UFC Fight Night 37 Preview

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Lightweights

Yui Chul Nam (17-4-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kazuki Tokudome (12-4-1, 1-1 UFC): The Road Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder, Nam enters his Octagon debut having won seven of his last eight fights. Nam favors a sprawl-and-brawl approach, relying on his boxing while moving in and out of the clinch. His resume includes notable triumphs over Hacran Dias, Vuyisile Colossa and Takasuke Kume. Tokudome, meanwhile, would prefer to take down his man and work-ground-and-pound, although he is capable of landing effectively on the feet. Tokudome wins by decision.

Bantamweights

Nam Phan (18-12, 2-5 UFC) vs. Vaughan Lee (13-9-1, 2-3 UFC): Phan’s bantamweight debut did not go as planned, as “The Ultimate Fighter 12” alum dropped a unanimous decision to Takeya Mizugaki at UFC Fight Night 33. Phan has proven himself durable but has often been overwhelmed during his UFC career. His ability to put together accurate punching combinations will be his best asset against Lee, who is a grappler by trade but has not been able to implement his game consistently at the highest levels. Phan, who has never been submitted in his pro career, wins by decision.

Welterweights

Alberto Mina (10-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Zak Cummings (16-3, 1-0 UFC): Mina, an Asian-based Brazilian with black belts in both jiu-jitsu and judo, has finished all of his opponents by submission or knockout. His skill set aides him in tripping or throwing his foes to the ground and landing ground-and-pound or transitioning to submission attempts. However, Cummings may have the wrestling and submission defense to give the prospect trouble as he transitions to the next level. Additionally, Mina’s striking is still a work in progress, so Cummings will not be deterred from forcing the action. Cummings takes this by decision or TKO.

Welterweights

Anying Wang (1-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Albert Cheng (2-2, 0-0 UFC): The lack of professional experience for both Wang and Cheng was par for the course for the majority of “The Ultimate Fighter: China” cast, with a few exceptions. At the very least, fighters such as these two will give the promotion filler for undercards as it continues its Asian expansion. They might be overmatched against other talent on the roster, however. Cheng wins by decision.

Featherweights

Mark Eddiva (5-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jumabieke Tuerxun (14-0, 0-0 UFC): A former Legend Fighting Championship titleholder, Tuerxun, unlike many of “The Ultimate Fighter: China” cast, has the gaudy record that usually accompanies someone tagged with the prospect label. While Tuerxun may very well have plenty of undocumented bouts, his existing record is impressive. Eddiva, a native of the Philippines, has finished all five of his victories by knockout or submission, although none of his foes were especially experienced. Tuerxun wins by decision.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 48-20
Career Record: 315-178-1
Last Event (UFC 170): 9-2
Best Event (“The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale): 9-1
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night 33): 4-5-1