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The Prelims
Yves
Edwards is seeking his 10th UFC victory. | Photo:
Sherdog.com
Lightweights
Jeremy Stephens (20-8, 7-7 UFC) vs. Yves Edwards (41-18-1, 9-6 UFC): This contest was originally set to take place at UFC on FX 5, but Stephens was incarcerated on a prior warrant hours before the event. This is an underrated contender for “Fight of the Night,” but Stephens’ one-shot power should be the difference here. “Lil’ Heathen” wins by knockout in the second round.
Bantamweights
Mike Easton (13-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Raphael Assuncao (18-4, 2-1 UFC): Two quality 135-pounders square off here. Easton is as physically talented as any bantamweight out there, with above average power, solid wrestling and a dangerous guillotine. Assuncao is a well-traveled veteran with bouts against the likes of Joe Lauzon, Urijah Faber, Jorge Masvidal and Jeff Curran under his belt. The Georgia-based Brazilian is a skilled jiu-jitsu player with a varied arsenal of kicks, but he will struggle to close the distance against his athletic opponent. Easton wins a narrow decision.
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Featherweights
Nam Phan (18-10, 2-3 UFC) vs. Dennis Siver (20-8, 9-5 UFC): Siver made a successful 145-pound debut in April against the respected Diego Nunes, and his power and versatility on the feet is a formidable combination at a lower weight class. Phan is good at landing crisp punching combinations and does well attacking in close quarters, but he tends to get hit more than one would like. Siver takes this by decision.
Lightweights
Joe Proctor (8-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ramsey Nijem (6-2, 2-1 UFC): A Lauzon protégé, Proctor earned his fourth straight win at “The Ultimate Fighter 15” Finale, stopping Jeremy Larsen with strikes in the first round. If he can continue to provide even a fraction of the entertainment value that his mentor does, the UFC will have a valuable roster addition. Nijem, meanwhile, will attempt to impose his will through ground-and-pound and wrestling. Nijem wins via late stoppage or decision.
Lightweights
Henry Martinez (9-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Daron Cruickshank (11-2, 1-0 UFC): This matchup was a casualty of the UFC 151 cancelation, so both men should be eager to shake off the cobwebs after a three-month wait for a return engagement. During his time on “The Ultimate Fighter 15,” Cruickshank become known for his flashy standup, but he utilized a different approach by repeatedly grounding Chris Tickle in winning his Octagon debut. Martinez, meanwhile, stayed busy on the feet and employed solid takedown defense to defeat Bernardo Magalhaes at UFC on FX 3. Martinez takes it by decision.
Bantamweights
Scott Jorgensen (13-6, 2-2 UFC) vs. John Albert (7-3, 1-2 UFC): Jorgensen has fought some of the best the bantamweight division has to offer, falling short to Dominick Cruz, Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland in recent outings. Albert’s all-action approach is entertaining to watch, but he will have a hard time catching Jorgensen in a submission. “Young Guns” emerges with a decision.
Lightweights
Tim Means (18-3-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Abel Trujillo (9-4, 0-0 UFC): A former three-division King of the Cage champion, Means uses rangy boxing and knees to punish his opponents on the feet. Despite his lanky frame, the Fit NHB representative has deceptive power. A member of the vaunted Blackzilians camp, Trujillo will make his UFC debut riding a four-fight winning streak. Means wins by TKO in round two.
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