UFC 113 Preview: The Prelims

Tim Hague vs. Joey Beltran

The Breakdown: After breaking the hearts of Gracie jiu-jitsu fans the world over at UFC 109, Beltran’s second crack at the cage comes against the walking skyscraper known as Tim Hague. Hague is a short-notice replacement for undefeated prospect Chad Corvin. Before stepping up, he had been released by the UFC after getting insta-cracked by Todd Duffee and dropping an inexplicable majority decision to Chris Tuchscherer.

Holding onto a UFC spot this time around will require Hague to get more mileage out of his massive size advantage, which is particularly obvious against Beltran. Hague hasn’t got more previously because he’s an uncoordinated striker and ineffective wrestler. He mostly gets by on gradually mauling opponents from up close.

Working in close quarters is Beltran’s specialty. He excels at pressing opponents against the cage and unloading with punches. However, Beltran outmuscling Hague against the cage is about as likely as the return of pogs, and the fact is he’s a small heavyweight taking on someone who might as well be twice his size. Hague may not have much in the way of offensive skills, but he’s really big and can take a punch. Sometimes that’s plenty enough in the heavyweight division.

The Bottom Line: Beltran keeps a solid pace to make up for his lack of KO power, but the strain of trying to bull around Hague will be too much to sustain. The early going will be all Beltran, but Hague is tougher than Arizona on non-whites. A battered Beltran will make it to the final bell only to see Hague take a hard-fought decision win.