UFC Fight Night ‘Henderson vs. Khabilov’ Preview

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Bantamweights

Sergio Pettis (10-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Yaotzin Meza (20-9, 1-2 UFC): The highly touted Pettis suffered the first loss of his career in January, as he submitted to a third-round rear-naked choke against Alex Caceres at UFC on Fox 6. Things were going well for Anthony Pettis’ younger brother until he was dropped by a Caceres right hand in round two. “The Phenom” is still just 20 years old, however, and has plenty of time for development. While Meza might be able to hold his own with Pettis on the mat, he will almost assuredly be outgunned standing. Pettis wins by TKO.

Welterweights

Bobby Voelker (24-11, 0-3 UFC) vs. Lance Benoist (6-2, 1-2 UFC): Benoist has not fought since September 2012, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Sean Pierson at UFC 152. A Strikeforce veteran known for his trilogy with Roger Bowling, Voelker has lost his first three Octagon appearances. Give Voelker the edge based on two things: more recent fights and an ability to make this a slugfest. Voelker takes it by KO or TKO in round two or three.

Flyweights

Scott Jorgensen (14-9, 3-5 UFC) vs. Danny Martinez (16-5, 0-1 UFC): It has been a rough go of late for Jorgensen, who has lost five of his last six bouts with the Las Vegas-based promotion. In his defense, all of those defeats have come against high-caliber competition. Still, Jorgensen might need a win to extend his UFC career. “Young Guns” relies on his wrestling to outpoint Martinez.

Lightweights

Jon Tuck (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jake Lindsey (9-0, 0-0 UFC): Tuck was unable to match Norman Parke’s pace on the feet in a loss at UFC Fight Night “Machida vs. Munoz” in October. His UFC debut win came against Tiequan Zhang, which does not prove a whole lot. That means Lindsey should, at the very least, not be overwhelmed in his promotional debut. With that said, Tuck is a little more fluid overall, so as long as he avoids the knockout blow, the fight should be his to win. Tuck wins by decision.

Light Heavyweights

Patrick Cummins (4-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Roger Narvaez (6-0, 0-0 UFC): Despite a nifty bit of marketing, Cummins was badly overmatched against Daniel Cormier at UFC 170. Of course, he is far from alone in that regard. This matchup should allow the former two-time NCAA All-American at Penn State University a better opportunity to showcase his skills. Narvaez was set to face Bubba Bush for the Legacy Fighting Championship middleweight title before the UFC called. Unfortunately, Narvaez probably lacks the technique to impose his will against a superior wrestler. Cummins takes it by decision or late TKO.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 118-71-1
Career Record: 385-229-2
Last Event (“The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3” Finale): 8-4
Best Event (UFC Fight Night “Minotauro vs. Nelson”): 7-0
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night “Shogun vs. Henderson 2”): 1-9-1