UFC Fight Night 19 Preview: The Prelims

Ryan Jensen vs. Steve Steinbeiss

The Storyline: Omaha’s Ryan Jensen has had the unfortunate pleasure of drawing three consecutive BJJ black belts in his first three trips to the Octagon. Pitting him against an opponent that prefers to stand and bang in the opening fight of the night appears to be Joe Silva’s way of saying thank-you to the well-rounded 31-year-old. Steve Steinbeiss, who like his older brother Ray made a name for himself in the defunct Bodog Fight promotion, is dropping down from 205 pounds for this fight.

The Breakdown: Bodog matchmaker Miguel Iturrate liked both Steinbeiss brothers when he brought them in for the fledgling promotion in 2006, despite the younger Steve having no previous MMA experience. Steve paid back the faith with three appealing performances, the best being a big knockout over well-rounded Frenchman Antony Rea in his last fight. He snatched two more first-round wins over local opponents before being picked up by the WEC last November.

A win over former Cage Rage middleweight contender Curtis Stout was Jensen’s ticket to the UFC. He was used as a stepping-stone for three high-level black belts who all finished him within the first round. Against Steinbeiss, Jensen is fighting an opponent at a similar level for the first time in his UFC career. Will he do good on his promise to stand and trade with the Arizonan or seek refuge on the mat, this time knowing he should have the advantage there?

The Prediction: Steinbeiss appears to be the physically bigger and stronger fighter in this matchup. Jensen has more experience with top-class opponents, however, and is technically more advanced. Go with technique over power as Jensen picks up his first UFC win with a first-round submission.