UFC ON FUEL 1 - PREVIEW AND PICKS

FOX's ugly and awkward sister station that is, Fuel TV, will be thrown a bone tonight as the UFC will debut on the channel that barely anyone subscribes too. The UFC will have to play along as FOX tries to bolster the popularity of their specialty channels with the promotion. FX is one thing, but to me, Fuel is a stretch.

That being said, one of the premier welterweights in the UFC will try to continue his journey towards a title shot as Jake Ellenberger exchanges with TUF and UFC veteran, Diego Sanchez. Ellenberger is fresh off the biggest win of his career, a first round stoppage of Jake Shields -- a feat Georges St. Pierre couldn't accomplish in five rounds. A win over Sanchez will likely vault Ellenberger, who is fighting in his home town of Omaha, Nebraska tonight, into a title contender bout later in 2012. 

Jake Ellenberger vs. Diego Sanchez

Ellenberger is receiving a lot of attention heading into this fightt and is highly favored by Vegas, but Sanchez is riding some momentum as well. After a failed run at the Lightweight title, Sanchez has since returned to Welterweight, with back-to-back wins over top-10 talent in Paulo Thiago and Martin Kampmann. Sanchez relies heavily on the pace in which he can set at a high rate to eventually wear down his opponent. However, in facing a more talented wrestler, he won't be able to employ his suffocating style will as much success.

Sanchez is known for is ability to endure punishment, but Ellenberger hits harder than most welterweights. After withstanding Sanchez's initial outburst, Ellenberger will finish the fight via knockout in the second round, using his crisper and more powerful boxing to please the hometown faithful.

Pick - Jake Ellenberger via 2nd Round TKO

Stefan Struve vs. Dave Herman

The tallest man in the UFC, Stefan Struve, will try and make it 4 wins in his last five outings, as he clashes with the recently full-body-hair-dyed, Dave Herman. Struve's imperfections in the stand up have negated him from finding the anticipated success in the UFC that many thought he would have had. If he can avoid the heavy punches thrown at him, all six-foot-eleven of Struve's length should be enough outpoint Herman on the feet or dominate on the ground, wherever the fight may end up. 

Pick - Stefan Struve via Unanimous Decision

Ronny Markes vs Aaron Simpson

Simpson has won three straight, all via decision by utilizing superior wrestling. Markes, whose lone UFC fight was fought at 205 lbs, will make his middleweight debut tonight. A tough weight cut against a wrestler of Simpson's caliber will end in a frustrating loss for the Brazilian.

Pick - Aaron Simpson via Unanimous Decision

TJ Dillashaw vs Walel Watson

Dillashaw will make his first octagon appearance since losing the Ultimate Fighter Bantamweight Finale to John Dodson. Dillashaw comes from Team Alpha Male, a camp that prides themselves on conditioning. His superior athleticism and relentless pressure, coupled with his division 1 wrestling skills will earn be enough to edge him a decision win.

Pick - TJ Dillashaw via Unanimous Decision

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