THE CLINCH REPORT

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Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto vs. Darren Uyenoyama

Yamamoto is a well seasoned fighter, with wins over Jeff Curran, Cal Ono, and Royler Gracie. However the striker is entering this fight after being on the wrong side of a decision in three of his last four fights. Yamamoto may be one of the most prolific strikers in the 135 lbs division, and his chin is equally as tough.

Darren Uyenoyama enters this fight after compiling a 3-0 record fighting for (the now Zuffa controlled) Strikeforce. With a 6-3 record, Uyenoyama seems like a newcomer to the sport. However his strong striking, and wrestling backed jujitsu techniques silence the inexperience.

Prediction: Yamamoto via TKO Rd 1.

Robert Peralta vs. Mackens Semerzier

With strong boxing and wrestling skills, Robert Peralta enters his second UFC fight hoping to extend his eight fight win streak. His first UFC fight resulted in a decision victory over Mike Lullo at UFC fight Night 25. Peralta will certainly look to utilize his wrestling skills to avoid take-downs, enabling him to utilize his boxing skills.

Mackens Semerzier is also entering his second UFC fight after choking out Alex Caceras in the first round of their fight. A wrestling and jujitsu ace, with 5 submission victories behind him Semerzier will look to take this fight to the ground. However his boxing skills require equal respect, as he has power in both hands.

Prediction: Semerzier via 2nd round submission

Alex Caceres vs. Cole Escovedo

After losing his first two UFC fights, former Ultimate Fighter contender Alex Caceres is certainly fighting with his back against the wall. In order to keep himself in the prime-time, ‘Bruce-leroy’ will have to utilize his jujitsu, and jeet kune do striking to impress the UFC brass enough to keep him around. Caceras needs to turn his flashes of greatness into a complete performance.

Cole Escovedo is one of the toughest MMA fighters in the world, after coming back from near death in 2007 from a staph infection, he returned to form three years later, winning his first 5 fights back in competition. He has fought the likes of Urijah Faber, Bart Palazewski, and Jens Pulver, so he is no stranger to being in pressure fights. Coming into this fight the loser of four out of his last five, the pressure now, is to remain relevant for Escovedo. The one-time (and first ever) WEC Featherweight champion will look to mix up his striking, enabling him to take his opponent to the ground, where he can expose Caceras’s weakness.

Prediction Escovedo via 1st round submission