UFC on Fuel TV 8 Preview
The Prelims
Sixteen of Riki Fukuda’s 25 bouts have reached the judges. |
Photo: Taro Irei/Sherdog.com
Middleweights
Riki Fukuda (19-6, 2-2 UFC) vs. Brad Tavares (9-1, 4-1 UFC): Tavares has blended his brawling standup with effective wrestling to quietly compile a solid resume in the Octagon. Meanwhile, Fukuda, a former Deep titlist, used his clinch game and ground-and-pound to take a workmanlike decision over Tom DeBlass at UFC on Fuel TV 6 in his last outing. Fukuda’s versatility in close quarters carries him to a narrow decision win.
Bantamweights
Bryan Caraway (17-5, 2-0 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (16-7-2, 3-2 UFC): Recent history indicates that Mizugaki is due for a loss, as the Japanese fighter has alternated wins and losses in each of his last 10 bouts, most recently besting Jeff Hougland at UFC on Fuel TV 6. He will have to have his submission defense ready against Caraway, who has tapped Mitch Gagnon and Dustin Neace in his two Octagon appearances thus far. Mizugaki has only been submitted once in 25 career bouts, however, and he makes this one ugly to earn a decision.
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Lightweights
Cristiano Marcello (13-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Kazuki Tokudome (11-3-1, 0-0 UFC): A Pride Fighting Championships veteran and vaunted ground specialist, Marcello displayed his striking arsenal in his most recent outing at UFC 153, blending punches, kicks and knees to take a controversial split verdict over Reza Madadi. An Octagon newcomer, Tokudome has won six of his last seven fights, all while competing for the Japan-based Pancrase promotion. Marcello wins by submission.
Bantamweights
Alex Caceres (8-5, 3-3 UFC) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (11-6, 0-0 UFC): After a rough start with the promotion, Caceres has won three of his last four bouts in the Octagon, combining creative striking from a southpaw stance with an active guard. Kang, who withdrew from a proposed meeting with “Bruce Leeroy” at UFC on Fuel TV 6 due to injury, has finished eight of his 11 victories by way of submission. Caceres is improved, but he is far from dominant. Using takedowns and a measured approach on the mat, Kang takes a decision.
Welterweights
Marcelo Guimaraes (8-0-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Hyun Gyu Lim (10-3-1, 0-0 UFC): Guimaraes won his UFC debut against Daniel Stittgen by controlling the action in the clinch. A Korean Top Team product, Lim has shown a penchant for the quick finish of late, stopping each of his last five opponents inside of a round. Lim takes this one by knockout in round two.
* * *
TRACKING TRISTEN 2013
Overall Record: 44-23
Last Event (UFC 157): 9-3
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156): 5-6
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