UFC Fight Night 26 Preview

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Welterweights

Mike Pyle (25-8-1, 8-3 UFC) vs. Matt Brown (17-11, 10-5 UFC)

The Matchup: With each progressive appearance, Brown somehow manages to up the ante for violence in the Octagon. The 32-year-old Ohioan has won five straight fights since 2012, taking on gradually tougher competition in the process. In his last outing, “The Immortal” stopped highly touted Strikeforce import Jordan Mein in a bout that was vintage Brown: a lot of aggression, a little adversity and, ultimately, a violent and enthralling victory.

At a point in his career, when it once appeared that he would be little more than a middling welterweight, Brown is on the brink of something bigger. He faces an opponent experiencing a similar resurgence in Pyle, a replacement for the injured Thiago Alves. The former WEC welterweight king has won seven of his past eight fights with the promotion, losing only to top 10 talent Rory MacDonald during that time. Pyle has survived his share of harrowing moments during his surge, including his most recent outing, where he was nearly finished by Rick Story in the first round before rallying to take a split decision at UFC 160.

While Pyle’s striking defense can be exposed -- Story, James Head and Josh Neer have all appeared to have the 37-year-old reeling at some point -- his ability to maintain composure in the face of heavy fire has been integral during his run of success. Things do not figure to change much against Brown, who is known for engaging in wild brawls and rarely allows opponents a chance breathe as he marches forward with a barrage of punches, elbows, kicks and knees.

Brown must not become overzealous if he rocks Pyle early, because the Syndicate MMA product is adept at landing a counter or executing a timely level change in such moments of peril. On the floor, Pyle’s guard should be especially worrisome, especially for someone who has been as vulnerable to submissions as Brown. “The Ultimate Fighter 7” alum struggles to maintain position on the ground as it is, and Pyle is adept at countering ground-and-pound with triangle and armbar attempts.

The Pick: Do not underestimate a veteran’s guile, even when the opponent has fashioned a streak as impressive as Brown’s. Pyle snatches a submission in round one or two.

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