Shane Roller vs. Thiago Tavares

WEC import Shane Roller(9-3) will face Brazilian Thiago Tavares(15-3-1) at UFC on Versus 3 according to MMAjunkie.

Roller is coming off the biggest win of his career, and likely one that secured his employment with the UFC when he submitted Jamie Varner in the 1st round at WEC 53. Roller also beat Takanori Gomi in a grappling match last year that gained him some notoriety. Roller has always been a win away from fighting for the WEC title, but has short in previous fights with Anthony Pettis and Ben Henderson.

Thiago Tavares has not lost a fight since 2008, the only problem is that he’s only fought three times since then. Tavares has struggled with injuries, and the once prized prospect has fallen short of expectations that were bestowed upon him back when he initially signed with the UFC as an undefeated(10-0) lightweight. Tavares has superb grappling ability, but has gotten himself into trouble trying to slug it out with better strikers.

This should be an interesting fight, as Tavares and Roller are both strong on the ground. Tavares may actually have the advantage standing, which may prompt Roller to shoot for the takedown. From there it’s a tossup to see if Roller can maintain top position in Tavares’ guard. Tavares still possesses great promise, but it’s now or never for him to prove it.

Prediction: Tavares via decision