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The Matchup: Both have enhanced significantly in current bouts, with Stann’s drop to middleweight and a New Year’s Day knockout of Chris Leben pushing his career. Santiago, in the meantime, has wound off a string of exciting wins against rough overseas competition since departing the UFC in 2006 after going 1-2. Both depend on standup to make chances and openings; this is not probable to be a lay-and-pray-style bout.
Santiago may be the better-rounded kickboxer, but Stann’s game has stiffened up substantially since teaming with maestro instructor Greg Jackson. His capability to get back to his feet, if taken down, and stop Santiago from establishing and punishing him on the mat will be key; light heavyweight rivals Phil Davis and Krzysztof Soszynski broken his lack of wrestling.
Stann possibly hits firmer with his punches and, in the Leben bout, showed a fine sense of when to lay back and when to burst. Santiago has shown good conditioning in protracted battles, pleasing five-round wins in three bouts, counting two over the gifted Kazuo Misaki and a decision over Mamed Khalidov -- one of the best fighters not presently in the UFC. Watch UFC 130 Live Stream now.
The Pick: Stann’s hot right now, and a fighter in his trench is tough to beat. Though, Santiago might have a slight too much on the feet for him. He is more practiced and proven against better competition. He will do just sufficient in an intense, back-and-forth, frequently standup match to take a decision.
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