UFC 134 Preview: The Prelims

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Bantamweights
Raphael Assuncao (16-4, 0-1 UFC) vs. Johnny Eduardo (25-8, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Eduardo enters his UFC debut on an 11-fight win streak, tearing through opponents in the best surge of his 15-year career. He has crisp standup and is comfortable letting hard shots go, showing the calm and comfort of an experienced striker plying his trade in the pocket.

However, Assuncao will have little interest in an extended standup battle. He can bang a bit on the feet, especially with his thudding right hand, but that is mostly a cover charge so he can close the gap and get the fight to the ground.

His battle with Urijah Faber in the WEC was an intricate duel of high-level grappling, and he gave the talented former champion all he could handle before succumbing via rear-naked choke in the third round.

Assuncao knows where his strengths lie and that he needs to get this to the ground, where Eduardo has been submitted seven times. To a jiu-jitsu specialist, stats like that are akin to putting steak in front of a pitbull.

Assuncao should be able to fight through some early sharp shots and counters to force a clinch, get the takedown and work over Eduardo. However, despite his losses by submission, Eduardo has proven quite durable, a trait to be expected from a good striker.

The Pick: Eduardo is a hard man to stop, but Assuncao will wear him down en route to a second-round submission.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Yuri "Marajo" Alcantara vs. Felipe Arantes