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Monday, Nov 30, 2015

UFC FN 80: Tom Vaughn Weighs-In on Tim Means vs. John Howard, Believes “Doomsday” May Look to Take Fight Down

Tim Means attacking Bernardo Magalhaes (right) (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

If you’re hoping to see a striking war between John Howard and Tim Means at UFC Fight Night 80, the latter’s head coach, Tom Vaughn, doesn’t disagree with you.

During Howard’s run in professional fighting, “Doomsday” has forged a reputation as being a dangerous striker, thanks to to several stoppage victories. Means has done the same.

But also like Howard, “The Dirty Bird” has showcased that his finishing tools are not limited to punches, elbows, knee and or kicks. Case in point, at UFC on FOX 15, Means put away George Sullivan with a third round, arm-triangle-choke.

A few weeks ago, Vaughn appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, and the FIT NHB instructor was asked if Means may utilize all of his weapons to keep Howard on the defensive. The Albuquerque resident had this to say:

“I don’t want to give away too much, but I think Tim has everything he needs to beat John Howard. I think Howard is well rounded but I think, I know if I was just looking at this as a fan, I’d like to see these guys stand and bang. You know?”

“I think that John Howard may want to take Tim down,” add Vaughn. “It’s mixed-martial-arts, so we’ll be prepared for whatever he’s got.”

Howard is coming off  split decision win over Cathal Pendred at UFC 189, while Means was submitted by Matt Brown that same July 11th night. A big difference heading into their December 10th scrap is, however, that Means had won four straight prior to the loss. Howard meanwhile, had dropped three straight fights prior to facing Pendred.

“I think fighters are always under pressure,” said Vaughn, when asked if he believes Howard might be feeling more pressure due to his recent defeats. “I think that John Howard was on the chopping block on his last fight, and he kind of eked past that fight. I think this is a tough fight for him.”

“I think he’s a tough fight for Tim as well, but ya, comparing the two, John Howard is under more pressure than Tim is.”

UFC FN 80 will be hosted by the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

posted by FCF Staff @ 8:00 am
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