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FIGHT ODDS

UFC 131 Preview: The Prelims

Jason ProbstJun 07, 2011
Chris Weidman (right) has a bright future in the UFC. | Photo: Keith Mills/Sherdog.com


Middleweights
Chris Weidman vs. Jesse Bongfeldt

The Matchup: Weidman’s decision over Alessio Sakara at UFC Live 3 in March was one of the most impressive debuts in recent memory. He carries a dynamite grappling pedigree as a two-time All-American wrestler at Hofstra University who also competed in the prestigious Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships in 2009.

On two weeks’ notice, Weidman beat Sakara in a hard-nosed match, using relentless takedowns and top control, along with rough but willing standup technique, to grind out the win. Replacing the injured Court McGee against Bongfeldt, Weidman faces a tough foe who will definitely want to keep it standing and exploit holes in his defense.

The Pick: Weidman all the way. He will simply have too many opportunities for takedowns, which he can nail on re-shoots, something he was masterful in doing against Sakara. For Bongfeldt to win, he has to land something huge early and catch lightning in a bottle. That is not happening here; Weidman by second-round submission or technical knockout from ground-and-pound.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Nick Ring vs. James Head