By TXMMA Staff // Photos by UFC.com via Gretty Images
Bader and St. Preux face off in main event; Lauren Murphy debuts as part of UFC FN 47 undercard
The UFC returns to FOX Sports 1 this Saturday night with UFC Fight Night 47 emanating from Bangor, Maine. #8 ranked light heavyweight contender Ryan Bader takes on #10 ranked Ovince St. Preux in the evening’s main event bout. Grey Maynard and Ross Pearson face off in the co-main event while Lauren Murphy (2013 TXMMA Women’s FOTY) makes her UFC debut when she faces off against Olympian Sarah McMann.
UFC Fight Night 47 Preview and Predictions
205 lbs.: Ryan Bader (17-4) vs. Ovince St. Preux (16-5)
This one will be a battle between a proven veteran looking to stay relevant (Bader) and an up-and-coming fighter (OSP) looking for his own chance to contend in the crowded division. Ryan Bader should be the betting favorite headed into the bout. This is by virtue of his superior wrestling and cardio but St. Preux has skills of his own – namely striking. OSP is the type of fighter who can end things with a well-timed shot and Bader has succumbed to that type before (Machida, Texeira).
It won’t be easy for him to avoid the proverbial kill shot but if Ryan Bader can focus on implementing his strengths he should be able to grind out a victory here.
Prediction: Ryan Bader over Ovince St. Preux by decision
155 lbs.: Ross Pearson (15-7) vs. Gray Maynard (11-3-1)
In another bout of veterans, this time in the lightweight division, former #1 contender Gray Maynard faces off against the UK’s Ross Pearson.
Maynard used to be thought off as one of the most feared fighters in the division with his wrestling and physicality but he’s fallen off since his championship bouts with Frankie Edgar. With only 1 win in his last 4 fights, one has to wonder if the “Bully” is one his well beyond being a legit threat in the division. As for Ross, he’s looking to prove that he’s just getting there and beating Maynard will go a long way towards proving he is a viable contender.
This one could come down to how well Pearson can defend takedowns for the duration of the three round bout. If he succeeds in remaining standing, he should almost certainly be able to outpoint Maynard if he doesn’t finish him first.
Prediction: Ross Pearson over Gray Maynard by decision
265 lbs.: Tim Boetsch (17-7) vs. Brad Tavares (12-2)
Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch is a physical fighter who relies on smothering wrestling and top control to win his fights. Unfortunately for him Brad Tavares is similarly skilled and won’t be easily held down for the win. Brad is also a bit quicker to the shot than Tim and that may prove to be his major advantage but Tim might be too strong for him too so this one is an interesting tossup.
Prediction: Tim Boetsch over Brad Tavares by decision
170 lbs.: Seth Baczynski (19-11) vs. Alan Jouban (9-2)
Alan Jouban arrives from RFA reputed for being a well-rounded southpaw fighter. Meanwhile “Polish Pistola” Seth Baczynski has had his moments but has never quite put it all together to stand out consistently in the UFC. Both these fighters have the ability to win this one but Seth has faced much tougher competition in his career and that experience should give him the edge.
Prediction: Seth Baczynski over Alan Jouban by decision
265 lbs.: Shawn Jordan (15-6) vs. Jack May (7-1)
Jack May was last seen losing by first round TKO to Texan Derrick Lewis and may lose again here. He’s a huge fighter but Jordan should be able to take him down and minimize the size difference on the ground. Jack’s main chance would bet to keep the fight on the outside and wear his opponent down through three rounds but the odds on that are far less than the alternative.
Prediction: Shawn Jordan over Jack May by TKO, RD2
145 lbs.: Thiago Tavares (18-5-1) vs. Robbie Peralta (18-4-1)
Close fight here with the two veteran featherweights. Peralta has been more consistent throughout his career but Thiago has certainly faced better competition. On the feet it might be a tossup but Tavares should be the better grappler and should be able to control this one from the top if it does go to the floor.
Prediction: Thiago Tavares over Robbie Peralta by decision
UFC Fight Night 47 – Preliminary Card Quick Picks
- Zach Makovsky over Jussier Formiga by decision
- Lauren Murphy over Sara McMann by decision
- Seth Baczynski over Alan Jouban by TKO
- Tom Watson over Sam Alvey by TKO
- Frankie Saenz over Nolan Ticman by decision
