John Makdessi will climb into the cage on a streak of three straight wins. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
Lightweights
John Makdessi (12-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Alan Patrick Silva Alves (11-0, 1-0 UFC): An interesting pairing here, as Alves draws the far more seasoned -- at least in terms of Octagon experience -- Makdessi for his second UFC outing. The wide strikes the Brazilian utilized to stop Garett Whiteley in his debut will probably cost him against Makdessi, who can punish him with an accurate jab. Overall, the Tristar Gym export is well-versed on the feet, but Alves, a southpaw, is the taller, larger fighter and owns a six-inch reach advantage. There is chance that Alves uses his size to grind down his Canadian opponent through clinches and takedowns, but he may lack the overall polish to execute such a game plan. Makdessi wins by decision.Flyweights
Chris Cariaso (15-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Danny Martinez (16-4, 0-0 UFC): Martinez steps in to replace Japanese prospect Kyoji Horiguchi, who withdrew due to injury. The Alliance MMA product is no stranger to tough competition, having gone the distance in losses to Jussier da Silva, Joseph Benavidez and Mark Hominick over the course of a career that began in 2006. More recently, he came up short in preliminary competition on Season 18 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Martinez will likely attempt to impose his will through wrestling and top control. While Cariaso has been susceptible to such an approach, Martinez may not be active enough to sustain dominant positions. Cariaso will be able to vary his striking effectively enough to take a decision.Middleweights
Nick Catone (9-4, 3-4 UFC) vs. Tom Watson (16-6, 1-2 UFC): Catone returns to the Octagon for the first time since December 2012, when he suffered a second-round submission loss to T.J. Waldburger at the “The Ultimate Fighter 16” Finale. He was scratched from a planned welterweight bout against James Head at UFC 159 when he missed weight and was hospitalized for dehydration. Even in his lone UFC victory, Watson’s takedown defense was lacking, and it has cost him severely in two defeats. This will be an issue once again, as Catone will want to wear down the former British Association of Mixed Martial Arts champion through his wrestling. Expect a close bout, with Watson getting in his licks before Catone closes the distance. Catone wins via decision.Lightweights
Al Iaquinta (7-2-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Kevin Lee (7-0, 0-0 UFC): After falling to Michael Chiesa at “The Ultimate Fighter 15” Finale, Iaquinta has looked impressive in dispatching Ryan Couture and Piotr Hallmann in back-to-back bouts. Under the guidance of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, he only figures to get better. Just 21 years old, Lee may be able to hold his own with Iaquinta in the clinch and on the ground, but his striking is still a work in progress. Iaquinta’s ability to connect with crisp combinations while mixing in the occasional takedown will be the difference. Iaquinta wins by late TKO or decision.Middleweights
Clint Hester (9-3, 2-0 UFC) vs. Andy Enz (7-0, 0-0 UFC): The 22-year-old Enz is a Gracie Barra Alaska product who has competed exclusively on the regional circuit in his home state. He has established himself primarily as a submission specialist, with five of his seven pro victories coming via tapout. Enz was also briefly a castmate of Hester’s on “The Ultimate Fighter 17” before he lost to Uriah Hall during the show’s prelims. Hester, a former professional boxer, will have a decided edge on the feet, but he has shown himself to be capable of attacking from various positions on the ground, as well. Hester takes this by KO or TKO in round one or two.Welterweights
Neil Magny (8-3, 1-2 UFC) vs. Gasan Umalatov (14-2-1, 0-0 UFC): Magny enters this bout on a two-fight losing streak, and while he has had his moments, he is running out of time to prove he is UFC-caliber. Umalatov is a decent boxer who is active pursuing submissions in transitions and scrambles. Magny has struggled when planted on his back, so he will need to control the fight with his reach and avoid getting outmaneuvered in the clinch. In a coin flip, give this one to Umalatov.Lightweights
Rashid Magomedov (15-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Tony Martin (8-0, 0-0 UFC): A former M-1 Global champion, Magomedov enters the bout on an eight-fight winning streak, including back-to-back five-round verdicts. At the very least, he has the experience edge over Martin, who owns a notable victory over Phillipe Nover. Martin is a decent enough athlete and will look to use his striking to move into clinch range before dragging his foe to the mat. However, Magomedov is an adept counterpuncher who probably has the defensive savvy to handle his less-seasoned opponent’s attacks. Magomedov wins by decision or late TKO.***
TRACKING TRISTEN
2014 Record: 20-13
Career Record: 287-171-1
Last Event (UFC on Fox 10): 6-5
Best Event (“The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale): 9-1
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night 33): 4-5-1