With UFC London now set in stone, fans and pundits have had fun setting up matches they’d like to see at the event. One of those match-ups is Jack Shore vs Ricky Simón. One fan tweeted a picture of the pair with the caption, “Book it, Uncle Dana”. Both Jack and Ricky seem to agree.
Twitter Exchange
The Set-Up
Jack “Tank” Shore, 27, has been efficiently dealing with some top UFC bantamweights since his debut in 2019. Now 16-0 and 5-0 in the UFC, Shore has earned himself the #15 ranking. Last time out, defeating Timur Valiev over three rounds. Now with his sights firmly set up the rankings, Jack sees Ricky as a perfect opponent for the UFC’s return to the English capital.
Ricky, 26, clearly agrees. Debuting in the organisation one year earlier than Jack in 2018, Ricky has been one of the most underrated talents in a stack division. Taking out some highly touted fighters. Now with an overall record of 19-3, Simón sees his UFC record sit at 7-2. Currently ranked #12, the fans and the fighters feel this is a perfect match-up to see who can crack that top #10.
Styles Make Fights
Sometimes making fights is easy. This fight is one of those times. Two young and hungry prospects, both on the periphery of the top 10. Matchmakers should be scrabbling to finalise this bantamweight scrap. Both well versed in all facets of the game, Jack vs Ricky will be a competitive fight and major showcase for the division.
Standing 5ft 9in, Jack is relatively tall for the weight class and uses his range well. Shore manages to keep distance and pump the jab to set up future strikes and takedowns. With both finishes on the feet and the mat, “Tank” can tangle wherever he needs to go. His bread and butter is his wrestling which he uses to smother his opponents while simultaneously chipping away with ground and pound, waiting for an opening to advance or lock up a submission.
At 5ft 6in, Ricky will be at a height disadvantage. Also a strong grappler, Ricky uses his power to slam his opponents to the ground. Maintaining heavy top control and wearing his foes down. With nine finishes, Simón is dangerous. Using his grappling to land blows has seen Ricky become a master of the ground and pound. Carrying power, Simón is also dangerous on the feet, as seen in his last outing via Rafael Assunção.
UFC London
Taking place on July 23rd, this event is shaping up nicely. MMA fans should earmark this one as a potential blockbuster event with several fights already confirmed. Not yet confirmed. You have to feel the matchmakers are getting it over the line as you read.
Who do you think wins this one?
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
