UFC 131 Preview: The Prelims

Middleweights
Nick Ring vs. James Head

The Matchup: Ring took a controversial decision win over Riki Fukuda at UFC 127, as he looked tentative and unwilling to engage. Head’s promotional debut brings with it a fighter with a great jiu-jitsu background and sharp hands. He puts combinations together nicely and seems to be a solid prospect.

Ring showed considerable promise while on Season 11 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” and this fight represents a big chance to remind people of it. He may still be a wild card physically given his recovery from the injured knee that cut his reality series aspirations short. With that said, Head looks to be the more talented fighter. He throws solid combinations and is comfortable at any range, standing or on the ground. Ring has professional boxing experience, but it has yet to surface against tough competition.

The Pick: Head will have enough to overwhelm Ring in a good, back-and-forth bout with solid exchanges and subtle shifts of momentum; Head wins a close decision.

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