UFC 136: Previewing The Prelims

Demian Maia vs Jorge Santiago

14-3 Record 23-9

33 Age 30

186 Weight 185

6'0 Height 6'1

72" Reach 74"

-275 Odds +300

How they got here: Maia is coming off his UFC 131 decision loss to Mark Munoz and is 8-3 overall in the UFC.  Santiago made his return to the UFC after 4 years fighting outside the organization, he ended up losing to Brian Stann in that return at UFC 130.

What to expect: Maia, who doesn't have a submission win in 6 fights could go back to that strength after having stuck with his improving standup in most of his recent bouts.  Santiago though has been knocked out in most of his loses so it could be a tempting game plan for Maia to try and stand with Santiago but coming off a lose the best bet it probably Maia going back to his bread and butter.

My prediction: Maia by Submission 2nd Round

Anthony Pettis vs Jeremy Stephens
14-2 Record 20-6

24 Age 25
155 Weight 156
5'10 Height 5'9
72" Reach 71"
-295 Odds +240

How they got here: Pettis who was the WEC champion and had a potential title shot in line took a fight against Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale instead to make his UFC debut but ended up losing a decision.  Stephens has won 2 fights in a row and his most recent was on the the same card as Pettis against Danny Downes who he beat by decision.

What to expect: Pettis is going to want to avoid Stephens brawling style and be the more technical striker while keeping his distance.  He could however elect to get in close on Stephens and get a takedown and work his superior submission game.

My prediction: Pettis by Decision

Joey Beltran vs Stipe Miocic

13-5 Record 6-0

29 Age 29

247 Weight 241

6'2 Height 6'4

75" Reach N/A

+170 Odds -185

How they got here: Beltran got him self back into the win column with a TKO win over Aaron Rosa at UFC 131.  Miocic, one of the best Heavyweight prospects is making his UFC debut having won all 6 of his fights by stoppage.

What to expect: Beltran will want to keep on the outside and use his leg kicks to chop down Miocic.  Miocic should be able to work inside for a takedown and get a ground and pound TKO win.

My prediction: Miocic by TKO 1st Round

Darren Elkins vs Tie Quan Zhang 

12-2 Record 15-1

27 Age 33

146 Weight 145.5

5'10 Height 5'9

71" Reach 69"

+125 Odds -150

How they got here: Elkins is coming off his Featherweight debut and conterversal decision win over Michihiro Omigawa at UFC 131.  Zhang is coming off his impressive UFC debut where he submitted Jason Reinhardt at UFC 127.

What to expect: Zhang should be able to get Elkins down and control him on the mat while looking for a submission.

My prediction: Zhang by Submission 2nd Round

Aaron Simpson vs Eric Schafer
10-2 Record 12-5-2

37 Age 34
185 Weight 205
6'0 Height 6'3
73" Reach N/A
-325 Odds +260

How they got here: Simpson has now won 2 in a row with his most recent win coming over Brad Tavares at UFC 132.  Schafer makes his return to the UFC replacing an injured Nick Catone.  Schafer won his Middleweight debut in his last fight by submission.

What to expect: 2 fighters who are great in their own respected ground game with Schafer has the great submission and Jiu Jitsu game Simpson is the standout wrestler.  We could see some respect for each others ground game and keep this fight standing but most likely we will see Simpson go for the takedown and control Schafer on his back.

My prediction: Simpson by Decision

Steve Cantwell vs Mike Massenzio
7-4 Record 12-5

24 Age 28
206 Weight 201
6'2 Height 6'2
75" Reach 73.5"
-160 Odds +135

How they got here: Cantwell's job with the UFC is surely on the line after having lost 3 in a row most recently against Cyrille Diabate at UFC Live 3.  Massenzio's latest fight was his debut in the Light Heavyweight division where he lost to Krzysztof Soszynski at UFC 131 could also be fighting for his job as well.

What to expect: The size difference of Cantwell coming down in weight shouldn't be too much of an issue for Massenzio who should be able to get Cantwell down to the mat and control him from there.

My prediction: Massenzio by Decision

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