UFC on FX 4: Maynard vs. Guida Staff Predictions

Friday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on FX Network
The Revel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Main Card (FX)

Gray Maynard vs. Clay Guida (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Gray Maynard has only ever lost to the second-ranked lightweight in the world. Guida has ben defeated by worse fighters and it’s just very difficult to picture him winning this fight. Maynard’s boxing is solid and he carries big power, however it’s been proven time and time again that Guida has an iron chin. “The Bully” will start fast, win the opening rounds and earn a comfortable enough lead on the scorecards to take a decision in a grueling 25-minute fight. Looking forward to this one. Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: To be completely blunt; If Clay can’t out wrestle his opponent, he’s probably going to lose. Don’t get me wrong, I love Clay and his energy. However, I’ll find it very surprising if he is able to cope with Maynard, who is the bigger and better wrestler with technical boxing and heavy hands. I expect this one to go the distance but I hope it doesn’t. Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Gray Maynard is going to come back determined as ever against a very tough competitor in Clay Guida. He needs to stay off of his back and avoid the takedowns en route to the victory. Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Both of these guys have looked great lately. Gray’s last fight may have been a loss but he looked outstanding early and started strong against Frankie. Clay was on a tear before Henderson stopped his title aspirations short, but I think Maynard takes this one. Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision

Sam Stout vs. Spencer Fisher (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: It is hard to argue with Sam Stout’s pre-fight analysis of his own fight. The Canadian is still young and just hitting his prime while Spencer Fisher is on the tail-end of his career. Both men have reason to be highly motivated for this fight, but having not earned a victory since the passing of coach Shawn Tompkins, Stout will want this fight more. Expect Fisher to keep it competitive, though. Sam Stout via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: It’s funny because both these guys lost to Thiago Tavares in their most recent fight, Fisher losing via TKO and Stout via Unanimous Decision (questionable IMO). Although these guys are 1-1, I don’t think Fisher can compete at Stouts level anymore. I see Stout putting this trilogy to a definitive end by stoppage. Sam Stout via TKO – R2

Erik Jackson: While I have no doubt this fight will be a war, I feel as if Spencer Fisher is on his last gas and Stout’s might be too much here, his power worries me against Fisher, and this could be the last time we see Spencer inside the octagon. Sam Stout via TKO – R2

Patrick Weafer: This is sort of an odd matchup in my mind. Yes, finishing the trilogy makes sense, but it comes at an odd time as Fisher has lost 4 of his last 5 while Stout has won 4 of 6. Stout is probably still recovering from the loss of his longtime trainer and friend Shawn Thompkins, but I hope he can take a step in the right direction with a win here. Sam Stout via Unanimous Decision

Brian Ebersole vs. TJ Waldburger (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Nine of Brian Ebersole’s 14 losses have come by way of submission while 12 of 15 victories in the career of TJ Waldburger are via submission. I smell an upset. TJ Waldburger via Submission – R2

Jon Gerow: Ebersole is on a tear these days, love to see this guy fight. Hopefully Waldurger doesn’t try to hold him down for three rounds Claude Patrick style. Brian Ebersole via TKO – R1

Erik Jackson: TJ Waldburger has dangerous submissions, however I believe that Brian ebersole has the experience to stay out of danger, and should win this one with the superior standup. Brian Ebersole via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Brian Ebersole has quietly put together a 3-fight win streak in the UFC and a 10-fight streak overall. While he may be known more for his gimmicks and banana hammock banishment, this guy can fight. Look for Ebersole to continue his streak here and move up the WW ladder. Brian Ebersole via Unanimous Decision

Ross Pearson vs. Cub Swanson (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Ross Pearson looked solid in his featherweight debut earlier this year and he should keep that momentum going with a victory over Cub Swanson. The only thing that troubles me is the fact Pearson was arrested for DUI a couple months back, raising a few red flags. Hopefully the Brit has his head on straight because this is his fight to lose. Ross Pearson via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Ross looked really good in his first fight at featherweight and I can only assume he will look even better in his second. Cub Swanson is a legit threat who has both good submissions and punches, but I don’t think it will be enough to get past “The Real Deal”. Look for Pearson to outmatch his counterpart with technical kickboxing and a strength advantage. Ross Pearson via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Great fight to kick off the night. Both are very tough fighters who will be looking to make a statement. I like Ross down a weight class, however Cub Swanson is a WEC vet who has been in many big fights before. Cub Swanson via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: In my mind the name Cub Swanson is automatically tied to the vicious KO of George Roop that sent Roop’s mouthpiece flying off the cage. Cub has some power but I believe Pearson’s technical striking will be too much and will overwhelm Cub for 3 rounds. Ross Pearson via Unanimous Decision