UFC 100 Preview: The Prelims

Matt Grice (9-2) vs. Shannon Gugerty (11-3)

The Breakdown: After taking heartbreaking losses in their most recent Octagon appearances, both Grice and Gugerty need a UFC skin to stay under the banner, so expect a tooth-and-nail affair. Grice’s base resides in ground-and-pound and Gugerty’s submissions are his best weapon, but neither is shy about going for broke with whatever he can muster. Whoever finds the openings during a match bound to feature a frenetic pace will keep his UFC career intact.

The X Factor: Barring a quick finish, conditioning will loom large sooner or later as these two work an ironman pace. If either man tries to catch his breath, he will be a sitting duck, as both fighters have the offense to end this scrap in short order. Whoever has to take a breather first will likely end up taking an extra long nap courtesy of his would-be quarry.

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The Bottom Line: A coin-flip fight will start with Grice wrecking shop thanks to his ground-and-pound, but his notoriously dicey submission defense will eventually make an appearance. When that happens, Gugerty will be ready to pounce with a submission that Grice will not be able to muscle his way out of. A crackling fight turns Gugerty’s way but not before everyone joins both fighters’ fan clubs.