UFC Fight Night ‘MacDonald vs. Saffiedine’ Preview

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WELTERWEIGHTS

Chad Laprise (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Yosdenis Cedeno (10-3, 1-1 UFC)

THE MATCHUP: “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” winner Laprise returns to the Octagon to take on Cuban lightweight Cedeno, owner of one of MMA’s strangest hairstyles, in a scrap that promises entertaining violence. Laprise won a convincing decision over Olivier Aubin-Mercier to take the “Ultimate Fighter” crown in April, while Cedeno bounced back from an uninspired performance in his short-notice debut to dominate Jerrod Sanders in July.

Cedeno’s game revolves around his wicked explosiveness. A striker by trade, the Cuban-American throws a lightning-quick right hand, vicious kicks at all levels and a diverse array of spinning techniques, all of them backed up by nasty power. The problem with Cedeno’s style, however, is output: He goes through long periods of inactivity as he waits for something to counter, and his preference for all-or-nothing strikes means he can gas quickly. Cedeno’s commitment to big movements occasionally overextends him and compromises his generally excellent takedown defense. Although he is not much of an offensive wrestler or a particularly slick grappler, Cedeno’s power makes him dangerous from top position if he can find his way there.

Smooth, technical kickboxing -- think more athletic Sam Stout -- is Laprise’s bread and butter. He moves well and takes fantastic angles, pumping out a constant stream of punching combinations and hard low kicks. Laprise’s slick counter game and timing makes pressure-minded opponents think twice before attempting to close the distance, and his excellent takedown defense and steady clinch work allow him to keep the fight in his range-striking wheelhouse. Output and cardio are major strengths, as well; in general, Laprise’s process is good enough to ensure he can win decisions in the absence of a knockout.

BETTING ODDS: N/A

THE PICK: Although Cedeno will hold substantial advantages in speed and power, his lack of a high-level wrestling game and the cardio to sustain his output for all three rounds bodes poorly against a well-conditioned, steady kickboxer like Laprise. There will be some rough spots in the first round, where the Cuban-American is fresh, sharp and landing big shots, but I expect Laprise to take over in the second and third to secure a clear unanimous decision.

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