A title fight, and two fights with potential title implications. As a fight fan, I couldn't be much more excited. Without further ado.....
Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello vs Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve
Heavyweight (205-265)
The UFC welcomes back former heavyweight title contender Buentello, who returns after a four year absence from the Octagon. A winner of six of his last seven fights, Buentello looks bring his brute strength and KO power to bear against the young up and coming Struve.
Struve is a submission fighter who has shown surprising durability, but suspect standup skills, and he is going to have to find a way to get this fight off the feet and twist Buentello into shapes most birthday clowns would find creative.
"The Headhunter" is an extremely experienced, and savvy veteran, who uses his strength, and granite chin to wade through his opponents striking game, absorb punishment like some kind of masochistic sponge, and knock the guy standing across from him, TFO! Struve, after losing his UFC debut to current title challenger Junior Dos Santos, has rattled off two straight, impressive submission wins. "Skyscraper" has the ability to get this fight down, and while he is tough as nails, his takedown defense is anything but stellar. It's just not certain if Struve can hang with the power, and freakish durability Buentello brings to the table.
This fight comes down to the ability of Struve to avoid big damage on his feet and get the fight to the ground where he can utilize his stout grappling acumen. Buentello has to avoid a ground fight, and keep his range at a point where he can drop his heavy hands on Struve and send him to sleepytown. I think the crafty vet keeps this fight standing, gets the KO, and gets a nice bonus check for KO of the Night!
Buentello via KO, Rd. 1
Jon Fitch vs Mike Pierce
Welterweight (170)
This fight was originally scheduled to be Fitch against Ricardo Almeida, but then Almeida got hurt. So Thiago Alves' fight against Mike Pierce was scrapped so Alves could rematch Fitch from their '06 tussle. Then Alves got hurt, and the UFC brass combined what was remaining, and we get a very underrated matchup.
Fitch started in the UFC, with an eight fight winning streak, quickly elevating himself to elite status. After his one sided, albeit hard fought decision loss to champion Georges St. Pierre, Fitch has gotten back on track with two straight wins, and looks to make it three with this fight against a UFC newcomer in Pierce, who is only in his second UFC fight.
Pierce is a strong wrestler, but against Fitch, strong just isn't good enough. Pierce struggled with late round takedowns in his fight against Brock Larson in September, and Fitch is in another league when it comes to takedown defense, and cardio. Fitch is hungry for another title shot, but until St. Pierre loses, or Fitch rattles off another eight straight, the big mean former Purdue wrestling captain, will have to make due with terrorizing the ranks of the welterweight division.
Fitch has okay standup, but his bread and butter is his ground and pound. Pierce is going to need to keep this fight standing, and try and out point Fitch, and maybe even work a takedown or two of his own. I just don't see either of those happening. Look for the victory scowl to return as Fitch puts on a top control clinic, and gets a referee stoppage in the third round.
Fitch via TKO, Rd 3
Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian vs. Clay "The Carpenter" Guida
Lightweight (155)
High energy against precision, the energizer bunny on crack versus two elbows that should be registered as lethal weapons. This fight is going to be awesome for us fans.
Guida never gets tired, ever. I'd love to watch him train, if I wasn't positive that doing so would be an exhausting affair. He couples that gas tank, with ferocious determination, and an ability to withstand a frightening amount of punishment. He is a fan favorite for good reason, he is a very likeable person, and he always, and I mean always, has entertaining fights. Unfortunately, that is as often to his detriment, as it is to his benefit. After his gut check loss to Diego Sanchez, he very much needs a win to stay relevent in the division.
Florian has fought for the lightweight title twice now in his career. losing both times, and after the second time, can ill afford to begin a losing streak. He brings nasty elbows, a very slick ground game, and an extremely cerebral approach to fighting that most fighters can't hope to match. He doesn't much look the part, but sleep on "Ken-Flo" because his looks are decieving, and you'll find yourself on the losing end of a beatdown.
For Florian to get the "W", he will need to pick his spots with laser like precision, stuff a bazillion takedown attempts, avoid damage on the ground when it inevitably goes there for however long, and come ready to run a marathon. Guida on the other hand needs to have a much more measured pace, exhibit just a little bit of patience, beware the ginsu blades Florian calls elbows, and don't be afraid to back out if things get a little hairy.
This is my pick for Fight of the Night, and a good chance to be 15 minutes of bloody carnage. I think Florian may be very busy backpedalling much of this fight, but I also see Guida overextending himself much like he did against Roger Huerta. The only thing that is to be determined, is can Florian capitalize on the mistakes Guida makes, or has "The Carpenter" learned from his errors in previous bouts, and wear Florian out without exposing the weaker areas in his game? A back and forth scramble, with both fighters alternating rounds, until the gas tank of Guida simply outlasts Florian.
Guida via Unanimous Decision
Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo
Heavyweight (205-265)
One of the best strikers in the UFCs heavyweight division, squares off with the best submission fighter the organization has to offer. Kongo recently lost to heavyweight upstart Cain Velasquez in a fight he took on only two week notice, and Mir is coming off a devasting loss to champ Brock Lesnar. Both fighters are very strong where the other is week, and how they fare will depend on whether they decide to shore up their weekness, or just go guns blazing where they are strong.
Kongo is a good sized heavyweight, usually tipping the scales around 240 pounds or so, and carries a lot of muscle in his upper body that he uses to pummel people mercilessly. He has very strong striking, and his takedown game is definitely there, just not strong. While his skill on the feet is second to few, his ability when put on his back, is less than inspiring. The big Frenchman is going to look to stay at range, pepper Mir with his jab, and look for a homerun to put a firm stamp on the heavyweight division.
Frank Mir is a former heavyweight champ, and more recently was the interim champ after stopping Minotauro Nogueira for the first time in Nogueiras career. Mir is almost as big as they come in the division, usually around 255, and has supposedly started working to improve his strength, and conditioning more than it has been in his last few fights, which is a scary prospect. Mir is a high level brazilian jiu jitsu blackbelt, and has some of the most iconic submissions in UFC history. This combined with his improved striking, make him a scary well rounded competitor. Frank will need to close the distance with Kongo quickly, and not let him get off his jab. If he can avoid the big strikes (and knees to the man satchel) Mir should have no trouble wading through Kongos *snicker* takedown defense* and working a quick composition of the three tap symphony.
Fights like this bother me. The strengths of both men are evident, but what isn't is how they've lost to those strengths. Kongo has never been submitted, but Mir has lost by KO/TKO four times, and he has only lost four times, do the math. To me this fight is going to come down to how well each do about fixing what isn't working so well. Mir is a more complete martial artist, but has a suspect chin. Kongo has more gaping holes, but the fight starts standing, and Kongo hits hard. I gotta go with my heart, and say Mir wins by taking a Kongo limb home with him.
Mir via submission (armbar), Rd. 2
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn vs. Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez
I had to reread that sentence to make sure I actually wrote it. After nine straight fights at welterweight, Sanchez has dropped down to lightweight, and made it to a title fight after only to bouts in that weight class. With very impressive wins over Joe Stevenson and Clay Guida, "Nightmare" has catapulted to the top of the 155 pyramid with his tenacity, vastly improved striking, and borderline insane self confidence. With a mental toughness that is second to none, Diego has already won this fight in his head, all he has left to do, is finish the physical aspect.
There is nothing I can say about BJ Penn that hasn't been said before. The most dominant 155 pound fighter in the world, has been reinvigorated with a desire to go down in history as one of the most dominant fighters of all time, and with each fight, he gets closer to cementing his legacy. Perhaps the best no gi/mma jiu jitsu practioner in the UFC, he uses his freakish flexibility, and amazing natural athleticism to frustrate, intimidate, and eventually, break his opponents. I'm not so sure that last one is possible against Sanchez.
Diego is up against a new type of fighter now. Using his old tactics of coming straight at him will most likely get him knocked out, or wrapped up in a submission. His best bet, is try and hop in and out of exchanges, and try to get the best of those encounters. I take that back, the best way for Sanchez to win, is if Penn takes him lightly, and gets out worked, but I don't think that has much of a chance of going down.
Sanchez has shown that he has improved his already impressive skillset, and has the mental toughness to compete with anyone, but against Penn, it just wont be enough, as "The Prodigy" manages to subdue "The Nightmare" with strikes midway through the fight.
Penn via TKO, Rd. 3.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter Finale
Well tomorrow is the culmination of the first season of the UFCs Ultimate Fighter reality show to feature all heavyweights. Sixteen fighters competed for the prize of a six figure contract in mixed martial arts most prestigious organization. Tomorrows finale will feature bouts between two of the competitors who did not reach the finale, two fights between some top tier fighters, a fight featuring the much hyped Kimbo Slice, and of course, the finale of the tournament. I've never done a write up for one of these shows, usually only pay per views, but this Saturdays fights promise to be extremely entertaining. So without further ado.....
Matt Mitrione vs Marcus "The Darkness" Jones
Mitrione was a fairly unlikeable character on this seasons show, but once he got in the ring, he showed that he has the skills, and durability to give any fighter fits. Jones was an extremely popular fighter by fans, and by the rest of his fellow fighters. A bit of a gentle giant, once "Big Baby" stepped into the ring, he showed that he brings more than a massive frame to the ring.
Jones has a surprising ground game, and frightening strength. Mitrione is going to want to keep this fight standing, and put more pressure on Jones suspect chin. On the other side, Jones wants nothing to do with the standup and power of "Meathead", and will look to take this fight to the ground as soon as he can. After his disappointing loss to finalist Brandon Schaub, he is very motivated to get a convincing win. I expect Jones to get the tap, tap, tap, from Mitrione.
Jones via submission (armbar) Rd. 1
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Houston "The Assassin" Alexander
catchweight of 215 pounds
Alexander hasn't fought in the UFC in over a year, but definitely needs a win to stay in the good graces of the UFC brass. After two brutal KOs win in his first two UFC fights, he has lost three straight. He has precise striking, big power in his hands, and a mean streak a mile wide. He will most likely look to stay out of therange of Ferguson, and try to pick him apart.
"Kimbo" doesn't have the striking acumen of Alexander, but after his countless street fights, and few professional bouts, he has displayed a toughness and resolve, and ability to weather a decent amount of punishment. He lacks cardio, and his skill set is very raw, but what he lacks in defineable areas, he makes up for with a lot of intangibles.
All that being said, "Kimbo" has a lot working against him. The fight is at a catchweight (Alexander usually fights at 205 pounds), and according to many sources, Kimbo is not dealing well with the cut to 215. He has admitted to being moody, and somewhat fatigued, but insists he will make the cut no problem. Alexander has more experience in MMA, and is the more refined striker of the two. For Ferguson to win, he is going to want to get Alexander out of his game, and make the fight more of a brawl. It could happen, but I highly doubt it. This fight has all the hallmarks of not making it out of the first round, and expect the referee to wave a stop to this one well before the end of the first.
Alexander via TKO, 1st Rd.
Frankie "The Answer" Edgar vs. Matt Veach
Lightweight (155)
One of only three fights not set for the heavyweight division, this lightweight bout features one of the top fighters in the division, Edgar, and one of the up and comers in Veach. After his very impressive victory over former champion Sean Sherk, Edgar is looking at continuing his ascent up the 155 pound ladder. Veach is facing his first real challenge in Edgar, and despite his impressive record, he's never fought anyone in the caliber of "The Answer".
Although on the small side for the division, Edgar has proven his mettle and only lost once in his career. He has beaten some of the best lightweights out there in Tyson Griffin, Hermes Franca, Spencer Fisher, and Sherk. His boxing is sharp, and has strong takedowns, and takedown defense. His cardio is sharp, and he always keeps a level head, he has a lot going in his favor.
Veach is young, and has only fought once in the UFC. He fought in February, and got a stoppage win over Matt Grice. He is undefeated, and has only gone to decision once, but is in over his head against Edgar. He may be a somewhat larger fighter, but everything he does, Edgar does better. Veach may try to take this fight to the ground, and utilize his wrestling, but if Sean Sherk had a hard tim egetting Edgar to the mat, Veach has slim to no chance. Edgar will utilize his boxing and pepper Veach with jabs and hooks until Veach starts to get desparate, and at that point, it's all over. If this one makes it to the second round I will be surprised.
Edgar via KO, Rd. 1
Matt "The Hammer" Hamill vs. Jon "Bones" Jones
Lightheavyweight (205)
Hamill and Jones both share a strong wrestling background, with Hamill being the more decorated of the two, but Jones being the flashier, and more dynamic grappler. Hamill has improved his striking by leaps and bounds, proven by his nasty head kick KO of Anthony Munoz in March. Jones leapt onto the scene with his very impressive decision win over Stephan Bonnar in January, and followed it up with a submission win over former heavyweight, Jake O'Brien in July.
Hamill is trying to push his way up towards the top of the lightheavyweight division, and Jones is looking to establish himself as one of the new faces in the ranks of the 205. This fight should be tough, with Hamill looking to clinch with Jones and utilize dirty boxing, and try to get Jones down for ground and pound. Jones will use his flashy, but effective strikes, like spinning back elbows, and hook kicks, and try to whittle Hamill down.
Hamill has a tough chin, and hits like a cement mixer. Jones has better striking at range, and moves like a lightweight. This fight will be tightly contested the entire bout, and expect to have the judges award Hamill the split decision.
Hamill via Split Decision.
TUF Finale
Roy "Big Country" Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub
Well, I picked Nelson at the beginning of the show, and my wife picked Schaub, so it stands to reason that we'd be on opposite side come the finale. Nelson doesn't look like it, but he has a slick ground game, and a wealth of experience. Schaub is a former pro football player, and is a big strong kid, but he has a fraction of the experience of Nelson, but a ton of natural athletic ability.
