UFC Fight Night 19 Preview: The Prelims

Chris Wilson vs. Mike Pyle

The Storyline: In a battle of two students of two very famous former longtime teammates, Matt Lindland disciple Chris Wilson will take on Randy Couture understudy Mike Pyle in a quality welterweight showdown. Both men have several significant wins on their record already with Wilson beating Jay Hieron, Rory Markham and Steve Bruno, while Pyle got the better of a young Jon Fitch as well as Shonie Carter and current shooting star Dan Hornbuckle.

The Breakdown: Despite coming from mainly wrestling-oriented camps, both men have a very good submission game as well. Both are seasoned athletes who plied their trade abroad, and one could say that at age 32 and 33 respectively, both fighters have been through it all and done it all. Kudos to UFC matchmaker Joe Silva for putting a fight together that is a very interesting affair, especially for the hardcore fans who have followed the careers of both fighters.

Wilson seems to have the slightly better form going into the fight. It’s been more than three years since he was finished (against Nick Thompson in June 2006). Pyle was tapped three times during that time span, though in his defense you also have to add that one of those losses was to top-five welterweight Jake Shields and the other came on extremely short notice against Brock Larson in May.

The Prediction: The fight is pretty much a coin toss with Pyle coming on as the slight favorite based on name value. It will be interesting to see if they will duke it out on the feet or whether the fans will be in for a grapple fest once it does hit the mat. If pressed, go with Pyle as he has finished more high-profile opponents, but don’t be surprised if Wilson walks away with the decision either.