TUF 9 Finale Preview: The Prelims

Cameron Dollar vs. Jason Dent

The Breakdown: After going 0-2 in his first UFC run and getting knocked out of “The Ultimate Fighter” tournament, Dent is staring down the barrel of what is likely his last UFC shot against up-and-coming Fight Factory product Cameron Dollar. Considering his undistinguished track record in the UFC thus far, you have to wonder if Dent is a Chris Webber-level choke artist just waiting to step on his own shoelaces. Then again, Dollar is an unproven commodity trying to carve out a UFC spot despite holding a thin 2-1 record against local competition. Whoever wins will be the one who manages to overcome the laundry list of variables working against him.

The X Factor: With both men preferring the submission game, who can control the takedowns and positioning will be critical. The problem is that neither man is much of a wrestler, so it may not be a matter of who controls the takedowns as much as who is willing to do the most with the ones they get. Keep an eye out early to see who is willing to get after it on the mat, as aggression will be a deciding factor in this one.

The Bottom Line: It’ll be an even fight throughout. Neither fighter will manage to secure the upper hand, but Dollar’s willingness to prove his mettle and risk his hide will win him a razor-thin split decision.