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