UFC 163 ‘Aldo vs. Korean Zombie’ Preview

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Flyweights

Ian McCall (11-4-1, 0-2-1 UFC) vs. Iliarde Santos (27-7-1, 0-1 UFC): Once regarded by many as the world’s No. 1 flyweight, McCall is still looking for his first UFC victory after three Octagon appearances. He will get his chance against Santos, a former Jungle Fight competitor who lost a bantamweight fight on short notice to Iuri Alcantara at UFC on FX 8. While Santos figures to fare better back at 125 pounds, McCall is on another level. “Uncle Creepy” captures a decision.

Light Heavyweights

Anthony Perosh (13-7, 3-4 UFC) vs. Vinny Magalhaes (10-6, 1-3 UFC): One of the elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners in the sport today, Magalhaes did not have much opportunity to put his skills to use in losing a decision to Phil Davis at UFC 159. This matchup should be ideal for the Syndicate MMA representative, however, as the 41-year-old Perosh is also known for his grappling acumen. While Perosh is good on the ground, Magalhaes is on another level. Being the younger, more athletic fighter does not hurt, either. Magalhaes wins by decision.

Women’s Bantamweights

Amanda Nunes (7-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Sheila Gaff (10-5-1, 0-1 UFC): From May 2008 to January 2011, Nunes authored a six-fight winning streak, stopping each of her victims by technical knockout. Since then, “Lioness” has lost two of three, dropping bouts against foes that were able to overpower her and grind her down. Gaff, a former flyweight, was unable to unleash her hands in losing to Sara McMann at UFC 159. This matchup figures to better suit the aggressive striking of both women, but Nunes’ size and ability to take the fight to the ground could prove to be the difference. Nunes takes a submission in round two.

Welterweights

Neil Magny (8-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Sergio Moraes (7-2, 1-1 UFC): A three-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, Moraes has his work cut out for him if he wants to drag Magny into his world. “The Ultimate Fighter 16” alum has a nine-inch reach advantage on his foe and displayed a stout jab and good takedown defense in dispatching Jon Manley at UFC 157. Magny fights at a smart range and wins via decision.

Featherweights

Rani Yahya (18-7, 3-1 UFC) vs. Josh Clopton (6-1-1, 0-1 UFC): Yahya has quietly compiled a solid resume inside the Octagon, winning three of four fights while losing only to former 145-pound title challenger Chad Mendes. The 2007 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships gold medalist seems like a safe bet against Clopton, who has not competed since falling to Steven Siler at “The Ultimate Fighter 14” Finale in December 2011. Yahya snatches a submission in round two or three.

Light Heavyweights

Francimar Barroso (15-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ednaldo Oliveira (13-1-1, 0-1 UFC): Originally scheduled to face Robert Drysdale, Oliveira instead locks horns with Barroso after Drysdale withdrew from the bout due to a staph infection. Oliveira made his UFC debut at heavyweight, losing to Gabriel Gonzaga via rear-naked choke at UFC 142. A member of the renowned Nova Uniao team, Barroso has finished 14 of his 15 victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. Oliveira scores a TKO in round one.

Welterweights

Bristol Marunde (12-8, 0-1 UFC) vs. Viscardi Andrade (14-5): Marunde drops to 170 pounds after losses to Ronaldo Souza and Clint Hester in his last two outings. Andrade, meanwhile, carries a six-fight winning streak into his promotional debut. Going to the judges probably is not the most desirable option for Marunde here, but he has not done anything lately to suggest a spectacular finish is in his future. Andrade notches a decision.