Roy has passed every test so far, and has looked more and more impressive as the season progressed. He has a tough chin, and an underrated striking game. Schaub is big and strong, and is able to stay calm under duress, as evidenced by his comeback win over Marcus Jones. Schaub has heavy hands, and is going to try and keep this fight standing. He'll look to stay at range, and force Nelson to make a mistake. Nelson will need to pick his spots on his feet, and look for a good opportunity to get the fight to the mat. If Schaub gets taken down, Nelson will look to pass guard, and pound him out, or apply a submission. I expect the latter, and the new Ultimate Fighter winner via submission will have his hand raised!
Nelson, via submission (rear naked choke) Rd. 2
Matt Mitrione vs Marcus "The Darkness" Jones
Mitrione was a fairly unlikeable character on this seasons show, but once he got in the ring, he showed that he has the skills, and durability to give any fighter fits. Jones was an extremely popular fighter by fans, and by the rest of his fellow fighters. A bit of a gentle giant, once "Big Baby" stepped into the ring, he showed that he brings more than a massive frame to the ring.
Jones has a surprising ground game, and frightening strength. Mitrione is going to want to keep this fight standing, and put more pressure on Jones suspect chin. On the other side, Jones wants nothing to do with the standup and power of "Meathead", and will look to take this fight to the ground as soon as he can. After his disappointing loss to finalist Brandon Schaub, he is very motivated to get a convincing win. I expect Jones to get the tap, tap, tap, from Mitrione.
Jones via submission (armbar) Rd. 1
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Houston "The Assassin" Alexander
catchweight of 215 pounds
Alexander hasn't fought in the UFC in over a year, but definitely needs a win to stay in the good graces of the UFC brass. After two brutal KOs win in his first two UFC fights, he has lost three straight. He has precise striking, big power in his hands, and a mean streak a mile wide. He will most likely look to stay out of therange of Ferguson, and try to pick him apart.
"Kimbo" doesn't have the striking acumen of Alexander, but after his countless street fights, and few professional bouts, he has displayed a toughness and resolve, and ability to weather a decent amount of punishment. He lacks cardio, and his skill set is very raw, but what he lacks in defineable areas, he makes up for with a lot of intangibles.
All that being said, "Kimbo" has a lot working against him. The fight is at a catchweight (Alexander usually fights at 205 pounds), and according to many sources, Kimbo is not dealing well with the cut to 215. He has admitted to being moody, and somewhat fatigued, but insists he will make the cut no problem. Alexander has more experience in MMA, and is the more refined striker of the two. For Ferguson to win, he is going to want to get Alexander out of his game, and make the fight more of a brawl. It could happen, but I highly doubt it. This fight has all the hallmarks of not making it out of the first round, and expect the referee to wave a stop to this one well before the end of the first.
Alexander via TKO, 1st Rd.
Frankie "The Answer" Edgar vs. Matt Veach
Lightweight (155)
One of only three fights not set for the heavyweight division, this lightweight bout features one of the top fighters in the division, Edgar, and one of the up and comers in Veach. After his very impressive victory over former champion Sean Sherk, Edgar is looking at continuing his ascent up the 155 pound ladder. Veach is facing his first real challenge in Edgar, and despite his impressive record, he's never fought anyone in the caliber of "The Answer".
Although on the small side for the division, Edgar has proven his mettle and only lost once in his career. He has beaten some of the best lightweights out there in Tyson Griffin, Hermes Franca, Spencer Fisher, and Sherk. His boxing is sharp, and has strong takedowns, and takedown defense. His cardio is sharp, and he always keeps a level head, he has a lot going in his favor.
Veach is young, and has only fought once in the UFC. He fought in February, and got a stoppage win over Matt Grice. He is undefeated, and has only gone to decision once, but is in over his head against Edgar. He may be a somewhat larger fighter, but everything he does, Edgar does better. Veach may try to take this fight to the ground, and utilize his wrestling, but if Sean Sherk had a hard tim egetting Edgar to the mat, Veach has slim to no chance. Edgar will utilize his boxing and pepper Veach with jabs and hooks until Veach starts to get desparate, and at that point, it's all over. If this one makes it to the second round I will be surprised.
Edgar via KO, Rd. 1
Matt "The Hammer" Hamill vs. Jon "Bones" Jones
Lightheavyweight (205)
Hamill and Jones both share a strong wrestling background, with Hamill being the more decorated of the two, but Jones being the flashier, and more dynamic grappler. Hamill has improved his striking by leaps and bounds, proven by his nasty head kick KO of Anthony Munoz in March. Jones leapt onto the scene with his very impressive decision win over Stephan Bonnar in January, and followed it up with a submission win over former heavyweight, Jake O'Brien in July.
Hamill is trying to push his way up towards the top of the lightheavyweight division, and Jones is looking to establish himself as one of the new faces in the ranks of the 205. This fight should be tough, with Hamill looking to clinch with Jones and utilize dirty boxing, and try to get Jones down for ground and pound. Jones will use his flashy, but effective strikes, like spinning back elbows, and hook kicks, and try to whittle Hamill down.
Hamill has a tough chin, and hits like a cement mixer. Jones has better striking at range, and moves like a lightweight. This fight will be tightly contested the entire bout, and expect to have the judges award Hamill the split decision.
Hamill via Split Decision.
TUF Finale
Roy "Big Country" Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub
Well, I picked Nelson at the beginning of the show, and my wife picked Schaub, so it stands to reason that we'd be on opposite side come the finale. Nelson doesn't look like it, but he has a slick ground game, and a wealth of experience. Schaub is a former pro football player, and is a big strong kid, but he has a fraction of the experience of Nelson, but a ton of natural athletic ability.
Roy has passed every test so far, and has looked more and more impressive as the season progressed. He has a tough chin, and an underrated striking game. Schaub is big and strong, and is able to stay calm under duress, as evidenced by his comeback win over Marcus Jones. Schaub has heavy hands, and is going to try and keep this fight standing. He'll look to stay at range, and force Nelson to make a mistake. Nelson will need to pick his spots on his feet, and look for a good opportunity to get the fight to the mat. If Schaub gets taken down, Nelson will look to pass guard, and pound him out, or apply a submission. I expect the latter, and the new Ultimate Fighter winner via submission will have his hand raised!
Nelson, via submission (rear naked choke) Rd. 2
Thursday, November 19, 2009
UFC 106
Well, I slacked off and missed last week, didn't get the preview out. I was punished by getting one of five picks right. This will be different, I hope. Anyways, here goes nothing.
First, Karo Parisyan has pulled out of his welterweight bout with Dustin Hazelett for reasons unknown. He says it's because he was unlicensed in the state of Nevada, which was refuted by the chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Regardless of reason, Parisyan withdrawn from his fight, Hazelett has been paid his show and win bonuses, and the card has been reshuffled.
Phil "The New York Bad Ass" Baroni vs Amir Sadollah Welterweight (170)
After a lengthy time out of the Octagon due to injury, Sadollah finally made his debut, only to be upset by the refereeing of Dan Miragliotta. He will look to get back on the winning track by facing a hard hitting, pitiful cardio having, abrasive mofo. No not Tank Abbott, Phil Baroni! Baroni hasn't fought since getting outpointed by Joe Riggs. Let me repeat that. HE WAS OUT POINTED BY JOE RIGGS! Amir ig going to do his best to avoid a quick barrage of hard hitting, fireworks, and drop Baroni with either some nasty muy thai, or slap a submission on him. Needless to say, I don't see this fight getting past the second round.
Sadollah via submission (triangle) in Rd. 2
Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira vs. Luis "Banha" Cane lightheavyweight (205)
The twin brother of the former heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, makes his UFC debut. Lil Nog, as he is known to differentiate him from his brother, is an extremely talented, highly experienced fighter. He is expected to jump right into the deep end of the lightheavyweight pool, and possibly challenge for the title. He faces no easy task in Cane though.
"Banha" has brutally accurate strikes, and a nasty muy thai game. He has one loss on his record, and that came via DQ to James Irvin in a 2007 fight. He has wins over Steve Cantwell, Sokodjou, and is also expected to perhaps get into the title mix. Lil Nog is a step up in competition, and Cane's stiffest test to date. After a shocking TKO loss to Sokodjou, he has rattled off five straight, with four coming via stoppage. This has a great chance at fight of the night, and should be an extremely tough, gritty fight between two very durable Brazilians. I expect the judges will have a very tough decision to make at the end of this fight.
Nogueira via split decision.
Paulo Thiago vs. Jacob "Christmas" Volkmann welterweight (170)
Volkmann has an undefeated record, tons of submissions skills, and a terrible nickname. Thiago has knocked out Josh Koscheck. Point for Thiago. All kidding aside, Thiago is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, with far more submission experience, and is very unlikely to get caught in a submission by Volkmann. This fight is dependent on the submission defense of Volkmann, and the ability of Thiago to replicate his striking game he implemented against Koscheck.
Depending on what kind of takedowns Volklmann has, if he can't dictate where the fight goes, he's in big trouble. Look for Thiago to feel things out in the standup arena, and if things start to go south, get the fight to the mat and work his bjj advantage for the submission win.
Thiago via submission (armbar), Rd. 2
Josh " Kos" Koscheck vs. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson welterweight (170)
This fight is between two of the top ten welterweights in the UFC, and both are looking at getting a chance at fighting for the championship. Koscheck has more experience, better wrestling, and a more proven cardio. Johnson has a mammoth size advantage, more dynamic striking, and a MASSIVE SIZE ADVANTAGE!!! Having missed making weight in his last fight, Johnson is looking to prove to the UFC brass that he can make the weight consistently.
Both fighters have a very strong wrestling game, with Koscheck having the better pedigree. Johnson has a slightly more refined striking game, with Koscheck subscribing to the "wing overhand rights as hard as I can" school of striking. Neither fighter has much in the way of submission strengths, but with a heavy top control, and ruthless ground and pound, I put the advantage in this area in Koschecks camp. If this fight stays standing, Johnson has a big advantage in the precision and reach. "Rumble is a freakishly large man for 170 pounds, and could apparently compete comfortably at 185 or even 205.
All things being said, this should be a very tough fight, with both fighters likely to eschew any type of ground fighting in favor of trying to put the other man to the canvas with big bombs. Look for the size, reach, and strength of Johnson to put Kosckeck to sleep in the second round.
Johnson via KO, Rd. 2.
Main Event
Tito "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin lightheavyweight (205)
I didn't think I'd ever see Ortiz back in the UFC after his high profile feud with Dana White, and subsequent departure from the organization. White has softened his stance regarding many of his feuds, but none more public than the one with Ortiz.
All the drama aside, Ortiz is fighting for the first time in over a year and a half, and is injury free for the first time since he fought Randy Couture in 2003. Ortiz no longer has the nagging back problems that have plagued him for much of the past six years, and a healthy Ortiz is a scary fighter indeed. So is the man he is facing.
Forrest Griffin is not quite in a must win situation, but having lost his last two fights, he is indeed in need of a W. He lost the lightheavyweight title, then was thouroughly embarassed by Anderson Silva. Not shabby competition, but the way he lost to Silva, well lets just say Griffin needs a dominant win to show that he has put that loss behind him.
Griffin is at his best when he can drag the fight into the later rounds, and wear his opponents out. He is big and strong, and has an engine that just doesn't quit. Unfortunately, so does Ortiz. Tito has a better wrestling background, but Forrest is the bigger fighter, with a strong takedown defense. It's oign to comedown to how healthy Tito's back is, at and whether or not Forrest can forget his last fight.
I think this fight should be good, but it's not a great matchup for Ortiz. He won a razor thin split decision the first time they fought, and Griffin is a markedly improved fighter since then. Tito will be frustrated with leg kicks, dirty boxing, and the sprawl and brawl Forrest throws his way. It'll probably go all three rounds, but just like Griffin-Bonnar, the second time around will not be nearly as close, but this time, Forrest gets the win.
Griffin via Unanimous Decision.
First, Karo Parisyan has pulled out of his welterweight bout with Dustin Hazelett for reasons unknown. He says it's because he was unlicensed in the state of Nevada, which was refuted by the chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Regardless of reason, Parisyan withdrawn from his fight, Hazelett has been paid his show and win bonuses, and the card has been reshuffled.
Phil "The New York Bad Ass" Baroni vs Amir Sadollah Welterweight (170)
After a lengthy time out of the Octagon due to injury, Sadollah finally made his debut, only to be upset by the refereeing of Dan Miragliotta. He will look to get back on the winning track by facing a hard hitting, pitiful cardio having, abrasive mofo. No not Tank Abbott, Phil Baroni! Baroni hasn't fought since getting outpointed by Joe Riggs. Let me repeat that. HE WAS OUT POINTED BY JOE RIGGS! Amir ig going to do his best to avoid a quick barrage of hard hitting, fireworks, and drop Baroni with either some nasty muy thai, or slap a submission on him. Needless to say, I don't see this fight getting past the second round.
Sadollah via submission (triangle) in Rd. 2
Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira vs. Luis "Banha" Cane lightheavyweight (205)
The twin brother of the former heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, makes his UFC debut. Lil Nog, as he is known to differentiate him from his brother, is an extremely talented, highly experienced fighter. He is expected to jump right into the deep end of the lightheavyweight pool, and possibly challenge for the title. He faces no easy task in Cane though.
