UFC 138 Preview: The Main Card

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Lightweights
Terry Etim (14-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Eddie Faaloloto (2-2, 0-1 UFC)

The Matchup: With overseas cards, it is in the promotion’s interest to create a matchup or two that serves a morale-booster for the home crowd. This is that matchup.

At 2-2, with both losses coming in his WEC and UFC appearances, Faaloloto is the equivalent of the non-conference team visiting the ranked powerhouse in Etim, an Englishman fighting on his home turf. In knockout losses against Anthony Njokuani and Michael Johnson, Faaloloto has shown little to suggest he can compete at this level, but that can be changed with a victory against Etim.

Style-wise, Etim remains somewhat limited on the feet, as the lanky lightweight does not have a lot of power or heft on his shots. However, he does have a solid chin and a versatile submission game, which he showed in wins over Shannon Gugerty, Justin Buchholz and Matt Grice.

The Pick: Etim will look to get this to the ground as soon as possible, where his length and solid jiu-jitsu should allow him to have his way. He will either land a submission or control Faaloloto on the floor enough to pound him relentlessly from an advantageous position, winning in the second round after wearing him down in an increasingly one-sided bout.

Jason Probst can be reached at Jason@jasonprobst.com or at twitter.com/jasonprobst.