UFC Fight Night 28 Preview

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Lightweights

Francisco Trinaldo (13-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Piotr Hallmann (13-1, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: A cast member of the initial season of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” Trinaldo is gradually putting together quality victories in the Octagon. In his only loss, “Massaranduba” threw a scare into Gleison Tibau, rocking the massive lightweight with a left hand in the second round of their UFC 153 encounter. However, Tibau was able to control the majority of the fight with takedowns to capture a unanimous decision.

Having competed at 185 pounds on the reality show, Trinaldo is a large lightweight himself, as he has shown in overpowering and submitting C.J. Keith and Mike Rio in his last two fights. Hallmann, who makes his debut riding a nine-bout winning streak, went the distance for the first time in his career in outpointing Juha-Pekka Vainikainen at MMA Attack 3 in April. While the Polish fighter is a former welterweight, he still figures to have a strength disadvantage against his Brazilian foe.

Hallmann is fairly well-rounded, with a dangerous left hook and solid knees in the Thai clinch. He also has a decent grasp on using various techniques to get his opponents to the ground, where he can unleash heavy ground-and-pound. Despite this balance, Hallmann is vulnerable against a striker who can land at distance; the Mighty Bulls Team product prefers to engage in close quarters.

With that said, Hallmann will struggle to gain the upper hand against the massive Trinaldo. In addition to a solid left hand, Trinaldo is adept at getting underhooks or body locks against the fence and slamming his opponents to the canvas. From there, the 35-year-old attacks with a purpose, landing ground-and-pound and hunting for submissions.

The Pick: It is asking a lot to expect a debuting European prospect to beat a bigger, stronger opponent with more big-show experience on his home soil. Hallmann will score points with UFC brass for simply holding his own. Trinaldo wins by submission in round three.

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