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FIGHT ODDS

UFC Live 5 Preview: The Prelims

Jason ProbstAug 12, 2011
Ed Herman (file photo) was sharp in his return from a long layoff. | Photo: D. Mandel


Middleweights
Kyle Noke (19-4-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Ed Herman (21-9, 5-5 UFC)

The Matchup: Once a participant in the thrilling finale to Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which he lost to Kendall Grove, Herman’s post-reality series career has been somewhat disappointing. Interrupted by two reconstructive knee surgeries that kept him away from the cage for almost two years, his standup has not progressed at a rate comparable to many of his “The Ultimate Fighter” counterparts.

Noke has improved from his earlier days as a fighter in B-level promotions like EliteXC. Now 3-0 in the UFC after wins over Josh Bryant, Rob Kimmons and Chris Camozzi, the Australian is on a roll and increasingly willing to go wherever the fight takes him.

The Pick: These middleweights are experienced -- between them they have 54 fights -- but Noke’s momentum makes the difference. Herman is a superior wrestler. Still, Noke should be able to survive and squirm out of bad positions, his standup providing a critical edge on his way to a decision.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Ronny Markes vs. Karlos Vemola