"Banha" has brutally accurate strikes, and a nasty muy thai game. He has one loss on his record, and that came via DQ to James Irvin in a 2007 fight. He has wins over Steve Cantwell, Sokodjou, and is also expected to perhaps get into the title mix. Lil Nog is a step up in competition, and Cane's stiffest test to date. After a shocking TKO loss to Sokodjou, he has rattled off five straight, with four coming via stoppage. This has a great chance at fight of the night, and should be an extremely tough, gritty fight between two very durable Brazilians. I expect the judges will have a very tough decision to make at the end of this fight.
Nogueira via split decision.
Paulo Thiago vs. Jacob "Christmas" Volkmann welterweight (170)
Volkmann has an undefeated record, tons of submissions skills, and a terrible nickname. Thiago has knocked out Josh Koscheck. Point for Thiago. All kidding aside, Thiago is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, with far more submission experience, and is very unlikely to get caught in a submission by Volkmann. This fight is dependent on the submission defense of Volkmann, and the ability of Thiago to replicate his striking game he implemented against Koscheck.
Depending on what kind of takedowns Volklmann has, if he can't dictate where the fight goes, he's in big trouble. Look for Thiago to feel things out in the standup arena, and if things start to go south, get the fight to the mat and work his bjj advantage for the submission win.
Thiago via submission (armbar), Rd. 2
Josh " Kos" Koscheck vs. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson welterweight (170)
This fight is between two of the top ten welterweights in the UFC, and both are looking at getting a chance at fighting for the championship. Koscheck has more experience, better wrestling, and a more proven cardio. Johnson has a mammoth size advantage, more dynamic striking, and a MASSIVE SIZE ADVANTAGE!!! Having missed making weight in his last fight, Johnson is looking to prove to the UFC brass that he can make the weight consistently.
Both fighters have a very strong wrestling game, with Koscheck having the better pedigree. Johnson has a slightly more refined striking game, with Koscheck subscribing to the "wing overhand rights as hard as I can" school of striking. Neither fighter has much in the way of submission strengths, but with a heavy top control, and ruthless ground and pound, I put the advantage in this area in Koschecks camp. If this fight stays standing, Johnson has a big advantage in the precision and reach. "Rumble is a freakishly large man for 170 pounds, and could apparently compete comfortably at 185 or even 205.
All things being said, this should be a very tough fight, with both fighters likely to eschew any type of ground fighting in favor of trying to put the other man to the canvas with big bombs. Look for the size, reach, and strength of Johnson to put Kosckeck to sleep in the second round.
Johnson via KO, Rd. 2.
Main Event
Tito "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin lightheavyweight (205)
I didn't think I'd ever see Ortiz back in the UFC after his high profile feud with Dana White, and subsequent departure from the organization. White has softened his stance regarding many of his feuds, but none more public than the one with Ortiz.
All the drama aside, Ortiz is fighting for the first time in over a year and a half, and is injury free for the first time since he fought Randy Couture in 2003. Ortiz no longer has the nagging back problems that have plagued him for much of the past six years, and a healthy Ortiz is a scary fighter indeed. So is the man he is facing.
Forrest Griffin is not quite in a must win situation, but having lost his last two fights, he is indeed in need of a W. He lost the lightheavyweight title, then was thouroughly embarassed by Anderson Silva. Not shabby competition, but the way he lost to Silva, well lets just say Griffin needs a dominant win to show that he has put that loss behind him.
Griffin is at his best when he can drag the fight into the later rounds, and wear his opponents out. He is big and strong, and has an engine that just doesn't quit. Unfortunately, so does Ortiz. Tito has a better wrestling background, but Forrest is the bigger fighter, with a strong takedown defense. It's oign to comedown to how healthy Tito's back is, at and whether or not Forrest can forget his last fight.
I think this fight should be good, but it's not a great matchup for Ortiz. He won a razor thin split decision the first time they fought, and Griffin is a markedly improved fighter since then. Tito will be frustrated with leg kicks, dirty boxing, and the sprawl and brawl Forrest throws his way. It'll probably go all three rounds, but just like Griffin-Bonnar, the second time around will not be nearly as close, but this time, Forrest gets the win.
Griffin via Unanimous Decision.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
UFC 104
Ahhh, here we are my friends. It's time for the moderately anticipated UFC previews that only I know how to put forth. That being said, here goes nothing.
Welterweight (170)
Anthony "Rumble" Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki "Zenko" Yoshida
I don't know exactly what Zenko means. I know he was the founder of a very old clan in feudal Japan, but other than that, your guess is as good as mine. I do happen to know exactly what rumble means though, "you're going to have a bad night!".
I did a little research, and found out that Johnson when not in fighting shape, walks around at or near 220 pounds. The man is an absolute giant at 170, and has shown that the massive weight cut doesn't really affect him. His destructions of Tommy Speers, Kevin Burns, and Luigi Fioravanti are testaments to this. Yoshida is a very tough judoka, but we all remember him for getting KTFO'd twice in one fight by Josh Koscheck last December.
Johnson is bigger, stronger, and younger. Yoshida is more experienced, and a better submission fighter, which was shown to be a weakness when Johnson loss to Rich Clementi in his second UFC fight. I really want to say Yoshida has a chance, and he does, just not a good one. So long as he can get inside the condor like reach of Johnson, and utilize his judo skills to try and get the bigger man to the mat, Yoshida can perhaps pull off the submission upset. I just don't think it's going to happen. Look for "Rumble" to maintain good distance, and use his explosive speed and power to send "Zenko" to the mat in brutal fashion.
Johnson via TKO, Rd.1
Lightweight (155)
Spencer "King" Fisher vs. Joe "Daddy" Stevenson
This could be a very interesting fight, and if not for the Velasquez-Rothwell scrap later on, would be my lock for fight of the night. After losing three of four fights (to BJ Penn, Kenny Florian, and Diego Sanchez) Stevenson got back on track with an impressive win over Nate Diaz. Joe is training with a fantastic camp (Greg Jackson) and is going to need all the gameplanning Jackson brings to the table, because Fisher is a tough cookie.
"King" is the definition of wily veteran. In his UFC debut, he submitted current welterweight contender Thiago Alves, before dropping down to lightweight, a more natural fit for him. Fisher has great boxing, underrated submission skills, and excellent cardio. His two fights with Sam stout showcased his striking and conditioning, but also his toughness, and ability to absorb damage, and just keep moving forward. He has shown trouble with strong wrestlers though. Not taking damage on the ground necessarily, but avoiding takedowns. If he can keep the fight standing, he has the reach, and striking acumen to give Stevenson fits, and possibly get a finish.
"Daddy" is going to want to get in close, work some takedowns and ground and pound, and grind Fishers head in. I see this going back and forth, with Joe getting his hand raised after three very tough rounds.
Stevenson via Split Decision.
Lightweight (155)
Gleison Tibau vs. Josh "The Dentist" Neer
Tibau is a mystery to me. He has all the tools to be a fantastic fighter. Size, speed, strength, jiu-jitsu, striking, but he seems to be lacking the mental make-up to become that top tier fighter. Not that he makes mistakes, just that when it comes to implementing a gameplan, or sticking to his strengths, all his skill goes out the window once the fight doesn't go his way. Like Anthony Johnson, Tibau is a monster for his weight class. He had a few fights at 170, where was also big, and I am pretty sure come fight time, weighs around 185 or so. The weight cut hasn't really shown that it tires him out, so I really don't know why he's amassed only a 5-4 record in the UFC. His road does not get any easier against Josh Neer.
Neer is also a big fella for 155, and has shown that he is not averse to dragging fights into the muck. "The Dentist" will rarely look pretty in his fights, but his vast arsenal of skills from striking to grappling to submissions is not something to be taken lightly. A member of Pat Miletich's gym, he will need that extensive wrestling background to keep Tibau frustrated, and out of his element. Tibau has shown trouble with fighters who have good takedowns, most recently Tyson Griffin, and Joe Stevenson. If he wants to prevent Neer from controlling the fight, Tibau will need to get inside the strikes of neer, and use his strength advantage to put Neer on his back, and work for a submission, or just pound him out for three rounds.
Ultimately, the difference between these two very evenly matched fighters, is mental toughness. Neer has it in Spades, and Tibau's is still in question. This will be a hard fought, though most likely one sided affair for Neer who gets the judges nod.
Neer via Unanimous Decision.
Heavyweight (265) Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell
This is going to be a great fight. "Fight of the Night" great fight. Velasquez is coming off an impressive gut check win over Cheick Kongo, where he was rocked with several shots from Kongo, yet recovered and managed to impose his will with takedowns and heavy top control. Still relatively new to the sport, he was originally scheduled to fight Shane Carwin for what was considered by most, the next shot at heavyweight champ, Brock Lesnar. With Carwin getting the speed pass to fight the champ, Ben Rothwell has moved into his spot, and provides a new host of problems for Velasquez to deal with.
Cain is a wrestling machine, with a great chin, outstanding cardio, and surprising striking skills. Against Carwin he may have wanted to avoid standing with him, and use his wrestling to get the fight into a comfortable arena for him. Against Rothwell, I'm not sure that's what he wants to do. Rothwell definitely does not posess the power of Carwin, but he is a more accurate striker, and has a much more well rounded ground game, with 11 of his 30 career victories coming via submission. Velasquez should try and work standing, create angles, and use his wrestling in reverse. Ben should be very comfortable where ever this fight takes place. He is extremely versatile, and is used to high profile fights, so Octagon jitters can almost be counted out entirely. His only loss in the last four years was to Andrei Arlovski last summer, and Arlovski earned that victory. Rothwell took the former UFC champ into the third round looked very good doing so. Rothwell also has a slight size advantage over Velasquez. About 25-30 pounds, which may not mean anything at all, but it bears mentioning simply because these two are so evenly matched.
I think this comes down to who wants it more, and who can respond to adversity better? I think when the dust clears, Rothwell's striking, submissions, grappling, and experience, all work against Velasquez. Big Ben gets the nod is a very close split decision.
Rothwell via Split Decision.
Lightheavyweight (205) Title Match
Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Machida's first title defense is against a former champion, but one who hasn't really shown much since coming to the UFC. Rua lost to Forrest Griffin in his first fight (fighting on a blown out knee, but still), then barely beat Mark Coleman, which according to Stephan Bonnar, is much harder than anticipated, and of course, knocked out Chuck Liddell in what many think will have been his last UFC fight. Machida, on the other hand, is undefeated, and has been storming through the lightheavyweight division like wildfire.
After a slow start in the UFC, Machida has dispatched Tito Ortiz (Machida considers this his toughest fight to date) and two brutal finishes of Thiago Silva, and Rashad Evans. Words like elusive, frustrating, calculating, and precise all describe Machida's karate based style, but Rua is closer to the form he was in when he was crushing all challengers in Pride like Machida has been in the UFC.
Rua's base is Muy Thai, and brazilian jiu-jitsu, but expect more of the former, than the latter. The chances of Rua even getting close enough to take Machida down are slim, and it seems more in his nature to want to end things quickly, and brutally. Machida likes to feel things out, pick his spots, then make the other fighter unconscious. It's been working in his last two fights, but "Shogun" is a good enough counter puncher, that he may want to be more judicious with his offense, and press a bit more than he usually does.
The X Factor here, I think, is conditioning. Machida has shown that he is more than content to pick his spots, and stay out of harms way for three rounds. Rua, on the other hand, has always had suspect cardio, and tends to overextend himself, letting his ridiculous physical tools bail him out. Bad idea against "The Dragon", who will bide his time, maybe even get this fight into the championship rounds to test Rua's conditioning before unloading a world of hurt on him. Machida breaks the string of one and done lightheavyweight champs with a successful title defense by pummeling Rua on the ground until the ref waves him off.
Machida via TKO, Rd. 4
Welterweight (170)
Anthony "Rumble" Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki "Zenko" Yoshida
I don't know exactly what Zenko means. I know he was the founder of a very old clan in feudal Japan, but other than that, your guess is as good as mine. I do happen to know exactly what rumble means though, "you're going to have a bad night!".
I did a little research, and found out that Johnson when not in fighting shape, walks around at or near 220 pounds. The man is an absolute giant at 170, and has shown that the massive weight cut doesn't really affect him. His destructions of Tommy Speers, Kevin Burns, and Luigi Fioravanti are testaments to this. Yoshida is a very tough judoka, but we all remember him for getting KTFO'd twice in one fight by Josh Koscheck last December.
Johnson is bigger, stronger, and younger. Yoshida is more experienced, and a better submission fighter, which was shown to be a weakness when Johnson loss to Rich Clementi in his second UFC fight. I really want to say Yoshida has a chance, and he does, just not a good one. So long as he can get inside the condor like reach of Johnson, and utilize his judo skills to try and get the bigger man to the mat, Yoshida can perhaps pull off the submission upset. I just don't think it's going to happen. Look for "Rumble" to maintain good distance, and use his explosive speed and power to send "Zenko" to the mat in brutal fashion.
Johnson via TKO, Rd.1
Lightweight (155)
Spencer "King" Fisher vs. Joe "Daddy" Stevenson
This could be a very interesting fight, and if not for the Velasquez-Rothwell scrap later on, would be my lock for fight of the night. After losing three of four fights (to BJ Penn, Kenny Florian, and Diego Sanchez) Stevenson got back on track with an impressive win over Nate Diaz. Joe is training with a fantastic camp (Greg Jackson) and is going to need all the gameplanning Jackson brings to the table, because Fisher is a tough cookie.
