UFC 172 ‘Jones vs. Teixeira’ Preview

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Flyweights

Joseph Benavidez (19-4, 6-2 UFC) vs. Tim Elliott (10-4-1, 2-2 UFC): After losing to Demetrious Johnson for the second time in a year at UFC on Fox 9 in December, Benavidez is in a tough spot. As long as “Mighty Mouse” is flyweight champion, another title run is unlikely for the Team Alpha Male star. However, Benavidez remains capable of beating most anyone else in the division, which puts the UFC in a difficult position when it comes to building new contenders. Elliott is a physical 125-pounder with unorthodox striking, but he will be hard-pressed to match Benavidez’s blend of speed and power, both standing and on the mat. Benavidez takes this by decision or submission.

Lightweights

Isaac Vallie-Flagg (14-4-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Takanori Gomi (34-9, 3-4 UFC): Vallie-Flagg was physically overwhelmed by former Jungle Fight welterweight champion Elias Silverio in his last outing at UFC Fight Night 35. Size should not be a factor here, as both Vallie-Flagg and Gomi have the same height and reach. Gomi has not competed since dropping a contentious split decision to Diego Sanchez at UFC on Fuel TV 8 in March 2013. While “The Fireball Kid” is nowhere near the knockout artist he was during his Pride Fighting Championships prime, Vallie-Flagg must still respect the southpaw striker’s power. Vallie-Flagg will move forward constantly in an attempt to wear down his Japanese opponent with a steady stream of close-quarters offense. Gomi’s growing reluctance to pull the trigger as his career has progressed is a concern against an aggressive foe, especially if he chooses to neglect his underrated wrestling ability. Vallie-Flagg wins by decision.

Women’s Bantamweights

Jessamyn Duke (3-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Bethe Correia (7-0, 1-0 UFC): With the exception of her Octagon debut against Peggy Morgan, Duke is usually going to have a significant height and reach advantage against most of her opponents. This time will be no exception, as the Kentucky native will have a nine-inch reach and six-inch height edge against Correia. Duke is still learning how to successfully implement her physical advantages, but she does have a well-rounded arsenal on the feet that includes jabs, leg kicks and knees in the clinch. Correia can attempt to throw Duke off her rhythm by pressuring her. The Brazilian did that fairly well in a win over Julie Kedzie at UFC Fight Night 33, attacking with power punches and takedowns. Duke takes it by decision.

Lightweights

Danny Castillo (16-6, 6-3 UFC) vs. Charlie Brenneman (19-6, 4-5 UFC): Castillo was on the verge of a finish in the opening round of his UFC on Fox 9 clash with Edson Barboza before the Brazilian rallied to capture a majority decision victory. “Last Call’s” heavy hands and wrestling base should serve him well against the largely one-dimensional Brenneman. Castillo wins by KO or TKO in round one or two.

Bantamweights

Chris Beal (8-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Patrick Williams (7-3, 0-0 UFC): Beal gets his first official UFC opportunity after a stint on “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” during which he lost to eventual bantamweight winner Chris Holdsworth via guillotine choke. Beal is primarily a boxer who, while lacking power, is crisp and accurate. A former wrestler at Arizona State University, Williams is more of a proven finisher than his opponent, and his wrestling base could give Beal some trouble. Beal takes it by decision.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 84-48-1
Career Record: 351-206-2
Last Event (UFC on Fox 11): 11-2
Best Event (UFC Fight Night 40): 7-0
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night 39): 1-9-1