UFC 113 Preview: The Prelims

Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Michael Guymon

The Breakdown: Front choke connoisseur Yoshida has gone from vaunted welterweight contender to … well, no one knows exactly how Yoshida fits in the current welterweight climate after getting brutally knocked out in two of his last three bouts. Longtime KOTC contender Guymon is just trying to hold onto a UFC spot after getting tapped out in the first round of his Octagon debut.

Clearly someone is going to take a step back here. Guymon’s still nascent offense puts him at a distinct disadvantage. Yoshida may not have much to offer on the feet, but he knows his limitations and uses his judo background with great aplomb. Combined with a nasty front headlock series, Yoshida is built to twist necks into submission and Guymon doesn’t have the requisite tools to stop him.

Solid in all areas but missing key skills like takedown defense and footwork, Guymon won’t be able to stay away from Yoshida’s lethal clinch. Both Anthony Johnson and Josh Koscheck showed that the way to beat Yoshida is to keep him at arm’s length and with a fist in his face. Guymon doesn’t have the brute physicality or takedown defense those two used so mercilessly against Yoshida, which leaves him with no choice but to try and beat Yoshida at his own game.

The Bottom Line: Yoshida is never going to make a run at the welterweight title, but he’ll win this fight. As soon as he gets a hold of the clinch, Guymon is going to hit the floor and have to immediately fend off Yoshida’s slick front headlock series.