UFC 130 Preview: The Main Card

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Middleweights
Brian Stann vs. Jorge Santiago

The Matchup: Both have improved considerably in recent bouts, with Stann’s drop to middleweight and a New Year’s Day knockout of Chris Leben propelling his career. Santiago, meanwhile, has reeled off a string of impressive wins against tough overseas competition since exiting the UFC in 2006 after going 1-2. Both rely on standup to create opportunities and openings; this is not likely to be a lay-and-pray-style bout.

Santiago may be the better-rounded kickboxer, but Stann’s game has tightened up considerably since teaming with maestro trainer Greg Jackson. His ability to get back to his feet, if taken down, and prevent Santiago from planting and punishing him on the mat will be key; light heavyweight foes Phil Davis and Krzysztof Soszynski exploited his lack of wrestling.

Stann probably hits harder with his punches and, in the Leben bout, showed a nice sense of when to lay back and when to explode. Santiago has shown good conditioning in drawn-out battles, taking five-round wins in three bouts, including two over the talented Kazuo Misaki and a decision over Mamed Khalidov -- one of the best fighters not currently in the UFC.

The Pick: Stann’s hot right now, and a fighter in his groove is difficult to beat. However, Santiago might have a little too much on the feet for him. He is more experienced and proven against better competition. He will do just enough in an intense, back-and-forth, mostly standup match to take a decision.

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