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Which UFC on Fox 15 undercard fights stand out as most intriguing, and why?
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST
Ovince St. Preux vs. Patrick Cummins
Apart from the Ryan Bader blip last August, St. Preux has looked very impressive in his five other UFC outings. Cummins, meanwhile, has bounced back impressively from his short notice debut loss to Daniel Cormier. Their respective losses to top tier opponents hint at a ceiling for both, but an impressive win for either will surely tee up another chance to prove me wrong. I favour St-Preux to win by unanimous decision in a very close fight.
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Aljamain Sterling
Is this the fight where we see Sterling fall at the first hurdle against quality opposition? Or, is it the fight that confirms Mizugaki is never going to recover from the humbling loss he suffered against Dominick Cruz at UFC 178? This is another incredibly tough fight to predict, but I see Sterling taking it if he comes into the fight free of nagging injuries. He looks a great prospect, and a win over the very experienced Mizugaki will see him elevated into the bantamweight top 10. Sterling wins this one by decision in another close fight.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Jim Miller vs. Beneil Dariush is the standout for me. Ovince St. Preux vs. Patrick Cummins but more than likely Cummins is just going to try to lay on OSP the whole time so that could easily be a dud fight. Takeya Mizugaki vs. Aljamain Sterling could be a good one, too, but it might be a dud. I think Miller vs. Dariush will be the best fight on the undercard. I want these guys rolling on the ground and I think Miller picks up the submission win. His experience gives him an edge in my eyes.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Cub Swanson and Max Holloway really make an interesting pairing, and it will be fun to see what if any adjustments Swanson has made since taking such a brutal loss in his last fight. I am also curious to see how VanZant vs Herrig plays out as both are highly talented fighters looking to make their way into the title picture. These are two great fights that definitely have my attention.
KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Sterling vs Mizugaki is my pick. Both men have a lot gain and lose in this fight as one is a veteran looking to remain in the upper echelon, and one is a young up and comer who is looking to break out. I think it will be a great fight.
TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
I think the obvious stand out fight would be Cub Swanson vs. Max Holloway, and rightly so as it's going to steal the show, though I'm really looking forward to seeing the bout between Ovince St. Preux and Patrick Cummins. Whilst neither are my favourite fighters to watch, styles makes fights, and I have a feeling this might surprise quite a few people. I've probably put the kiss of death on this fight now, and will have egg on my face when this fight stinks the place out; I can hear the fans booing already!
DAYNE FOX, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
That's a loaded question and you know it! Without the Yoel Romero injury, this likely would have been the most intriguing Fox card to date. It's still up there with the injury, but it does eliminate the intrigue from the co-main event.
Cub Swanson and Max Holloway should put on a fun action fight. It is very possible that the winner of Felice Herrig and Paige Van Zant will get the next title shot (though I would wait to see how Aisling Daly does the following week... and if she can make weight). Jim Miller has shown signs of decline the last few years, but usually puts on fun bouts, and fighting Beneil Dariush should be no exception to that rule.
I'll single out the fight that I believe is being overlooked in the Aljamain Sterling and Takeya Mizugaki bout. Sterling has the physical tools to be a champion someday, but Mizugaki is a BIG step up from what he has faced thus far. If he can get past the sturdy Japanese veteran, the bantamweight division could have a much-needed budding contender on its hands. Mizugaki is usually prone to entertaining bouts as well, so this should be fun.
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