Alexander Gustafsson vs Matt Hamill
11-1 Record 10-3
24 Age 34
6'5 Height 6'2
76.5" Reach 76"
205 Weight 205
-215 Odds +165
How they got here: Hamill steps in for the injured Vladimir Matyushenko after main event lose to Rampage Jackson at UFC 130. Rising star Gustafsson has now won 2 fights in a row by submission after his first career lose to Phil Davis.
What to expect: Hamill could have his hands full with the well rounded and rising star Gustafsson. Hamill does have the advantage in the wrestling department and perhaps has more power in his hands so he will probably try and setup a takedown with strikes. Gustafsson should be the quicker and better conditioned competitor could just outlast Hamill with good takedown defense and actually get a chance for a finish either by TKO or even submission.
My Prediction: Gustafsson by Decision
Chad Mendes vs Rani Yahya
10-0 Record 16-6
26 Age 26
5'6 Height 5'6
66" Reach 68"
146 Weight 145
-625 Odds +425
How they got here: The undefeated Mendes surprisingly elected not to wait a month for a title shot against champion Jose Aldo and instead will take on Yahya. Mendes has now won 5 fights in a row with Zuffa including his UFC debut against Michihiro Omigawa. Yahya is also coming a win in his UFC debut which was against Mike Brown.
What to expect: Classic battle between 2 of the top competitors in their respective backgrounds Mendes being wrestling and Yahya with Jiu Jitsu. Yahya should in be pretty tough against the relentless Mendes who will push for a takedown all fight and when he gets it will completely smoother and control Yahya. Yahya's only hope is to create some space and go for a submission.
My Prediction: Mendes by Decision
Ivan Menjivar vs Nick Pace
22-8 Record 6-1
29 Age 24
5'6 Height 5'7
64" Reach
136 Weight 138
-220 Odds +180
How they got here: Menjivar made the most of his return to the UFC with a great KO win over Charlie Valencia at UFC 129. Pace is coming off a win in his UFC debut over Will Campuzano.
What to expect: The well rounded and more experience Menijvar will look to well..out pace, Pace. Menjivar can win fights pretty much anywhere but with Pace having the advantage in the wresting will be looking to keep this fight standing and get another KO win.
My Prediction: Menjirvar by TKO 3rd Round
Johnny Hendricks vs Mike Pierce
10-1 Record 14-3
27 Age 30
5'10 Height 5'8
69" Reach 71"
170 Weight 172
-105 Odds -125
How they got here: Hendricks is coming off his Knockout Of The Night performance at UFC Fight Night 24 against TJ Waldburger. Pierce has now won 3 in a row after falling to Jon Fitch finishing his last 2 opponents.
What to expect: A battle between to high level wrestlers could end up in a stand up battle with Hendricks having the advantage in that department. Pierce might have the slight advantage in wrestling in what should be a grueling bout for both competitors.
My Prediction: Hendricks by Decision
Mike Brown vs Nam Phan
24-8 Record 16-8
35 Age 28
5'6 Height 5'6
70" Reach 70"
146 Weight 146
-220 Odds +180
How they got here: Brown the former WEC Featherweight Champion has lost his first 2 UFC bouts and could very well be fighting for his job or even his career as retirement has been mentioned. Phan is coming off his contraversial split decision loss to Leonard Garcia in his UFC debut.
What to expect: Brown will be looking to slow down this fight either by taking it to the ground and grinding on Phan or by keeping his distance and picking his shots against the faster Phan. Phan will looking to use that mentioned speed and pick apart Brown.
My Prediction: Brown by Decision
Rafael Natal vs Paul Bradley
12-3-1 Record 16-2
28 Age 28
6'0 Height 5'9
Reach 71"
185 Weight 170.5
-115 Odds -115
How they got here: Natal has had a rough go so far in his UFC career going 0-1-1 so far while having 3 fights cancelled due to injuries and having his original opponent Phillippou moved to the main card. Bradley makes his UFC debut after having won 3 fights in a row all by submission.
What to expect: Bradley, perhaps the more well rounded of the 2 will have his takedown defense tested early and often as Natal will be looking for submissions. Bradley is going to have to keep this standing even with his 3 fight submission win streak and hope to get the better of Natal striking,
My Prediction: Natal by Submission 1st Round
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