Gleison Tibau vs. Kurt Pellegrino

Brazilian Gleison Tibau(19-8) will face Kurt Pellegrino(15-5) at UFC 129 in New Jersey.

Tibau(ranked 31st) is looking to rebound following a decision loss to Jim Miller at Fight Night 22. It was a good showing by Tibau, but it once again highlighted the fact that he has continually came up short against top 10 competition.

Pellegrino(ranked 28th) has also came up short against most top 10 lightweights, but had just strung together four straight wins prior to the loss to George Sotiropoulos. Pellegrino boasted that he would retire if he lost, but quickly retracted his statement, yet it has to be on his mind with the burgeoning fight academy he has set up in New Jersey.

This fight could come down to who has the more effective striking as both fighters are talented grapplers and will likely find little success attempting to pass guard. Tibau’s striking looked better against Miller, but Pellegrino may be the quicker, more strategic fighter. It’s a tough fight to call, but Tibau has consistently lost tough fights, so I think Pellegrino’s the safer pick.