UFC Fight Night 29 Preview

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Flyweights

Chris Cariaso (14-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Iliarde Santos (27-8-1, 0-2 UFC): Both men enter this bout on two-fight losing streaks, but Cariaso is far more proven against tough competition. Couple that with the American’s multi-faceted attack, and Santos should be looking at his third straight loss. Santos’ main advantage, his size, will not be enough to sway the bout in his favor. Cariaso takes a decision.

Welterweights

Igor Araujo (23-6, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ildemar Alcantara (19-5, 2-0 UFC): In notching Octagon triumphs over Wagner Prado and Leandro Silva, Alcantara has displayed decent hands, knees and a solid ground game. Araujo, a veteran of “The Ultimate Fighter 16,” makes his Octagon debut having won 12 of his last 13 fights. Alcantara would seem to be the more well-rounded competitor; he wins via decision or TKO.

Welterweights

David Mitchell (12-3, 1-3 UFC) vs. Yan Cabral (10-0, 0-0 UFC): With three losses in four UFC outings, Mitchell could be on the chopping block. Despite his struggles, the Californian has done some good things of late, including showcasing solid defensive wrestling and clinch work against Mike Pierce for a round before being knocked out. He will have to make effective use of his jab to keep Cabral, a Nova Uniao product with 10 submissions to his credit, at bay. Cabral also competed on Season 2 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” where he won two fights but was eliminated due to a broken hand. Cabral wins by decision.

Lightweights

Alan Patrick Silva Alves (10-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Garett Whiteley (7-0, 0-0 UFC): The lightweight champion of the Bitetti Combat promotion, the 5-foot-11 Alves is tall for a lightweight and has shown decent athleticism. With five of his last seven victories having gone the distance, he is not a dominant finisher. Whiteley, meanwhile, has been far more dynamic on the Midwest regional scene, earning all seven of his wins by knockout or submission. Patrick relies on a controlling top game to win via decision or submission.

TRACKING TRISTEN 2013

Overall Record: 182-111
Last Event (UFC 165): 9-4
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8/UFC Fight Night 28): 5-6