The MMA Daily

The headliner in the preliminary card comes in the Welterweight division, as Matthew “Semi the Jedi” Semelsberger takes on promotional newcomer AJ “The Ghost” Fletcher. A winner in six of his last seven, three of which came in the UFC, Semelsberger will look to keep the momentum going. Known to have some pop in his hands, Semelsberger has stopped six of his nine victories by knockout. Meanwhile, Fletcher comes into his UFC debut, a perfect 9-0. Having most recently fought on Dana White’s Contender Series, Fletcher impressed with a flying knee knockout. A victory which earned him a contract with the UFC.

As for a prediction, I have Semelsberger winning. While Fletcher looks to be a nice addition, this will be his toughest fight to date. Having fought opponents with a combined 38-35-1 record in his last five, Fletcher has yet to really be challenged. With heavy hands, good wrestling and devastating ground-and-pound, Fletcher has won via stoppage in eight of his nine fights. However, Semelsberger is no pushover. A high output striker with power, Semelsberger is a tough opponent to stand across from. Laying waste to two opponents in sixteen seconds or less in his last two victories would validate that. With good cardio, durability and takedown defense to round out his game, Semelsberger can withstand any storm and bring forth his own. So with that said, I predict that Semelsberger wins this fight via decision.