UFC 161 ‘Evans vs. Henderson’ Preview

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Welterweights

Tyron Woodley (11-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Jake Shields (27-6-1, 2-2 UFC): After a two-fight stint at middleweight, it is back to 170 pounds for Shields, whose UFC 150 triumph over Ed Herman was overturned when the former Strikeforce champion failed a post-fight drug test. Shields will need to be efficient on the feet against Woodley, who has the wrestling prowess to defend his takedown attempts. Like Shields, Woodley has been derided for less-than-thrilling performances in the cage, but he has been changing that perception in recent fights, including a 36-second knockout of Jay Hieron at UFC 156. Woodley wins by decision.

Lightweights

Sam Stout (19-8-1, 8-7) vs. James Krause (19-4, 0-0 UFC): Stout is known for his well-rounded kickboxing, but improvements in his wrestling have aided him in recent victories over Spencer Fisher and Caros Fodor. Krause, who replaces the injured Isaac Vallie-Flagg, has won his last seven fights. Stout captures a decision.

Welterweights

Sean Pierson (13-6, 3-2 UFC) vs. Kenny Robertson (12-2, 1-1 UFC): After losing to Aaron Simpson in his promotional debut, Robertson delivered his first UFC victory in memorable fashion, submitting Brock Jardine with an unorthodox kneebar at UFC 153. Pierson, meanwhile, has earned consecutive decision victories over Jake Hecht and Lance Benoist in his last two outings. Punching combinations and takedown defense carry Pierson to a nod from the judges.

Bantamweights

Roland Delorme (8-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Edwin Figueroa (9-2, 2-2 UFC): Delorme never looked comfortable on the feet against Francisco Rivera at UFC 149, losing via knockout in the opening frame. Rivera failed a post-fight drug test, however, and the bout was later changed to a no contest. Delorme possesses an active submission game and is good at remaining composed in tough spots, which should benefit him against the aggressive Figueroa. “El Feroz” can hold his own when the fight is standing, but Delorme ultimately wins via submission in round one or two.

Bantamweights

Yves Jabouin (18-8, 3-2 UFC) vs. Dustin Pague (11-7, 1-3 UFC): Jabouin has a versatile offensive arsenal, and he will attack Pague with kicks of all levels, multi-punch combinations and knees. Unlike Brad Pickett, who waded through all of the above to score a first-round knockout of Jabouin, Pague will not have an answer for his opponent’s assault. Jabouin thwarts Pague’s takedown and submission game to win via decision or late TKO.

Lightweights

Mitch Clarke (9-2, 0-2 UFC) vs. John Maguire (18-5, 2-2 UFC): There could be a sense of desperation in this bout, as both Clarke and Maguire enter the pairing having lost two fights in a row. The grappling exchanges figure to be entertaining, with plenty of scrambles and transitions on the mat. Maguire snatches a submission in round three.