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NGANNOU VS FERREIRA

UFC ‘Fight for the Troops 2’ Preview: The Main Card

Jason ProbstJan 19, 2011
Cole Miller (left) | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com


Lightweights
Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman

The Matchup: If the lightweights from Season 5 of “The Ultimate Fighter” have a lasting legacy as a cast, it is that most of them would be even-money to defeat their castmates on a given night. Miller and Wiman are both in the thick of that cohort, competing as mid-level lightweights, a notch below contender status but forever competitive and viable tests for any up-and-comer.

Wiman has proven durable. Outside of his flying-knee knockout loss to Spencer Fisher in which he was drilled after a poorly timed celebration during the bout, his other four defeats are all via decision -- and to some tough guys, including Jim Miller and Roger Huerta. Miller, meanwhile, has an excellent submission game and has grown noticeably more comfortable with stand-up, often opening fights aggressively to create opportunities.

If it were not for a quick-trigger stoppage loss against “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner Efrain Escudero at UFC 103, Miller would be much higher ranked amidst the UFC cadre. Since then, he has put together workmanlike like submissions over Dan Lauzon and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 9 winner Ross Pearson, and he continues to improve. He will have a challenge trying to outwrestle the physically stronger Wiman, but Miller usually is not the stronger guy to begin with. He works to get the fight where he wants it. Wiman has to put him on the defensive early, as Miller tends to build momentum, pressing opponents until they break.

The Pick: Given Wiman’s durability and toughness, this one is likely to go the distance. Look for some good back-and-forth action, with Miller pressing a fast pace and pulling out a close decision win in an exciting fight.