UFC Fight Night Preview - MMAUniverse.com

UFC Fight Night Preview

Date submitted: 09 January 2007

Submitted by: Nicholas De Feis

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Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon

Greg Jackson has been working hard with his fighters in Albuquerque, and I see Rashad taking this one. Rashad, a former Big-Ten NCAA Division I wrestler, has the far superior take downs, and let’s not forget his standup isn't half bad either. Sean Salmon is not to be looked over though, boasting an impressive record of 9-1 in smaller shows worldwide. He has the ability to submit, but I don't believe he will catch Rashad. I think we may be looking at a quick takedown and some ground and pound. If Rashad has been working hard on his ground and pound, this could be a very quick fight for him. Training with guys such as Diego Sanchez, and Keith Jardine, I don't see him getting submitted.

Prediction – Evans via TKO RDI

Dean Lister vs. Nate Marquardt

We have here a world-class grappler with great credentials against a powerful wrestler. Lister boasts several ADCC wins and is highly impressive on the ground. I see Marquardt beating Lister in the standup and eventually taking him to the ground. But once it hits the ground I think we will see great guard work from Lister and a possible triangle. I think this fight will go 2 rounds, the first being Nathan laying in Lister’s guard. Early in the second, after another Marquardt takedown, Lister will sink in a triangle to take the victory.

Prediction – Lister via Triangle Choke RDII

Jake O'Brien vs. Heath Herring

Jake O'Brien has an impressive record of 8-0 with 7 TKO wins. I do believe O'Brien could be a serious threat to Herring if he takes this lightly, but I do not see this happening. Herring has faced some of the toughest heavyweights in Pride, and was once a serious contender for Noguiera's heavyweight belt. Herring has the superior Jiu Jitsu and much more experience in the ring. He has faced top heavyweights of past and present including Mirko Filipovic, Fedor Emelianenko, Mark Kerr, Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera, and Igor Vovchanchyn. I see Herring taking this in round three by TKO.

Prediction – Herring via TKO RDIII

Hermes Franca vs. Spencer Fisher

This is a very hard one to call. We have Hermes Franca who is a very accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter and we have Spencer Fisher who is a talented all around Mixed Martial Artist. Fisher currently trains with some of the best at Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa. Because Miletich is a technician when it comes to preparing his fighters, I see Fisher taking this one probably by 2nd round KO. Spencer has great standup and I see him jarring Franca in the first and finishing him in the second. I in no way think Franca is a slouch. I think he is a strong fighter, but I doubt he will be able to stand with Fisher or take him down. I do not believe his wrestling is as good as Fisher’s.

Prediction - Fisher via RDII KO

Ed Herman vs. Chris Price

The UFC has set up this match to get Herman back on his feet after two very disappointing losses. Herman should take this fight by a first round TKO after securing a takedown. He has the superior ground work and wrestling, and I hope Team Quest is getting him ready for this one because he needs a big "W" on his UFC record or his career in the organization could be in jeopardy. Price doesn't have the experience at this point with only 8 fights on his record to beat a competitor like Herman.

Prediciton - Herman via RDI TKO