MMA veterans Melvin Guillard and Jim Miller will try to get back into title contention, when they meet at UFC on FX. Here are my predictions for the UFC on FX fight card, scheduled for Jan. 20, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee:
Melvin Guillard versus Jim Miller
Both men are coming off heartbreaking losses, and they’ll be highly motivated for their UFC on FX encounter. Guillard has a distinct advantage in the striking department, but that won’t help him much if Miller gets the fight to the ground. Melvin’s takedown defense is pretty good, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough to stop a high caliber wrestler like Miller. Once the fight gets to the ground, Miller should be able to exploit Guillard’s poor submission defense. Miller wins via submission.
Duane Ludwig versus Josh Neer
Very interesting matchup between two evenly matched opponents. Ludwig is the better kick-boxer, and he should be able to win the striking exchanges. Neer’s best bet is to take the fight to the ground and utilize his superior grappling skills. Given Ludwig’s less than stellar takedown defense, Neer should be able to do just that. Neer wins by submission.
Jared Papazian versus Mike Easton
Easton is currently on a six-fight winning streak, brutally stopping Byron Bloodworth at UFC Live 6. Papazian has also been impressive in his recent fights, but he’ll have his hands full in his UFC debut. Easton wins by TKO.
Christian Morecraft versus Pat Barry
Barry will be fighting for his job at UFC on FX, and I expect him to put on an impressive performance. Morecraft has also struggled in the UFC (going 1-2), and I don’t think he’s ready for a dangerous striker like Pat. Barry wins via KO
Undercard:
Jorge Rivera defeats Eric Schafer
Habib Nurmagomedov defeats Kamal Shalorus
Charlie Brenneman defeats Daniel Roberts
Fabricio Camoes defeats Tom Hayden
Daniel Pineda defeats Pat Schilling
Nick Denis defeats Joseph Sandoval
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