UFC Fight Night 120: Poirier vs Pettis (Preview & Predictions)

#4 Nate Marquardt vs Cezar Ferreira

Nate 'The Great' returns to the Octagon

Nate Marquardt has experienced a dramatic fall from grace—from knocking out Tyron Woodley in Strikeforce, to getting wiped out by Kelvin Gastelum in the UFC.

Marquardt has failed several steroid tests in the past, and under the current USADA-directed UFC, his performances seem to have dropped off a cliff.

Regardless, Nate still possesses great KO power, and excellent grappling skills. On paper, he ought to be a handful for someone like Ferreira, but should the latter ping him on that battle-worn chin, it may be lights out for Nate ‘The Great’.

Prediction: Nate Marquardt def. Cezar Ferreira via Decision

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#5 Raphael Assuncao vs Matthew Lopez

Assuncao has hit a rough patch after a few injuries and a decision loss to TJ Dillashaw.

Nevertheless, he remains one of the top contenders in the UFC Bantamweight division, and possesses the striking and grappling advantage over Lopez.

Look for Assuncao to outpoint Lopez on the feet, and drag him to the ground as the fight wears on. The former will most likely finish this fight late via sub, after dominating Lopez.

Prediction: Raphael Assuncao def. Matthew Lopez via Submission

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#6 Joe Lauzon vs Clay Guida

Joe Lauzon and Clay Guida are longtime veterans of the sport who seem to have been around forever.

Both fighters have great grappling and decent striking skills to boot. However, Lauzon has the crispier combos on the feet.

Look for Lauzon to outpoint Guida in the standup, while grappling scrambles being somewhat even.

Prediction: Joe Lauzon def. Clay Guida via Decision