UFC Fight Night 25 Preview: The Prelims

Jorge Lopez has won 10 straight. | Photo:

The Matchup: Lopez is the new face here, sporting an 11-1 record as a respected prospect fighting out of Wanderlei Silva’s Wand Fight Team in Las Vegas. Edwards, who competed on Season 13 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” will aim to get his first UFC win after dropping a decision to Clay Harvison in June.

With Lopez’s developing standup and Edwards’ limited capacity on the feet, it is up to the latter to get the fight to the ground, where the Randy Couture lookalike will have his best chance to make something happen. However, Lopez was a standout wrestler in high school and couples fairly good takedown defense with a strong right hand against opponents that press to close the gap.

Lopez has beaten a better class of fighter in reliable journeymen like Dave Terrel, Wayne Phillips and Waachim Spiritwolf, using his athleticism and measured standup to get the victories. Edwards may be too limited on the feet and not enough of a submission threat to pose real problems.

The Pick: Lopez by second-round knockout.