UFC 138: Previewing The Prelims

Michihiro Omigawa vs Jason Young

12-10-1 Record 8-4

35 Age 25

145 Weight 145

5'6 Height 5'9

68" Reach 73"

-420 Odds +280

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Omigawa has now lost 2 in a row in his return to the UFC his most recent was a conterversial decision to Darren Elkins at UFC 131.  Young also fought at UFC 131 which was his debut with the organization, he also dropped a decision his being against Dustin Poirier.

What to expect: Omigawa could be in serious trouble against Young if he is unable to get his fight to the ground in this grappler vs striker bout. Young should be able to do exactly that, keep this fight standing and pick apart Omigawa.

My Prediction: Young by TKO 2nd Round

Phil De Fries vs Rob Broughton

7-0 Record 15-6-1

25 Age 28

Weight 261

6'4 Height 6'2

N/A Reach 74"

-155 Odds +130

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Broughton is coming off his UFC 135 bout with Travis Browne where he gave the prospect a tough fight but eventually lost the decision.  De Fries is another top prospect for Broughton and is making his UFC debut having won all his fights by submission.

What to expect: Broughton was able to survive against the heavy handed Browne and now faces another prospect who is in more of his realm with grappling but De Fries still should be able to get the submission.

My Prediction: De Fries by Submission 2nd Round

Justin Edwards vs John Maguire

7-1 Record 16-3

28 Age 28

171 Weight

5'10 Height 5'9

70" Reach N/A

-120 Odds -110

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Edwards is coming off his first UFC career win where he defeated debuting prospect Jorge Lopez by decision at UFC Fight Night 25.  Maguire is making his UFC debut currently riding a 5 fight win streak.

What to expect: Edwards lost a close decision in his first bout and get by a dangerous prospect his last time out, he seems to have his game plan figured out with his takedowns and will be too much for the debuting Maguire.

My Prediction: Edwards by Decision

Vaughan Lee vs Chris Cariaso

11-6-1 Record 11-3

29 Age 30

135 Weight 135

5'5 Height 5'3

N/A Reach 64.5"

+140 Odds -170

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Cariaso is coming off his UFC 130 split decision loss to Michael McDonald which evened his UFC record at 1-1.  Lee is making his debut on a 3 fight win streak with all 3 wins coming by stoppage and is unbeaten in 5 straight overall.

What to expect: Cariaso has the experience in the big shows having already fought in the UFC twice as well as the WEC and Strikeforce.  Lee to his credit is a well rounded fighter but Cariaso's striking could be too much for him in a tough fought decision.

My Prediction: Cariaso by Decision

Che Mills vs Chris Cope

13-4 Record 5-1

29 Age 28

170.5 Weight 170

5'9 Height 6'0

N/A Reach N/A

-220 Odds +170

Common opponents: none

How they got here: Cope is coming off his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale where he defeated Chuck O'Neil by decision and has won 2 fights in a row.  Mills is finally making his UFC debut after having lost in an Ultimate Fighter season 9 qualifying bout.  Overall Mills has won 4 fights in a row.

What to expect: Cope will want to duplicate his performance he had against O'Neil where he may not be the most skilled fighter in the bout overall but will push the pace and keep coming.  While Mills is the more well rounded of the 2 Cope could be the better striker and with the height advantage that along could be enough for him to get through another decision victory.

My Prediction: Cope by Decision

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