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VERSUS |  |
| Paul Kelly | Jacob Volkmann |
The final fight of the preliminary portion is between lightweights Paul Kelly and Jacob Volkmann. Both fighters are coming off a win, and hold an identical 10-2 record. Volkmann has yet to dominate a fight since joining the UFC, with losses to Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago. Credit has to be given to "Christmas" Volkmann, because Lord knows, those are two very tough introductory fights into the UFC. Paul Kelly on the other hand joined the UFC as one of the biggest Welterweight prospects back 2008, and came in guns a'blazin with a decision win over fellow Brit Paul Taylor. He's always been one to produce a fight of the night, and this will be his fourth fight since moving down to Lightweight, and Volkmann's second.
Paul Kelly is pure energy when he steps into the Octagon. His chin, partnered with his furious pace make him a handful for almost any lightweight. He's coming off a victory where he choked out Matt Hughes protege Matt Veach, and is showing an ever evolving game. He'll probably look to keep the fight standing and keep away from Volkmann's likely superior grappling. If he keeps it on the feet, he should be able to cruise against Christmas.
Volkmann has shown that he is a very tough fighter, especially in his loss to Paulo Thiago. He took punishment, but kept fighting back, looking for submission attempts left and right. If it hadn't been for the fact he was fighting one of the better jiu-jitsu practitioners in the welterweight division, he may have been able to put him away. He realized he wasn't cut out for the 170lb weight class, and dropped successfully with a win over the once highly touted prospect Ronnys Torres. If he can get top control or even pull guard against Kelly he could pull off a submission.
Look for Kelly to be the bigger fighter come fight night, and be able to dictate where this fight goes. He'll likely keep it standing and pick his shots for fifteen minutes.
Prediction - Paul Kelly by Unanimous Decision
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