UFC 139 Results: Ryan Bader vs. Jason Brilz Breakdown and Prediction

Light heavyweights Ryan Bader (13-2) and Jason Brilz (18-4) are both coming off devastating losses and will look to get back on the winning track when they meet later tonight on the UFC 139 preliminary card.

When Bader entered 2011 as an undefeated contender, there were high hopes for him to make it to an eventual fight for the title. Losses against Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz set back his career considerably, but he still remains a solid fighter in the 205 pound division.

Brilz is in a must-win situation as well, and his 20-second knockout loss to Vladimir Matyushenko probably has him one fight from being cut from the premier MMA organization.

Both are standout wrestlers, but Bader is the more accomplished as a former NCAA Division I wrestler while Brilz is a former NCAA Division II wrestler.

Brilz showed solid combinations in his fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and he may be able to utilize his striking if he can keep this fight standing. That is where he will have his best shot at being victorious, and Ortiz showed that there are some weaknesses in Bader's standup game. The TUF 8 winner packs a lot of power though, so Brilz must be careful.

Bader will want to get this fight to the ground where he can dominate from top and secure a win without taking a chance of getting caught on the feet again. There is nothing more important to him than getting a victory however it comes, and he should be able to get it here just by being the better wrestler.

The fight will be broadcast as the main fight on the Spike TV portion of UFC 139.

Prediction: Ryan Bader wins by unanimous decision.

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