UFC 74 Respect - Alberto Crane vs Roger Huerta

UFC 74: Respect

[Submitted by: Andy B]

Here we go again with another fight breakdown from one of the five of the scheduled televised fights for UFC 74. The official website for the card if finally up and running, and like most of the fight websites, it’s full of glitz and glamour and slightly over-the-top promotion that the UFC loves to do (and us as consumers of the product love to see). Check it out at 74.ufc.com.

Last time we talked, I told you about the first fight featuring Patrick Cote vs Kendall Grove. This week, it’s an undefeated newcomer by the name of Alberto Crane, against the new “poster boy” of the UFC, “El Matador” Roger Huerta.

Alberto Crane is a California native and is undefeated in his professional MMA career, with a record of 8 wins and no losses (hence the undefeated moniker). He hasn’t really fought anyone of mention, but has won all but one of his fights with some kind of submission. He’s a very skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter, and at the age of 31, he’s definitely in his prime and very experienced. He’s mostly been fighting in the King of the Cage promotion, and this will be his UFC debut. After seeing what Roger Huerta can do, especially in his fight against Leonard Garcia at UFC 69, one of the best fights of the year (in my opinion).

Roger Huerta is a 24 year old California native living in Minnesota now. He has an extensive record of Greco-roman wrestling, and also has very heavy hands. He’s of Mexican heritage and displays it proudly. Huerta has only lost one fight in his professional career, and is undefeated in the UFC. He has been known for putting on great fights on every event he participates in, which has garnered his quick paced popularity among fans and promoter. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated becoming the first UFC/MMA fighter to do so. He has a record of 20 wins with one loss, and most of his wins come from stoppages due to strikes. He’s known for his “ground and pound” technique, which is popular among wrestlers who come to the sport of MMA.

My prediction: While Crane has the age and Huerta has the experience, their height and weight are exactly the same. This should be another great fight where it could go all three rounds and be a decision. Two conflicting styles but both are really well on the ground. Crane is a great closer, meaning he knows how to finish a fight and not let it go to the judges, but he doesn’t know his way around the UFC octagon with the hype and pomp of such a “big league” event. I feel like Huerta will keep his UFC winning streak going and put on another “fight of the night” with quick exchanges and high paced action.

Next week’s fight: Kurt Pellegrino vs Joe Stevenson