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Middleweights
Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Weidman

The Matchup: Middleweight banger Sakara is synonymous with exciting bouts, for better or for worse. Newcomer Weidman has impressive credentials; he is a former college wrestler from Hofstra University, a quality program and one of the country’s best small schools for grappling. He has also competed and held his own in the prestigious Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships, where the world’s best grapplers compete.

Sakara’s excellent hands and experience, combined with Weidman’s potential, could make for an interesting match.

Trained by Ray Longo, Weidman figures to develop a decent standing game with time. Arguably the sport’s top prospect at 185 pounds, he has only four fights under his belt and still has a ways to go before he resembles stablemate and former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra.

Sakara’s counterpunches are exceptionally good, and he does not need much to lay a good one on an opponent when given room to think and react. Given that, Weidman will have to get it to the ground and keep Sakara on defensive. Sakara’s jiu-jitsu is decent, however, and it will have to buy him time to force standups and more chances to uncork a big strike to turn the fight his way.

The Pick: This is a real toss-up fight. Given a few more matches and experience, Weidman would be a strong favorite. However, given fairly short notice to replace Rafael Natal, who pulled out on Feb. 12, Weidman has that to overcome in addition to debuting against an experienced veteran. Flip it in the air and call it -- Weidman by close decision.

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