UFC 155: Matt Mitrione vs. Phil De Fries Head-to-Toe Breakdown

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A matchup in the heavyweight division is brewing at UFC 155, as Ultimate Fighter alumnus Matt Mitrione meets UK import Phil De Fries.

This fight will see contrasting styles clash, as De Fries is a grappler and Mitrione is a striker. Bouts that pit strikers against grapplers are usually intriguing chess matches, so this one could be good.

Here is a head-to-toe breakdown of their encounter in December.

Striking

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There is a vast difference in the striking department, as Mitrione is considered a striker and De Fries is not.

At 5-1, Mitrione has seen four of his wins come by way of knockout. He is quick and has powerful hands. He owns knockouts against Tim Hague, Christian Morecraft and Marcus Jones, showcasing his solid boxing skills.

De Fries owns no career knockouts, as he tries to get his fight to the ground immediately.

Therefore, the advantage is obvious.

Edge: Mitrione

Wrestling

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Phil De Fries, as stated, is a fighter who tries to immediately get the fight to the ground. His wrestling is somewhat decent, as seen when he consistently got Rob Broughton to the ground.

Matt Mitrione does not have good offensive wrestling, but his takedown defense is solid. The only instance this was not true was against Cheick Kongo, but for the most part it is good.

Based on offensive capabilities, De Fries earns the edge.

Edge: De Fries

Grappling/Submissions

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As stated several times, this is a striker vs. grappler matchup.

Phil De Fries is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter with eight submissions to his name. This includes a rear-naked choke over Oli Thompson, a rear-naked choke over Stav Economou and an armbar against Colin Robinson.

Matt Mitrione does not have any submission wins, nor does he like to find himself in grappling matches. 

Edge: De Fries

Prediction

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Come fight night, we will have ourselves a fight. Both men are looking to get into the upper echelon of the heavyweight division, and a win over one another would be a start.

I expect De Fries to fish for takedowns early and often. Mtirione will have it scouted and fight him off.

Once De Fries misses on several takedowns, he will be in a world of trouble. Mitrione will let his fists fly and De Fries will get rocked.

Expect for Mitrione to smell blood and finish the Brit.

Prediction: Mitrione def. De Fries via knockout