UFC Fight Night 35 Preview

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Featherweights

Cole Miller (20-8, 9-6 UFC) vs. Sam Sicilia (12-3, 2-2 UFC)

The Matchup: It has been an up-and-down ride through four UFC appearances for Sam Sicilia. His inconsistent performances can easily be explained by his approach, which is predicated upon winging heavy punches in hopes of landing a knockout blow. “The Ultimate Fighter 15” alum does possess plenty of power, but his accuracy often leaves something to be desired.

Sicilia will have to be patient in working to close the distance against Miller, who owns a six-inch reach advantage. Now 15 bouts into his UFC tenure, there is not much that the American Top Team product has not seen in the Octagon. If he can stay long with his strikes and control the center of the cage, he should be able to avoid most of Sicilia’s most dangerous offerings.

While Miller is not especially difficult to take down, Sicilia will be entering dangerous waters by electing to test his opponent’s guard. In addition to being active with punches and elbows from his back, “Magrinho” is adept at transitioning from one position to another and threatening with submissions. Sicilia’s ground-and-pound is just as powerful as his standup, but a lapse in judgment could result in Miller attaching himself to the Washington native’s back.

The Pick: Sicilia needs to do his best to force a brawl, where he can turn the tide of the fight with just one punch. However, Miller is simply too experienced and Sicilia lacks the diversity to put this plan into effect. With more options at his disposal, Miller wins via submission in round two.

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