UFC 132 Preview: The Prelims

Aaron Simpson (top) has a wrestling advantage over Brad Tavares. | Photo: D. Mandel

The Matchup: Call it wrestler versus talented brawler, but whatever it is, Tavares-Simpson is a clear-cut case of two guys wanting to do different things and butting heads in the process of deciding who gets his way. Simpson, an excellent wrestler with developing hands, will look to take this to the mat and push out a win, either by accumulated ground- and-pound or decision.

Tavares showed resilience and calm in dispatching Phil Baroni at UFC 125 on New Year’s Day. Like every other fighter from Hawaii, he is a tough nut to crack, willing to trade and pretty much fearless in going punch-for-punch.

On a technical level, Simpson has more advantages, but Tavares can hit hard and seems to have the conditioning to do it all night long. If Tavares wants to win, he has to discourage Simpson early by stuffing takedowns and getting off first with strikes, instead of waiting to counter. Simpson, like most elite wrestlers making the transition to MMA, relies on an in-close, dirty boxing-style approach rather than trying to strike too much from range. It allows him to transition into clinches and takedowns while doing damage and keeping foes off-balance.

This fight could have some wild momentum swings on the feet, but Simpson has an ace card -- great wrestling -- to negate bad situations. He may get rocked a time or two, but he has gotten more comfortable with striking and being hit since his loss to Chris Leben at “The Ultimate Fighter 11” Finale last summer.

The Pick: Simpson will trade in spots and hit takedowns, enough to wear Tavares out and pile up points en route to a unanimous decision.

Next Fight: Andre Winner vs. Anthony Njokuani