UFC Fight Night 64 Date: April 11, 2015 Arena: Tauron Arena City: Krakow, Poland Yaotzin Meza (+115) vs Damian Stasiak (-125) Fight Breakdown: The UFC Fight Night 64 preliminary card will feature a featherweight contest between The MMA Lab’s Yaotzin Meza and Polish promotional newcomer Damian Stasiak. Meza is a +115 ($100 to win $115) underdog in this contest and Stasiak is a -125 ($125 to win $100) favorite at Several Bookmakerss. Yaotzin Meza (20-9-1 NC MMA, 1-2-1 NC UFC) last saw action ten months ago at UFC Fight Night 42, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Sergio Pettis. He looks to bounce back into the win column on enemy soil today when he steps foot inside the Octagon to square off against Poland’s own Stasiak. The 34-year old trains out of The MMA Lab in Glendale, AZ with notable training partners Benson Henderson, Efrain Escudero, Joe Riggs, Alex Caceres, among others. He is also a coach and cornerman for the team. Personally, I think he is far better suited as a training partner, coach and cornerman than he is as a professional mixed martial artist. Meza has solid conditioning and should have have enough gas in the tank for three rounds of action against the Pole should this fight see it’s way to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. The California native started off as a wrestler in high school and is still at said high school, only now he’s the coach. He coaches at the high school, as well as The MMA Lab, and he could often be seen in the corner’s of his training partners. Meza is not specifically excellent in any aspect of mixed martial arts, though he is well-rounded, has great heart and the cardio to push him through. Damien Stasiak (8-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) just fought 14 days ago at BAMMA 19, where he scored a second round submission and earned a UFC contract and this short notice, late addition bout. Making his first trip to the Octagon today, he will be looking to extend his winning streak to five by notching his second victory in as many weeks. Stasiak has a solid submission game and has finished four of the five opponents on his current streak by tapout, and five out of eight in total. He has a versatile submission game and attacks with all sorts of submissions, from chokes to leg-locks. The Pole is as effective off his back as he is in top position, so he is always a submission threat when the fight hits the mat. His only two defeats have come by decision. His solid submission defense and good chin have benefited him throughout his 10-fight career. To compliment his submission game, Stasiak is equally talented on the feet. He comes from a Karate background and has mixed it up well while standing. He has great footwork and moves well around the cage. The 25-year old is effective with his kicks and has a variety of them in his arsenal. He likes to attack high and low, and likes to do damage the body, as well as look for the highlight-reel head kick knockout. He likes to attack with spinning kicks, as well, and will even throw a spinning backfist from time to time. Stasiak also does a very good job of working his knees, both from range and inside the clinch. He is strong inside the clinch and effective with his striking from the position, however he is not very good at transitioning into takedowns. He is not so good at taking his opponents down to the canvas, nor does he have good takedown defense, but since he’s dangerous off his back, he is not worried about going there and often prefers it. The 25-year old has an excellent left-hook and a beautiful straight-right. He has a nice jab, too, and really steps into it, and he is effective with his lead-jab, as well. Stasiak does not put many high volume combinations togeter, but he does have employ some solid 1-2’s. Considering this is his second bout in as many weeks, his cardio will be something to keep an eye on, though he is generally well conditioned. Gabe’s Thoughts: Even taking this fight after he just fought, I think Stasiak should be at least -190 headed into this contest. He will have advantages in size, strength, striking and submissions. I think that will be enough to get the win over Meza, who is stepping up from 135-pounds to 145-pounds for this late addition contest. Gabe’s Call: Stasiak by Submission (triangle choke, 4:31 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Stasiak (-125) 3.31u to win 2.65u
