UFC on Versus 3 – Joe Stevenson vs. Danny Castillo Prediction

JOE STEVENSON vs. DANNY CASTILLO

Fight Overview:  WEC veteran Danny Castillo jumps right into the deep end of UFC’s 155 pound division in his octagon debut.  With Castillo appearing in UFC for the first time and Joe Stevenson riding a 2 fight losing streak, this is an important fight for both guys to secure a future spot in the crowded 155 division.

Castillo’s Strengths:  Castillo is very well rounded, with solid striking and wrestling, good ground and pound and top control, and effective submissions.

Castillo’s Weaknesses:  This is his first time in the Octagon and his ground game is probably not quite on Stevenson’s level.

Stevenson’s Strengths:  He has great wrestling and jiu jitsu, especially his world-famous guillotine choke, and has fought the best in the world at 155 for years.

Stevenson’s Weaknesses:  He has looked slower and sloppier in his last few fights, his standup is questionable, and he has very poor reach.

The Verdict:  This is a very favorable style matchup for Castillo, I think.  Castillo is good enough on the ground to hold Stevenson off, and will easily control the standup and score points.  I don’t think he has much chance to finish Stevenson, but he should be able to do enough to win on the judges’ cards.