UFC on Fox 4 ‘Shogun vs. Vera’ Preview
The Prelims
Welterweights
Mike Swick (14-4, 9-3 UFC) vs. DaMarques Johnson (15-10, 4-4 UFC): Swick finally returns to the Octagon after a two-and-a-half year absence. How quickly he shakes off the ring rust will be key as he squares off with Johnson, who has been up-and-down over the past couple years. When he is on his game, Swick has a solid right cross and counter left hook, as well as stout takedown defense. Even though he should be sharper on the basis of having fought more recently, Johnson does not have the type of resume that Swick wields. The American Kickboxing Academy product makes a triumphant return with a second-round TKO victory.
Featherweights
Cole Miller (18-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. Nam Phan (17-10, 1-3 UFC): Phan was dominated by Jim Hettes at UFC 141, as the judo specialist’s ground game negated the fast hands and crisp combinations of “The Ultimate Fighter 12” alum. Miller will need to implement his active submission game and not allow Phan to get comfortable on the feet. Overall, Miller is the superior all-around fighter, and he will take a decision.
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Light Heavyweights
Phil Davis (9-1, 5-1 UFC) vs. Wagner Prado (8-0, 0-0 UFC): After co-headlining the UFC on Fox 2 main event against Rashad Evans, “Mr. Wonderful” takes a step down here with Prado, who has overwhelmed his competition on the Brazilian circuit. Davis will have a chance to improve upon some of the things he did not do well against Evans, as he wins via submission in round two.
Featherweights
Josh Grispi (14-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Rani Yahya (16-7, 1-1 UFC): It was not that long ago that Grispi was considered the No. 1 contender in waiting for featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Now, with back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier and George Roop, “The Fluke” would settle for his first UFC triumph. He will have to utilize his reach advantage to keep the fight upright and avoid falling prey to Yahya’s submission game. At 23 years old, there is still plenty of time for Grispi to resurrect his career. He defeats Yahya by decision.
Heavyweights
Philip De Fries (8-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Oli Thompson (9-3, 0-1 UFC): De Fries does his best work when he can score takedowns and control positioning on the mat. Once there, he has shown a decent submission game, at least against pre-UFC level competition. Thompson is a former strongman who will be difficult to muscle around the cage. With that said, De Fries has the ability to drain his cardio in tie-ups and by making him defend submissions. De Fries wins by decision.
Featherweights
Manny Gamburyan (11-7, 2-5 UFC) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (13-11-1, 1-5 UFC): Gamburyan is a powerful, compact fighter who would like to do damage with his right hand before taking his opponent to the mat. Omigawa has proven durable during his UFC tenure, going the distance in all six of his bouts. This will be a close fight, with the outcome swinging on a key takedown or two down the stretch. Gamburyan wins by decision.
Flyweights
Ulysses Gomez (9-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. John Moraga (10-1, 0-0 UFC): The Tachi Palace Fights 135-pound champion, Gomez has a solid jab and good submission game, and he will benefit from competing against men closer to his size. Moraga’s most notable bout was a decision loss at the hands of John Dodson in 2010. Both men represent what is likely to continue to be a gradually influx of new talent into the flyweight division. Gomez wins by decision.
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