UFC Fight Night 18 Breakdown: The Prelims

Jorge Rivera vs. Nissen Osterneck

The Breakdown: Brought in on the heels of a near-upset win over one-time super prospect Jake Rosholt, Osterneck (5-1) now has to deal with rugged UFC veteran Rivera. Handling Rivera (15-7) means getting him on the mat, especially for Osterneck and his rudimentary striking skills. Basically, this is a tough draw for Osterneck, who has to bank on being able to out-wrestle Rivera consistently enough to avoid any firefights on the feet. If that does not work, Rivera will have no trouble re-introducing himself as the middleweight division’s resident gatekeeper.

The X Factor: Osterneck’s only hope revolves around out-grappling Rivera and avoiding his ground-and-pound. While Rivera is solid in the clinch, he is not physically overpowering and has never been a terribly sound wrestler. If Osterneck can somehow force Rivera on the defensive by pressuring him with submissions and avoiding damage, he has the grappling pedigree to make Rivera’s UFC return more bitter than sweet.

* * *

The Bottom Line: Looking up and down this undercard, plenty of guys are fighting for their UFC spot; this fight is no different, save for the fact that Rivera knows the UFC and Osterneck is a total neophyte. Experience aside, Rivera’s bruising style is a nightmare for grapplers who cannot wrestle or strike, the exact category into which Osterneck fits. Watch for Rivera to make this a showcase, as he turns Osterneck into a slab of tenderized meat.