Jeremy Stephens aims to avoid his first three-fight skid. | Photo: Sherdog.com
Lightweights
Jeremy Stephens (20-8, 7-7 UFC) vs. Yves Edwards (41-18-1, 9-6 UFC): A pair of all-action veterans looking to get back on the winning track square off here; Stephens was picked apart by Donald Cerrone in May, while Edwards was outpointed by Tony Ferguson at the “The Ultimate Fighter 14” Finale in December. Stephens has the greater kill-shot potential. Look for him to counter the “Thugjitsu Master” with a big right hand late for a third-round TKO triumph.
Lightweights
Jacob Volkmann (14-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Shane Roller (11-6, 2-3 UFC): Volkman showed no fear of Paul Sass’ guard at UFC 146, and the University of Minnesota All-American wrestler paid the price, submitting to a triangle armbar in less than two minutes. He will be facing a fellow three-time All-American in Roller, who captured his honors at Oklahoma State University. Roller probably has the slight edge on the feet, but Volkman is bigger and more durable. Volkman wins by decision.
Lightweights
Thiago Tavares (17-4-1, 7-4-1 UFC) vs. Dennis Hallman (51-14-2, 4-5 UFC): This has the look of a grappling stalemate. Neither man has been submitted in his MMA career, so the fight could come down to who can land the most significant offense on the feet. That would be Tavares, who can land kicks and counter effectively as Hallman attempts to close the gap. On the mat, look for Tavares to land just enough offense to get the edge there, as well. Tavares wins by decision.
Lightweights
Michael Johnson (11-6, 3-2 UFC) vs. Danny Castillo (14-4, 4-1 UFC): Johnson has been progressing nicely, as he earned the most significant victory of his career to date by taking a three-round verdict from “The Ultimate Fighter 13” winner Tony Ferguson at UFC on Fox 3. Castillo will need to slow the tempo against the more athletic Johnson, forcing tie-ups and controlling his opponent with body locks against the fence. In the end, Johnson’s southpaw stance and quickness will prove too vexing for “Last Call,” as Johnson lands successful combinations and sprawls his way to a decision victory.
Featherweights
Diego Nunes (17-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-15, 1-1 UFC): This is a sneaky good matchup on the undercard, as neither man is far removed from 145-pound title hopes. Nunes could not find a rhythm in his last outing against Dennis Siver, as the Russian-born German was able to do damage with a variety of kicks. Meanwhile, Palaszewski could not overcome the top game of Hatsu Hioki at UFC 144. Palaszewski would like to stand and trade, but Nunes might want to force the International Fight League veteran to work from his back, where his defense can be suspect. Nunes takes a decision.
Flyweights
Darren Uyenoyama (7-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Phil Harris (21-9, 0-0 UFC): Originally slated to face Louis Gaudinot, Uyenoyama instead gets promotional newcomer Harris, a veteran of the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship and British Association of Mixed Martial Arts promotions. With 13 submission victories to his credit, Harris figures to engage his opponent on the mat. It will not end well for him, as Uyenoyama will be rewarded for his constant pressure with a submission triumph in round two.
Lightweights
Carlo Prater (30-11-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Marcus LeVesseur (21-6, 0-1 UFC): Prater has plenty of experience but has looked overwhelmed in UFC bouts against T.J. Grant and Erick Silva. LeVesseur performed fairly well in his Octagon debut against Cody McKenzie, controlling much of the contest with his wrestling and power punches, only to leave his neck exposed for his foe’s signature move. LeVesseur can dictate the location of the fight with his wrestling, and he will do just that to capture a close, three-round verdict.
Welterweights
Mike Pierce (14-5, 6-3 UFC) vs. Aaron Simpson (12-3, 7-3 UFC): Pierce remains one of the toughest outs in the sport today. While his style is not especially fan friendly, his ability to turn any fight into a grinding affair makes him an opponent few want to face. Simpson favors a similar approach, so this fight will likely come down to who can gain a slight advantage in tie-ups and exchanges. It seems like Pierce has been in these types of fights for his whole career. He wins via split decision.