Middleweights
Jared Hamman (13-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Michael Kuiper (11-1, 0-1 UFC): The normally durable Hamman was blasted by Constantinos Philippou in his last outing, falling via strikes in the first round at UFC 140. Still, Hamman’s aggression and willingness to let his hands go will be his greatest asset here. Kuiper was unable to stay on his feet in his Octagon debut against Rafael Natal at UFC 143. Based on that performance, it is unclear how well Kuiper will be able to apply his judo background. Both men are capable of finishing fights with their hands. Hamman wins by second-round TKO.
Featherweights
Dennis Bermudez (8-3, 1-1 UFC) vs. Tommy Hayden (8-1, 0-1 UFC): Bermudez used a powerful top game and ground-and-pound to take a one-sided unanimous decision victory over Pablo Garza in his last outing. “The Menace” has a decent right hand, but his striking defense has failed him in the past. That should not be a factor against Hayden, who fell to Fabricio Camoes in his UFC debut. Bermudez controls the bout with takedowns and pounds his way to a stoppage late in the first round.
Bantamweights
Ken Stone (11-3, 2-1 UFC) vs. Erik Perez (11-4, 1-0 UFC): By defeating Dustin Pague for his second consecutive victory inside the Octagon, Stone continues to gradually erase the memories of brutal defeats at the hands of Eddie Wineland and Scott Jorgensen earlier in his career. Meanwhile, Perez pulled a mild upset at “The Ultimate Fighter 15” Finale, submitting John Albert with an armbar in the first round. The Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts product proved resourceful on the mat in escaping from a couple Albert submissions before forcing the tapout. This will be a high-energy affair, with Perez fighting his way out of danger to earn a hard-fought decision.
Bantamweights
Dustin Pague (11-6, 1-2 UFC) vs. Chico Camus (11-3, 0-0 UFC): Pague’s busy summer continues, as he takes his third fight in as many months against Roufusport product Camus. “The Disciple” will threaten with submissions throughout before forcing Camus to ask out of the contest in round three.
Featherweights
Nik Lentz (21-5-2, 5-2-1 UFC) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (18-8-2, 0-1 UFC): After going 5-2-1 with one no contest as a UFC lightweight, Lentz will make his 145-pound debut. Mitsuoka was knocked out by Takanori Gomi in his first UFC appearance, but the 36-year-old does hold notable victories over Gleison Tibau, Joachim Hansen and Rodrigo Damm during his MMA career. Lentz dictates the location of the action, avoids submissions and wins a decision.