This could end up being the best fight on the card and has fireworks all over it. Alden Coria has become must see TV and Imanol is is like a Tazmanian Devil. I like Alden and want to pick him here, but he’s almost too active, this will be his 4th fight in a year and I could make the case that he is getting worse with each fight. His UFC debut was incredible and a short notice war against a really tough Alessandro Costa, then he beats Luis Gurule, but goes 1-4 in takedowns attempts and is more hittable than we would like and his last fight was somehow close against Stewart Nicoll who took him down 3 5 times. The problem with fighting that often is not only do you not have a ton of time to heal up, you also spend your camps getting in shape instead of working on new techniques. He’s at a great gym, has incredible offense and I’m going to pick him here because even though he isn’t defensively where i’d like him to be and even though the takedown defense isn’t great, he is the better fighter here and I think his composure will work in his favor. While Imanol is chasing knockouts and going nuts, Alden will stay composed, work thrugh positions and take over after the initial storm.

Alden Coria

Alden Coria is a busy grappler with a nice single leg. He snatches legs up with a slight bend at the waist and immediately runs the pipe. On the ground he is busy on top and has great control. His scrambles are slick and he does a good job snatching up submissions. While he is primarily a grappler, he does have solid striking with sneaky power and a full aresenal of knees, kicks and elbows. While he is well rounded, he can be a bit too calm and too hittable. He is coming off the decision win over Stewart Nicoll

Imanol Rodriguez

Imanol Rodriguez is a very fast and clean striker who has one punch KO power. The speed from his hands is impressive as are the combinations. He has an interesting stance where he protects his chin but is always leaning forward which removes any reach advantage he may have. His takedown defense is not great, but his get up game is. He will occasionally work in an offensive takedown but most times doesn’t need to. He’s coming off the Rally win over Kevin Borjas where he was almost knocked out twice but then found his own KO.