UFC 127 Preview: The Main Card

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Lightweights
George Sotiropoulos vs. Dennis Siver

The Matchup: Quality lightweights square off to produce a contender, and with Sotiropoulos on a tear of late, Siver has a major assignment in front of him. With a ledger of 7-0 in the UFC, Sotiropoulos has done in the lightweight division what Jon Fitch did as a welterweight prior to earning a title shot. He has grounded and decimated opponents with startling consistency, improving his game in the process.

Siver is a live wire, with potent striking and a compact build that makes him strong and willing to force a physical fight. If Sotiropoulos wants to prove he belongs at the next level -- where Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard and others reside -- he will have to be impressive against Siver.

While perception holds Siver as the better standup fighter, Sotiropoulos’ ability in this area has inched along slowly but consistently. He does not throw huge knockout punches and, at times, seems a little stiff, but his strikes are effective enough to allow him to initiate tie-ups and grappling. Once there, his outstanding ground game takes over. Siver may be exceptionally strong physically, but the Aussie’s pedigree, especially when battling for position on the ground, has bested similarly strong foes like Joe Stevenson. Sotiropoulos also looked outstanding against Kurt Pellegrino, one of best lightweight grapplers in the UFC.

Siver has some options available to him. His spinning-back kick has proven dangerous, and his kicks can take a piece out of an opponent if they land clean. He will have to flit in and out against the taller Sotiropoulos while evading clinches and throw attempts. It is a difficult assignment, especially since Sotiropoulos seems to inexorably get closer and closer to opponents, grinding them down with constant pressure.

The Pick: If Siver can land something big early and pounce, that represents his best chance to spring the upset. Once it hits the mat against Sotiropoulos, the opponent is in his world. Sotiropoulos will get the fight there and end it in three, via strikes or a submission.

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