Preliminary Bouts
Travis Browne (12-0-1, 3-0-1 UFC) vs. Chad Griggs (11-1, 0-0 UFC) In 2010, Griggs was expected to be little more than a stepping-stone for the much-hyped Bobby Lashley at Strikeforce “Houston.” Somebody forget to tell “The Grave Digger,” and he now brings a six-fight winning streak into his bout with Browne. The Hawaiian should benefit from a second full camp with Jackson’s MMA as he looks to bounce back from a tepid showing against Rob Broughton at UFC 135. Browne ends Griggs’ run by TKO in round one.
Welterweights
Matt Brown (13-11, 6-5 UFC) vs. Stephen Thompson (6-0, 1-0 UFC)Ten fights’ Octagon experience separates these two, but Thompson has the look of a future star. The South Carolina native didn’t do anything to dispel the idea that he is the American version of Lyoto Machida with his head-kick knockout of Daniel Stittgen in his UFC debut. Brown never backs down from a slugfest, but he has the ability to test Thompson on the ground if necessary. Brown won’t be able to resist trading with Thompson, however, and he falls via unanimous decision.
Lightweights
John Makdessi (9-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Anthony Njokuani (14-6, 1-2 UFC)Makdessi struggled mightily against Dennis Hallman at UFC 140, as Hallman never allowed “The Bull” to use his diverse striking arsenal. Njoukani is a much friendlier matchup because he favors the standup game as well. This will come down to which striker can impose his will. Look for Makdessi to rebound and get the decision.
Lightweights
Mac Danzig (20-9, 4-5 UFC) vs. Efrain Escudero (18-4, 3-3 UFC)A pair of “TUF” alums who have experienced mixed results in the UFC could be fighting for their jobs here. Danzig can land combinations and is comfortable on the ground, as he showed in a heartbreaking loss to Matt Wiman at UFC Live 6. Escudero is skilled on the mat as well, and whoever can win in the scrambles and transitions will have the edge. Danzig outworks Escudero to earn a late submission or decision.
Welterweights
Chris Clements (10-4, 0-0 UFC) vs. Keith Wisniewski (28-13-1, 0-2 UFC)Clements, a pupil of the late Shawn Tompkins, has earned all 10 of his victories by knockout or technical knockout, including recent finishes of UFC veterans Jonathan Goulet and Rich Clementi. Wisniewski is a durable veteran who would prefer to contest the fight at close range. Wisniewski takes advantage of his aggressive foe and forces a tapout in round one.
Featherweights
Marcus Brimage (4-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Maximo Blanco (8-3-1, 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)“TUF 14” competitor Brimage showed solid combinations and good takedown defense in a victory over Stephen Bass this past December. Blanco, meanwhile, succumbed to a rear-naked choke against cagey veteran Pat Healy in his last outing. The former lightweight King of Pancrase is capable of delivering tremendous action in the cage, and he will not disappoint in earning a second-round knockout of Brimage.