UFC 158 ‘St. Pierre vs. Diaz’ Preview

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Welterweights

Bobby Voelker (24-8, 0-0 UFC) vs. Patrick Cote (18-8, 5-8 UFC): After a proposed rematch with Alessio Sakara fell through, Cote drops to 170 pounds to face Voelker, a staple of the Strikeforce Challengers circuit. Voelker is a hard-nosed competitor coming off back-to-back triumphs over Roger Bowling. Much depends on how Cote handles the weight cut, as he has not looked impressive in two bouts since returning to the UFC. Voelker, with plenty to prove, wins a decision.

Featherweights

Darren Elkins (15-2, 5-1 UFC) vs. Antonio Carvalho (15-5, 2-1 UFC): Elkins has been on a roll of late, winning his last four bouts to develop into a quiet contender in the 145-pound division. Carvalho, who has won two straight inside the Octagon, is known for his judo and grappling skills but has displayed solid striking in his last two victories. Elkins will use his wrestling to nullify his foe’s ground game and win a decision.

Welterweights

Dan Miller (14-6, 1 NC, 6-5 UFC) vs. Jordan Mein (26-8, 0-0 UFC): Just 23 years old, Mein is an entertaining fighter with aggressive standup and plenty of potential. He will have to remain upright against Miller, who submitted Ricardo Funch in his most recent outing at UFC on FX 4. Miller will not allow Mein to get comfortable, scoring takedowns and eventually winning via submission in round two.

Lightweights

Daron Cruickshank (12-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. John Makdessi (10-2, 3-2 UFC): The flashy striking of Cruickshank and Makdessi could produce some fireworks in this lightweight bout. Cruickshank knocked out Henry Martinez with a highlight-reel head kick at UFC on Fox 5, while Makdessi relied on a stout jab to halt a two-fight skid against Sam Stout at UFC 154. Cruickshank uses his four-inch reach edge to outpoint Makdessi and take a decision.

Welterweights

Rick Story (14-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. Quinn Mulhern (18-2, 0-0 UFC): Mulhern, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, steps in to replace Sean Pierson in a 170-pound clash against a physical wrestler in Story. The former King of the Cage champion might want to take notes on Story’s submission loss to Demian Maia at UFC 153, where the Washington native tapped to a brutal neck crank from the Brazilian grappler. Look for Story to rebound with a physical performance here, winning via third-round technical knockout.

Bantamweights

T.J. Dillashaw (6-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Issei Tamura (7-3, 1-1 UFC): Tamura is going to have difficulty landing his right hand consistently against Dillashaw, who will waste little time imposing his will through takedowns and ground-and-pound. The Team Alpha Male product will use his solid right hand to close the distance before finishing the bout on the mat via first-round TKO or submission.

Bantamweights

Reuben Duran (8-4-1, 1-2 UFC) vs. George Roop (12-9-1, 2-5 UFC): Duran was rocked in his last outing, as an overhand right from Hugo Viana knocked him out in the first round of their encounter at “The Ultimate Fighter 16” Finale. Duran was on shaky ground throughout the bout, as he was dropped twice before the knockout. Roop has had his struggles, but he is certainly capable of the spectacular knockout; just ask Chan Sung Jung and Josh Grispi. Roop takes this by KO or TKO in round two.

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TRACKING TRISTEN 2013

Overall Record: 49-29
Last Event (UFC on Fuel TV 8): 5-6
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8): 5-6