UFC 170 ‘Rousey vs. McMann’ Preview

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Women’s Bantamweights

Alexis Davis (15-5, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jessica Eye (10-1, 0-0 UFC): Eye’s split verdict over Sarah Kaufman at UFC 166 was controversial enough, but lately things have gotten weird. A failed drug test by Eye caused the result to be changed to a no-contest, and after plenty of denials by the fighter, it was finally revealed that marijuana was to blame. At any rate, Davis is a tough draw for the Ohioan in her second outing. Davis is a bully in the clinch, but she can also land hard leg kicks and punching combinations on the outside. On the ground, she will look to advance position and hunt for submissions. Eye has skilled hands, including a solid jab, but the former 125-pounder might struggle with her opponent’s physicality. Davis wins by decision.

Bantamweights

Raphael Assuncao (21-4, 5-1 UFC) vs. Pedro Munhoz (10-0, 0-0 UFC): Assuncao is unbeaten since moving to bantamweight following a loss to Erik Koch at 145 pounds in his Octagon debut. The Brazilian was to originally be matched with another surging 135-pound talent in Francisco Rivera, but an injury forced “Cisco” off the bill. Instead, Assuncao will face Munhoz, a top prospect who generated a buzz while winning a title in the Resurrection Fighting Alliance promotion. Munhoz has plenty of potential, but facing such an experienced foe in a short-notice debut is a daunting task. Assuncao takes this by decision.

Bantamweights

Aljamain Sterling (8-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Cody Gibson (11-3, 0-0 UFC): A Cage Fury Fighting Championships 135-pound titlist, Sterling is an intriguing prospect with raw athleticism and a strong wrestling base. His recent move to the Serra-Longo Fight Team will only further his development as a well-rounded fighter. Gibson, meanwhile, has won six straight fights after an up-and-down start to his career. Sterling should be talented enough to pull this one out, winning via decision or submission.

Flyweights

Zach Makovsky (17-4, 1-0 UFC) vs. Josh Sampo (11-2, 1-0 UFC): Makovsky accomplished plenty before making his UFC debut, winning belts with Bellator MMA and Resurrection Fighting Alliance, but it was still a surprise to see him outpoint Scott Jorgensen on just 10 days’ notice in December. “Fun Size” had success both standing and on the mat against Jorgensen, establishing himself as yet another flyweight to watch. Sampo, the former Championship Fighting Alliance flyweight king, missed weight for his first UFC appearance but was able to submit Ryan Benoit with a rear-naked choke at the “The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale. Makovsky wins by decision.

Lightweights

Erik Koch (13-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (17-7, 2-5 UFC): Once tabbed as a future challenger to reigning featherweight king Jose Aldo, Koch has elected to move up a division after consecutive losses to 145-pound contenders Ricardo Lamas and Dustin Poirier. Just 25 years old and blessed with knockout power and an active submission game, the Roufusport product still has plenty of time to make an impact in his new weight class. Oliveira has been finished in three of his last four fights. Koch takes it by KO or TKO.

Lightweights

Yosdenis Cedeno (9-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ernest Chavez (6-0, 0-0 UFC): Anchored at the MMA Masters camp, the 28-year-old Cedeno has the potential for explosive finishes, as evidenced by his head-kick knockout of Ryan DeRocher at CFA 9. His ability to move and counter is balanced nicely by a timely takedown shot. Chavez, meanwhile, prefers to attack with short strikes in the clinch, but fighting at a distance could leave him vulnerable. Cedeno takes it by KO or TKO in round one or two.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 39-18
Career Record: 306-176-1
Last Event (UFC Fight Night 36): 10-2
Best Event (“The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale): 9-1
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night 33): 4-5-1