Raphael Assuncao is seeking his fourth straight win. | Photo: Sherdog.com
Bantamweights
Raphael Assuncao (19-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Vaughn Lee (13-8-1, 2-2 UFC): After victories over Mike Easton, Issei Tamura and Johnny Eduardo, Assuncao finds himself climbing up the 135-pound ranks. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with an array of kicks and solid counterpunching abilities, Assuncao should be able to win the majority of the exchanges with Lee while avoiding any serious submission danger. Assuncao takes this one by decision.
Middleweights
Ronny Markes (14-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Derek Brunson (10-2, 1-0 UFC): Brunson did not endear himself to UFC brass with a tepid win over Chris Leben at UFC 155, but give the Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts product credit for winning his debut against a heavy puncher on short notice. He will need a stronger performance against Markes, a former Shooto champion who used takedowns and clinches to neutralize Andrew Craig in his most recent outing at UFC on FX 7. The airtight takedown defense of both men means this battle could be won on the feet. Brunson gets the nod from the judges.
Featherweights
Felipe Arantes (14-4-1, 1-1-1 UFC) vs. Godofredo Castro (9-1, 1-1 UFC): Castro earned his first UFC victory in January, utilizing top control, submission attempts and an active bottom game to win a narrow split decision over Milton Vieira. Arantes, meanwhile, had a similarly close encounter with Vieira, battling his countryman to a draw at UFC 147. Castro will look to take this one to the ground, while Arantes attempts to land accurate combinations. Arantes captures a decision.
Welterweights
Ildemar Alcantara (18-5, 1-0 UFC) vs. Leandro Silva (11-0-1, 0-0 UFC): Alcantara did well on short notice in his promotional debut, submitting Wagner Prado with a second-round kneebar at UFC on FX 7. Silva, who has earned seven of his 11 career triumphs via tapout, has yet to taste defeat as a professional, although he did lose a preliminary bout on Season 2 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.” Alcantara locks down a submission in round two.
Featherweights
Mizuto Hirota (14-6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Rodrigo Damm (10-6, 1-1 UFC): Hirota is an aggressive striker who is not afraid to absorb punishment to land some punches of his own. In addition to a sharp jab and powerful hooks, the Japanese fighter can work effective dirty boxing from the clinch. Much of that was negated by decorated grappler Rani Yahya at UFC on Fuel TV 8, but Hirota should have better luck against Damm, who fell to Antonio Carvalho at UFC 154. Hirota squeezes out a decision.
Middleweights
Karlos Vemola (9-3, 2-3 UFC) vs. Caio Magalhaes (5-1, 0-1 UFC): Vemola has competed at heavyweight, light heavyweight and middleweight in the UFC. The London Shootfighters member has heavy hands and would like to control the action through his considerable ground-and-pound, but he must proceed with caution against Magalhaes, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. Vemola will be the bigger, stronger fighter, but his tendency to throw wild punches could leave him susceptible to takedowns. Vemola lands the more significant shots to win via decision or TKO.
Middleweights
Antonio Braga Neto (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Anthony Smith (17-9, 0-0 UFC): Neto, who owns a notable victory over Bellator MMA veteran Maiquel Jose Falcao Goncalves, has limited striking and will look to get the fight to the ground as soon as possible. Smith has an active guard and some knockout power in his hands, but he was overwhelmed by Roger Gracie in his most recent outing. Neto earns a decision.
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TRACKING TRISTEN 2013
Overall Record: 112-61
Last Event (UFC 160): 9-3
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8): 5-6