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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
After a three week break, the UFC is back tonight with a six-fight main card on Fox Sports 1. It's a serviceable event, with a few meaningful and likely entertaining matchups. Here are some quick thoughts on what's coming tonight:
Ryan Bader vs. Ovince St. Preux: Bader's been inconsistent in his UFC run, but for the most part he's beaten the fighters he's supposed to beat. Where he's run into trouble is against top end competition (with an exception in the Tito Ortiz loss). St. Preux hasn't fought the level of competition yet that Bader represents, and though he might prove to be at that level on tonight, I'm not convinced he's there. Bader by decision.
Ross Pearson vs. Gray Maynard: Pearson did a ton of damage to Diego Sanchez only to have the decision go against him earlier this year. Maynard has shown in his last couple of fights that he's taken a major step backward. I just think Pearson's aggression is going to work to his benefit in this one, and I think he'll pick up the decisive win here. Pearson by TKO in the second round.
Tim Boetsch vs. Brad Tavares: There haven't been a lot of highlights for either fighter over the last couple of years, and in Boetsch's case he's failed to be all that competitive in a few. Tavares is typically in close, competitive fights, and this is probably going to be another, but I think Tavares takes a decision.
Seth Baczynski vs. Alan Jouban: Baczynski may be on his last legs in the UFC, and the debuting Jouban might just send him out. Baczynski's been on a decline recently, while Jouban enters the UFC with a promising record of violence. Baczynski's been on the big stage for a while, so could have an edge just by the experience factor, but I think the newcomer takes this one. Jouban by TKO in the second round.
Shawn Jordan vs. Jack May: Jordan's got heavy hands, May got stopped in his debut, this one seems pretty clear to me. Jordan by TKO in the first round.
Thiago Tavares vs. Robbie Peralta: Peralta has lacked consistency in his performances, but when he's on, he's quite good. Tavares makes the cut to featherweight for the first time, and he's making the drop off a win last November. This should be a fun, highly competitive fight, but while Tavares has a size edge, I like Peralta in this one. Peralta by TKO in the second round.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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Frank Hyden - Rich Hansen
Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
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