UFC 148 ‘Silva vs. Sonnen 2’ Preview
The Prelims
Lightweights
Gleison Tibau (25-7, 10-5 UFC) vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1-0 UFC): Nurmagomedov had a successful UFC debut, submitting Kamal Shalorus with a rear-naked choke at UFC on FX 1. For his sophomore effort, the Russian prospect gets a massive lightweight in Tibau, who has won three consecutive fights. Nurmagomedov will have to utilize good movement and counter the Brazilian as he attempts to close distance or risk being outmuscled in tie-ups and on the floor. Tibau will thwart his opponent’s takedowns, control positioning and eventually wear down Nurmagomedov for a third-round submission.
Lightweights
Melvin Guillard (29-10-2, 10-6 UFC) vs. Fabricio Camoes (14-6-1, 1-1-1 UFC): The ever-tantalizing Guillard will have to prove he can survive against a ground specialist in Camoes, who owns half of his victories by submission. Expect a more cautious approach from Guillard here, as he uses his speed and movement to outpoint Camoes on the feet while employing an effective sprawl to keep the fight upright. A more patient Guillard might not get the flashy knockout, but he will do enough to earn a decision.
Middleweights
Constantinos Philippou (10-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Riki Fukuda (18-5, 1-1 UFC): Philippou relied on his boxing to carry him to a victory in his last bout -- a decision triumph over Court McGee at UFC on FX 2. As long as his takedown defense is solid, superior footwork and combinations will allow him to get the better of Fukuda in exchanges. Philippou wins by decision.
Lightweights
Shane Roller (10-6, 1-3 UFC) vs. John Alessio (34-15, 0-4 UFC): Roller could be fighting for his job, considering he is not the type of fan favorite who can survive four consecutive losses in the Octagon. Look for Roller to take down Alessio and work ground-and-pound before earning a stoppage or submission victory.
Lightweights
Rafaello Oliveira (14-5, 1-4 UFC) vs. Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-1, 0-1 UFC): Oliveira returns to action for the first time since October, when he suffered a TKO defeat to Yves Edwards at UFC Live 6. Izquierdo had his moments in the first round of his Octagon debut against Reza Madadi, but he ultimately succumbed to a guillotine choke in the second frame. Izquierdo will come out firing and catch Oliveira off guard to score a first-round TKO.
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