‘The Ultimate Fighter 17’ Finale Preview

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Featherweights

Cole Miller (18-7, 7-5 UFC) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-16, 1-2 UFC): Palaszewski has lost two straight since making his Octagon debut in spectacular fashion with a first-round knockout of Tyson Griffin at UFC 137. “Bartimus” would like to stand and trade with Miller, who owns 13 of his 18 wins by submission. The American Top Team representative would be wise to get the fight to the canvas, but if he elects to keep it standing, he should use his length to control distance. Palaszewski takes a decision.

Middleweights

Kevin Casey (5-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Josh Samman (9-2, 0-0 UFC): Casey, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Rickson Gracie, came up short in his efforts to score a win over Robert McDaniel and Collin Hart on the show. Samman, meanwhile, was tabbed by many as an ideal matchup for Uriah Hall in the final before a loss to Kelvin Gastelum derailed those plans. Samman can escape from bad positions on the mat and will ultimately prove to be too much on the feet for “King,” as he wins via technical knockout.

Middleweights

Luke Barnatt (5-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Collin Hart (4-1-1, 0-0 UFC): The top overall pick on Season 17, Barnatt has a size and length advantage against most of his opponents. The Brit tends to be taken down too easily, and despite an active guard, that could prove costly if he spends extended periods of time on his back. Hart would like to do most of his work from top position, but Barnatt’s will land quality offense from distance and in tie-ups to garner a decision triumph.

Middleweights

Dylan Andrews (15-4, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jimmy Quinlan (3-0, 0-0 UFC): The grappling ace Quinlan has one clear goal: get his man to the ground as soon as possible. Quinlan is persistent in his approach and has a variety of ways in which to get the fight to the canvas, including slams, trips and takedowns. When his foes are superior strikers, Andrews has shown a tendency to opt for a ground-and-pound heavy approach. That will not be the case here, as the New Zealand native gets the better of the exchanges and holds his own on the ground for a decision.

Middleweights

Clint Hester (7-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Bristol Marunde (12-7, 0-0 UFC): The first selection for light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Hester struggled to remain upright in a loss to Jimmy Quinlan. Hester, who has a boxing background, will try to keep the action standing against Marunde, who competed on Season 16 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Marunde would like to make this more of a grinding affair, but Hester’s ability to generate power in close quarters could prove to be the difference. Hester wins by TKO.

Featherweights

Daniel Pineda (17-9, 2-2 UFC) vs. Justin Lawrence (4-1, 1-1 UFC): Pineda, a former two-division titleholder with Legacy Fighting Championship, never really got started in his last outing, losing to Antonio Carvalho by knockout in 71 seconds. Pineda will push forward aggressively, but that could prove costly against a gifted striker such as Lawrence. “The Ultimate Fighter 15” competitor blends accurate, straight strikes with flashy kicks, but he will have to work to remain upright. Lawrence wins by decision or late TKO.

Featherweights

Maximo Blanco (8-4-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Sam Sicilia (11-2, 1-1 UFC): Blanco showed more energy in a post-fight gymnastics battle after his loss to Marcus Brimage at UFC 145 than he did in the actual bout. Blanco’s inability to counter ultimately proved to be his undoing against Brimage; it would be beneficial if he returned to the hard-swinging approach that typified his Sengoku tenure. Sicilia has power in his hands, as well, and he should be willing to indulge his foe in a wild slugfest. Blanco takes this one by KO or TKO in round one.

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TRACKING TRISTEN 2013

Overall Record: 70-43
Last Event (UFC on Fuel TV 9): 9-4
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8): 5-6