UFC 127 Fight Card Preview: SB Nation Breaks Down The Main Card

I just have a bad feeling about Rivera. He’s nearing 40 years of age, hasn’t fought in 11 months and isn’t close to the same kind of athlete as Bisping. I want to believe, but I don’t. Other than the slim chance of landing flush with a strong overhand right, I’m not sure where Rivera has a competitive advantage in this fight.

My Pick: Bisping

Siver is going to have a tough time tonight if he can’t keep this fight standing. The man is an elite striker, but may be one of the least well-rounded fighters in the UFC’s lightweight division. His recent submission win over Andrew Winner doesn’t really make me think he could hang on the ground with someone like Sotiropoulos. Siver should be looking to land his famous spinning back kick, but he may hesitate out of fear of being taken down. Sotiropoulos also employs a boxing style that is hard to load up on. He keeps his hands up well and doesn’t get too sloppy during exchanges.

Sotiropoulos has stream-rolled some of the divisions best grapplers in three straight fights. It will be interesting to see how he approaches someone like Siver, but I’m betting Sotiropoulos tries to get this fight to the mat right from the get go. I think he’ll succeed and end it there.

That being said, I see no reason why Chris Lytle shouldn’t win this fight. Ebersole has beaten some notable opponents like Matt Horwich and Carlos Newton in the past, but other than that his wins haven’t been over world beaters. Ebersole took this fight on short notice and fought less than a month ago. He was likely only added to this card due to his locality. Ebersole has been fighting predominantly in Australia since 2006.

My Pick: Lytle

My Pick: Noke

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