It’s about that time again for the UFC to throw their annual Fight Night before the kickoff of the next Ultimate Fighter. Fight Night may not boast PPV material match ups, but it’s certainly a smart way for newer fans to get acquainted with the up and comers. The fight card on hand is simply outstanding and is sure to electrify the crowd and viewers. Let’s get to it:
Main Card (televised)
Nate Diaz (10-4) v. Melvin Guillard (41-8-3)
Main event of the evening pits TUF winner and jiu jitsu ace Nate Diaz against the hard hitting Melvin Guillard. While this is certainly a clash of styles with Diaz hoping to turn this into a grappling match, Guillard is no slouch as he is coming off a win over Gleison Tibau, another grappler. I do like Diaz’s chances in this fight considering Guillard tends to get caught in sticky situations on the ground, but Diaz is facing a much stronger and wiser fighter in Guillard. I expect Guillard to keep it standing and use his incredible hand speed to pull off an “upset”.
Prediction: Guillard by KO/TKO 1 rd
Gray Maynard (7-0) v. Roger Huerta (22-2-1)
The co-main event features up and coming XTreme Couture product Gray Maynard against top contender and former poster boy Roger Huerta. Maynard is coming off a unanimous decision win against Jim Miller while Huerta is coming off a year-long absence to fulfill the final fight on his contract. Huerta’s last fight was against Kenny Florian more than a year ago at UFC 87, so ring rust will definitely be a factor in this fight. It’s hard to pick against Huerta, a guy with a limitless gas tank and one of the most exciting LWs to watch. On the feet, Huerta is leagues above Maynard in piecing together punch and kick comboniations and will have the huge edge standing. On the ground, Maynard is an absolute beast in controlling his opponents and wearing them down so he has the advantage there. I expect the 1st round to be an all out slugfest with Huerta landing the cleaner shots. Round 2 will have Maynard use his wrestling once he realizes he can’t stand and bang with Huerta, from here on out it’s all Maynard who’ll keep his unbeaten record intact.
Prediction: Maynard by KO/TKO 3 rd
Carlos Condit (23-5) v. Jake Ellenberger (21-4)
Former WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit welcomes UFC newcomer Jake Ellenbeger in what looks to be an exciting match up. For any hardcore fan, Condit is a dream fighter who loves to slug it out on the feet and has no problem tussling on the ground. I’m not too familiar with Ellenberger, but based on his credentials this looks to be a war and possibly Fight of the Night. While I can’t picture how this will turn out, I’m going with Condit since he has more exposure to the big stage than Ellenberger.
Prediction: Condit by Submission (armbar) 3 rd
Nate Quarry (17-3) v. Tim Creuder (13-4)
It’s the battle of TUF alums in hard hitting Nate Quarry and jiu jitsu man Tim Credeur. Another clash of styles that in my opinion is not too hard to predict. Quarry prefers to bang on the feet while Credeur will prefer to fight on the ground. Quarry has faced the stiffer competition and looks revitalized after his back surgery and new camp, so I see Quarry sprawling and brawling til he finally connects flush and finishes the fight via ground and pound.
Prediction: Quarry by KO/TKO 2 rd
Steve Cantwell (7-2) v. Brian Stann (6-2)
These two are no strangers to each other as they have fought twice before each claiming that Heavyweight gold in WEC. There’s not much to say except sit back and watch these two try and take each other’s heads off. No grappling here folks, just a good ol slugfest til someone drops.
Prediction: Cantwell by KO/TKO rd 2*
*I originally picked Stann in my fantasy league but I’m gonna go with Cantwell instead
Undercard (un-televised)
Chris Wilson (13-5) v. Mike Pyle (17-6-1) – Pyle by Split Decision
CB Dolloway (9-3) v. Jay Silva (5-1) – Silva by TKO 2 rd
Sam Stout (15-5-1) v. Phillipe Nover (6-2-1) – Nover by TKO 2 rd
Jeremy Stephens (16-5) v. Justin Buchholz (9-3) – Stephens by KO 1 rd
Brock Larson (27-2) v. Mike Pierce (8-2) – Larson by Submission 2 rd
Ryan Jensen (14-4) v. Steve Steinbeiss (4-2) – Jensen by Submission 2 rd