"King" is the definition of wily veteran. In his UFC debut, he submitted current welterweight contender Thiago Alves, before dropping down to lightweight, a more natural fit for him. Fisher has great boxing, underrated submission skills, and excellent cardio. His two fights with Sam stout showcased his striking and conditioning, but also his toughness, and ability to absorb damage, and just keep moving forward. He has shown trouble with strong wrestlers though. Not taking damage on the ground necessarily, but avoiding takedowns. If he can keep the fight standing, he has the reach, and striking acumen to give Stevenson fits, and possibly get a finish.
"Daddy" is going to want to get in close, work some takedowns and ground and pound, and grind Fishers head in. I see this going back and forth, with Joe getting his hand raised after three very tough rounds.
Stevenson via Split Decision.
Lightweight (155)
Gleison Tibau vs. Josh "The Dentist" Neer
Tibau is a mystery to me. He has all the tools to be a fantastic fighter. Size, speed, strength, jiu-jitsu, striking, but he seems to be lacking the mental make-up to become that top tier fighter. Not that he makes mistakes, just that when it comes to implementing a gameplan, or sticking to his strengths, all his skill goes out the window once the fight doesn't go his way. Like Anthony Johnson, Tibau is a monster for his weight class. He had a few fights at 170, where was also big, and I am pretty sure come fight time, weighs around 185 or so. The weight cut hasn't really shown that it tires him out, so I really don't know why he's amassed only a 5-4 record in the UFC. His road does not get any easier against Josh Neer.
Neer is also a big fella for 155, and has shown that he is not averse to dragging fights into the muck. "The Dentist" will rarely look pretty in his fights, but his vast arsenal of skills from striking to grappling to submissions is not something to be taken lightly. A member of Pat Miletich's gym, he will need that extensive wrestling background to keep Tibau frustrated, and out of his element. Tibau has shown trouble with fighters who have good takedowns, most recently Tyson Griffin, and Joe Stevenson. If he wants to prevent Neer from controlling the fight, Tibau will need to get inside the strikes of neer, and use his strength advantage to put Neer on his back, and work for a submission, or just pound him out for three rounds.
Ultimately, the difference between these two very evenly matched fighters, is mental toughness. Neer has it in Spades, and Tibau's is still in question. This will be a hard fought, though most likely one sided affair for Neer who gets the judges nod.
Neer via Unanimous Decision.
Heavyweight (265) Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell
This is going to be a great fight. "Fight of the Night" great fight. Velasquez is coming off an impressive gut check win over Cheick Kongo, where he was rocked with several shots from Kongo, yet recovered and managed to impose his will with takedowns and heavy top control. Still relatively new to the sport, he was originally scheduled to fight Shane Carwin for what was considered by most, the next shot at heavyweight champ, Brock Lesnar. With Carwin getting the speed pass to fight the champ, Ben Rothwell has moved into his spot, and provides a new host of problems for Velasquez to deal with.
Cain is a wrestling machine, with a great chin, outstanding cardio, and surprising striking skills. Against Carwin he may have wanted to avoid standing with him, and use his wrestling to get the fight into a comfortable arena for him. Against Rothwell, I'm not sure that's what he wants to do. Rothwell definitely does not posess the power of Carwin, but he is a more accurate striker, and has a much more well rounded ground game, with 11 of his 30 career victories coming via submission. Velasquez should try and work standing, create angles, and use his wrestling in reverse. Ben should be very comfortable where ever this fight takes place. He is extremely versatile, and is used to high profile fights, so Octagon jitters can almost be counted out entirely. His only loss in the last four years was to Andrei Arlovski last summer, and Arlovski earned that victory. Rothwell took the former UFC champ into the third round looked very good doing so. Rothwell also has a slight size advantage over Velasquez. About 25-30 pounds, which may not mean anything at all, but it bears mentioning simply because these two are so evenly matched.
I think this comes down to who wants it more, and who can respond to adversity better? I think when the dust clears, Rothwell's striking, submissions, grappling, and experience, all work against Velasquez. Big Ben gets the nod is a very close split decision.
Rothwell via Split Decision.
Lightheavyweight (205) Title Match
Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Machida's first title defense is against a former champion, but one who hasn't really shown much since coming to the UFC. Rua lost to Forrest Griffin in his first fight (fighting on a blown out knee, but still), then barely beat Mark Coleman, which according to Stephan Bonnar, is much harder than anticipated, and of course, knocked out Chuck Liddell in what many think will have been his last UFC fight. Machida, on the other hand, is undefeated, and has been storming through the lightheavyweight division like wildfire.
After a slow start in the UFC, Machida has dispatched Tito Ortiz (Machida considers this his toughest fight to date) and two brutal finishes of Thiago Silva, and Rashad Evans. Words like elusive, frustrating, calculating, and precise all describe Machida's karate based style, but Rua is closer to the form he was in when he was crushing all challengers in Pride like Machida has been in the UFC.
Rua's base is Muy Thai, and brazilian jiu-jitsu, but expect more of the former, than the latter. The chances of Rua even getting close enough to take Machida down are slim, and it seems more in his nature to want to end things quickly, and brutally. Machida likes to feel things out, pick his spots, then make the other fighter unconscious. It's been working in his last two fights, but "Shogun" is a good enough counter puncher, that he may want to be more judicious with his offense, and press a bit more than he usually does.
The X Factor here, I think, is conditioning. Machida has shown that he is more than content to pick his spots, and stay out of harms way for three rounds. Rua, on the other hand, has always had suspect cardio, and tends to overextend himself, letting his ridiculous physical tools bail him out. Bad idea against "The Dragon", who will bide his time, maybe even get this fight into the championship rounds to test Rua's conditioning before unloading a world of hurt on him. Machida breaks the string of one and done lightheavyweight champs with a successful title defense by pummeling Rua on the ground until the ref waves him off.
Machida via TKO, Rd. 4
Friday, September 18, 2009
UFC 103 preview
Whoo hoo! It's once again time for another UFC! The main card has some interesting fights, with some potential title implications involved. Without further adieu, here we go.
Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca 155lbs
This fight could possibly launch the victor into title contender status. Both fighters are tough as nails, and able to take a fight into the deep waters of the third round, and come out looking fresh as a daisy. Griffin has a wrestling base, and a sharp, compact, striking game. Franca, on the other hand, has a much more loopy style of striking. Throwing big, overhand bombs with the hope of putting his opponent to sleep through sheer power. We call this the "Robbie Lawler of Old" style. Franca does back up his overtly aggressive striking, with a slick ground game utilizing his bjj skills. Griffin may not be as well versed in submissions on the offensive, but has yet to be submitted, or even KO'd for that matter. Franca has also never been submitted, so don't look for a tap, tap, tap, to end this skirmish. Griffin does have the tenacity and motor to give Franca fits, especially considering how manhandled Franca has been by wrestlers in the past. Former lightweight champion, and Frankie Edgar come to mind. Look for Griffin to keep his hands up, and avoid Francas big shots, then counter with some combos, and go for takedowns to implement some nasty ground and pound. Unless Franca can get lucky with a big overhand right, or somehow snatch a submission, it's going to be a long night. Griffin takes this one by unanimous decision
Griffin, UD.
Josh "Kos" Koscheck vs Frank "Twinkletoes" Trigg 170 lbs.
I preface this portion by saying I do not like Koscheck. I think his attitude stinks, I think he's disrespectful of most other fighters, I even hate his nickname. "Kos"? Seriously? What I can't argue against, is his talent and abilities. The man can clearly fight, and has beaten almost everyone placed before him. Before falling to relatively unknown, Paulo Thiago, Koscheck had only lost to Thiago Alves, Georges St. Pierre, and Drew Fickett. Not a bunch of scrubs by any means. It was the loss to Thiago that left many wondering if his head was where it should be. Fighting Trigg should solve that. By that I mean, if he doesn't come in to this fight ready to scrap, Trigg will relocate Koschecks head, and we'll know exactly where it is. They both have excellent wrestling, great conditioning, and above average striking. The question marks will be Triggs age, and Koschecks ability to bounce back from a loss.
Trigg is 37 years old (and also has a cooler nickname, but I digress) and has fought much of the past several years at 185 pounds. We don't know how much the toll of cutting back to 170 will have on him at this stage in his career, and how wise it is to take on a fighter of Koschecks caliber as well. Kos, *sigh*, will have the ability to nullify Triggs takedowns, and work his, if not superior, then definitely more explosive striking, en route to a nasty second round TKO that will make us all forget the cuts Koscheck gave Chris Lytle, and unfortunately, leave Trigg Contemplating retirement.
Koscheck, Rd. 2, TKO
Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann vs Paul "Semtex" Daley 170 lbs
I was so very much looking forward to Kampmann fighting Mike Swick. It was set to be for a shot at the welterweight belt, and be the latest vic.... challenger for Georges St. Pierre. Swick suffered a concussion in training, and had to pull out of the fight though, and was replaced by up and coming British striker, Paul Daley. I haven't seen much of Daley, but from what I have seen, tells me this fight could very much end up exactly like Kampmans fight against Drew McFedries.
Daley is an explosive, aggressive striker, with knockout power in both hands, and a woefully unprepared ground game. While Kampmann is not the submission artist that say, Jake Shields is, who submitted Daley fairly easy in their fight last October, "The Hitman" is more than capable on the ground. With a third of his victories coming via tapout, Kampmann has the skills to make Daley cry uncle.
He also has the skills to hang with Daley in the stand up department. A former Thai kickboxing champion is his homeland of Holland, Kampmann can hang and bang with most of the elite strikers in the 170 lb division. Daley will probably want to end this one quickly, to avoid having to fight a ground game in the later rounds, and after weathering an early storm, expect Kampmann to slap a choke on "Semtex" in the first round, and be next in line to face the monster that is GSP.
Kampmann, Rd.1 choke (guillotine)
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos Heavyweight (265 max)
The croatian cop, versus the gypsy. Dos Santos has been on a tear in the UFC. Neither of his opponents have made it out of the first 90 seconds, and have been brutally battered on their way to KO City. Crop Cop once made his career out of populating that city with his left leg. Ever since losing to Gabriel Gonzaga however, he has not been the same. Yes he's 3-0 since then, with one no contest, but he hasn't shown the devastating brutality he did when he was tearing up PRIDE in Japan. I want to believe that Cro Cop is back, but he's 34, and looks to have lost the killer instinct. Dos Santos is hungrier, and is looking to push to the front of the line of heavyweight contenders, which seems to be getting longer by the day.
I do not think Dos Santos wins this in the same fashion he has in his first two UFC fights, however. I think Cro Cop is too wily a veteran, and too good a counter puncher, to be knocked out in under a minute. I think Dos Santos will prevail by getting this fight to the ground, and unleashing a barrage of punches and elbows, that leads the ref to stop this fight in the third round.
Dos Santos, Rd 3, TKO
Rich "Ace" Franklin vs. Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort 195 lb catchweight
This is an intriguing fight. One that serves no purpose, but intriguing, nonetheless. Franklis has shown that he can if not beat, hang with everyone in the middleweight division, not named Anderson Silva. He lost a razor close split decision to Dan Henderson, and has wiped out all other competition. He's got good footwork, and striking, vastly underrated ground game, and the ability to stick with the gameplan lain out by his coaches, no matter what. So easy victory right? Nope. Because it appears that after years of languishing in obscurity, and "If Only......" land, Vitor is back. He's rattled off four straight wins against, if not top fighters, very tough ones. Most recently, he clubbed Matt Lindland back seventeen weeks, and scared the heck out of all watching.
It appears that Belfort has finally done what we all said he should all along, and dropped the extra muscle mass he'd been carrying around, and focused on his hand speed, and dynamic boxing. A physically fit Belfort is one thing. A mentally prepared Belfort is another. Both........ one word, terrifying.
Franklin appears to be the bigger fighter, but neither has a significant experience advantage. I don't see either fighter trying to get this to the ground, though Franklin does have a heavy top game, with excellent ground and pound. While also having KO power in his hands, Franklin does not have the blazing speed, or rapid footwork to set up his power punches, and instead has to rely on ending combos with them, and timing. Belfort has the more explosive, and much quicker striking, but I don't know if that is enough to win it for him. Looking at Wanderlei Silvas fight against Franklin seems to prove this, though Silva is hardly the precision striker Belfort is. I'm torn, so all I will say is
Belfort, split decision.
So that's how I see them playing out. Look for a review of the excellent fights shown on Wednesday as a lead in to TUF season 10, and an ongoing blog about the show each week.
Later everyone,
Nathan
Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca 155lbs
This fight could possibly launch the victor into title contender status. Both fighters are tough as nails, and able to take a fight into the deep waters of the third round, and come out looking fresh as a daisy. Griffin has a wrestling base, and a sharp, compact, striking game. Franca, on the other hand, has a much more loopy style of striking. Throwing big, overhand bombs with the hope of putting his opponent to sleep through sheer power. We call this the "Robbie Lawler of Old" style. Franca does back up his overtly aggressive striking, with a slick ground game utilizing his bjj skills. Griffin may not be as well versed in submissions on the offensive, but has yet to be submitted, or even KO'd for that matter. Franca has also never been submitted, so don't look for a tap, tap, tap, to end this skirmish. Griffin does have the tenacity and motor to give Franca fits, especially considering how manhandled Franca has been by wrestlers in the past. Former lightweight champion, and Frankie Edgar come to mind. Look for Griffin to keep his hands up, and avoid Francas big shots, then counter with some combos, and go for takedowns to implement some nasty ground and pound. Unless Franca can get lucky with a big overhand right, or somehow snatch a submission, it's going to be a long night. Griffin takes this one by unanimous decision
Griffin, UD.
Josh "Kos" Koscheck vs Frank "Twinkletoes" Trigg 170 lbs.
