UFC on FOX 2 fight card: Michael Johnson vs Shane Roller prediction, preview and breakdown

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 12 finalist Michael Johnson will take on Shane Roller in a lightweight match up set to hit the under card action of the UFC on Fox 2 event TONIGHT (Jan. 28, 2012) from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

After coming up short in his bid to win TUF against Jonathan Brookins, Johnson has split a pair of fights in the Octagon. Most recently, Johnson was seen tapping to Paul Sass at UFC on Versus 6: Cruz vs. Johnson in the very first round.

Roller, on the other hand, desperately needs a win to keep his place amongst the stacked UFC 155-pound division. Losing his last two outings to Melvin Guillard and T.J. Grant, a third consecutive loss could prove to be the end of his time competing under Zuffa.

Follow me after the jump for a complete breakdown of the UFC on FOX 2 lightweight fight between Michael Johnson vs Shane Roller:

After a successful run in TUF, Johnson has not quite lived up to expectations during his short stint with the promotion, going only 1-2 since leaving the Spike TV show.

A member of "The Blackzillians" mixed martial arts (MMA) camp in sunny Florida, Johnson hopes that his new team can help him make the adjustments needed to get back in the win column. His athleticism can be an advantage he has over Roller heading into the bout, and he will have to use every bit of it if he hopes to avoid the takedowns of the All American wrestler.

Former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) standout Shane Roller made a successful UFC debut by knocking out Thiago Tavares at UFC on Versus 5 back in March 2011.

As impressive as his knockout was, Roller's true bread and butter is with his grappling and submission skills. As an NCAA Division All American at Oklahoma State University, Roller has transitioned his wresting nicely into the MMA world.

With six submission victories over the likes of Jamie Varner, Anthony Njokuani and Danny Castillo, Roller prefers to go to the ground to either grind out a victory or pull of a submission and is very capable of doing both.

Roller better have all his skills working on all cylinders if he hopes to keep his place on the UFC roster. A loss on Saturday will inch him closer to getting his walking papers.

The Pick

Michael Johnson best shot at victory is to keep it on the feet and push the pace, taking advantage of his superior cardio and slight striking advantage

Roller's game plan should be simple: Take it to the ground and fast.

He will be successful in his take down attempts, but won't be able to finish Johnson on the ground and eventually, will have to trade punches with Johnson. That won't be good for Roller, as he will take much punishment on the feet and will eventually be saved by the referee in the second round.

Johnson defeats Roller via technical knockout (TKO) in the second round

That's a wrap for now. Be sure to share your thoughts on this fight and more in the comments section below.

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See you then!