UFC on FOX 27 Preview, Breakdown & Analysis

The UFC is gearing up to make its return to Charlotte, North Carolina, and although it may not be the most eye-popping card, UFC on FOX 27 tomorrow night (Sat., Jan. 27, 2018) from the Spectrum Center does have some intriguing fights to watch.

In the main event, former Strikeforce champion and No. 3-ranked middleweight contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will make his return to action in a rematch against No. 8-ranked Derek Brunson.

The co-main event, meanwhile, will play host to a featherweight scrap between Dennis Bermudez and Andre Fili.

Also on the main card, Charlotte’s own Jordan Rinaldi will do battle with Long Island’s Gregor Gillespie in a lightweight tilt.

Without further ado, let’s take a deeper look into the card with our UFC on FOX 27 preview, breakdown, and analysis:

Ronaldo Souza vs. Derek Brunson

The first time these two met was at a Strikeforce event in 2012 where Souza scored a first-round knockout victory over Brunson. Both men are completely different fighters now, but the stakes are still high, as the winner will land one step closer towards earning a UFC title shot.

At 38 years old, “Jacare” may be nearing the tail end of his career, but he remains one of the very best 185-pounders in the world. Also, he ranks as one of the best submission artists the sport has ever seen, as he holds black belts in both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo while racking up 17 career victories by way of submission.

In terms of striking, Souza has consistently improved. He has a powerful right hand and has appeared to put more of a focus on his striking since relocation from Brazil to Florida.

The last time we saw “Jacare” compete, he suffered a brutal knockout loss to reigning champion Robert Whittaker, but he’s won seven of his nine UFC bouts to date.

Brunson, on the other hand, is currently riding a two-fight winning streak after suffering losses to Anderson Silva and Whittaker.

The North Carolina native is extremely explosive and athletic and he comes from a wrestling background, as he was a three-time NCAA Division II All-American.

In recent years, however, Brunson has rounded out his game, with many improvements being seen in his striking game. Fighting out of a southpaw stance, Brunson moves well and uses fantastic speed to keep his opponents guessing. He’s also incredibly powerful, which can be seen in his 10 career knockout victories.

On the ground, Brunson owns four submission victories and he’s never been submitted, but I’d argue that he’s far from the level that “Jacare” is when it comes to grappling.

Ultimately, Souza has shown in recent fights that he can be hit. If Brunson mixes it up and catches the Brazilian off guard, I could see him ending the fight.

However, I simply feel as if “Jacare” is the more superior fighter. It may difficult to take Brunson down, but I see Souza remaining patient on the feet before landing a takedown and finishing the fight on the canvas.

Prediction: Ronald Souza def. Derek Brunson via third-round submission

Dennis Bermudez vs. Andre Fili

In the UFC on FOX 27 co-main event, two offensive-minded featherweight contenders will do battle in what’s expected to be an exciting clash.

Bermudez, who made a name for himself by reeling off seven consecutive wins between 2012 and 2014, will be looking to get back into the win column after suffering back-to-back defeats.

Fili, on the other hand, has won two of his last three fights and will be looking to continue his winning streak against “The Menace.”

Coming from a wrestling background, Bermudez likes to put a consistent pace on his opponents, while relentlessly pressing forward in hopes of landing big shots and big takedowns.

A former NCAA All-American, Bermudez ranks as one of the best wrestlers in the division, but his striking has improved immensely over the years. He likes to use a large amount of volume, has power in both hands and also possesses a wide variety of striking techniques including damaging leg kicks as well as solid knees and uppercuts in the clinch.

On the ground, Bermudez is strong on top and has three submission wins to his credit, but he’s also suffered four losses by way of submission.

Like “The Menace”, Fili is a fighter who likes to move forward and land big shots.

Training out of Team Alpha Male, Fili has shown improved footwork and new angles as of late, which could help him in this bout. In terms of his best strikes, he’s known for vicious head kicks and solid crosses.

In terms of the grappling department, Fili’s wrestling game is a bit underrated in my opinion. I certainly feel as if Bermudez’s wrestling is a bit superior, but Fili has shown strong defensive skills that could help him keep this fight on the feet.

Ultimately, I feel as if Bermudez’s defense will be the key factor in this bout. At times, his forward pressure has left him open to counter strikes. I could see him charging in and eating a big shot from Fili, but if he can avoid that, put combinations together and land takedowns, it’s his fight to lose.

Prediction: Dennis Bermudez def. Andre Fili via unanimous decision

Jordan Rinaldi vs. Gregor Gillespie

In this bout, two rising lightweights will look to continue to move up the 155-pound ranks.

Rinaldi, who holds a 13-5 professional record, is 1-1 since entering the UFC in 2016.

With only one knockout victory on his resume, Rinaldi isn’t known much for his striking, but he is a high-level grappler. Holding a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, eight of his professional victories have come by way of submission with his latest fight ending in a Von Flue choke victory.

Rinaldi will likely look to take this fight to the ground, but that likely won’t be too easy, as he’s taking on one of the very best wrestlers the division has to offer.

Gillespie is a highly accomplished wrestler, winning two New York state titles in addition to an NCAA Division I national championship. He was also a four-time NCAA Division I All-American.

Training at Bellmore Kickboxing Academy on Long Island, Gillespie has also rounded out his striking skills over the years. That was shown last year when he scored an impressive first-round knockout victory over Andrew Holbrook in less than a minute.

In my opinion, Gillespie has the superior striking and I feel as if his wrestling will allow him to control the course of the fight. If he does decide to take the fight to the ground, he’ll have to avoid Rinaldi’s submission, but he has solid ground skills of his own and has never been submitted.

Prediction: Gregor Gillespie def. Jordan Rinaldi via unanimous decision