UFC 132 Preview: The Prelims

Rafael dos Anjos (left) has the ground game to keep George Sotiropoulos honest. | Photo: D. Mandel

The Matchup: Two skilled lightweights meet here, both in need of a win to prove they belong. Sotiropoulos, riding a 7-0 UFC record into his last appearance and flirting with top contender status, was summarily shut down and spanked by Dennis Siver at UFC 127 in February. In the decision loss, the Aussie could not engage in clinches or get off effective takedown attempts in what was a surprising drop-off from previous performances.

Dos Anjos returns after a loss to Clay Guida at UFC 117 in August snapped a three-fight winning streak. This will likely be a grappling-heavy fight unless somebody catches a hot one early and decides to brawl. Sotiropoulos has surely worked on closing the distance, as well as using his length in standup, and Dos Anjos does not figure to have the range and radar Siver did in denying him those tools.

While Dos Anjos is the bigger one-shot hitter, Sotiropoulos should be able to jab and kick enough to initiate a clinch, wherein he can take the fight down and grind on the Brazilian from top position. Looking at Sotiropoulos’ seven UFC wins, only one of those opponents -- Joe Lauzon -- remains active on the UFC’s lightweight roster. For Sotiropoulos to compete at the next level, he has to be able to strike more effectively and improve on his takedowns; his jiu-jitsu is top notch if he can get the fight where he wants it.

The Pick: Sotiropoulos by third-round submission.

Next Fight: Brian Bowles vs. Takeya Mizugaki