UFC Fight Night 31 ‘Fight for the Troops 3’ Preview

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Lightweights

Colton Smith (3-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Michael Chiesa (9-1, 2-1 UFC)

The Matchup: After two bouts -- and two very different performances -- in the UFC at 170 pounds, Smith has elected to try his hand at lightweight. Perhaps the Army Ranger was given the initiative to change by Robert Whittaker, who roughed him up on the feet and defended all six of his takedown tries en route to a third-round TKO victory over Smith at UFC 160. That effort was a stark contrast to Smith’s debut at “The Ultimate Fighter 16” Finale, where he relied on clinches, takedowns and positional grappling to dominate Mike Ricci.

Assuming he makes the cut without issue, Smith should be able to better impose his will through pressure and wrestling at a smaller weight class. Although he was able to drop Whittaker with a punch in the opening round, Smith lacks the variety to rely solely on his standup to win fights when his wrestling is stymied.

After beginning his Octagon tenure with victories over Al Iaquinta and Anton Kuivanen, Chiesa suffered his first career defeat at the hands of veteran talent Jorge Masvidal in July. Normally known as something of a comeback artist, “Maverick” instead had his opponent in trouble early after staggering him with a straight left and securing a modified guillotine attempt. However, Masvidal did as veterans often do: he remained composed, escaped the submission and took control, winning via brabo choke in round two.

Before that bout, most Chiesa fights in the UFC followed a similar pattern. The Spokane, Wash., native would get battered standing and appear to be on the verge of disaster before recovering and luring his foes into his world. Chiesa is adept at trapping his opponents near the cage, forcing scrambles and taking the back; his last five professional victories have come via rear-naked choke.

Like Smith, Chiesa has a limited standup arsenal. Both men generally use straight-punch combinations to close the distance, although Chiesa is more likely to incorporate kicks. However, the Sikjitsu representative must be careful not to telegraph those kicks or he will risk getting dumped on the mat.

While Chiesa is seemingly at his best when things get frantic, Smith is more comfortable when he can suffocate his opponents in the clinch and from top position. He advances position well and stays busy with punches and elbows on the mat, but his ground-and-pound is generally not of the fight-finishing variety. The southpaw Chiesa will have a four-and-a-half inch reach advantage, which should make it more difficult for Smith to get inside.

The Pick: Neither man has airtight takedown defense, so this could come down to who can get the best of transitions and scrambles. Chiesa has a knack for coming out on top in such situations. “Maverick” wins via decision or late submission.

Last Fights » The Prelims