‘The Ultimate Fighter Nations’ Finale Preview

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Lightweights

Sam Stout (20-9-1, 9-8 UFC) vs. K.J. Noons (12-7, 1-1 UFC): Stout did what he was supposed to do in his last outing, relying on superior striking to take a unanimous decision against the since-released Cody McKenzie at UFC on Fox 9. Things will get more difficult against Noons, who is one of the better pure boxers in MMA. This one figures to be contested primarily on the feet, but Stout’s improved wrestling could come into play, as well. Stout wins by decision.

Women’s Bantamweights

Sarah Kaufman (16-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Leslie Smith (6-4-1, 0-0 UFC): The former Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion, Kaufman is a technical striker capable of landing a high volume of punches when she is allowed to find a rhythm. Smith, who lost a split decision to Kaufman under the Invicta Fighting Championships banner, is capable of matching her opponent’s pace on the feet with punching and kicking combinations. The result of their first meeting was somewhat controversial, as Smith had a decent amount of success landing a variety of kicks. Kaufman takes a decision in another barnburner.

Light Heavyweights

Ryan Jimmo (18-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Sean O'Connell (15-4, 0-0 UFC): In four Octagon appearances, Jimmo’s performances have ranged from the pedestrian to the spectacular. The Canadian karateka will be a tough matchup for O’Connell, a Jeremy Horn protégé whose most notable win came against Marvin Eastman in September. O’Connell is a skilled grappler but more of a brawler on the feet. Jimmo’s patient and precise approach carries him to a decision or late TKO.

Bantamweights

Dustin Kimura (11-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. George Roop (14-10-1, 4-6 UFC): Roop’s record is not especially notable, but the lanky Apex MMA product has fallen short against tough competition, including Mark Hominick, Hatsu Hioki, Cub Swanson and Francisco Rivera in UFC competition. Roop will look to utilize his four-inch reach advantage and keep the fight standing against Kimura, who averages 5.79 submission attempts per 15 minutes, according to FightMetric.com. If Roop avoids engaging his opponent on the mat, he should be able to win the striking battle. Roop wins by KO or TKO in round two.

Bantamweights

Mitch Gagnon (10-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Tim Gorman (8-2, 0-0 UFC): After falling to Bryan Caraway in his promotional debut, Gagnon has notched consecutive wins over Walel Watson and Dustin Kimura in his last two outings. Gagnon throws heavy strikes and does plenty of damage with punches and elbows in close quarters. That offensive pressure is backed by an opportunistic submission attack featuring a dangerous set of chokes. Gorman won a preliminary bout on “The Ultimate Fighter 18” to earn a spot in the house, but a torn hamstring rendered him unable to continue. Expect some spirited exchanges, with Gagnon eventually closing the distance and taking control with his grappling savvy. Gagnon takes it by submission in round one or two.

Lightweights

Mark Bocek (11-5, 7-5 UFC) vs. Mike de la Torre (12-3, 0-0 UFC): De la Torre steps in as a last-minute replacement for the injured Evan Dunham. The MMA Lab product has competed at both featherweight and lightweight and has finished 11 of his 12 victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. De la Torre is the more dynamic striker in this matchup, but Bocek has only lost against the division’s best, and his grappling ability should be the difference. Bocek wins by decision.

Middleweights

Nordine Taleb (8-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Vik Grujic (6-2, 0-0 UFC): With experience in both Bellator MMA and the Ring of Combat promotions, Taleb was tabbed as one of the early favorites among “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” middleweights. However, an upset loss to Tyler Manawaroa in the quarterfinals abruptly ended his run. Get used to seeing Taleb, as he is listed among the initial cast members for “The Ultimate Fighter 19,” which debuts following the event. Grujic’s weak point is his wrestling, but if the contest stays upright he is certainly capable of catching his opponent. Taleb wins by decision or late stoppage.

Welterweights

Richard Walsh (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Chris Indich (5-1, 0-0 UFC): During his time on “The Ultimate Fighter Nations,” Walsh displayed solid boxing and determined wrestling in a quarterfinal victory over Matt DesRoches before falling via submission to Olivier Aubin-Mercier in the semis. Indich, meanwhile, was game but lost the majority of striking exchanges in a quarterfinal loss to Chad Laprise. Walsh earns a victory by decision.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 63-43-1
Career Record: 330-201-2
Last Event (UFC Fight Night 40): 7-0
Best Event (UFC Fight Night 40): 7-0
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night 39): 1-9-1