Michael McDonald , 22, is one of the UFC’s bright young stars. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
Bantamweights
Brad Pickett (23-7, 3-2 UFC) vs. Michael McDonald (15-2, 4-1 UFC): A main card-worthy matchup between a pair of top 10 bantamweights highlights the preliminary card. McDonald gave interim champion Renan Barao a brief scare in the opening round of their February encounter, only to fall via submission in the fourth frame. “Mayday” is an excellent counterpuncher with serious power in his right hand, something which should aid him in exchanges when Pickett attempts to push the pace. At 22 years old, McDonald has more upside than his 34-year-old foe, but he will have to be alert in all aspects of the game if he is to earn a victory over the active Pickett. A consistent right hand and competent wrestling carry McDonald to a hard-fought decision.Featherweights
Conor McGregor (13-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Max Holloway (7-2, 3-2 UFC): A former two-division titleholder with the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship promotion, McGregor has generated about as much hype and excitement as fighter possibly can after one Octagon appearance. The Irishman was plenty impressive in sending Marcus Brimage to his first UFC defeat with a series of savage uppercuts in the opening frame at UFC on Fuel TV 9. McGregor is a flamboyant and aggressive striker, but his opponent, Holloway, also has a considerable array of weapons at his disposal, so spirited exchanges should be plentiful. McGregor wins by decision.Featherweights
Mike Thomas Brown (26-8, 2-2 UFC) vs. Steven Siler (22-10, 4-1 UFC): Brown has defeated Nam Phan and Daniel Pineda in his last two UFC appearances, but it has been more than a year since the former WEC 145-pound king last fought. While Siler is the greater volume striker, Brown could attempt to follow the blueprint laid out by Darren Elkins by looking to ground “The Ultimate Fighter 14” alum repeatedly. Expect Brown to control things early and then survive a final push from Siler to hold on for a decision.Featherweights
Diego Brandao (17-8, 3-1 UFC) vs. Daniel Pineda (18-9, 3-2 UFC): After beginning his career with something of a go-for-broke mentality, Brandao has assumed a calmer and more measured approach since running out of gas in a loss to Darren Elkins; and it has paid dividends. The Jackson’s MMA product remains explosive with powerful strikes and a dangerous submission game, which should be enough to handle Pineda, a known finisher whose own aggression could work against him here. Brandao takes this by TKO or submission in round one or two.Featherweights
Manny Gamburyan (12-7, 1-2 UFC) vs. Cole Miller (19-7, 7-5 UFC): Gamburyan has had nothing but bad luck lately, as injury after injury has caused multiple withdrawals for “The Anvil.” Miller, who became the first person to submit Bart Palaszewski in more than five years at “The Ultimate Fighter 17” Finale, will not be the most accommodating welcome-back opponent. The powerful Gamburyan will have to close distance against the lanky American Top Team product and impose his will through takedowns and top control while staying wary of Miller’s dangerous guard. Gamburyan wins by decision.Light Heavyweights
Ovince St. Preux (13-5, 1-0 UFC) vs. Cody Donovan (8-2, 1-0 UFC): A Grudge Training Center product, Donovan survived a pair of knockdowns early against Cody Penner at UFC on FX 6, rallying to win via TKO in the opening frame. Meanwhile, St. Preux captured a controversial technical decision against Gian Villante at UFC 159, where an eye poke rendered the former University of Tennessee football player unable to continue. The southpaw St. Preux’s striking and athleticism carry him to a third-round TKO victory here.Lightweights
Ramsey Nijem (7-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. James Vick (4-0, 0-0 UFC): After suffering a second-round knockout loss to the surging Myles Jury, Nijem attempts to rebound against Vick, a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter” 15 who his making his promotional debut. Nijem is good at pressuring his opponents, and he will gradually outwork Vick en route to a decision.* * *
TRACKING TRISTEN 2013
Overall Record: 141-83
Last Event (World Series of Fighting 4): 5-4
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8): 5-6