UFC Fight Night 29: Maia vs Shields predictions and preview

Raphael Assuncao vs T.J. Dillashaw

Apr 20, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; T.J. Dillashaw celebrates after defeating Hugo Viana (not pictured) during the bantamweight bout prelims of the UFC on Fuel TV at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Schlinsky: I have very high hopes for this fight. I think this could easily be the fight of the night. Assuncao has markedly improved his striking since losing to Erik Kock in his UFC debut and showed a lot of heart fighting with a broken against Mike Easton. A nice armbar against Vaughan Lee pushed Assuncao’s win streak to 4. All that being said, T.J. Dillashaw is another type of animal. Ever since Bang Ludwig took over Team Alpha Male, everyone has been on a tear. The train ain’t stopping against Assuncao.
Prediction: T.J. Dillashaw by KO round 2

Josh Sanchez: Team Alpha Male is on a roll, but so is Assuncao, who is undefeated since making the move down to bantamweight. Assuncao may be the more well-rounded fighter, but his takedown defense will be exposed by Dillishaw’s wrestling. Assuncao has the jiu-jitsu to survive on the ground, but the ability of Dillashaw to keep a high pace will ultimately be the difference.
Prediction: T.J. Dillashaw via unanimous decision