UFC on FX 4 ‘Maynard vs. Guida’ Preview
The Prelims
Featherweights
Hatsu Hioki (26-4-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Ricardo Lamas (11-2, 2-0 UFC): Despite being regarded as one of the world’s top featherweights, Hioki did not feel he was ready to take on reigning champion Jose Aldo. Instead he gets Lamas, who has looked impressive since dropping to 145 pounds upon entering the UFC. Lamas will try to bang with Hioki early, but look for the Japanese standout to close the distance, get takedowns and control the fight from top position to capture a decision.
Lightweights
Ramsey Nijem (5-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. C.J. Keith (8-0, 0-0 UFC): Nijem was relentless in his domination of Daniel Downes at UFC 137, overwhelming his foe with ground-and-pound and submission attempts on the mat in taking a lopsided decision. Nijem’s striking is not especially refined, but his aggressive wrestling will be enough to ruin the Octagon debut of Keith. Nijem wins by second-round submission.
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Featherweights
Steven Siler (20-9, 2-0 UFC) vs. Joey Gambino (9-0, 0-0 UFC): Although most of his victories have come by way of submission, Siler chose to avoid Cole Miller’s ground game and defeat the American Top Team product by landing numerous combinations on the feet in his most recent bout. Gambino is the reigning Cage Fury Fighting Championships featherweight titleholder and has finished all but one of his victims by knockout or submission. Siler will use his length to dictate the action and win a decision.
Welterweights
Rick Story (13-5, 6-3 UFC) vs. Brock Jardine (9-1, 0-0 UFC): A six-fight winning streak had Story on the short list of top 170-pound contenders, but the Washington native has come back to Earth after consecutive losses to Charlie Brenneman and Martin Kampmann. After matchups with Rich Attonito and Papy Abedi fell through, Story gets Jardine, a former high school state wrestling champion with decent power in his hands. Story is rugged and experienced enough to finish Jardine, and he will do so with heavy strikes in round two.
Middleweights
Nick Catone (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Chris Camozzi (16-5, 3-2 UFC): Catone, who has not fought since March 2011, will look to wear down Camozzi with takedowns and ground-and-pound. The Coloradan will have to use well-timed kicks to hinder Catone’s shots and keep the fight upright. Ultimately, Camozzi’s takedown defense will fail him, as Catone grinds his way to a decision or late stoppage.
Welterweights
Matt Brown (14-11, 7-5 UFC) vs. Luis Ramos (19-7, 0-1 UFC): Brown exposed the much-hyped Steven Thompson at UFC 145, grounding his opponent and battering him with strikes on the mat. “The Ultimate Fighter 7” alum is not afraid to brawl, and Ramos will have to be ready to counter Brown’s aggression at the outset. The Brazilian should use combinations to set up takedowns, allowing him to work his submission game from top position. Brown wins by first-round technical knockout.
Welterweights
Dan Miller (13-6, 1 NC, 5-5 UFC) vs. Ricardo Funch (8-3, 0-3 UFC): Miller is durable and likes to move forward in order to dictate the action. That should serve him well against Funch, who is winless in three Octagon appearances. Funch will leave enough openings for Miller to change levels and control the majority of the fight from top position. Miller wins by decision.
Bantamweights
Dustin Pague (11-5, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ken Stone (10-3, 1-2 UFC): Coming off an impressive victory against Jared Papazian at UFC on FX 3, Pague will look to earn his second victory in a two-week span. Stone, meanwhile, is best known for being slammed into oblivion by Eddie Wineland. Stone is a talented enough grappler to give Pague a fight on the mat, but look for “The Disciple” to ultimately keep his momentum going. Pague takes this one by decision.
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