UFC on Fuel TV 10 Preview

---

Middleweights

Daniel Sarafian (7-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Eddie Mendez (7-1-1, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Sarafian, a veteran of Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” is clearly being given every chance to stick around with the promotion, as he has been paired with an Octagon newcomer in Mendez.

The Brazilian had a promising start in his UFC debut against C.B. Dolloway, landing power punches repeatedly and flooring the American in round one. The tide began to turn in the second frame when Dolloway landed an uppercut and appeared to be on the verge of a finish before the horn sounded. Sarafian was visibly tired in the final frame, which allowed Dollaway to seal the victory with a couple of takedowns. To his credit, Sarafian was able to sweep into top position against the former NCAA All-American wrestler and transition to a rear-naked choke on one occasion, but he ultimately fell via unanimous decision.

A veteran of the regional circuit, Mendez suffered his lone career defeat to Bellator MMA talent Joe Williams in April 2011 in a five-round affair. The Sun Valley, Calif., resident won his only fight with Strikeforce, relying on takedowns to earn a split verdict over Fernando Gonzalez in December 2011.

Sarafian, who has earned six of his seven victories by way of submission, has an opportunity to win impressively in his home country. The Sao Paulo native can keep Mendez at bay with his jab and leg kicks before waiting for an opportunity to unleash some of his more flashy kicks and knees. Sarafian should have the edge on the ground, where he can transition to various submission attempts.

In a hostile environment with little big-fight experience, Mendez’s best chance is to take the fight to Sarafian early and hope he can land something significant on the feet.

The Pick: Sarafian showed some good things in his loss to Dollaway. Against a less experienced foe, he springs the submission in round two.

Next Fight » Erick Silva vs. Jason High