UFC on Fuel TV 4 ‘Munoz vs. Weidman’ Preview

---

Light Heavyweights

James Te Huna (14-5, 3-1 UFC) vs. Joey Beltran (14-7, 3-4 UFC)

The Matchup: Te Huna has been something of a juggernaut in the Octagon, finishing the likes of Igor Pokrajac, Ricardo Romero and Aaron Rosa during his four-fight tenure. His only loss has come at the hands of Alexander Gustafsson, which is nothing to be ashamed of considering the talented Swede is one of the fastest rising stars in the promotion. Another decisive victory -- especially against someone as durable as Beltran -- figures to earn the Australian more prominent placement on a future card.

Beltran was stopped by strikes for the first time in his career by the powerful Lavar Johnson in January. After getting a win outside of the UFC, “The Mexicutioner” returns to promotion as a light heavyweight, probably a good move for someone with his frame. Beltran’s toughness has never been an issue, but even he cannot eat a series of uppercuts and survive, as he learned against Johnson. The Californian likes to make his fights ugly, clinching affairs in which he can dirty box and push his opponents around on the cage. He will find that Te Huna also relies on outmuscling opponents, so one key to the fight comes down to who can gain control in the clinch. Te Huna is an exceptionally strong light heavyweight, so it is not a guarantee that Beltran will be at an advantage even though he is dropping a weight class.

Te Huna has big-time punching power that he can display in the form of his left hook and uppercut. Since Beltran is not averse to throwing haymakers as he attempts to close the distance, there is a decent chance that Te Huna can hurt him with a solid counter. The Aussie also has the option of forcing a takedown when the two clinch. On the mat, Beltran does not have the ground game to test Te Huna’s subpar submission defense.

The Pick: Though it is tempting to pick Te Huna by technical knockout, Beltran’s track record does not suggest lightning will strike twice so soon. Te Huna will get his licks in, however, both on the feet and via ground-and-pound, en route to a decision triumph.

Next Fight » Aaron Simpson vs. Kenny Robertson