Mackens Semerzier (bottom) has a dangerous ground game and decent strikes. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
With two new weight classes and competition galore, the jockeying for slots in the seven-division UFC sweepstakes has grown more crowded than ever.
Let us take a closer look with a preview and picks.
Featherweights
Alex Caceres vs. Mackens Semerzier
The Matchup: Both men are flashy, capable strikers. Caceres, an alum of “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 12, has his work cut out for him because Semerzier is one of the best 5-3 fighters in the game. Though he has lost three straight, he showed a nice blend of standup technique and toughness in his last bout -- a split decision loss to Cub Swanson at WEC 52.
Since Semerzier is going to be able to dictate where this fight goes -- he is probably the stronger of the two and Caceres cannot outwrestle him -- look for some good standup action in the first. Semerzier mixes his strikes up nicely, and has more experience on the big stage. Caceres is a talented prospect but fairly green at this point. Plus, injuries have kept him inactive since Feb. 2010.
The Pick: Semerzier should be too strong on the feet and too experienced in the clinches and exchanges. He wins via late stoppage.
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