Brad Riddell vs Jalin Turner Preview
Brad Riddell has been simmering away as City Kickboxing's best undercover UFC fighter and his bout against Jalin Turner at UFC 276 is a crucial juncture in Riddell's lightweight journey. Riddell's last UFC fight was a third round KO loss to Rafael Fiziev late last year and this ended a four fight win streak for Riddell in the UFC, also losing a contest between two of the best rising lightweights.
Fiziev now continues his climb up the division and Riddell will be eager to get back on that climbing track with a win over Turner. Riddell's last match up against Fiziev was enticing and this is a similar vibe for the Turner fight as all of Turner's five UFC wins have been finishes (5-2), coming into this fight with four consecutive finishes. Two of these four finishes are KO/TKO and two are rear-naked choke submissions.
Turner's last win was against Aussie Jamie Mullarkey who Riddell defeated in his UFC debut. That clutters the run into this fight as Turner has been dominating blokes further down the division, while Riddell had worked his way up the rankings. Turner will be a tricky opponent for Riddell and the kiwi will also want to bounce back, forming a crucial scrap for Riddell.
Riddell hasn't quite stamped his mark on the lightweight division despite earning buzz about his rising prospect status. Prior to entering the UFC, Riddell snared six consecutive Mixed Martial Arts finishes and this didn't translate to the UFC as all four of Riddell's wins came via decision. Riddell was impressive in all four of his UFC wins, churning out typically world-class CKB striking as well as consistently flexing his grappling ability.
The manner in which Riddell has patiently dealt with takedown attempts, working through his process to nullify the takedown and escape, epitomises CKB's defensive grappling. Turner averages slightly less takedowns than Riddell but he's still averaging 1.16 takedowns per 15 minutes, with submission finishes. Riddell averages 1.87 takedowns/15mins and both fighters are above 60 percent for takedown defence.
As both lads are well equipped for grappling scenarios, they may wish to stand and bang. Turner averages 6.51 significant strikes landed per minute while Riddell averages 4.76 with better accuracy. Turner also absorbs 4.34 significant strikes per minute and Riddell sits at 3.55.
Hence this is a glorious match up. Both fighters are dangerous strikers who can also attack and defend with their grappling. Turner is taller than Riddell with longer reach which could be niggly for Riddell to navigate as he will need to get within range to unleash his strikes - range that Turner may welcome Riddell into.
Riddell has the full stash of CKB magic and this is the funkiest wrinkle in his favour. Riddell can still control distance with fakes, shimmies, switching stances and kicks. This will make it difficult for Turner to gauge what attack is coming at him and Riddell has plenty of tricks to set up his entries, then a bunch of weapons to deploy. Expect Riddell to lay his kicking foundations early and it will then be fascinating to see how Riddell closes range, while being aware of Turner's power and takedowns.
Riddell needs a win. A win by decision will be fine for Riddell and his lack of finishes doesn't express how entertaining his fights are. Riddell climbed his way up the lightweight division in classy fashion and a win against Turner will set up Riddell for a push into the upper echelon of the division.
Join the Niche Cache Patreon whanau to support our kiwi sports content straight up, get a karma boost and find extra podcasts.
Every Monday and Friday we fire off an email with bonus content. Sign up here!
Peace and love.