I preface this portion by saying I do not like Koscheck. I think his attitude stinks, I think he's disrespectful of most other fighters, I even hate his nickname. "Kos"? Seriously? What I can't argue against, is his talent and abilities. The man can clearly fight, and has beaten almost everyone placed before him. Before falling to relatively unknown, Paulo Thiago, Koscheck had only lost to Thiago Alves, Georges St. Pierre, and Drew Fickett. Not a bunch of scrubs by any means. It was the loss to Thiago that left many wondering if his head was where it should be. Fighting Trigg should solve that. By that I mean, if he doesn't come in to this fight ready to scrap, Trigg will relocate Koschecks head, and we'll know exactly where it is. They both have excellent wrestling, great conditioning, and above average striking. The question marks will be Triggs age, and Koschecks ability to bounce back from a loss.
Trigg is 37 years old (and also has a cooler nickname, but I digress) and has fought much of the past several years at 185 pounds. We don't know how much the toll of cutting back to 170 will have on him at this stage in his career, and how wise it is to take on a fighter of Koschecks caliber as well. Kos, *sigh*, will have the ability to nullify Triggs takedowns, and work his, if not superior, then definitely more explosive striking, en route to a nasty second round TKO that will make us all forget the cuts Koscheck gave Chris Lytle, and unfortunately, leave Trigg Contemplating retirement.
Koscheck, Rd. 2, TKO
Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann vs Paul "Semtex" Daley 170 lbs
I was so very much looking forward to Kampmann fighting Mike Swick. It was set to be for a shot at the welterweight belt, and be the latest vic.... challenger for Georges St. Pierre. Swick suffered a concussion in training, and had to pull out of the fight though, and was replaced by up and coming British striker, Paul Daley. I haven't seen much of Daley, but from what I have seen, tells me this fight could very much end up exactly like Kampmans fight against Drew McFedries.
Daley is an explosive, aggressive striker, with knockout power in both hands, and a woefully unprepared ground game. While Kampmann is not the submission artist that say, Jake Shields is, who submitted Daley fairly easy in their fight last October, "The Hitman" is more than capable on the ground. With a third of his victories coming via tapout, Kampmann has the skills to make Daley cry uncle.
He also has the skills to hang with Daley in the stand up department. A former Thai kickboxing champion is his homeland of Holland, Kampmann can hang and bang with most of the elite strikers in the 170 lb division. Daley will probably want to end this one quickly, to avoid having to fight a ground game in the later rounds, and after weathering an early storm, expect Kampmann to slap a choke on "Semtex" in the first round, and be next in line to face the monster that is GSP.
Kampmann, Rd.1 choke (guillotine)
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos Heavyweight (265 max)
The croatian cop, versus the gypsy. Dos Santos has been on a tear in the UFC. Neither of his opponents have made it out of the first 90 seconds, and have been brutally battered on their way to KO City. Crop Cop once made his career out of populating that city with his left leg. Ever since losing to Gabriel Gonzaga however, he has not been the same. Yes he's 3-0 since then, with one no contest, but he hasn't shown the devastating brutality he did when he was tearing up PRIDE in Japan. I want to believe that Cro Cop is back, but he's 34, and looks to have lost the killer instinct. Dos Santos is hungrier, and is looking to push to the front of the line of heavyweight contenders, which seems to be getting longer by the day.
I do not think Dos Santos wins this in the same fashion he has in his first two UFC fights, however. I think Cro Cop is too wily a veteran, and too good a counter puncher, to be knocked out in under a minute. I think Dos Santos will prevail by getting this fight to the ground, and unleashing a barrage of punches and elbows, that leads the ref to stop this fight in the third round.
Dos Santos, Rd 3, TKO
Rich "Ace" Franklin vs. Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort 195 lb catchweight
This is an intriguing fight. One that serves no purpose, but intriguing, nonetheless. Franklis has shown that he can if not beat, hang with everyone in the middleweight division, not named Anderson Silva. He lost a razor close split decision to Dan Henderson, and has wiped out all other competition. He's got good footwork, and striking, vastly underrated ground game, and the ability to stick with the gameplan lain out by his coaches, no matter what. So easy victory right? Nope. Because it appears that after years of languishing in obscurity, and "If Only......" land, Vitor is back. He's rattled off four straight wins against, if not top fighters, very tough ones. Most recently, he clubbed Matt Lindland back seventeen weeks, and scared the heck out of all watching.
It appears that Belfort has finally done what we all said he should all along, and dropped the extra muscle mass he'd been carrying around, and focused on his hand speed, and dynamic boxing. A physically fit Belfort is one thing. A mentally prepared Belfort is another. Both........ one word, terrifying.
Franklin appears to be the bigger fighter, but neither has a significant experience advantage. I don't see either fighter trying to get this to the ground, though Franklin does have a heavy top game, with excellent ground and pound. While also having KO power in his hands, Franklin does not have the blazing speed, or rapid footwork to set up his power punches, and instead has to rely on ending combos with them, and timing. Belfort has the more explosive, and much quicker striking, but I don't know if that is enough to win it for him. Looking at Wanderlei Silvas fight against Franklin seems to prove this, though Silva is hardly the precision striker Belfort is. I'm torn, so all I will say is
Belfort, split decision.
So that's how I see them playing out. Look for a review of the excellent fights shown on Wednesday as a lead in to TUF season 10, and an ongoing blog about the show each week.
Later everyone,
Nathan
Monday, August 31, 2009
UFC 102 in review
Well, it's in the books, and after the dust had settled, I had witnessed a pretty darn good mma card. There were some fantastic knockouts, some impressive upsets, and a new record for the fastest knockout! All in all, everyone that I had the good fortune to attend with and myself, had a great time. So here are how are all the fights went.
Marcus "Maximus" Aurellio vs. Evan Dunham
Round 1
Dunham kept up very good pressure through out the whole fight, and brought the action to "Maximus". Dunham didn't let up, and peppered Aurellio with precise jabs, and very quick combos. Aurellio looked like he was uncomfortable, and was very tentative with his standup. Dunham caught Aurellio with a punch that knocked him down, and after some furious ground and pound, stood up, forcing the brazilian to get off his back and back to his feet. The round ends with Dunham taking a decent shot to the chin, but doesn't seem affected. Rd. 1, Dunham.
Round 2
Dunham starts off right where he left off, and is pushing a furious pace. Aurellio is working hard for a takedown to start off, but has his first attempt rebuked. A second takedown is scored, but Dunham quickly escapes and both fighters exchange blows. Aurellio tries yet another takedown, but after he is unsuccessful, he is rewarded with a solid body kick, followed by a nasty knee to the body. Rd. 2, Dunham
Round 3
Aurellio gets a takedown right off the bat, and moves from guard, to half guard, and seems to bait Dunham into standing up. On the way to his feet, Dunham, works a front headlock, and transitions into an anaconda choke, which looks to be very tight, but Dunham somehow escapes. Dunham is looking very tired, but still keeping the pressure on. Another takedown by Aurellio, then another escape by Dunham. Both fighters go toe to toe as the round ends. Rd. 3, Aurellio.
I scored it, 29-28, Dunham. Judges socre it 29-28, 28-29, 30-27, for a split decision win for Dunham.
Nick Catone vs. Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz
Round 1
Both guys look tentative on their feet. Catone works nice combo that tuns Munoz, and gets a leg kick for his troubles. Munoz looks to clinch, and is taken down. Catone moves to side control and hits some knees to the body, which leads to Munoz turning and backing out hitting a couple heavy shots, then preventing Catone from escaping, by slamming him back to the ground. Catone avoids any more trouble on the ground, and manages to get back to his feet. Both fighters look cautious as the round ends. Very close round. Rd. 1, Catone
Round 2
Catone is the better striker here, and tries to take advantage of it by working combos, and utilizing head movement. Munoz tries a leg kick, and Catone turns it into a takedown. Munoz avoids giving up his back, and gets back to his feet. Catone hits a combo that looks like stuns Munoz, but doesn't follow it up. After a scramble, Catone hits a knee, and time expire.
Rd.2, Munoz
Round three
Catone looks very tired, but Munoz is fairly fresh. Munoz's striking is looking much better, and Catone is getting battered. Catone attempts a takedown, and Munoz tries to counter with an arm in guillotine, but can't keep Catone from getting the fight to the ground. In side control, Catone works to a leg lock attempt, but gets picked up and slammed. Catone wriggles to the back of Munoz and sinks the hooks in. Munoz defends the rear naked choke well, and Catone is too high on his back to effectively control him, and ends up in the half guard of Munoz. Catone sweeps, and ends with some decent ground and pound. Rd. 3, Munoz
I score the fight, 29-28, Munoz. Judges score the fight 30-27, 29-28, 28-29 for a split decsision win by Munoz.
Todd Duffee vs. Tim "The Thrashing Machine" Hague
Round one
Duffee drops Hague immediately with a stiff left jab, and falls on him, pummeling him until the ref stops the fight at the seven second mark.
Duffee wins by knockout at 0:07 of the first round, and sets a new UFC record for fastest knockout.
Justin "The NSane 1" McCully vs. Mike Russow
Round one
Russow takes McCully down, and neither men do much, and McCully gets back to his feet. Russow again takes McCully down, and is reversed, McCully gets his hooks in, and tries for a leg lock, but no dice. A very, very lackluster round by both men. Rd. 1, McCully
In between rounds, it appears that McCully is having trouble seeing out of his left eye, and the fight appears to be nearly called by the referee, but the doctor clears McCully, and the fight will continue.
Round two
A knee by McCully leads to a takedown by Russow, but there is almost nothing going on on the ground. They stand up, and Russow clinches McCully up against the fence, working some mild knees and elbows. Russow tries for a kimura, but is unsuccessful and then the round ends. Rd. 2, Russow
Round three
McCully is slightly more active, but appears that he is having trouble seeing out of that eye. Russow looks tired, but manages to get a takedown. The ref stand them up, and Russow gets tagged with a few strikes. Another takedown by Russow, and hardly anymore action. The crowd is audibly upset Rd. 3 Russow
I score the fight 29-28, Russow. Judges score the fight 29-28, 30-26, 30-27, for a unanimous decision victory by Russow.
Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga vs. Chris "The Crowbar" Tuchscherer
Round one
"Napao" lands a vicious, accidental low blow, that drops Tuchscherer like an anchor. "The Crowbar" is in extreme pain, and utilizes the entire five minutes of injury time he is allotted. It looks like the ref is close to awarding the fight to Tuchscherer via disqualification, but he decides to soldier on, much to the surprise and applause of the crowd. The fight is restarted, and after touching gloves in apology for the inadvertant groin shot, Gonzaga plants a left kick to the face of Tuchscherer, depositing him back to the canvas. Gonzaga quickly pounces on the big, blond, beast, and proceeds to land blows to his face and head until the referee calls a stop to the brutal pounding at 2:27 0f the first round.
Gonzaga wins via TKO at 2:27 of the first round.
Ed "Short Fuse" Herman vs. Aaron "A-Train" Simpson
Round one
Simpson starts with a takedown, big slam and good ground and pound on Herman, who then gets the fight back to the feet. Simpson keeps up with the pressure, and drops Herman with a right. After another escape by Herman, Simpson takes him down, and looks to cause some sort of injury to Herman's knee as time expires. Rd. 1, Simpson.
Round two
"Short Fuse" is visibly limping, but gutting it out for the home town fans. He throws a high kick with his healthy leg, and the gimpy one buckles, and he crumples to the mat. The referee calls a stop to the match as Herman is yelling in pain, and before Simpson can pounce on the fallen fighter. Replays show Hermans knee pop in an unpleasant manner during the attempted kick.
Aaron Simpson wins via TKO at 0:17 of the second round.
Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs. Krzystof "The Polish Experiment" Soszynski
Round one
Due to my typing being less than stellar, I will refer to Soszynski as, Sos. Both fighters are cautiously feeling each other out. Vera is landing some good combos, and avoiding damage. Sos clinches Vera against the fence, and then does nothing. After a referee separation, Vera lands some good punches and kicks. Sos tries for a takedown, but has the attempt stuffed and gets treated to a brief flurry of punches as the round ends. Rd. 1, Vera
Round two
Vera starts off with a good left hand, and dodges the strikes that Sos throws at him. Vera starts to get a little cocky, and drops his hands to his waist, bobbing his head. The last few minutes of the fight are slow with both fighters looking for openings, but not doing much. Much more lackluster round for the two combatants. Rd 2, Vera
Round three
Vera brings the fight immediately with a spin kick. Sos is still attempting to clinch against the fence, and working some dirty boxing, but Vera seems unaffected, and slips in a kimura to work the escape. Sos is taken down, and Vera works some ground and pound, Sos escapes to stand up. Vera tags "The Polish Experiment with some knees, and hits an inadvertant low blow. Vera seems to be controlling the tempo, but is not doing so in a convincing manner. Rd. 3, Vera
I score the fight, 30-27, Vera. The judges score the fight 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, for Vera who wins by unanimous decision.
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Demian Maia
Round one
Maia throws out a couple of leg kicks, that are nothing more then feelers. Maia then goes to throw a left leg kick, and Marquardt counters with a brutal right cross that lifts Maia off his feet, depositing him on the mat, a senseless heap. Marquardt moves in to finish with a right hand, but abstains from throwing it when he recognizes that Maia is out of it.
Marquardt wins via knockout at 0:21 of the first round.
