Gray Maynard (10-1-1, 1 NC, 8-1-1, 1 NC, UFC) vs. Clay Guida (29-12, 9-6 UFC)
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Sam Stout (17-7-1, 6-6 UFC) vs. Spencer Fisher (24-8, 9-7 UFC)
A third bout between Stout and Fisher meeting does not mean a whole lot in the realm of a potential title shot. Although, in terms of entertainment value, however, few fights have delivered like the first two matchups between Stout and Fisher. The third could provide some nice closure to their rivalry and potentially bring out the best in them one more time.
Working in Stouts favour is the fact that he is not the top-control grappler that usually gives Fisher problems. Stout definitely prefers to keep the action upright and put his smooth muay Thai to work. Stout mixes punches and kicks in his combinations and is equally comfortable attacking the head, body or legs of his opponents. In the pocket, he lands with volume and accuracy; his body punches can be especially devastating.
Fisher generally connects with more force behind his punches, and he is always ready and willing to put his versatile striking to use in a brawl. Fisher will have to maintain solid lateral movement and make good use of counters punches to capture the rubber match; otherwise Stout will land with variety and rack up the points.
My Pick: Stout seems to have more left in the tank these days than his old rival. There will be some high-energy exchanges, but Stout will land with more volume en route to a decision victory.
Brian Ebersole (49-14-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. T.J.Waldburger (15-6, 3-1 UFC)
The now Australian based Ebersole looks to add to his 10-fight winning streak against Waldburger, who has a slick grappling game with outstanding submission ability. Ebersole is a 65-fight veteran, Ebersole has already proven he can hold his own with ground specialists during his brief UFC tenure, surviving dangerous positions in victories against the likes of high calibre fighters like Chris Lylte and Clause Patrick
Waldburger has won three of four in the Octagon; his one defeat came at the hands of top welterweight contender Johny Hendricks (who recently decisioned Josh Koscheck) in a first-round knockout. With five of his six career defeats coming in similar fashion with knockout losses,Waldburger’s chin has proven to be somewhat suspect. It should not be too much of an issue against Ebersole, who as a former collegiate wrestler who uses his stand up primarily to initiate clinches and set up takedowns. Waldburger will want to follow a similar game plan, and much of his success rides on his ability to make the wrestler fight from his back.
Ebersole, with a vast array of experience against opponents of all sizes, is far more seasoned than most of Waldburger’s UFC competition to date, however.
Ebersole’s wrestling is his trump card, and he has also proven himself capable of reversing position when he finds himself on bottom. Look for Ebersole to be effective in the clinch, as well, softening up Waldburger with elbows, punches and knees before forcing the action to the mat for some ground-and-pound.
My Pick: Ebersole is smart enough not to get caught in anything serious, taking control on the feet and the ground to win via decsion.
Cub Swanson (16-5, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ross Peasron (13-5, 5-2)
This fight most definitely looks like a candidate for “Fight of the Night,” as the pair of featherweights with entertaining stand up skills collide.
Swanson has made it clear that he loves to entertain the fans with his fights and prefers to face opponents who are willing to stand and trade with him. Pearson should be willing to oblige. Pearson is known primarily for his technical boxing. He utilizes a sound jab and solid footwork to rack up points standing, and his toughness — witness his decision setback to Edson Barboza (who until recently was undefeated in the UFC) — allows him to engage in fan-friendly slugfests.
Swanson actually has a decent ground game being a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His overall athleticism gives him confidence to unleash a varied striking attack that includes flashy kicks and powerful punches. It was an overhand right that sent Roop’s (Swanson’s previous fight) mouthpiece flying, and Swanson believes his recently added strength-and-conditioning program has given his standup some added extra power.
Pearson, while known as a boxer first, is capable of punctuating his combinations with kicks to the legs and body. He is also a solid counterpuncher who can capitalize on his opponent’s mistake should Swanson become overly aggressive. Takedown defence is not Swanson’s strong suit, and Pearson might be able to gain an advantage if he can execute a few timely takedowns and work some disciplined ground-and-pound.
My Pick: Pearson has always been a tough out, but Swanson will be able to use movement and angles to land his diversified arsenal and keep Pearson wondering what’s coming next guessing. Swanson wins by decision and the pair pick up “Fight of the Night” awards.