UFC 153 ‘Silva vs. Bonnar’ Preview
The Prelims
Gleison Tibau owns a 10-6 mark inside the Octagon. |
Sherdog.com
Lightweights
Francisco Trinaldo (11-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Gleison Tibau (25-8, 10-6 UFC): Trinaldo draws a tough assignment for his sophomore Octagon outing in Tibau, a powerful 155-pounder who likes to outmuscle his opponents in tie-ups and on the mat. Forced to compete at 185 pounds on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” Trinaldo figures to be much more comfortable at lightweight. “Massaranduba” displayed solid takedown defense in a UFC 147 win over Delson Heleno, and he will have to do the same here. Tibau will prove too strong and experienced to be denied, as he takes a decision.
Featherweights
Sam Sicilia (11-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rony Mariano Bezerra (11-3, 1-0 UFC): The 145-pound winner of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” Bezerra showcased a solid right and lead left hook, as well as stout submission defense, in capturing a three-round verdict over Godofredo Castro in June. Despite that showing, Rony “Jason” is a finisher, with 10 of his 11 career triumphs coming by way of knockout or submission. Sicilia, a competitor on Season 15 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” can be wild at times but has power in his hands to go with his wrestling base. Bezerra wins by submission in round two.
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Featherweights
Diego Brandao (14-8, 1-1 UFC) vs. Joey Gambino (9-1, 0-1 UFC): Brandao was unable to follow up on his spectacular submission of Dennis Bermudez, as the Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts representative started quickly but ran out of gas in a loss to the underrated Darren Elkins at UFC 146. Brandao will always fight with passion and aggression, but he could benefit from a more measured approach in the early portions of his bouts. A former featherweight titlist for the New Jersey-based Cage Fury Fighting Championships promotion, Gambino was submitted by Steven Siler in his UFC debut. Brandao will not need to pace himself this time, as he rocks Gambino and finishes it with strikes or a submission in round one.
Middleweights
Sergio Moraes (6-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Renee Forte (7-1, 0-0 UFC): A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Moraes uses solid fundamentals and physical strength to control positioning on the ground. The world champion grappler is less of a threat on the feet, however, as evidenced by his loss to Cezar Ferreira, against whom he failed to get the action to floor. Meanwhile, an injury kept Forte from making his Octagon debut in June. Aggressive standup will allow Forte to capture a unanimous verdict.
Middleweights
Chris Camozzi (17-5, 4-2 UFC) vs. Luiz Cane (12-4, 4-4 UFC): Cane, who is competing for the first time in more than a year, has suffered three of his four UFC defeats by technical. The Brazilian sets a fast pace and likes to force exchanges, but he is vulnerable to foes that utilize angles and counter attacks. Camozzi will try to mix punches, kicks and knees to keep Cane off balance in what shapes up to be a primarily standup encounter. Camozzi ekes out a close decision victory.
Lightweights
Reza Madadi (12-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Cristiano Marcello (12-4, 0-1 UFC): Madadi and Marcello have a combined 16 submission victories between them, so it is likely that whoever can win the transitions and positional battles that ensue will have his hand raised at the end of the night. Marcello, a former jiu-jitsu coach for the Chute Boxe camp, has shown a suspect chin in recent outings but should be able to get the best of “Mad Dog” on the mat. Marcello wins by third-round submission.
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