UFC 134 Preview: The Prelims
Alcantara vs. Arantes
Little-known Felipe Arantes is trying to make a big impression
in Rio. | Photo: Fred Haas
Featherweights
Yuri Alcantara (25-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Felipe Arantes (13-3, 2 NC, 0-0 UFC)
The Matchup: Alcantara could become a story in wake of this event.
With a gaudy record and a win inside the WEC via his first-round blitz of Ricardo Llamas, the Brazilian has outstanding standup and finishes fights on the feet and on the mat. He also has what you love to see in a rising talent -- activity. In 2009-10, he fought 17 times, which is Jeremy Horn-like in terms of keeping a heavy schedule.
Both Alcantara and Arantes are UFC first-timers. Arantes has six knockouts among his 13 wins, but his results drop off considerably when faced with better competition. Nothing he can use will pose much of a problem for Alcantara in this one.
The Pick: Alcantara has proven results against much better competition and should steamroll Arantes on the feet en route to a first-round knockout.
Continue Reading » Next Fight: Ian Loveland vs. Yves Jabouin
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