Preview: UFC on Fox 19 ‘Teixeira vs. Evans’

Featherweights

Cub Swanson (21-7) vs. Hacran Dias (23-3-1)

THE MATCHUP: Swanson defied the fate of all “action fighters” when he went on a six-fight winning streak between 2012 and 2014. However, his last two fights -- both losses -- were firm reminders of the perilousness of his exciting style.

Hacran Dias has not accomplished what Frankie Edgar and Max Holloway have in their careers, but he is a risky style matchup nonetheless. A huge featherweight, Dias employs a grinding, grappling-heavy attack, putting his opponents against the fence and dragging them down to the floor, where the Nova Uniao top game comes into play. On the feet, Dias throws heavy leg kicks and one-off punches. If Dias can get Swanson down consistently in this fight -- off of Swanson’s kicks, for example -- then he will have a distinct edge.

Fortunately for Swanson, every round starts on the feet, and he has a few distinct advantages there. Of course, he packs more power in his strikes, but his aggressive defense is his real edge. Dias does not meld defense with offense very effectively, while Swanson has always been comfortable in exchanges, switching from a block or slip to a devastating counterpunch in the blink of an eye.

THE ODDS: Swanson (-125), Dias (+105)

THE PICK: Neither man has an easy fight ahead of them, but I think Dias’ is just a little bit harder. Cub Swanson takes it by third-round TKO.

Last Fights » The Prelims