, finishing the former UFC heavyweight with a keylock. “The Savage” takes it her 65/35.