With Adam Keyes out of the office for the weekend’s card I’ve opted to take over his previewing dudes for this weekend’s PPV card. I’ll also be live at the event, as well.
Now, as always, it’s time to take a look at the best fights of the undercard.
Jamie Varner vs. Gleison Tibau
Why it matters: Jamie Varner has looked like the elite fighter we thought he could be during his WEC run. Brought in as a late replacement as another scalp for Edson Barboza, Varner has the scalps of both Barboza and Melvin Guillard to his credit as well as one of the best fights of 2012 against Joe Lauzon. Varner is a Top 10 lightweight on a number of people’s rankings, mine included, and a win here gets him up the chain.
Prediction – Varner by UD
Louis Gaudinot vs. Tim Elliott
Why it matters: Gaudinot was a TUF Season 14 contender fighting up a weight at 135. And it showed as he looked outsized at every opportunity. Now at 125 he looks like the elite fighter he was supposed to be coming in. Tim Elliott has had a really good run in the UFC as well at 125. The winner most likely gets “Mighty Mouse” for the flyweight title.
Prediction – Gaudinot by TKO
Pascal Krauss vs. Hyun Gyu Lim
Why it matters: Krauss is an improving welterweight and a Milwaukee local, training out of Roufusport with Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren. He’s got a tough but winnable matchup here. This will be the undercard, non PPV fight that feels like a PPV fight based on crowd reaction alone.
Prediction – Krauss by UD
Ryan Couture vs. Al Iaquinta
Why it matters: Ryan Couture is fighting for his UFC career, as a second loss (especially if he gets finished) leaves him on the outside of the UFC with his dad. Iaquinta is a TUF finalist who hasn’t fought since the finale. A loss here for him leaves him as yet another TUF guy fighting on the regional scene.
Prediction – Iaquinta by submission
