UFC 100 Preview: The Prelims

CB Dollaway (8-1) vs. Tom Lawlor (5-1, 1 NC)

The Breakdown: A clash of “The Ultimate Fighter” alumni comes down to the takedown game, as both Dollaway and Lawlor depend on dominating top control to deliver offense. That does not bode well for Lawlor, as he must grapple with a better wrestler who also happens to have a surprising knack for submissions. Of course, Dollaway’s submission skills end with offense, as he has the bad habit of leaving limbs dangling. That could serve as Lawlor’s escape from the Dollaway wrestle-rama.

The X Factor: Besides leg kicks, Dollaway does not have much of a clue standing; his movement is clumsy, and he has the defensive skills of a spastic teenager. Though Lawlor is hardly world-class on the feet, if he can muster up some takedown defense and press Dollaway with punches, it will not be long before a few find their target. At this point, Dollaway still banks on his wrestling to win fights, and he struggles mightily anytime someone puts a crimp in his plans.

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The Bottom Line: Let’s call this what it is -- a showcase fight for Dollaway. The UFC’s machinations will come to light quickly, as Dollaway plants Lawlor on his back and turns this bout into a thrashing. Sooner or later, Lawlor will realize his only way out is the referee’s sense of compassion, as Dollaway notches a steamroll job on his ledger.