Leonardo Santos vs. Efrain Escudero
Riley Kontek
Efrain Escudero is getting yet another chance in the UFC for one reason: his Mexican heritage. The UFC is looking for Mexican fighters due to the push into the country, which is why Escudero is getting another chance here, especially considering he hasn't been consistent in the regional scene. Leo Santos is superior in the submission game, though his striking needs some fine-tuning. I will go with the champion jiu-jitsu fighter.
Santos, Unanimous decision
Craig Amos
Though he is a strong wrestler, Escudero tends to get into trouble when he fights good grapplers. Santos is definitely one of those, as evidenced by his eight submission victories. I expect a competitive matchup, but I don't expect an upset.
Santos, Unanimous decision
Scott Harris
Santos has top-notch jiu-jitsu. Escudero does not. Santos is new to the UFC but not to the fight game overall; his first fight was against Takanori Gomi back in 2002. He also has eight wins by submission. Bottom line: He'll know what to do with Escudero.
Santos, Technical submission, Rd. 2
James MacDonald
Once upon a time, Escudero looked like a legitimate lightweight contender. He hasn't lived up to his potential, but he should have too many tools for the relatively limited Santos.
Escudero, Unanimous decision
Sean Smith
I thought the UFC pulled the trigger a little quickly when it cut Escudero in April 2012, but he didn't do all that much to prove them wrong outside the Octagon. The former
TUF winner posted a 4-3 record, beating competition that he was expected to defeat comfortably. I don't think Escudero is ready for a UFC return, and Santos will expose him on the ground.
Santos, Unanimous decision