UFC 143 preview: Rest of main card
Renan Barao (17-1) vs. Scott Jorgensen (13-4)
Bantamweight contenders try to position themselves in the top five of the division as Barao and Jorgensen meet in a 135-pound tilt.
Barao, 24, has taken a similar path to that of compatriot and training partner Jose Aldo. He's undefeated since making his mark on North American soil and he has only one blemish on his otherwise immaculate record.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, who calls Nova Uniao his home, submitted Brad Pickett at UFC 138 this past November.
In addition to his submission prowess, Barao is a muay thai specialist riding a streak of 27 straight fights without a loss. For Jorgensen, it's all momentum he can steal away with an upset.
Jorgensen, 29, a former NCAA Division I wrestler and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt, outpointed Jeff Curran in October. His streak of five straight wins was snapped by bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz in December 2010 and he's had his sights set on a rematch ever since.
The Combat Fitness product possesses a strong base where Barao is most vulnerable as his wrestling could win him rounds.
However, Barao has exhibited strong takedown defense in the past and he should anticipate Jorgensen's desperate attempts to bring this fight to the ground. The Brazilian's tactical strikes will break his American foe down over three rounds as he prevails by decision.
Verdict: Barao via decision
Ed Herman (19-8) vs. Clifford Starks (8-0)
In a 185-pound encounter, the well-travelled veteran Herman will try to hand the undefeated Starks his first professional loss.
Herman, 31, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, returned to the UFC last June after missing nearly two years due to a knee injury. He finished both Tim Credeur and Kyle Noke in the first round, bringing some momentum back to his once uncertain career.
The Team Quest pupil has competed on the international circuit since 2002, earning wins over Cory Devela, Brian Ebersole, Glover Teixeira, Scott Smith, Joe Doerksen and David Loiseau.
Herman has submitted 11 opponents and his slick holds could be the key to ending Starks' perfect run.
Starks, 30, was victorious in his UFC debut this past October, outpointing fellow newcomer Dustin Jacoby.
A former NCAA Division I wrestler and collegiate wrestling teammate of Cain Velasquez, Starks trains at Arizona Combat Sports. He can anticipate the toughest fight of his career against Herman, who may also be remembered for his stint on the third season of "The Ultimate Fighter."
Herman will be pleased to go to the ground with Starks and he can certainly hold his own standing. The critical exchanges should go his way as he outpoints Starks en route to a decision win.
Verdict: Herman via decision
