TUF Brazil: A Head-to-Toe Breakdown of the Featherweight Final

For all those keeping track online at UFC.com, The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil is almost finished, and we have two featherweights ready to fight at the finale. Of course, the finale is UFC 147, headlined by coach Wanderlei Silva and late replacement Rich Franklin.

Franklin steps in for Silva's opposing coach Vitor Belfort, who unfortunately injured his hand recently. Nevertheless, fans will be in for a good fight in the main event.

As for the featherweight tournament final, let's breakdown the fight, which will be fought between Team Belfort's Godofredo "Pepey" Castro (8-0) and Team Silva's Rony "Jason" Mariano Bezerra (10-3).

Pepey's run on the show has been impressive thus far, as he has gone from the sixth featherweight chosen to the shows finale. Along the way he has submitted Johnny Goncalves and Marcos "Vina" Borges Pancini, while earning a unanimous decision over Wagner "Galeto" Campos.

Meanwhile, Jason has had probably the most destructive path on the show so far. He has steamrolled through the competition, knocking out Dileno Lopes, submitting Anistavio "Gasparzinho" Medeiros de Figueiredo and earning a decision over Hugo "Wolverine" Viana.

Striking

In looking at the work both men did on the show, one must point out the powerful striking that Rony Jason possesses. It was first noticed when he fought to get into the house, as he brutally knocked out Dileno Lopes in the first round. 

Jason, who is 10-3, only holds three career knockout victories. The Team Nogueira product is well-versed in the submission game, but don't be fooled. The man has good striking.

On the other hand, Pepey's body of work has revolved around his grappling game. Although he owns two wins by knockout, one was because his opponent gave up between the first and second round. 

Come UFC 147, you will see that Jason has the obvious striking advantage when the two square off.

Edge: Rony Jason

Wrestling/Grappling

Both men are good grapplers, that much is certain. Pepey is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt representing the Marcio Cupim Team. Jason is also a black belt, training with the Nogueira and Freire brothers.

One would think that this matchup is even, and one cannot argue that. Pepey has controlled his fights using his grappling, while Jason has been more of a menace on the feet. Jason has used his grappling as well, so I will agree with the people who say this is even.

Edge: Even

Submissions

This is another category that is almost too close to call. Both men are very dangerous in the submission game, as showcased in their careers and the show.

Pepey has won two of his three fights on the show by submission. The first fight saw him use a triangle choke to earn his way into the house against Johnny Goncalves. Also, to earn his way into the finale, Pepey submitted Marcos "Vina" with an armlock.

Jason had one submission during the show, breaking the arm of Anistavio "Gasparzinho." 

Between the two of them, Jason and Pepey have submitted 13 opponents. They have used a variety of submission holds showing their skills.

It is extremely close, but I will give it to Pepey due to his submissions displayed on the show.

Edge: Godofredo Pepey

Intangibles

One intangible that will come into play come fight night will be the levels of competition that Jason and Pepey have faced. 

Jason has faced notable featherweights Genair da Silva, Felipe Arantes and Renan Barao. Those big time fights have given Jason big fight experience, which will come in handy under the UFC lights. 

Another will be both men's gas tanks. Through the show, it has been the theory that Jason does not have a good gas tank. If Pepey is able to wear Jason out and bring the fight deep into the rounds, he may be able to take the advantage and win. 

These men are so closely matched, that this should be a good fight to watch.

Prediction

When it is all said and done, I think that Rony Jason has what it takes to win the fight. Not only that, I think Jason has the potential to be a legitimate player in the featherweight division.

He has the all-around game that makes it possible for him to be comfortable anywhere the fight takes place. This will be no different when he fights Pepey at UFC 147.

I don't know if Jason will finish Pepey, as Pepey is extremely tough. Expect the judges to make a decision that leans in favor of Team Silva's Jason.

Prediction: Rony Jason def. Godofredo Pepey via decision