Tim Means has quietly become a legitimate UFC veteran heading into his seventh bout inside the UFC’s Octagon. “The Dirty Bird” has amassed a record of 3-3 while fighting for the promotion and is currently heading into a bout this Saturday night with momentum from his last outing where he defeated a very durable Hernani Perpetuo via a Judge’s Decision. Looking to follow-up that impressive victory with the second back-to-back winning streak in his UFC tenure, Means will travel all the way to Barueri, Sao Paulo, Brazil where he will walk into the Jose Correa Arena to take on “Lyoto” Marcio Alexandre Jr. in a very solid Welterweight pairing.
Via UFC.com
Calling the small town of Moriarty his home, Means (21-6-1) is one of the most talented fighters to ever train in our talent-rich State. Holding notable wins over top-ranked 170-pound Bobby Green and MMA pioneer Pete Spratt, the FIT NHB trained fighter has a long list of victims that have fallen via the hands (and kicks and knees and elbows) of Means.
On Saturday night, Marcio Alexandre Jr. (12-1) will stand across from Means for his second UFC bout in his own backyard as he welcomes Means making the trip all the way from New Mexico. “Lyoto” was a finalist for “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3” reality show and would lose to Warlley Alves to become the show’s runner-up. Alexandre Jr. is noted as being a specialist in Karate and definitely favors the striking aspect of MMA as the reality show displayed his lack of elite talent in wrestling and grappling. That shouldn’t a problem in this match-up as Means is a striking-based fighter who has no problem getting into exchanges and has made a name for himself through his high finishing rate.
True to his Karate background, Alexandre Jr. is a patient striker who blitzes opponents utilizing his agile foot movement and will pick his places in the cage to land flurries. Means is an extremely efficient striker who mirrors much of the disciplines found within the teaching of Muay Thai as “The Dirty Bird” can really do damage from inside the clinch and uses a vast array of attacks to hurt. stun, and overwhelm opponents.
This match-making was incredible as the pairing features Alexandre Jr. whom has a 100% finishing rate in victories and Means who impressive in his own right has a 85% finishing rate. Combined the two fighters have 27 knockouts out of their combined 33 career victories.
“Fight of the Night” anyone? Possibly “Knockout of the Night”?
What to Watch for: Alexandre Jr. is a patient striker who will move around a lot looking for an opening. Means, also very poised in his attack is much more aggressive in his calculated approach. I can see Alexandre Jr. finding a home for quick kicks on Means early on but if Means remains confident in his approach, a single flurry from Means can dictate the outcome of this fight more so than Alexandre Jr.
And do you remember when I pointed out that Alexandre Jr. isn’t well-rounded outside of the striking game? Well, let’s not forget that Tim Means can actually attack with takedowns which often goes forgotten due to his highlight reel of knockouts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Means mix in a takedown to throw off the rhythm of his opponent.
How to Watch: Means vs. Alexandre Jr. will be LIVE on UFC Fight Pass on Saturday night. The UFC prelims on Fight Pass will start at 5 PM Mountain Time. Please join SWFight in sending Tim Means and his team our best wishes in their travel and sending our support as Means looks for his 4th UFC victory!