UFC 103 Preview: The Prelims

Robert Emerson vs. Rafael dos Anjos

The Storyline: Dos Anjos was originally scheduled to take on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 5 cast member Matt Wiman, but the handsome Coloradan was forced out of the fight due to a knee injury. Emerson replaced him and had plenty of time to prepare. Emerson has become recognized primarily as a kickboxer, while dos Anjos earned a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Aldo Caveirinha.

The Breakdown: Emerson was submitted by Kurt Pellegrino in his last appearance inside the Octagon. Dos Anjos, a solid black belt himself, has significantly less experience in MMA than Pellegrino. Emerson should plan to sprawl and brawl and hope he can land a highlight reel knockout on the Brazilian, just as Jeremy Stephens did in November.

Dos Anjos looked solid against Stephens before he got knocked out and looked even better against Tyson Griffin in his last bout. The Brazilian wrecked the Xtreme Couture lightweight’s leg with a nasty leg compression in the first round and fought competently standing up, as well. In the end, the fight was much closer than the judgment -- a unanimous decision for Griffin -- suggests.

* * *

The Prediction: Dos Anjos appears to be a more complete fighter with more weapons in his arsenal. Look for him to get his first win inside the UFC, even if he has to work another 15 minutes for it.