UFC Live 3 Preview

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Bantamweights
Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page

The Matchup: This one is a rematch of their first bout in 2008, which Bowles took via first-round guillotine choke. Since then, Bowles subsequently won the WEC title in a stunning upset knockout of Miguel Torres at WEC 42, only to be outboxed and stopped due to a broken hand against Dominick Cruz at WEC 47 seven months later.

Page has been a midlevel contender at 135 pounds, going 3-2 in the WEC; he dropped his last bout in the promotion via guillotine to talented Demetrious Johnson at WEC 52 in November. With Urijah Faber and Cruz likely to collide in a title bout later this year, there is some room in the bantamweight mix among Torres, who faces the tough Brad Pickett at UFC 130 on May 26, and Johnson, who meets Renan "Barao" at “The Ultimate Fighter 13” Finale in June.

Bowles’ wrestling and stiff right hand are the key to this bout, as Page is outmatched standing and will have a tough time getting him down. The former champion should be able to use his hands to dictate range, prior to securing a takedown, where he has proven strong from top position. Page is a scrapper, however, and can scramble to get out of bad spots.

The Pick: Look for Bowles to press the pace and keep him defensive, uncorking a big shot or a well-timed submission attempt en route to a second-round stoppage.

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