UFC 135 Preview: The Prelims

Eddie Yagin has won seven of his last eight bouts. | Photo: J. Sherwood

Junior Assuncao (12-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Eddie Yagin (15-4-1, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Assuncao has developed fair standup, and will toss a left hand down the pipe with respectable quickness, but Yagin may have the edge on the feet due to more overall aggression and combinations. Combined with his superior takedowns, this represents a considerable tactical advantage in terms of dictating where the fight goes.

Top control and standing aggression will prove the difference in this one, with Yagin forcing some exchanges and probably eating a few quick counters from Assuncao while he works to close the distance. Taking down a good jiu-jitsu man is something to be done cautiously and is and best executed after some hard fighting -- and sweating -- is done on the feet.

The Pick: Expect Yagin to get rocked a couple times before eventually bringing it to the mat and wearing out Assuncao, repeating the trick over the final two rounds to take a unanimous decision.

Jason Probst can be reached at Jason@jasonprobst.com or twitter.com/jasonprobst.