UFC 129 Preview: The Prelims

Yves Jabouin (right) has knockout power in his hands and feet. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Matchup: Jabouin’s eight-minute war with Mark Hominick at WEC 49 was an instant classic. Despite losing via knockout, he did more to raise his profile in that fight than some guys do in a win. Garza rebounded from a quick guillotine loss to Tiequan Zhang with a flying knee blowout of Fredson Paixao at “The Ultimate Fighter 12” Finale.

There are no mysteries here, as Garza will want to get it to the ground, while Jabouin will look to explode standing with his flashy kicks and headhunting bombs. Good pitching usually beats good hitting in baseball, and in MMA, good wrestling does the same. However, when hitting wins -- in either case -- it does so memorably, and Jabouin is wily enough to get plenty of chances on the feet.

The Pick: Jabouin by second-round knockout.

Next Fight: Ivan Menjivar vs. Charlie Valencia