UFC 115 Preview: Paulo Thiago vs. Martin Kampmann

Since signing with Zuffa a year and a half ago, Thiago has gone 3-1 with stoppage wins over Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick, a decision victory over Jacob Volkmann and a decision loss to Jon Fitch. The 29-year-old Brazilian is already ranked in the top 5 or 6 welterweights in the world. He has an opportunity this Saturday night to possibly elevate his stock even higher. Thiago faced a striker his last time out, catching Mike Swick and following him to the canvas to put him away. To follow up that showing with a victory over Kampmann, Thiago will likely need to use movement effectively and pick well-timed spots to shoot or clinch. If Thiago is effective at taking this one to the mat, it could be a tough night for Kampmann. Paulo Thiago has a professional record of 13-1 with 2 wins coming by way of knockout and 8 wins coming by way of submission. The combined career winning percentage of the opponents that he has faced thus far in his career is 71.5%.

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Potential is a word often associated with Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann. Many have felt that the 28-year-old Dane could become a top contender when he dropped to the 170 pound class and joined up with Xtreme Couture over a year and a half ago. One thing is for sure, Kampmann is rarely involved in a boring fight. Also, he has had an impressive run in the UFC, going 7-2 since signing with Zuffa. Look for Kampmann to try and control the pace of the fight, peppering his opponent from a distance with kicks and punches. Thiago doesn't have the world's greatest wrestling skills but he'll likely look to take this one to the mat. Will Kampmann be able to utilize knees and dirty boxing to make Thiago pay for initiating a clinch? We'll find out soon enough. Martin Kampmann has a professional record of 16-3 with 7 wins coming by way of knockout and 6 wins coming by way of submission. The combined career winning percentage of the opponents that he has faced thus far in his career is 67.1%.

This fight should provide an interesting clash of styles. It is a testament to the continued worldwide appeal of MMA that two international fighters should be competing for a spot in the welterweight pecking order this Saturday in Vancouver. Ultimately, I see Thiago falling behind on points early but turning the tide in the second half of the fight, pulling this one out by decision.