UFC Fight Night 36 Preview

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Welterweights

Viscardi Andrade (17-5, 1-0 UFC) vs. Nicholas Musoke (11-2, 1-0 UFC)

The Matchup: After making his way to the semifinals of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” Season 2, Andrade debuted in the Octagon with a first-round stoppage of Bristol Marunde at UFC 163. The 29-year-old Gracie Fusion product dropped his opponent with a two-punch combo, continued to swarm when Marunde attempted to rise to his feet and secured the finish.

Andrade began his MMA career with a 5-4 record, including losses to current UFC talents Charles Oliveira and Iuri Alcantara. Since then, he has won 12 of 13, including his UFC debut. His aggression and finishing instincts appear solid, with the overhand right being his weapon of choice.

Musoke, meanwhile, will be returning to his natural weight class after taking a middleweight bout against Alessio Sakara on short notice at UFC Fight Night 30. Despite tough circumstances, the Swede held his own against the Octagon veteran, trading punches and takedowns with his opponent early before surviving a barrage of elbows to secure a fight-ending armbar. Such composure under heavy fire is important, especially for a UFC newcomer.

With the size relatively equal here, Musoke will probably look to punch his way into the clinch and work for takedowns, at which point he can continue his offense with solid ground-and-pound. The aggressive Andrade would probably prefer to swarm early and do his damage with power punches and head kicks, although with five knockouts, six submissions and six decisions, his victory methods are quite balanced.

The Pick: Both men showed good things in limited sample sizes in their Octagon debuts. Both could also look a lot different this time around. Andrade wins by decision or late stoppage.

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