Thiago Tavares vs. Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 88

by Luke Thomas on Jul 24, 2008 12:25 PM EDT in MMA News

Lightweight submission specialists Thiago Tavares (13-2) and Kurt Pellegrino (15-4) will tangle at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga. on September 6.

It’s a match up between two 155-pound fighters who up until recently were in the title hunt. However, recent losses for both fighters have temporarily dashed those hopes, making this showdown super important for the winner — it will get him back in the mix much faster.

After bursting on the UFC scene with two straight wins, Tavares created quite a buzz — he was being touted as a possible threat to the champion. However, he has since come back down to Earth, losing two of his last three fights. And the last one — a knockout defeat courtesy of Matt Wiman at UFC 85: “Bedlam” last month — was a huge setback.

Pellegrino was dominating his last fight against Nate Diaz at UFC Fight Night 13 back in April; however, he made one small mistake and the resilient Diaz was able to capitalize and lock in a fight-ending triangle choke in the second round. It was a bitter pill to swallow — he was really putting it on Diaz prior to the stoppage.

This is a fantastic match-up and guaranteed barn burner. It's also about as close to a do or die match for either man as any match can be, but particularly for Tavares. He cannot drop three out of his last four to established UFC veterans if he expects to build any momentum in this organization.

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Announced to headline the UFC 88 prelims on UFC.com earlier today.

by Brett Jones on Jul 24, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

I know

Just giving love to Mania.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 24, 2008 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

But to headline the prelims? Let’s hope for quick main card matches.

by Brett Jones on Jul 24, 2008 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

That

Or they are saving a match to put on UFC.com the next day.

Plus if they are planning on cutting the loser, it’s better not to give them too much exposure.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 24, 2008 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I would bet the former. This is sure to be an exciting fight, hiding it would be dumb. I like Pellegrino, but I don’t see any way they cut Tavares for the loss. He has two losses, one to staple UFC lightweight and one was a shocker to Wiman. Pellegrino has lost 2 out of his last three, but one was a title contender and teh other was a donmination of Diaz, for the most part. Inbetween he crushed Alberto Crane something awful. I think they are looking for a three round fight that is to long to show on the PPV and perfect for UFC.com

by szucconi on Jul 24, 2008 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

This is sure to be an exciting fight, hiding it would be dumb.

I agree whole-heartedly, and I really hope this isn’t a “loser leaves the UFC,” type of fight because both of these guys are pretty talented.

There’s a veritable shitload of talented LW fighters in the UFC, most of whom put on pretty entertaining fights every single time. So while the division is really deep (I’d argue that there’s more talent than in the WW division, particularly worldwide), the UFC can also put on a lot of exciting fights by keeping a fully stocked (even slightly bloated) LW division—which means you keep guys like these around.

/lightweight rant

by Estrada on Jul 24, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I love this matchup…and guess what…I get to see it LIVE!

http://tharealness.wordpress.com/

by Tha Realness on Jul 24, 2008 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Nice. This should be a fun one.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jul 24, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

This will be a good fight – I think Kurt’s got it.

by lovingmma25 on Jul 24, 2008 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Typo alert

I would never participate in a “die or die match” I’d like SOME chance of survival. :-P

Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones

by jemaleddin on Jul 24, 2008 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks

See, I knew you were good for something ;)

by Luke Thomas on Jul 24, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Told ya. (You should make me a copy editor-at-large!)

Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones

by jemaleddin on Jul 24, 2008 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

This wouldn’t be three in a row for Tavares he beat Omigawa before he lost to Wiman. I hope this is a swing bout because I like both of these guys a lot. Tavares probably takes it.

by The Legend on Jul 24, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

Good catch.

by Luke Thomas on Jul 24, 2008 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve been very disappointed with Pellegrino. Conditioning was a factor in his loss to Stevenson, and he was very careless and cocky in his loss to Diaz. He’s wasting his enormous talent. He needs to take his career more seriously.

by sbNationReader on Jul 24, 2008 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

I feel like Nate Diaz is a mini big Nog. He just keeps taking damage and getting pounded on, then he lulls you into a false sense of security, and bam! You’re getting choked out and flipped off.

by Fatal Error on Jul 24, 2008 2:15 PM EDT reply actions