UFC Fight Night 25 Preview: The Prelims

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Welterweights
Matt Riddle (5-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Lance Benoist (5-0, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 alum Riddle returns against UFC first-timer Benoist in a match where his wrestling will have to make the difference if he wants to win. Benoist, unbeaten as an amateur and 5-0 as a professional, has a tall order in front of him. Riddle’s standup remains limited, and, unless he has improved from his decision loss to Sean Pierson, he should be looking to plant Benoist to the mat as soon as the opportunity avails itself.

Do not be fooled by Riddle’s episode of slap-and-jab against Pierson, a talented wrestler whose takedown defense blunted reasonable openings to get the fight on the floor. Riddle is a solid athlete with a significant upside -- remember, he has just seven fights -- and he should be able to get this one on the ground.

The Pick: Benoist has yet to show a ton of standup prowess or especially deft submissions. Riddle by workmanlike decision.

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