Chris "The Crippler" Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Round one
The first minute of the fight has both fighters working for position, and throwing out distance gauging strikes. Rosholts strikes look wide, and Leben gets the takedown. After some brief ground and pound, Rosholt gets back to his feet. More light striking by both, and another takedown by Leben, who hits some more ground strikes, and attempts a guillotine choke, which Rosholt escapes, and then gets back to his feet as the round ends. Rd. 1, Leben
Round two
More striking that is less then crisp from Rosholt, but still strong, and a couple of wild haymakers from Leben. Rosholt slips, and Leben pounces on him, ending up in his guard. Leben works some ground and pound, but Rosholt holds him from the bottom, and the referee stands both fighters up. Leben lands a good straight left, then follows up with some clinch work on the fence. Rosholt gets a takedown, but can't do much to Leben, and lets him up. Leben ends the round with a good flurry of punches. Rd. 2, Leben
Round three
Rosholt gets a takedown immediately, and moves to side control. He wastes no time in setting up an arm triangle choke, but Leben shakes off the submission attempt. Rosholt moves to mount, and tries the arm triangle again, this time Leben cannot defend himself, and Rosholt locks the choke in tight. The referee calls a stop to the fight when Leben is rendered unconscious.
Rosholt wins via arm triangle choke, at 0:30 of the third round.
"The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine vs Thiago Silva
Round one
Jardine looks very confident as he throws some good punch and kick combos. He cracks Silva with a wicked leg kick, but Silva sweeps his leg, and gets top position. Jardine stands up without taking any damage, and presses the action, but gets caught with a left hook that drops him to the canvas. Silva mauls "The Dean of Mean" with ground and pound until the referee calls a stop to the action.
Silva wins via technical knockout at 1:35 of the first round.
Randy "The Natural" Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira
Round one
Some strikes are immediately exchanged, along with some dirty boxing. Nogueira tries to pull guard, but Couture is having none of that. Couture then tries to clinch Nogueira, but gets pushed off, and is subsequently knocked down with a right hand. Nogueira jumps on Couture and sinks in a very tight D'Arce choke, and looks very close to submitting "The Natural", but releases the hold, and Couture gets back to his feet. Nogueira lands some nasty body combos, and Couture answers with some punches of his own. This fight is starting to look like Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar at the season finale of the first Ultimate Fighter. Nogueira appears to have a cut over his left eye, and Couture works more strikes from the clinch as the round ends.
Rd 1, Nogueira
Round two
Both fighters trade punches to start, and Nogueira tries to pull a guillotine choke from Coutures clinch, but slips and ends up on his back with Couture in his guard. Couture lands some elbows, and some more elbows, really leaning on Nogueira, who reverses Couture with a sweep, and gets in "The Natural"s half guard. Nogueira gets a good arm triangle, but gives it up in favor of the mount and gets some good ground and pound on Couture, who escapes to stand up. They trade more punches that aren't overly accurate, but have a lot of power beind them. Couture hits two hard rights, and gets tagged with a leg kick, and both fighters flurry to finish the round.
Rd. 2, Nogueira
Round three
After a good opening combo, Nogueira knocks Couture down with a right, and it once again looks like the ref is very close to calling a finish to the fight, but Couture weathers the storm, and ends up in side control. Nogueira works some ground and pound, and tries another arm triangle, but Couture is having none of it. Nogueira gets Coutures back, but is too high, and Couture tries to buck him off. Nogueira finally succumbs to a reversal and is swept with Couture winding up in Nogueiras guard. Couture looks exhausted. Some decent ground and pound, but Nogueira avoids too much damage, and works to close the gap by holding Couture down. Time is winding down, and the fighters are stood up. The round ends with both men standing toe to toe and duking it out. Rd. 3, Nogueira
I score the fight, 30-27, Nogueira. The judges score the fight, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 for Nogueira who wins via unanimous decision.
Marcus "Maximus" Aurellio vs. Evan Dunham
Round 1
Dunham kept up very good pressure through out the whole fight, and brought the action to "Maximus". Dunham didn't let up, and peppered Aurellio with precise jabs, and very quick combos. Aurellio looked like he was uncomfortable, and was very tentative with his standup. Dunham caught Aurellio with a punch that knocked him down, and after some furious ground and pound, stood up, forcing the brazilian to get off his back and back to his feet. The round ends with Dunham taking a decent shot to the chin, but doesn't seem affected. Rd. 1, Dunham.
Round 2
Dunham starts off right where he left off, and is pushing a furious pace. Aurellio is working hard for a takedown to start off, but has his first attempt rebuked. A second takedown is scored, but Dunham quickly escapes and both fighters exchange blows. Aurellio tries yet another takedown, but after he is unsuccessful, he is rewarded with a solid body kick, followed by a nasty knee to the body. Rd. 2, Dunham
Round 3
Aurellio gets a takedown right off the bat, and moves from guard, to half guard, and seems to bait Dunham into standing up. On the way to his feet, Dunham, works a front headlock, and transitions into an anaconda choke, which looks to be very tight, but Dunham somehow escapes. Dunham is looking very tired, but still keeping the pressure on. Another takedown by Aurellio, then another escape by Dunham. Both fighters go toe to toe as the round ends. Rd. 3, Aurellio.
I scored it, 29-28, Dunham. Judges socre it 29-28, 28-29, 30-27, for a split decision win for Dunham.
Nick Catone vs. Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz
Round 1
Both guys look tentative on their feet. Catone works nice combo that tuns Munoz, and gets a leg kick for his troubles. Munoz looks to clinch, and is taken down. Catone moves to side control and hits some knees to the body, which leads to Munoz turning and backing out hitting a couple heavy shots, then preventing Catone from escaping, by slamming him back to the ground. Catone avoids any more trouble on the ground, and manages to get back to his feet. Both fighters look cautious as the round ends. Very close round. Rd. 1, Catone
Round 2
Catone is the better striker here, and tries to take advantage of it by working combos, and utilizing head movement. Munoz tries a leg kick, and Catone turns it into a takedown. Munoz avoids giving up his back, and gets back to his feet. Catone hits a combo that looks like stuns Munoz, but doesn't follow it up. After a scramble, Catone hits a knee, and time expire.
Rd.2, Munoz
Round three
Catone looks very tired, but Munoz is fairly fresh. Munoz's striking is looking much better, and Catone is getting battered. Catone attempts a takedown, and Munoz tries to counter with an arm in guillotine, but can't keep Catone from getting the fight to the ground. In side control, Catone works to a leg lock attempt, but gets picked up and slammed. Catone wriggles to the back of Munoz and sinks the hooks in. Munoz defends the rear naked choke well, and Catone is too high on his back to effectively control him, and ends up in the half guard of Munoz. Catone sweeps, and ends with some decent ground and pound. Rd. 3, Munoz
I score the fight, 29-28, Munoz. Judges score the fight 30-27, 29-28, 28-29 for a split decsision win by Munoz.
Todd Duffee vs. Tim "The Thrashing Machine" Hague
Round one
Duffee drops Hague immediately with a stiff left jab, and falls on him, pummeling him until the ref stops the fight at the seven second mark.
Duffee wins by knockout at 0:07 of the first round, and sets a new UFC record for fastest knockout.
Justin "The NSane 1" McCully vs. Mike Russow
Round one
Russow takes McCully down, and neither men do much, and McCully gets back to his feet. Russow again takes McCully down, and is reversed, McCully gets his hooks in, and tries for a leg lock, but no dice. A very, very lackluster round by both men. Rd. 1, McCully
In between rounds, it appears that McCully is having trouble seeing out of his left eye, and the fight appears to be nearly called by the referee, but the doctor clears McCully, and the fight will continue.
Round two
A knee by McCully leads to a takedown by Russow, but there is almost nothing going on on the ground. They stand up, and Russow clinches McCully up against the fence, working some mild knees and elbows. Russow tries for a kimura, but is unsuccessful and then the round ends. Rd. 2, Russow
Round three
McCully is slightly more active, but appears that he is having trouble seeing out of that eye. Russow looks tired, but manages to get a takedown. The ref stand them up, and Russow gets tagged with a few strikes. Another takedown by Russow, and hardly anymore action. The crowd is audibly upset Rd. 3 Russow
I score the fight 29-28, Russow. Judges score the fight 29-28, 30-26, 30-27, for a unanimous decision victory by Russow.
Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga vs. Chris "The Crowbar" Tuchscherer
Round one
"Napao" lands a vicious, accidental low blow, that drops Tuchscherer like an anchor. "The Crowbar" is in extreme pain, and utilizes the entire five minutes of injury time he is allotted. It looks like the ref is close to awarding the fight to Tuchscherer via disqualification, but he decides to soldier on, much to the surprise and applause of the crowd. The fight is restarted, and after touching gloves in apology for the inadvertant groin shot, Gonzaga plants a left kick to the face of Tuchscherer, depositing him back to the canvas. Gonzaga quickly pounces on the big, blond, beast, and proceeds to land blows to his face and head until the referee calls a stop to the brutal pounding at 2:27 0f the first round.
Gonzaga wins via TKO at 2:27 of the first round.
Ed "Short Fuse" Herman vs. Aaron "A-Train" Simpson
Round one
Simpson starts with a takedown, big slam and good ground and pound on Herman, who then gets the fight back to the feet. Simpson keeps up with the pressure, and drops Herman with a right. After another escape by Herman, Simpson takes him down, and looks to cause some sort of injury to Herman's knee as time expires. Rd. 1, Simpson.
Round two
"Short Fuse" is visibly limping, but gutting it out for the home town fans. He throws a high kick with his healthy leg, and the gimpy one buckles, and he crumples to the mat. The referee calls a stop to the match as Herman is yelling in pain, and before Simpson can pounce on the fallen fighter. Replays show Hermans knee pop in an unpleasant manner during the attempted kick.
Aaron Simpson wins via TKO at 0:17 of the second round.
Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs. Krzystof "The Polish Experiment" Soszynski
Round one
Due to my typing being less than stellar, I will refer to Soszynski as, Sos. Both fighters are cautiously feeling each other out. Vera is landing some good combos, and avoiding damage. Sos clinches Vera against the fence, and then does nothing. After a referee separation, Vera lands some good punches and kicks. Sos tries for a takedown, but has the attempt stuffed and gets treated to a brief flurry of punches as the round ends. Rd. 1, Vera
Round two
Vera starts off with a good left hand, and dodges the strikes that Sos throws at him. Vera starts to get a little cocky, and drops his hands to his waist, bobbing his head. The last few minutes of the fight are slow with both fighters looking for openings, but not doing much. Much more lackluster round for the two combatants. Rd 2, Vera
Round three
Vera brings the fight immediately with a spin kick. Sos is still attempting to clinch against the fence, and working some dirty boxing, but Vera seems unaffected, and slips in a kimura to work the escape. Sos is taken down, and Vera works some ground and pound, Sos escapes to stand up. Vera tags "The Polish Experiment with some knees, and hits an inadvertant low blow. Vera seems to be controlling the tempo, but is not doing so in a convincing manner. Rd. 3, Vera
I score the fight, 30-27, Vera. The judges score the fight 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, for Vera who wins by unanimous decision.
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Demian Maia
Round one
Maia throws out a couple of leg kicks, that are nothing more then feelers. Maia then goes to throw a left leg kick, and Marquardt counters with a brutal right cross that lifts Maia off his feet, depositing him on the mat, a senseless heap. Marquardt moves in to finish with a right hand, but abstains from throwing it when he recognizes that Maia is out of it.
Marquardt wins via knockout at 0:21 of the first round.
Chris "The Crippler" Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Round one
The first minute of the fight has both fighters working for position, and throwing out distance gauging strikes. Rosholts strikes look wide, and Leben gets the takedown. After some brief ground and pound, Rosholt gets back to his feet. More light striking by both, and another takedown by Leben, who hits some more ground strikes, and attempts a guillotine choke, which Rosholt escapes, and then gets back to his feet as the round ends. Rd. 1, Leben
Round two
More striking that is less then crisp from Rosholt, but still strong, and a couple of wild haymakers from Leben. Rosholt slips, and Leben pounces on him, ending up in his guard. Leben works some ground and pound, but Rosholt holds him from the bottom, and the referee stands both fighters up. Leben lands a good straight left, then follows up with some clinch work on the fence. Rosholt gets a takedown, but can't do much to Leben, and lets him up. Leben ends the round with a good flurry of punches. Rd. 2, Leben
Round three
Rosholt gets a takedown immediately, and moves to side control. He wastes no time in setting up an arm triangle choke, but Leben shakes off the submission attempt. Rosholt moves to mount, and tries the arm triangle again, this time Leben cannot defend himself, and Rosholt locks the choke in tight. The referee calls a stop to the fight when Leben is rendered unconscious.
Rosholt wins via arm triangle choke, at 0:30 of the third round.
"The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine vs Thiago Silva
Round one
Jardine looks very confident as he throws some good punch and kick combos. He cracks Silva with a wicked leg kick, but Silva sweeps his leg, and gets top position. Jardine stands up without taking any damage, and presses the action, but gets caught with a left hook that drops him to the canvas. Silva mauls "The Dean of Mean" with ground and pound until the referee calls a stop to the action.
Silva wins via technical knockout at 1:35 of the first round.
Randy "The Natural" Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira
Round one
Some strikes are immediately exchanged, along with some dirty boxing. Nogueira tries to pull guard, but Couture is having none of that. Couture then tries to clinch Nogueira, but gets pushed off, and is subsequently knocked down with a right hand. Nogueira jumps on Couture and sinks in a very tight D'Arce choke, and looks very close to submitting "The Natural", but releases the hold, and Couture gets back to his feet. Nogueira lands some nasty body combos, and Couture answers with some punches of his own. This fight is starting to look like Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar at the season finale of the first Ultimate Fighter. Nogueira appears to have a cut over his left eye, and Couture works more strikes from the clinch as the round ends.
