UFC Fight Night 40 Preview

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Heavyweights

Jared Rosholt (9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Daniel Omielanczuk (16-3-1, 1-0 UFC): A three-time NCAA All-American wrestler, Rosholt entered the UFC with high expectations. While he was able to defeat Walt Harris in his debut, the Team Takedown representative still has to shore up some holes in his game before he can be considered a serious threat in the division. Meanwhile, Omielanczuk had two forgettable rounds with Nandor Guelmino at UFC 165 before landing left hook in the third for a KO victory. The smaller Omielanczuk will have to hope he can catch Rosholt in a submission; otherwise, the wrestler wins on takedowns and conditioning. Rosholt takes it by TKO in round two or three.

Bantamweights

Rani Yahya (19-8, 4-2 UFC) vs. Johnny Bedford (19-10-1, 2-1 UFC): One cannot question Yahya’s grappling credentials, but the 2007 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships gold medalist cannot afford to spend too much time on his back against Bedford, who tends to overwhelm his opponents with physicality. If Yahya cannot get the larger Bedford to the mat consistently, it could be a long night, because he cannot win on standup alone. However, he is more than skilled enough to submit “The Ultimate Fighter 14” alum -- nine of Bedford’s defeats are by submission -- if he secures top position. Yahya wins by submission.

Middleweights

Thales Leites (22-4, 7-3 UFC) vs. Trevor Smith (11-4, 1-1 UFC): Leites enters the bout on a five-fight winning streak, including a pair of decision triumphs over Tom Watson and Ed Herman inside the Octagon. The Nova Uniao product’s strength will always be his suffocating top game, and it is difficult to imagine Smith handling the Brazilian’s submission attack for a full 15 minutes. Even if Smith survives for the duration, he will find himself consistently out-grappled. Leites gets the victory by decision or submission.

Middleweights

Andrew Craig (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Chris Camozzi (19-7, 6-4 UFC): Camozzi is going to try and rack up points on the feet by landing in greater volume than Craig. The Coloradan will rely primarily on his jab and kicks to keep the fight at a safe range, but even in victory Camozzi is never known for overwhelming his opponents. Craig will attempt to win the battle in close quarters, but he must be aware that Camozzi is capable of landing offense in the clinch, as well. Craig is more balanced than Camozzi when it comes to the various aspects of MMA, and that will pay off for him as he mixes up his attacks between striking and wrestling. Craig wins by decision.

Featherweights

Jim Alers (12-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Alan Omer (18-3, 0-0 UFC): Alers made a name for himself under the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship banner, posting a 5-0 record en route to capturing the promotion’s featherweight crown. “The Beast” is a solid athlete who can get his opponent to the floor with slams, trips, throws and takedowns. From there, he will transition to a variety of submission attempts. Alers is something of a risk-taker in scrambles, but he has the physical ability to compensate for his mistakes. Omer might not be able match up with Alers on the ground, but he has a nice jab and will also look to land powerful knees and punches in exchanges. Alers is not especially varied on the feet, and he lacks Omer’s movement and footwork, but he should be able to compensate for his shortcomings through sheer athleticism. Alers wins by submission.

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TRACKING TRISTEN

2014 Record: 56-43-1
Career Record: 323-201-2
Last Event (UFC Fight Night 39): 1-9-1
Best Event (“The Ultimate Fighter 18” Finale): 9-1
Worst Event (UFC Fight Night 39): 1-9-1