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UFC Fight Night Predictions: Moicano vs. Saint Denis - Fight Preview: Kevin Jousset vs. Bryan Battle

The welterweight showdown between Kevin Jousset and Bryan Battle at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis promises to be an exciting clash of styles. Both fighters bring their own strengths to the octagon, with Jousset's striking and Battle's well-rounded skill set creating a compelling matchup.

 

Betting Odds

Fighter	Odds
Kevin Jousset	+140
Bryan Battle	-170

Bryan Battle comes into the fight as the slight favorite, with his UFC experience and finishing ability likely giving him the edge. Kevin Jousset, however, is not to be underestimated and will look to prove himself on the big stage once again.

Fighter Backgrounds

Kevin Jousset

Kevin Jousset, fighting out of City Kickboxing in France, has a professional record of 10-2-0. Known for his crisp striking, Jousset has secured five knockouts and one submission victory in his career. At 31 years old, Jousset is entering his prime and looks to build on his UFC success, having won his last two fights, including a submission win over Kiefer Crosbie in UFC 293.

Jousset has spent much of his career competing in Hex Fight Series, where he held the welterweight championship belt. His striking is technical and powerful, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone who chooses to stand and trade with him.

Bryan Battle

Bryan Battle, representing Carolina Combat Sports & Fitness in the USA, carries an impressive record of 11-2-0. Known as "The Butcher," Battle has finished nine of his 11 wins, with six submissions and three knockouts. At 30 years old, Battle has shown immense potential in the UFC and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.

Battle’s most recent victory came by submission over AJ Fletcher at UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Gamrot. With a balanced skill set and a knack for finding finishes, Battle is a dangerous opponent both on the feet and on the ground.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Kevin Jousset

Jousset’s strengths lie in his striking. As a former kickboxer, he possesses sharp technical striking and the ability to generate power with his punches and kicks. Jousset excels in keeping his opponents at range, using his long reach to land significant strikes from the outside. His ability to mix in leg kicks, body shots, and head strikes makes him a dynamic and unpredictable striker.

While Jousset is primarily a striker, he has shown proficiency in grappling, with one submission win on his record. However, in this matchup, his best path to victory is likely through his striking, as Battle poses a significant threat on the ground.

Bryan Battle

Bryan Battle is a well-rounded fighter with the ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground. His striking has improved significantly in recent fights, with his knockout of Gabe Green in just 14 seconds at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida being a testament to his evolving stand-up game. However, it is Battle’s grappling that sets him apart. With six submission victories, Battle is a dangerous opponent on the mat.

Battle’s ability to transition between striking and grappling seamlessly makes him a difficult puzzle to solve. He is comfortable in both striking exchanges and scrambles, and he has the cardio to push a high pace for all three rounds. His relentless pressure often forces his opponents into mistakes, which he capitalizes on with submissions or ground-and-pound.

Recent Performances and Matchup Analysis

Kevin Jousset

Jousset’s recent performances have shown that he is ready for the UFC’s welterweight division. His victory over Song Kenan at UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Gutierrez was a dominant display of striking, where Jousset used his range and precision to outclass his opponent. Before that, his submission win over Kiefer Crosbie further demonstrated his growing versatility.

In this matchup, Jousset will likely look to keep the fight standing and use his striking to wear down Battle. He will need to maintain distance and avoid engaging in prolonged grappling exchanges with Battle, who is dangerous on the ground.

Bryan Battle

Battle has been on a roll recently, with his only UFC loss coming against Rinat Fakhretdinov. His recent submission win over AJ Fletcher showcased his ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes, and his knockout of Gabe Green was a statement victory that announced his arrival as a serious contender in the welterweight division.

In this matchup, Battle will likely look to mix up his striking and grappling. If he can close the distance and take Jousset to the ground, he will have a significant advantage in grappling exchanges. Battle’s ability to chain submission attempts together makes him a dangerous threat once the fight hits the mat.

Keys to Victory

Kevin Jousset

• Keep the Fight Standing: Jousset’s best chance to win is by keeping the fight on the feet, where his striking can shine.
• Use Range and Footwork: Jousset should use his reach advantage and footwork to stay out of Battle’s grappling range.
• Land Significant Strikes: Jousset has the power to finish the fight with his striking, and he should look to land significant shots early and often.

Bryan Battle

• Close the Distance: Battle needs to close the distance and get inside Jousset’s striking range to initiate grappling exchanges.
• Mix Strikes with Takedowns: By mixing up his strikes with takedown attempts, Battle can keep Jousset guessing and create opportunities to bring the fight to the ground.
• Capitalize on Mistakes: Battle has shown the ability to capitalize on his opponents’ mistakes, and he should be ready to do the same if Jousset leaves an opening.

Prediction