UFC 126 Preview: The Prelims

Paul Taylor (left) | Sherdog.com

The Matchup: Taylor is rarely in a boring fight, and this one should prove no exception. With Ruediger’s comeback trail leading him once more to the UFC and a stacked lightweight division, this looks like another “pink slipper,” at least for the man who made eating cake on “The Ultimate Fighter” a permanent inside joke. After losing to Joe Lauzon in embarrassing fashion at UFC 118, Ruediger needs a win here.

When he is on-point, Ruediger has a potent ground game and some ability. Taylor, however, has shown more consistency against a higher level of opposition, and though he has dropped recent decisions to John Hathaway and Sam Stout, he has also proven exceptionally durable of late, even at welterweight against guys like Hathaway and veteran Chris Lytle.

The Pick: Expect Ruediger to let it hang out and try and press the pace to force a submission, with Taylor getting the better of the action through conditioning and superior stand-up; Taylor by third-round knockout.

Next Fight: Kingsbury vs. Romero