UFC 126: Cerrone vs Medeiros

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the “Lone Star State” this weekend with some brutal finishers inside Frank Erwin Center in Texas, USA. Donald Cerrone will look get on to winning ways when he lock horns with bonus-winning machine Yancy Medeiros in the main event, while top-ranked Heavyweight Derrick Lewis (No. 6) will fight against the Polish powerhouse Marcin Tybura (No. 8).

In addition, Texas’ James Vick will be up and against Francisco Trinaldo in the 155 pounds category whereas Thiago Alves will welcome Curtis Millender to the Octagon 15 pounds north.

MAIN CARD BOUTS

Donald Cerrone vs Yancy Medeiros (Welterweight)

Donald Cerrone stays in the welterweight division and fights surging Yancy Medeiros. Cerrone is a flashy striker with a strong ground game, but has fallen on hard times as off late and needs to turn it around if he wants to be more than a gatekeeper at welterweight. The 34 year old American fights the exciting Medeiros, a brawler with good power and underrated submission ability. On the contrary of Cerrone, he comes into this fight with a three-fight winning streak. The slow down of Cerrone is concerning.

Derrick Lewis vs Marcin Tybura (Heavyweight)

Powerhouse Derrick Lewis takes on Polish stud Marcin Tybura in a blood rushing fight. Lewis has massive punching power to earn early knockouts. He’s a guy that can also pound you out from top position, though he prefers not to grapple. He has a strong defense as well, which allows him to keep fights standing and in his wheelhouse. Though he was knocked out by Mark Hunt in his most recent outing, he had won six in a row coming into that fight. Tybura, on the other hand, is a superior grappler, something he needs to try to utilize here. He needs to secure a takedown, where he can suffocate Lewis with his top pressure. Tybura’s takedown attempts are important, but Lewis has shown stout defense in that department. This will leave Tybura on the feet to get beat up, getting tagged a few times too many for a clear-cut decision for Lewis.

James Vick vs Francisco Trinaldo (Lightweight)

Two of the UFC’s best lightweights that don’t get the recognition they should get will put their reputations on the line when Texan James Vick fights Francisco Trinaldo. Vick is a very good boxer that uses his height to his advantage in unison with his power. The 39 year old, Brazilian needs to close the distance and make this a close-quarters fight. That will be tough with Vick, who strikes from a distance to score a convincing decision.

Thiago Alves vs Curtis Millender (Welterweight)

After his fight in St. Louis was cancelled on late notice due to his opponent’s weight cut, Thiago Alves finally has a date for his return to the Octagon when he welcomes newcomer Curtis Millender to the UFC. The 30 year old American is an athletic striker that uses a diverse set of punches and kicks. He’s matched up with a fellow striker in Alves, a Muay Thai wizard with excellent technique and power. Injuries have hampered his career, especially the last couple years. Since 2015, he’s fought just twice. This will be a kickboxing match, so don’t expect to see much grappling. Alves is the superior striker, so he shouldn’t have problems knocking his opponent off.

Catch the event Live and Exclusively on SONY ESPN SD & SONY ESPN HD on 19th February 2018 7:30 AM.

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