UFC Fight Night 19 Preview: The Prelims

Brock Larson vs. Mike Pierce

The Storyline: Larson has an excellent record, but it hasn’t been built against the best of opposition. His run in the WEC was impressive, though, and in addition to a TKO over BJJ black belt Carlo Prater, he holds a win over former Shooto Pacific Rim champion Keita Nakamura. Now he’s trying to climb the UFC welterweight ranks.

The Breakdown: Larson comes from the same camp as his much more prominent namesake Brock Lesnar and former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk, whom he also calls one of his role models. As a result, his fighting style resembles that of the “Muscle Shark,” focusing on wrestling with the odd submission thrown in for good measure. Larson is currently riding a five-fight win streak.

Pierce is a stocky ground-and-pound machine who holds wins over TUF 7’s Mike Dolce, IFL veteran Mark Miller and most recently highly touted collegiate wrestler Paul Bradley, who was 10-0 prior to their fight and whom he beat on points. Pierce has been a regular for Oregon promotion Sportfight, where he has been the welterweight champion.

The Prediction: This is Larson’s fight to lose. Pierce is a tough nut to crack, however, so expect them to go the distance before the Minnesotan can snatch another W.