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Lightweights

Jorge Masvidal (24-7, 1-0 UFC) vs. Michael Chiesa (9-0, 2-0 UFC): A former Strikeforce lightweight title challenger, Masvidal blended striking and takedowns to capture a unanimous verdict against Tim Means at UFC on Fox 7. The well-rounded “Gamebred” looks for his second Octagon triumph against “The Ultimate Fighter 15” winner Chiesa, who has made a habit of pulling out come-from-behind victories. Masvidal will be able to do damage in exchanges, but Chiesa has a knack for forcing scrambles and taking his opponent’s back after absorbing punishment. However, Masvidal’s experience proves to be too much, as he wins via late TKO or decision.

Lightweights

Danny Castillo (15-5, 5-2 UFC) vs. Tim Means (18-4-1, 2-1 UFC): Castillo showcased intelligent ground-and-pound and solid submission defense in his most recent outing against Paul Sass at UFC on Fuel TV 7. The Team Alpha Male product blends punching power with a wrestling base, but he will have to navigate the four-inch reach advantage of the lanky Means, who is also capable of landing significant offense from his back should he be taken down. Means needs to stay upright more than he did against Jorge Masvidal, however, because judges still tend to reward fighters in top control. Castillo wins by decision.

Lightweights

Melvin Guillard (30-12-2, 11-8 UFC) vs. Mac Danzig (21-10-1, 5-6): It has been a rough stretch of late for Guillard, who has lost four of his last five fights. That slump prompted “The Young Assassin” to leave the Blackzilians camp in hopes of a return to his previous home at Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts, but his request was voted down. Now situated at the Grudge Training Center, Guillard still has the physical tools that once had him on the cusp of 155-pound title contention. Danzig has been up and down for a while now, most recently dropping a split verdict to Takanori Gomi in November. While Danzig throws solid combinations and has good footwork, his best asset here is his jiu-jitsu game. Danzig takes this by submission in round two.

Lightweights

Daron Cruickshank (12-3, 2-1 UFC) vs. Yves Edwards (42-19-1, 10-7 UFC): Edwards lost a hard-fought split decision to Isaac Vallie-Flagg in his last appearance at UFC 156, but the “Thugjitsu Master” remains a crafty veteran with a versatile offensive arsenal. The flashy Cruickshank never got untracked at UFC 158, as he was outstruck by John Makdessi in losing a unanimous decision. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 15 alum has a chance of scoring a knockout with his dangerous array of kicks, but expect Edwards to keep him off balance throughout the bout. Edwards captures a decision.

Women’s Bantamweights

Julie Kedzie (16-11, 0-0 UFC) vs. Germaine de Randamie (3-2, 0-0 UFC): One of the true pioneers of women’s MMA, Kedzie returns to action after a shoulder injury shelved her for nearly a year. In her most recent bout against Miesha Tate, Kedzie showcased excellent striking and held her own in scrambles and transitions on the mat, only to get caught by a desperation armbar late in round three. De Randamie does not have anywhere near Kedzie’s MMA experience, but she is a dangerous muay Thai specialist. A balanced approach from Kedzie nets a decision victory.

Middleweights

Ed Herman (20-9, 7-6 UFC) vs. Trevor Smith (10-3, 0-0 UFC): Herman’s last encounter with a Strikeforce veteran did not go so well, as he crossed promotional boundaries to be submitted inside of a round by Ronaldo Souza in January. A decent grappler in his own right, Herman’s mechanical movements matched up poorly with the fluid athleticism of “Jacare.” Smith, a former All-American wrestler at Iowa State, has a good submission game but has faltered against better competition. Herman, using heavy ground-and-pound, wins by TKO in round one or two.

Lightweights

Aaron Riley (30-13-1, 3-5 UFC) vs. Justin Salas (10-4, 1-1 UFC): Riley’s UFC roots date back to 2002, when he lost his Octagon debut in an exciting slugfest with Robbie Lawler. The Jackson’s MMA product has not competed since a breaking his jaw in a loss to Tony Ferguson at UFC 135. Riley is as hard-nosed as they come, and Salas, a wrestler based out of the Grudge Training Center, will want to plant him on his back as often as possible. Riley takes a decision.

Bantamweights

John Albert (7-4, 1-3 UFC) vs. Yaotzin Meza (19-8, 0-1 UFC): Albert brings nothing but action to the cage in each appearance, which is probably why he remains on the roster after three consecutive losses. Each of those defeats has come inside of a round but each has been wonderfully entertaining. Meza, meanwhile, took on a tough opponent on short notice in his UFC debut, suffering a first-round knockout against Chad Mendes in December. Expect Albert to go for broke early, and this time it works in his favor. He wins via submission in round one.

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TRACKING TRISTEN 2013

Overall Record: 122-69
Last Event (UFC 162): 8-3
Best Event (Strikeforce “Marquardt vs. Saffiedine): 9-2
Worst Event (UFC 156/UFC on Fuel TV 8): 5-6