UFC on FOX 4: Final Predictions for the Preliminary Card Fights

The prelims of UFC on Fox 4: Rua vs. Vera may not be making the Fox portion of the card, but that doesn't mean they should be forgotten about. The undercard, in fact, may be just as exciting as the main card.

The featured bout of the undercard is in the featherweight division, as former lightweights Cole Miller and Nam Phan square off. This is just one of the six bouts on the undercard with the potential to dazzle fans.

Here are the final predictions for the preliminary bouts at UFC on Fox.

Ulysses Gomez vs. John Moraga

If you are a fan of the newly minted flyweight division, you are going to love the first matchup on the card.

Ulysses Gomez, a two-division champion in Tachi Palace Fights, is a pankration specialist with a 9-2 record. He is well-versed in the submission game and has a heavy top-game in the wrestling department.

John Moraga is a champion in the Rage in the Cage promotion as a bantamweight. He also is well-educated in the submission game, though he doesn't have the grappling credentials of Gomez.

This may turn into a striking battle, but I think Gomez's ground attack will be imposing enough to control the fight.

Prediction: Gomez def. Moraga via late submission

Michihiro Omigawa vs. Manvel Gamburyan

Two judo fighters will meet in the next fight of the night, as Armenian-born Manvel Gamburyan meets Japan's Michihiro Omigawa in the featherweight division.

Gamburyan, a former title challenger to Jose Aldo, has found himself on tough times since returning to the UFC, losing to Tyson Griffin and Diego Nunes. The powerful striker and savvy grappler will need a win here to ensure his job with the UFC.

Omigawa has gone 1-3 since his return to the UFC, despite losing a very controversial decision at UFC 131. Omigawa is above average as a boxer and has a heavy top-game. 

This fight will probably come down to striking, as their clinch and grappling will likely cancel out. Gamburyan may have the slight edge.

Prediction: Gamburyan def. Omigawa

Oli Thompson vs. Phil De Fries

Fellow Brits square off in the heavyweight division next, as Sunderland's Phil De Fries meets East Sussex's Oli Thompson.

De Fries, who trains with Alliance MMA, is a submission specialist who has seen mixed results in the UFC. Despite winning easily in his debut against Rob Broughton, De Fries was quickly knocked out against Stipe Miocic in his latest bout.

Meanwhile, former strongman Thompson is looking to redeem himself after getting crippled by Shawn Jordan's brutal striking in March. Thompson will obviously have the strength advantage, but he will want to strike with the greener De Fries come fight night.

If Thompson can stay off his back, he will be successful. Otherwise, De Fries will dominate.

Prediction: De Fries def. Thompson via decision 

Josh Grispi vs. Rani Yahya

In a crucial featherweight showdown, Brazil's Rani Yahya meets American Josh Grispi for a possible "loser leaves town" bout.

Grispi, who was almost a top contender to Jose Aldo, finds himself on a two-fight losing streak currently. He has not fought in over a year, and was knocked out in his last fight against George Roop.

Grispi has good submission skills and decent striking. He would be wise to stay off the ground with the submission ace that is Yahya.

Yahya, who has lost three of his last four, is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and owns 14 submission wins. Look for him to close the distance and attempt to lure Grispi into a grappling match.

If and when he does, Grispi will be in big trouble.

Prediction: Yahya def. Grispi via submission

Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado

In the least-talked about light heavyweight fight of the night, Phil Davis meets newcomer Wagner Prado of Brazil to try and get back on track to the title.

Davis is coming off the first loss of his career back at UFC on Fox 2 against Rashad Evans. Before that, he was undefeated, using his wrestling to beat the likes of Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Alexander Gustafsson.

Prado, who takes this fight on short notice, is a vicious Muay Thai specialist who trains with the Nogueira brothers. He is undefeated, claiming all of his wins but one by knockout.

If Prado can't stop the takedown, he will be in big trouble. Davis is one of the best wrestlers at 205, and will use his strength and wrestling to control the fight.

Prediction: Davis def. Prado via submission

Cole Miller vs. Nam Phan

In the final prelim of the night, Cole Miller and Nam Phan find themselves in an important fight in the featherweight division.

Miller, a four-time fight night bonus winner, is a submission specialist with good hands. He owns 13 career wins by submission, which proves how dangerous he is on the ground.

Phan, who owns black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate and quyen dao, is a solid all-around fighter. He has great boxing, which sees him utilize body shots, as well as an underrated ground game, despite his dominant loss to Jim Hettes.

Miller's size will be a big advantage and likely be the difference here.

Prediction: Miller def. Phan via decision