UFC Fight Night 30 Preview

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Lightweights

Piotr Hallmann (14-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Al Iaquinta (6-2-1, 1-1 UFC): Hallmann deserves serious recognition for winning his Octagon debut. Beating massive 155-pounder Francisco Trinaldo in Brazil is no joke, especially considering that Hallmann appeared to be in serious danger after absorbing a number of body kicks in the opening round. The Pole is most comfortable in the clinch and on the ground, which will serve him well against Iaquinta, who blends technical standup with a solid takedown game. The Serra-Longo Fight Team representative fought for the first time in more than a year at UFC 164, where he took a clear-cut decision over Ryan Couture. Hallmann takes this by decision.

Middleweights

Luke Barnatt (6-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Andrew Craig (9-1, 3-1): A member of “The Ultimate Fighter 17” cast, Barnatt notched his first Octagon triumph at the show’s April finale, relying on an assortment of strikes to best Collin Hart. Despite his 6-foot-6 frame, Barnatt will only own a one-inch reach advantage against the 6-foot-1 Craig. This feels like a step down for Craig, who already owns victories over veterans Kyle Noke, Rafael Natal and Chris Leben. Barnatt needs to make liberal use of his jab to control the tempo of this fight, but he will find that offense will not come as easy against a battle-tested foe. Craig wins by decision or TKO.

Women’s Bantamweights

Rosi Sexton (13-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Jessica Andrade (9-3, 0-1 UFC): Sexton was game in her promotional debut against Alexis Davis, but ultimately, her size disadvantage cost her in a unanimous decision defeat at UFC 161. Better suited to flyweight, the former Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder will often be the smaller fighter for as long as she competes in the Octagon. Andrade also faced a tough task in her first UFC appearance, as she was overpowered by the physical Liz Carmouche in losing via second-round TKO at UFC on Fox 8. Andrade is dangerous on the mat -- she even threatened Carmouche with a submission -- so look for Sexton to try utilize striking, movement and clinch work. Youth is on the 22-year-old Andrade’s side, but Sexton’s veteran guile nets her a decision.

Featherweights

Andy Ogle (9-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Cole Miller (19-8, 8-6 UFC): Ogle earned his seventh win in eight outings at UFC on Fuel TV 7, outpointing the once highly touted Josh Grispi. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 15 alum is not spectacular in any one area, but he is effective landing offense on his feet and via ground-and-pound. He takes a significant step up in competition against Miller, a lanky featherweight who will own a seven-inch reach edge on fight night. Miller has struggled against opponents with heavy top games, but Ogle is not quite at that level. Miller wins by submission in round two.

Featherweights

Jim Hettes (10-1, 2-1) vs. Robert Whiteford (10-1, 0-0 UFC): Before he lost to Marcus Brimage at UFC 152, Hettes had generated a considerable amount of hype for his work in victories of Nam Phan and Alex Caceres. Hettes appeared to be a dominant force, particularly in going the distance against Phan, scoring takedowns at will and overwhelming his opponent with punches, elbows and submission attempts. The judo repertoire of “The Kid” will carry him against Whiteford, a late replacement for the injured Mike Wilkinson. Hettes snares a submission in round one or two.

Middleweights

Michael Kuiper (12-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Brad Scott (8-2, 0-1 UFC): Scott was outgunned on the feet against Robert Whittaker in “The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes” final in December and would likely prefer to dictate the action through clinches and wrestling this time around. Kuiper, a judo black belt, demonstrated his knockout power by stopping Jared Hamman at UFC 150. However, despite decent takedown defense, Kuiper is vulnerable to submissions. Scott’s favored approach will be difficult against a judo specialist. Kuiper wins by decision.

TRACKING TRISTEN 2013

Overall Record: 197-119
Last Event (UFC 166): 10-3
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8/UFC Fight Night 28): 5-6