Rd 1, Nogueira
Round two
Both fighters trade punches to start, and Nogueira tries to pull a guillotine choke from Coutures clinch, but slips and ends up on his back with Couture in his guard. Couture lands some elbows, and some more elbows, really leaning on Nogueira, who reverses Couture with a sweep, and gets in "The Natural"s half guard. Nogueira gets a good arm triangle, but gives it up in favor of the mount and gets some good ground and pound on Couture, who escapes to stand up. They trade more punches that aren't overly accurate, but have a lot of power beind them. Couture hits two hard rights, and gets tagged with a leg kick, and both fighters flurry to finish the round.
Rd. 2, Nogueira
Round three
After a good opening combo, Nogueira knocks Couture down with a right, and it once again looks like the ref is very close to calling a finish to the fight, but Couture weathers the storm, and ends up in side control. Nogueira works some ground and pound, and tries another arm triangle, but Couture is having none of it. Nogueira gets Coutures back, but is too high, and Couture tries to buck him off. Nogueira finally succumbs to a reversal and is swept with Couture winding up in Nogueiras guard. Couture looks exhausted. Some decent ground and pound, but Nogueira avoids too much damage, and works to close the gap by holding Couture down. Time is winding down, and the fighters are stood up. The round ends with both men standing toe to toe and duking it out. Rd. 3, Nogueira
I score the fight, 30-27, Nogueira. The judges score the fight, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 for Nogueira who wins via unanimous decision.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
UFC 102 preview
So I am attending UFC 102 this weekend, and am extremely excited. I usually do some sort of preview, but this time, I am previewing, and then will take notes, then will REVIEW!!! IT'S JUST CRAZY ENOUGH TO WORK! Let's get to work.
UNDERCARD
Marcus "Maximus" Aurellio vs. Evan Dunham 155
The evening begins between a seasoned veteran, and a young up and comer. Aurellio has been there and done that. He has a strong submission game, and in 25 career fights, has never been stopped. Dunham, is younger, less experienced, but possibly more motivated. He only has eight fights, but has won them all, and gone to decision only once. Aurellios experience and submission savvy will provide too much though, as he works a second round round armbar.
Aurellio, submission (armbar) Rd. 2
Nick Catone vs. Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz 185
Two highly decorated wrestlers highlight the second match. Catone was a two time division winner and national qualifier at Rider University. Munoz was a two time Big 12 champion, two time All-American, and won the national championship as a senior in 2001. So where are the advantages? Catone has a well rounded game, with strong submissions, and holds a purple belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu. Munoz has heavy hands, and a smothering ground game. Expect Catone to try and get this fight to the ground, and work some submissions from the top position. Munoz is going to want to get Catone on his back, push him against the cage, and mush his face into paste. It will more than likely end in the judges hands, with Catone getting his hand raised.
Catone, Unanimous Decision.
Tim "The Thrashing Machine" Hague vs. Todd Duffee HWT
Silly nickname aside, Hague is a big, tough dude. He withstood a beating from Pat Barry before submitting him with a guillotine choke. Duffee is young, hungry, and huge! With four wins in four fights via KO or TKO, he poses many problems for Hague. Hague is a blue belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu, but before submitting Barry, was getting badly beat up by the much smaller fighter. Duffee doesn't possess the striking prowess of Barry, but his reach and strength could make up and then some for his relative inexperience. Hague will probably try to get the fight to the ground, Duffee wants to make his size work for him, and if the fight goes to the ground, stay on top, and force Hague to exert himself. Duffee will impose his will on the feet, and the only way "The Thrashing Machine" gets to the ground is after he is knocked out in the first round.
Duffee, KO, Rd. 1
Justin "The Nsane 1" McCully vs. Mike Russow HWT
Second fight with a silly nickname, and second fight with disparaging skills. McCully has good leg kicks, and has been fighting professionally for twelve years. Russow has a slight size advantage, and great ground skills. McCully definitely wants to stay standing, as in his only UFC fight that went to the ground, he was completely outclassed and submitted by Gabriel Gonzaga. Russow is going to try and avoid the buzz cutter leg kicks, drag McCully to the ground, and find a way to conduct the Three Tap Symphony. Russow will win, as unfortunately, "The Nsane 1" doesn't have the skills to keep this fight standing.
Russow, submission (kimura) Rd. 2
Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga vs. Chris "The Crowbar" Tuchscherer HWT
Gonzaga looks to bounce back from the loss he recieved at the hands of number one heavyweight contender, Shane Carwin. Tuchscherer is a great big honking, John Heidenreich looking, beast of a human being. "The Crowbar" has size, strength, and not much else on his size. Gonzaga has strong striking, world class bjj, and is looking to get back on track in the heavyweight division. Tuchscherer's best bet is to wear gonzaga out with a sprawl and brawl tactic that will definitely not work. "Napao" takes this fight via sub, as soon as Tuchscherer's gas tank runs out, in the second round.
Gonzaga, submission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2
Ed "Short Fuse" Herman vs. Aaron"A-Train" Simpson 185
Herman is starting to find his place as a gatekeeper for the middleweight division. Simpson is looking to kick down those gates and announce his presence as a viable 185 pounder. Herman has fought some fo best the UFC has to offer, and has amassed some solid victories. Simpson on the other hand, hasn't lost in five professional fights, and has won all via KO or TKO. "Short Fuse" will provide a much sterner test, and will try to expose Simpsons lack of experience on the ground, and either ground and pound, or submit Simpson. Simpson will try to get a rhythm going on the feet, but Herman will withstand the onslaught, get it to the ground, and choke him out in the second round.
Herman, submmission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2
MAIN CARD
Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs. Krzystof "The Polish Experiment" Soszynski 205
Soszynski is a late replacement for Matt Hamill, and in my opinion, a much tougher opponent for Vera. After a couple of uninspiring fights following his drop to the lightheavyweight division, Vera finally showed what he is capable of by utterly destroying Michael Patt with leg kicks on his way to a TKO. "The Truth" looks to finally have accomodated to the weight cut, and is looking to get a good roll going and work towards a title shot. Soszynski is fighting his second straight fight as an injury replacement, and is on a three fight win streak. This is a very close fight, with Vera having more precise strikes and a very underrated bjj game. Whereas Soszynski is much more well rounded, with extremely heavy hands. Expect this to be a back and forth battle with both fighters putting it all on the line only to have the ref raising Veras hand as the judges hand him the decision win.
Vera, Unanimous Decision
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Demian Maia 185
An easy candidate for fight of the night, pits the seven time King of Pancrase Marquardt, against the undefeated bjj wrecking machine Maia whos m.o. is obvious, get oppopnent to the ground, make them tap out, have hand raised, wash, rinse, repeat. Marquardt is no grappling slouch himself, with a bjj black belt, and a plethora of submission and wrestling accolades on his resume. "The Great" will more than likely use his bjj and wrestling in reverse to keep the fight standing, and avoid submissions, while trying tu turn it into more of a striking match to expose the weakness that has been Maia's striking. Marquardt must try to get this fight into the later rounds and attempt to tax Maias cardio, while the brazilian submission master could easily put this one away early with a sub, but I don't see Marquardt falling into his game plan, and getting a referee stoppage early in the third round.
Marquardt, TKO, Rd. 3
Chris "The Crippler" Leben vs. Jake Rosholt 185
In Leben's first fight back after getting suspended for testing positive for steroids, he has a lot going in his favor. He gets to fight in his own backyard, and gets a very green fighter in Rosholt, who is mostly known for his excellent wrestling and not much else. Leben has a chin like granite, can take tons of abuse, and is no shabby wrestler in his own right. Rosholt is tough, with heart, but that wont be enough to overcome "The Crippler. This will more than likely going to be a VERY onesided affair, with Leben wearing Rosholt out, and dropping him to the canvas with the sledgehammer he calls a left hand early in the second round.
Leben, KO, Rd. 2
"The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva 205
Two very tough, game fighters coming off losses, looking to get back on track? Yes please. Silva was absolutley demolished by current lightheavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, and at the same time handed his first loss. Jardine just went three very impressive rounds with former champ Quinton Jackson, and was very close to winning the fight. This fight is probably going to go one of two ways; Silva likes to push the pace, and bully his opponents in a less than technical execution, while very effective; Jardine needs to work his unorthodox, yet very effective striking, crack Silva with leg kicks, and more than likely weather an early onslaught. Jardine has been caught early in fights by such bruisers as Houston Alexander, and Wanderlei Silva (no relation), and if he hasn't learned from those beatings, he's on an early train to the wrong end of a highlight reel stomping. If the Rampage fight is any indicator, he has, and Silva is in for a long fight, with his lead leg looking like hamburger, and "The Dean of Mean" getting the judges nod.
Jardine, Unanimous Decision
Randy "The Natural Couture" vs Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira HWT
Hall of Fame. That's where these two fighters are headed. The only question is, how soon? Couture is on the wrong side of 45 for a professional fighter, even though Father Time is one more professional scrapper that hasn't learned how to put him away, and Nogueira is only 33, but he's had a number of knock down, drag out brawls that have certainly taken their toll on him. That being said, this will be a hell of a rumble. Couture is the king of not only drawing up an effective gameplan, but sticking to it. He is going to want to maintain his distance, utilize head movement, and his infamous dirty boxing in the clinch. Nogueira just had his first career loss by stoppage, even though he was rumored to have been overcoming a staph infection, and knee injury. "Minotauro" has heart in full supply. Just look back to his wins over Heath Herring and Tim Sylvia, where he overcame early scares to rebound and win. He has got to find a way to get Couture on his back, and neutralize the clinch game "The Natural" uses so effectively. Nogueira also has a very strong submission game, that Couture is going to have to be able to avoid, but has shown every indication that he can. This comes down to which Nogueira shows up. If the guy who snuck by Herring, pulled one out of his bag of tricks against Sylvia, and was stopped by Mir shows up, he's in trouble. If the "Minotauro" that was the number one heavyweight on the planet not named Fedor Emelianenko, makes an arrival, well, Couture is in trouble.
This fight has the added bonus of the winner getting a shot at the winner of Brock Lesnar-Shane Carwin. I think the motivation is there for both fighters to regain championship gold, but have no clue who wants it more. Couture, and one more shot at the title, or Nogueira, and the chance to prove to every fan in the U.S. what every fan outside of the U.S. already knows, he cannot be counted out, and is the best, non russian sambo master, fighter out there. Couture will try and work his clinch and dirty boxing, but will make a small mistake that probably wont even seem like one, Nogueira will capitalize, and cause Couture to tap out to a submission for the first time in seven years.
Nogueira, submission (guillotine choke), Rd. 2
UNDERCARD
Marcus "Maximus" Aurellio vs. Evan Dunham 155
The evening begins between a seasoned veteran, and a young up and comer. Aurellio has been there and done that. He has a strong submission game, and in 25 career fights, has never been stopped. Dunham, is younger, less experienced, but possibly more motivated. He only has eight fights, but has won them all, and gone to decision only once. Aurellios experience and submission savvy will provide too much though, as he works a second round round armbar.
Aurellio, submission (armbar) Rd. 2
Nick Catone vs. Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz 185
Two highly decorated wrestlers highlight the second match. Catone was a two time division winner and national qualifier at Rider University. Munoz was a two time Big 12 champion, two time All-American, and won the national championship as a senior in 2001. So where are the advantages? Catone has a well rounded game, with strong submissions, and holds a purple belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu. Munoz has heavy hands, and a smothering ground game. Expect Catone to try and get this fight to the ground, and work some submissions from the top position. Munoz is going to want to get Catone on his back, push him against the cage, and mush his face into paste. It will more than likely end in the judges hands, with Catone getting his hand raised.
Catone, Unanimous Decision.
Tim "The Thrashing Machine" Hague vs. Todd Duffee HWT
Silly nickname aside, Hague is a big, tough dude. He withstood a beating from Pat Barry before submitting him with a guillotine choke. Duffee is young, hungry, and huge! With four wins in four fights via KO or TKO, he poses many problems for Hague. Hague is a blue belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu, but before submitting Barry, was getting badly beat up by the much smaller fighter. Duffee doesn't possess the striking prowess of Barry, but his reach and strength could make up and then some for his relative inexperience. Hague will probably try to get the fight to the ground, Duffee wants to make his size work for him, and if the fight goes to the ground, stay on top, and force Hague to exert himself. Duffee will impose his will on the feet, and the only way "The Thrashing Machine" gets to the ground is after he is knocked out in the first round.
Duffee, KO, Rd. 1
Justin "The Nsane 1" McCully vs. Mike Russow HWT
Second fight with a silly nickname, and second fight with disparaging skills. McCully has good leg kicks, and has been fighting professionally for twelve years. Russow has a slight size advantage, and great ground skills. McCully definitely wants to stay standing, as in his only UFC fight that went to the ground, he was completely outclassed and submitted by Gabriel Gonzaga. Russow is going to try and avoid the buzz cutter leg kicks, drag McCully to the ground, and find a way to conduct the Three Tap Symphony. Russow will win, as unfortunately, "The Nsane 1" doesn't have the skills to keep this fight standing.
Russow, submission (kimura) Rd. 2
Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga vs. Chris "The Crowbar" Tuchscherer HWT
Gonzaga looks to bounce back from the loss he recieved at the hands of number one heavyweight contender, Shane Carwin. Tuchscherer is a great big honking, John Heidenreich looking, beast of a human being. "The Crowbar" has size, strength, and not much else on his size. Gonzaga has strong striking, world class bjj, and is looking to get back on track in the heavyweight division. Tuchscherer's best bet is to wear gonzaga out with a sprawl and brawl tactic that will definitely not work. "Napao" takes this fight via sub, as soon as Tuchscherer's gas tank runs out, in the second round.
