UFC 127 preview: Australian Kyle Noke looks to stay in winner’s bracket against Chris Camozzi

“UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch” will be going down this Saturday, Feb. 26, in Sydney, Australia.  The first televised fight of the PPV portion of the card will feature two TUF 11 alum in Chris Camozzi and Kyle Noke.

Both fighters have won their respective bouts in the UFC since appearing on the television show, so the winner will certainly carve out a niche for themselves amongst those fighters still in the UFC from that season.

Chris Camozzi fought predominantly on the Colorado scene before appearing on the eleventh season of TUF.  He brings a career record of (14-3) with four wins via TKO/KO and five via submission.  Two of Camozzi’s losses have come against TUF alums Jesse Taylor and Jesse Forbes.  I suppose it’s a good thing that he isn’t facing someone named Jesse Noke!

Kyle Noke is a native Australian, so he will definitely have the crowd behind him with this event taking place in there.  In fact, all but five of his fights have taken place in Australia.

Noke notably was Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin’s bodyguard before his death in 2006.  He brings a career record of (18-4-1) with six wins via TKO/KO and seven via submission. He’s been able to finish both of his UFC opponents and even fought current Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard to a draw back in 2007.

Noke has probably faced better competition overall and is the more experienced fighter while training with Team Greg Jackson. Linesmaker gives the edge to Noke in this one as he’s the (-215) betting favorite.

Noke can finish the fight anywhere as the way he finishes his opponents is almost split evenly.  It would certainly serve him and the UFC well if he were able to get the victory in his home country as they try to make in-roads there.

Camozzi could make it interesting if he’s able to use his reach advantage to score or put Noke on his back.  However, I expect Noke to please the home crowd and bring the win on home in this one.