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A new tradition is starting to form on Wednesdays as the UFC is putting on top quality events in the middle of the week, thanks to the move to Fox Sports 1. This card is no different as the main event welterweight bout between Damian Maia and Jake Shields will have title implications. Also, Silva and Kim meet in another key welterweight bout, while two bantamweights are battling for a potential shot at the gold.
Kicking off the action is a bantamweight division fight as Raphael Assuncao (20-4-0) competes against TJ Dillashaw (8-1-0). Assuncao will enter the fight riding a four fight winning streak, last defeating Vaughan Lee at UFC On Fuel TV X. Dillashaw will also enter the fight on a four fight winning streak, most notably defeating Hugo Viana at UFC On Fox VII. There could be some potential title implications in this fight and it will be Assuncao getting closer to that shot.
Welterweights will step into the cage next as Rousimar “Toquinho†Palhares (14-5-0) is in action against Mike Pierce (17-5-0). Palhares will be making his welterweight debut in this fight after going 7-4-0 as a middleweight in the UFC. Pierce will enter the fight riding a four fight winning streak, with his last loss coming to Josh Koscheck at UFC 143. Pierce is far better than Palhares at any place Palhares will put the fight, which is why Pierce will get his fifth straight.
A light heavyweight division fight is up next as Joey “Mexicutioner†Beltran (14-8-0-1NC) does battle against Fabio Maldonado (19-6-0). Beltran is currently winless in his second UFC run, losing to James Te Huna and fighting Igor Pokrajac to a no contest. Maldonado has only won one of his last four fights, with that lone win coming over Roger Hollett at UFC On FX VIII. This fight has no place on this main card in any fashion, but it will be Maldonado picking up the victory.
More light heavyweight division action is next as Matt “The Hammer†Hamill (11-4-0) battles Thiago Silva (15-3-0-2NC). Hamill has only fought once since his self-imposed retirement, having defeated Roger Hollett by decision at UFC 152. Silva has only won one of his last five fights, with that lone victory coming over Rafael Cavalcante at UFC On Fuel TV X. This is a must win fight if either competitor is to remain relevant in the division and it will be Silva pulling out the win.
Up next is a welterweight division bout as Dong Hyun “Stun Gun†Kim (17-2-1-1NC) faces Erick “Indio†Silva (15-3-0-1NC). Kim will enter the fight riding a two fight winning streak, having defeated Paulo Thiago and Siyar Bahadurzada. Silva has rotated wins and losses throughout his UFC run, with his last fight being a victory over Jason High at UFC On Fuel TV X. Kim needs to pull out the victory if he wants to become a contender in the division and he will get that pivotal victory.
Headlining this card is a welterweight division fight as Damian Maia (18-4-0) takes on Jake Shields (28-6-1-1NC). Maia is currently undefeated as a welterweight in the UFC, most notably defeating Jon Fitch by decision at UFC 156. Shields has been undefeated since returning to the welterweight division, having defeated Tyron Woodley at UFC 161. A title shot may be awarded to the winner of this main event and it will be Maia getting that potential title opportunity.
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