Gonzaga, submission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2
Ed "Short Fuse" Herman vs. Aaron"A-Train" Simpson 185
Herman is starting to find his place as a gatekeeper for the middleweight division. Simpson is looking to kick down those gates and announce his presence as a viable 185 pounder. Herman has fought some fo best the UFC has to offer, and has amassed some solid victories. Simpson on the other hand, hasn't lost in five professional fights, and has won all via KO or TKO. "Short Fuse" will provide a much sterner test, and will try to expose Simpsons lack of experience on the ground, and either ground and pound, or submit Simpson. Simpson will try to get a rhythm going on the feet, but Herman will withstand the onslaught, get it to the ground, and choke him out in the second round.
Herman, submmission (rear naked choke), Rd. 2
MAIN CARD
Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs. Krzystof "The Polish Experiment" Soszynski 205
Soszynski is a late replacement for Matt Hamill, and in my opinion, a much tougher opponent for Vera. After a couple of uninspiring fights following his drop to the lightheavyweight division, Vera finally showed what he is capable of by utterly destroying Michael Patt with leg kicks on his way to a TKO. "The Truth" looks to finally have accomodated to the weight cut, and is looking to get a good roll going and work towards a title shot. Soszynski is fighting his second straight fight as an injury replacement, and is on a three fight win streak. This is a very close fight, with Vera having more precise strikes and a very underrated bjj game. Whereas Soszynski is much more well rounded, with extremely heavy hands. Expect this to be a back and forth battle with both fighters putting it all on the line only to have the ref raising Veras hand as the judges hand him the decision win.
Vera, Unanimous Decision
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Demian Maia 185
An easy candidate for fight of the night, pits the seven time King of Pancrase Marquardt, against the undefeated bjj wrecking machine Maia whos m.o. is obvious, get oppopnent to the ground, make them tap out, have hand raised, wash, rinse, repeat. Marquardt is no grappling slouch himself, with a bjj black belt, and a plethora of submission and wrestling accolades on his resume. "The Great" will more than likely use his bjj and wrestling in reverse to keep the fight standing, and avoid submissions, while trying tu turn it into more of a striking match to expose the weakness that has been Maia's striking. Marquardt must try to get this fight into the later rounds and attempt to tax Maias cardio, while the brazilian submission master could easily put this one away early with a sub, but I don't see Marquardt falling into his game plan, and getting a referee stoppage early in the third round.
Marquardt, TKO, Rd. 3
Chris "The Crippler" Leben vs. Jake Rosholt 185
In Leben's first fight back after getting suspended for testing positive for steroids, he has a lot going in his favor. He gets to fight in his own backyard, and gets a very green fighter in Rosholt, who is mostly known for his excellent wrestling and not much else. Leben has a chin like granite, can take tons of abuse, and is no shabby wrestler in his own right. Rosholt is tough, with heart, but that wont be enough to overcome "The Crippler. This will more than likely going to be a VERY onesided affair, with Leben wearing Rosholt out, and dropping him to the canvas with the sledgehammer he calls a left hand early in the second round.
Leben, KO, Rd. 2
"The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva 205
Two very tough, game fighters coming off losses, looking to get back on track? Yes please. Silva was absolutley demolished by current lightheavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, and at the same time handed his first loss. Jardine just went three very impressive rounds with former champ Quinton Jackson, and was very close to winning the fight. This fight is probably going to go one of two ways; Silva likes to push the pace, and bully his opponents in a less than technical execution, while very effective; Jardine needs to work his unorthodox, yet very effective striking, crack Silva with leg kicks, and more than likely weather an early onslaught. Jardine has been caught early in fights by such bruisers as Houston Alexander, and Wanderlei Silva (no relation), and if he hasn't learned from those beatings, he's on an early train to the wrong end of a highlight reel stomping. If the Rampage fight is any indicator, he has, and Silva is in for a long fight, with his lead leg looking like hamburger, and "The Dean of Mean" getting the judges nod.
Jardine, Unanimous Decision
Randy "The Natural Couture" vs Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira HWT
Hall of Fame. That's where these two fighters are headed. The only question is, how soon? Couture is on the wrong side of 45 for a professional fighter, even though Father Time is one more professional scrapper that hasn't learned how to put him away, and Nogueira is only 33, but he's had a number of knock down, drag out brawls that have certainly taken their toll on him. That being said, this will be a hell of a rumble. Couture is the king of not only drawing up an effective gameplan, but sticking to it. He is going to want to maintain his distance, utilize head movement, and his infamous dirty boxing in the clinch. Nogueira just had his first career loss by stoppage, even though he was rumored to have been overcoming a staph infection, and knee injury. "Minotauro" has heart in full supply. Just look back to his wins over Heath Herring and Tim Sylvia, where he overcame early scares to rebound and win. He has got to find a way to get Couture on his back, and neutralize the clinch game "The Natural" uses so effectively. Nogueira also has a very strong submission game, that Couture is going to have to be able to avoid, but has shown every indication that he can. This comes down to which Nogueira shows up. If the guy who snuck by Herring, pulled one out of his bag of tricks against Sylvia, and was stopped by Mir shows up, he's in trouble. If the "Minotauro" that was the number one heavyweight on the planet not named Fedor Emelianenko, makes an arrival, well, Couture is in trouble.
This fight has the added bonus of the winner getting a shot at the winner of Brock Lesnar-Shane Carwin. I think the motivation is there for both fighters to regain championship gold, but have no clue who wants it more. Couture, and one more shot at the title, or Nogueira, and the chance to prove to every fan in the U.S. what every fan outside of the U.S. already knows, he cannot be counted out, and is the best, non russian sambo master, fighter out there. Couture will try and work his clinch and dirty boxing, but will make a small mistake that probably wont even seem like one, Nogueira will capitalize, and cause Couture to tap out to a submission for the first time in seven years.
Nogueira, submission (guillotine choke), Rd. 2
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
okay, I am doing the damn thing.
I mean it this time, regular blogger and everything. Of course, I have to find a way to make sure the masses can read it, but then, if I don't make it worth reading, then finding readers wont be much of an issue. All that being said, here goes nothing.
I love mixed martial arts. Most people hear the term, and give yuou a quizzical stare, while others say, "Oh, you mean UFC?" Yes, the UFC is the big bad wolf in the world of mma, but there are plenty of other organizations boasting top notch talent in multiple weight classes. WEC, Strikeforce, DREAM, and Sengoku to name a few. UFC is top dog to be certain. With a roster of fighters that can claim the top ranked spots in all the weight classes they have fighters in (155, 170, 185, 205, and heavyweight) according to the mmaweekly.com most recent world rankings, they have a majority of the worlds top fighters across the board. Anyways, I digress.
I'm a nut for the sport. I will watch just about any fight card I can get my hands on, and will gladly throw down in a discussion on just about any fighter, or fighting style out there. I was at UFC 65 where reigning welterweight king, Georges St. Pierre, won his first title match, and in a week and a half, will be making my triumphant return to a UFC at UFC 102.
Now I am extremely geeked for a number of fights on this card, but here are a few of my most eagerly anticipated;
Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Leben has been one of my favorites after his stint on the UFC's reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, or TUF. His complete disregard for personal safety, and his gravedigger of a left hand are two of the reasons I look forward to his fights. This will be his first fight since serving his suspension for steroids, and I am sure he is looking forward to handing out a beating to the very green Rosholt. What fun!
Thiago Silva vs "The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine
Awesome nickname aside, Jardine is in my top five fave fighters. His awkward, unorthodox style are difficult to gameplan against, and after his systematic whittling down of Chuck Liddell, I haven't been able to root against him. Silva is tough, but if it gets past the two to three minute mark, Thiago is in for a long night.
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs Demian Maia
Very interesting fight with big implications for the middleweight title picture. Marquardt has already lost to the 185 champ Anderson Silva, who hasn't in the UFC though, but has been on a brutal tear as of late. Maia has shown that his, (is their a term for "better than world class"?) well, lets say, transcendant brazilian jiu jitsu, has no answer in the UFC as of yet. This will be an amazing fight, and I am very much looking forward to too extraordinary fighters.
Randy "The Natural" Couture vs Antonio "Minotauro" Rodrigo Nogueira
Two legends of the sport, both coming off losses, and both looking to re-establish themselves in the heavyweight division. I expect a hell of a fight, and the winners are most definitely us, the fans.
I am so stoked for this fight, I may not sleep until then. Okay, I will sleep, but sparingly, and damn if that night isn't going to kick ass!
slainte
I love mixed martial arts. Most people hear the term, and give yuou a quizzical stare, while others say, "Oh, you mean UFC?" Yes, the UFC is the big bad wolf in the world of mma, but there are plenty of other organizations boasting top notch talent in multiple weight classes. WEC, Strikeforce, DREAM, and Sengoku to name a few. UFC is top dog to be certain. With a roster of fighters that can claim the top ranked spots in all the weight classes they have fighters in (155, 170, 185, 205, and heavyweight) according to the mmaweekly.com most recent world rankings, they have a majority of the worlds top fighters across the board. Anyways, I digress.
I'm a nut for the sport. I will watch just about any fight card I can get my hands on, and will gladly throw down in a discussion on just about any fighter, or fighting style out there. I was at UFC 65 where reigning welterweight king, Georges St. Pierre, won his first title match, and in a week and a half, will be making my triumphant return to a UFC at UFC 102.
Now I am extremely geeked for a number of fights on this card, but here are a few of my most eagerly anticipated;
Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Leben has been one of my favorites after his stint on the UFC's reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, or TUF. His complete disregard for personal safety, and his gravedigger of a left hand are two of the reasons I look forward to his fights. This will be his first fight since serving his suspension for steroids, and I am sure he is looking forward to handing out a beating to the very green Rosholt. What fun!
Thiago Silva vs "The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine
Awesome nickname aside, Jardine is in my top five fave fighters. His awkward, unorthodox style are difficult to gameplan against, and after his systematic whittling down of Chuck Liddell, I haven't been able to root against him. Silva is tough, but if it gets past the two to three minute mark, Thiago is in for a long night.
Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs Demian Maia
Very interesting fight with big implications for the middleweight title picture. Marquardt has already lost to the 185 champ Anderson Silva, who hasn't in the UFC though, but has been on a brutal tear as of late. Maia has shown that his, (is their a term for "better than world class"?) well, lets say, transcendant brazilian jiu jitsu, has no answer in the UFC as of yet. This will be an amazing fight, and I am very much looking forward to too extraordinary fighters.
Randy "The Natural" Couture vs Antonio "Minotauro" Rodrigo Nogueira
Two legends of the sport, both coming off losses, and both looking to re-establish themselves in the heavyweight division. I expect a hell of a fight, and the winners are most definitely us, the fans.
I am so stoked for this fight, I may not sleep until then. Okay, I will sleep, but sparingly, and damn if that night isn't going to kick ass!
slainte
Thursday, May 28, 2009
MMA and me
I remember watching the first ufc in my dads basement when I was 13 or 14, We had rented UFC One and Two on VHS for my little brothers birthday party. I was simultaneously shocked and intrigued. It was like a Van Damme movie, but real. Nothing can prepare yourself to see a grown man punch another grown man in the face with a bare fist. Suffice to say, my view of combat sports was irrevocably altered.
Fast forward 16 years and I am what I would like to consider, a well informed enthusiast of what has become mixed martial arts. I have witnessed well over 300 mma fights, and attended a few live events. I read about what is happening with fighters and their training, and I have this strange insatiable urge to learn more. I don't know what I can attribute this to. I never practiced martial arts myself (though I am looking into starting), I wrestled in high school for three years, to modest success, and I have never been one looking for a fight. So why does this sport grab hold of my attention so? The competetion is great, but not having ever been a violent man, there are plenty of non combatant sports that fuel that particular aspect of my life. In honesty, it's the artistry of the fight, coupled with the brutality. I am attracted to how perfectly savage it can be, and at the same time simple and elegant. The bone jarring knockout punch, or the intricate d'arce choke (which I still struggle to explain.) I am glad it came along, because not everyone gets it, or even accepts it, but I do, and sometimes that's just plenty.
Fast forward 16 years and I am what I would like to consider, a well informed enthusiast of what has become mixed martial arts. I have witnessed well over 300 mma fights, and attended a few live events. I read about what is happening with fighters and their training, and I have this strange insatiable urge to learn more. I don't know what I can attribute this to. I never practiced martial arts myself (though I am looking into starting), I wrestled in high school for three years, to modest success, and I have never been one looking for a fight. So why does this sport grab hold of my attention so? The competetion is great, but not having ever been a violent man, there are plenty of non combatant sports that fuel that particular aspect of my life. In honesty, it's the artistry of the fight, coupled with the brutality. I am attracted to how perfectly savage it can be, and at the same time simple and elegant. The bone jarring knockout punch, or the intricate d'arce choke (which I still struggle to explain.) I am glad it came along, because not everyone gets it, or even accepts it, but I do, and sometimes that's just plenty.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
going to start something
So I made a promise to myself last week. I will write every Tuesday. I am not a good writer, but stuff pops into my head and I regret not putting the pen to the paper so to speak, and I will regret no longer. I have nothing in my head right now, other than a need to spew forth words and net them with the web. I don't even think I am doing this for people to read. Not that the concept of others actually paying attention to me is a terrible thing, nor do I turn my nose at actual outside opinions. Rather, I do this for me, and if anyone happens to glance, then fine. Well, damn the torpedoes, here I stand, ill prepared and willing despite.
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