UFC Fight Night 37 Preview

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Featherweights

Ivan Menjivar (25-11, 4-4 UFC) vs. Hatsu Hioki (26-7-2, 2-3 UFC)

The Matchup: A former Shooto and Sengoku champion, Hioki entered the UFC as one of the world’s top featherweights and a potential challenger for Jose Aldo. The Japanese fighter’s tenure has largely been a disappointment, however, and now with three straight losses on his ledger, his back is against the wall. The 30-year-old’s losses -- Ricardo Lamas, Clay Guida and Darren Elkins -- are respectable, but his lack of consistency in those bouts is concerning.

In his most recent outing, for example, Hioki started off well enough, hurting Elkins with a series of kicks to the body in the first round of their encounter at UFC Fight 27. Over the course of the final 10 minutes, however, Hioki was taken down repeatedly and appeared to be content to work from his back as Elkins rallied to capture a decision. In the Octagon, Hioki’s vaunted submission grappling skills have not been as successful as they were prior to his arrival in the Las Vegas-based promotion. He can be neutralized with a suffocating top game, and his striking, while underrated, has not been enough to carry him when he is unable to dictate the action on the ground.

After mixed results during a recent seven-fight run at bantamweight, including losses in three of his last four, Menjivar will try his hand at 145 pounds. The move is no big deal for “The Pride of El Salvador,” who has been all over the map during his 36-fight pro career, including a welterweight clash with Georges St. Pierre in 2002. Menjivar’s strengths are a multi-faceted striking arsenal and an aggressive submission game. He is not as likely to use wrestling to neutralize Hioki as some recent foes, but he is competent enough in that area to hold his own with the Japanese featherweight in the clinch and in scrambles.

Menjivar’s standup arsenal includes kicks to the legs and body, as well as elbows and knees in the clinch, but he will have to navigate Hioki’s nine-inch reach advantage. The Shooto vet uses kicks and a decent jab to control distance, although Menjivar’s aggression will likely serve him well in getting inside against his taller foe. Additionally, Menjivar must be wary of Hioki’s trips and throws in the clinch, especially considering his own offense-minded approach.

On the mat, Menjivar’s willingness to create scrambles will make for some interesting battles, but it could also leave him vulnerable against an opponent who is both long-limbed and opportunistic.

The Pick: Hioki needs to show a little more urgency than in previous bouts, but much of what Menjivar does well should play right into his hands. Hioki wins by decision or late submission.

Last Fights » The Prelims