UFC Fight Night 39 Preview

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Featherweights

Diego Brandao (18-9, 4-2 UFC) vs. Will Chope (19-6, 0-1 UFC): Brandao certainly has his flaws as a fighter, most notably a tendency to fade late in fights, but his ferocity can also be unnerving. While Brandao has fallen short against the likes Darren Elkins and Dustin Poirier, the 6-foot-4 Chope will provide him with a huge target on which to unleash his fury. Chope does own a massive 12-inch reach edge, but that should not prevent the Brazilian from closing the distance. Brandao finishes the fight in the first round.

Middleweights

Ronny Markes (14-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Thiago Santos (8-2, 0-1 UFC): To the surprise of many, Markes was able to land a couple of takedowns against Olympic silver medalist Yoel Romero Palacio at UFC Fight Night 31. However, Markes eventually succumbed to the Cuban’s powerful hands to lose via knockout. He should be better able to impose his will through takedowns and ground-and-pound against Santos, who was submitted in 47 seconds by Cezar Ferreira in his promotional debut. Markes wins by decision or submission.

Flyweights

Scott Jorgensen (14-8, 3-4 UFC) vs. Jussier da Silva (15-3, 1-2 UFC): Jorgensen had a rough 125-pound debut, as he was outstruck and out-grappled by Zach Makovsky at UFC on Fox 9 in December. Da Silva, meanwhile, has fallen from the ranks of the flyweight elite after suffering spectacular knockout losses to John Dodson and Joseph Benavidez. “Formiga” remains a dangerous grappler capable of spending entire rounds attached to an opponent’s back. Da Silva’s striking is limited, so Jorgensen may elect to use his wrestling to keep the bout standing. However, Jorgensen’s striking is not daunting enough to prevent the Brazilian from closing distance. Da Silva takes it by decision.

Welterweights

Kenny Robertson (12-3, 1-3 UFC) vs. Thiago de Oliveira Perpetuo (9-2-1, 1-1 UFC): Although Robertson has achieved limited success in the Octagon, his modified kneebar of Brock Jardine at UFC 157, which focused on his opponent’s hamstring, remains one of the more creative submissions in recent memory. Robertson will want to keep Perpetuo grounded, as the Brazilian owns seven of his nine career victories via knockout. Perpetuo wins by KO or TKO in round two.

Featherweights

Noad Lahat (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Godofredo Castro (9-3, 1-3 UFC): Castro is skilled enough on the ground, but he often surrenders position too easily. Making matters worse, he is vulnerable to foes capable of unleashing heavy strikes from above. If he is unable to sweep and transition consistently, he could be in for a long night. Lahat, who has been training at the American Kickboxing Academy, has proven himself proficient at getting opponents to the ground and keeping them there. Castro will test him by being active from his back, but Lahat should be able to maintain control consistently enough to earn a decision.

Light Heavyweight

Francimar Barroso (16-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Hans Stringer (21-5-3, 0-0 UFC): A former Shooto Brazil champion, Barroso relied primarily on leg kicks to win his first Octagon appearance against Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 163. Meanwhile, battling Francisco France to a draw at World Series of Fighting 6 apparently earned Stringer a call-up to the UFC. To be fair, Stringer was probably ahead in that fight until a third-round point deduction for multiple groin strikes. Look for Stringer to try and grind down Barroso in the clinch and on the mat. Barroso wins by decision or TKO.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 55-34
Career Record: 322-192-1
Last Event (UFC 171): 4-9
Best Event (“The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale): 9-1
Worst Event (UFC 171): 4-9