UFC on Fox 3 ‘Diaz vs. Miller’ Preview

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Lightweights

Tony Ferguson (13-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (10-6, 2-2 UFC): Ferguson is a solid boxer with dangerous counterpunching skills, and his wrestling is good enough to allow him to dictate the location of his fights. Johnson, a late replacement for Thiago Tavares, was solid in a decision victory over Shane Roller at UFC on Fox 2. While Johnson has good hand speed, Ferguson hits harder and is more comfortable in the pocket. Ferguson wins by decision.

Flyweights

John Dodson (12-5, 1-0 UFC) vs. Timothy Elliott (8-2-1, 0-0 UFC): Despite looking dominant in a first-round TKO triumph against T.J. Dillashaw at bantamweight, “The Magician” has elected to test the waters at 125 pounds, his natural weight class. Once regarded as one the Top 10 flyweights in the world, Dodson has all the tools to be a legitimate title contender. After a rough start to his career, Elliot has reeled off eight consecutive victories, finishing Josh Rave in just 28 seconds in his last outing. Dodson has faced the tougher competition over the course of his career, and he stops Elliott with strikes in round two.

Welterweights

John Hathaway (15-1, 5-1 UFC) vs. Pascal Krauss (10-0, 1-0 UFC): These two were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 138, but injuries forced both men from the November card. In fact, Krauss has not competed since November 2010, when he defeated Mark Scanlon via unanimous decision at UFC 122. This one comes down to who can impose his will on the ground. Look for Hathaway to land the heavier shots from top position and take a decision.

Flyweights

Louis Gaudinot (5-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. John Lineker (19-5, 0-0 UFC): Gaudinot looked badly overmatched against Johnny Bedford at “The Ultimate Fighter 14” Finale, but that was at bantamweight. As a flyweight, “Goodnight” should be much more effective. A veteran of Jungle Fight and Shooto, Lineker has won his last 13 fights. Gaudinot wins by decision.

Lightweights

Danny Castillo (13-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. John Cholish (8-1, 1-0 UFC): Castillo, a Team Alpha Male product, has won five of his last six and knows how to use his wrestling to control the tempo of a fight. Cholish displayed solid striking in his UFC debut against Mitch Clarke, and the Renzo Gracie pupil is even more dangerous on the ground. Cholish will be able to respond if Castillo chooses a conservative approach; the former Ring of Combat champion wins by decision.

Featherweights

Dennis Bermudez (7-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Pablo Garza (11-2, 2-1 UFC): Things were going well for Bermudez at the “The Ultimate Fighter 14” Finale, but his aggression would eventually prove to be his undoing against Diego Brandao. Still, “The Menace” has decent power and a solid wrestling base with which to work. Expect him to use the latter to keep Garza on his back for a late stoppage or decision victory.

Middleweights

Mike Massenzio (13-6, 2-4 UFC) vs. Karlos Vemola (8-2, 1-2 UFC): A decorated wrestler with a decent gas tank, Massenzio fell victim to Rousimar Palhares in his most recent appearance at UFC 142. Vemola is physically strong at 205 pounds, and his aggressive approach will put Massenzio’s defensive wrestling to the test. If Massenzio cannot get back on his feet after being taken down, it could be a long night. Vemola takes it by second-round TKO.

Bantamweights

Roland Delorme (7-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Nick Denis (11-2, 1-0 UFC): Delorme was opportunistic in his Octagon debut, dropping Josh Ferguson with a left hand before pouncing for the rear-naked choke at the “The Ultimate Fighter 14” Finale. Denis was even more impressive in his initial UFC appearance, smashing Joseph Sandoval with elbows from the clinch at UFC on FX 1. Of course, anyone who witnessed Denis’ slam knockout of Nick Mamalis in October knows the “Ninja of Love” is capable of violent exploits in the cage. Denis avoids Delorme’s submissions and wins by TKO in round two or three.