On December 4th, 25 year old Claudio "El Nino" Puelles takes on the veteran Chris "Gritz" Gruetzemacher in the lightweight division. My pick for UFC ESPN 31 is Claudio Puelles. I am particularly confident in this pick. Here's why:
1. Development
Claudio Puelles has an interesting history. He started fighting at the age of 15 in Peru. He managed to make it all the way to the Ultimate Fighter and into the UFC with his homegrown training. This his second full camp at the prestigous Sanford MMA, where Kamaru Usman trained. He was predicted to lose his last fight but the new training helped him win as an underdog over a young and rising Jordan Leavitt. Puelles has been working on his game and is expected to unveil additional skills and techniques for this fight. The Pro’s at Sanford have given Puelles new skills and polished those he already had. I expect the growth of "El Nino" to be on full display December 4th.
2. Carreers
Chris Gruetzemacher carreer is winding down. In contrast, Claudio Puelles is just getting started. Puelles is 3-1 in the UFC with 3 straight victories. He last lost in 2016, when he was just 20 years of age. "Gritz" has gone 2-3 over the same period. Both wins for "Gritz" were lackluster; Rafa Garcia was a short notice fighter and gassed. Joe Lauzon was well past his prime, commentators were talking about Lauzon’s retirement during the fight. I believe Gruetzemacher will be just another win in Claudio Puelles long carreer.
3. Matchup
Puelles could not have received a better stylistic matchup. Gruetzemacher wins on heart, and toughness. In his wins, he is the fresher fighter all the way to the final bell. In his losses, his lack of technique is exposed. On December 4th, he won't have an advantage in toughness. There is no quit in Puelles. His determination became apparent when he got a knee bar on Felipe Silva to win in the final seconds of the match. The path to victory is clear for Puelles; take him down and keep him there. He was able to do this to the highly touted Jordan Leavitt in his last fight and I am confident he will be able to do it to "Grtiz."
4. Age and Size
"El Nino" is only 25 years old compared to "Gritz" at 35. "Gritz" does not believe he will ever be a champion in the UFC. Puelles believes he could be. This motivation will give him a psychological advantage, both in this fight and in his training. Puelles has a very impressive physique. Eyestest would suggest he will have a strength advantage. He stands 5'11 and makes 155lbs. Compares to "Gritz" who is only 5'8. Puelles has every intention on getting this fight to the mat and keeping it there. This size and strength advantage should allow him to do it successfully.
5. Conclusion
Claudio Puelles will take Chris Gruetzemacher down repeatedly and, ultimately, win the fight.
***OFFICIAL RESULT** - Claudio Puelles defeats Chris Gruetzemacher via Submission.