Preview: UFC Fight Night 143 ‘Cejudo vs. Dillashaw’

Lightweights

Dennis Bermudez (16-9) vs. Te Edwards (6-2): The last few years have been rough for Bermudez, as a four-fight losing streak has taken him from reliable Top 10 featherweight to near the cut line of the UFC roster. Once an aggressive wrestler, Bermudez slowly developed a well-rounded game and a semblance of defense, but with his athleticism slipping after a long and tough MMA career, he no longer seems that capable of putting an impact on the fight. Despite that, it is hard to say that Bermudez is completely done. While his recent results do reflect his downturn, his last three losses were all narrow split decisions that easily could have gone Bermudez’s way. Bermudez surprisingly moves up to 155 pounds in an effort to get off the schneid, as he takes on a raw prospect in Edwards. The 28-year-old Edwards is your prototypical Dana White-signed prospect: Despite his wrestling background, he came into the UFC with a record that consisted almost entirely of first-round knockouts. He was seemingly set up for success with a debut fight against Don Madge, but after Madge scored a shockingly one-sided upset, Edwards could badly use a win himself. Edwards’ size and power should make him dangerous and could stifle Bermudez’s wrestling a bit, but the latter has enough options on the feet that he can win a conservative kickboxing contest. The pick is Bermudez via decision. ODDS: Edwards (-135), Bermudez (+115)

Welterweights

Belal Muhammad (14-2) vs. Geoff Neal (10-2): Muhammad has enjoyed an impressive under-the-radar run at welterweight, winning his last four fights, but unfortunately for him, this card placement means he will remain under the radar. It is a bit understandable given that Muhammad is not the flashiest fighter, but he has been able to turn away a majority of his opponents thanks to a well-rounded game built around slowly breaking down his opponents. On the opposite side of things, it is also surprising that Neal is this low on the card, because he is a rapidly improving action fighter coming off of a brutal knockout of Frank Camacho. Neal has typically fought like an unstructured madman, but he showed some impressive pacing in the Camacho fight before scoring the finish, suggesting that the Fortis MMA product might wind up surpassing his expectations. Neal should remain dangerous throughout the fight, but Muhammad is proven enough that he deserves the nod here, particularly since the Chicago native should be able to rely on his wrestling game to keep things under control. Neal could easily catch him, but the pick is Muhammad via decision. ODDS: Neal (-175), Muhammad (+155)

Welterweights

Kyle Stewart (11-1) vs. Chance Rencountre (12-3): Rencountre gets a second chance to make a first impression inside of the Octagon. The Alliance MMA product was a late-notice signing in the spring and, frankly, did not show much in a one-sided loss to Belal Muhammad. Rencountre finally seems to have an answer as to who that second chance will come against. After fights against Randy Brown and Dwight Grant fell through, Rencountre will face the debuting Stewart. An alum of the first season of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, Stewart is a well-rounded talent who has a few submission wins on his resume but will probably get by at the UFC level on some knockout power and a consistent work rate. If Rencountre relies on his wrestling, he might have a chance, but he seems to be favoring a range striking game that is not particularly natural despite his long frame. The pick is Stewart via decision. ODDS: Stewart (-215), Rencountre (+165)