UFC Fight Night 21

It's hard to believe that there have already been 20 FREE Fight Nights on Spike. Man I love this sport! This Wednesday marks the third fight card the UFC has put up in the last ten days. It's a good time to be a fight fan.

Ross "The Real Deal" Pearson vs. Dennis Siver
lightweight (155)

Pearson looked great in dispatching the very game Aaron Riley in his first UFC fight since winning The Ultimate Fighter, and is riding a three fight win streak. The german striking specialist Siver, is in his second tour of duty with the UFC. Garnering a decidely poor record of 1-3 in his first run, Siver has rattled off three straight wins of his own, since returning to the Octagon.

Pearson is becoming a much more complete fighter since his stint on the reality show, as is Siver. Both fighters had a very one dimensional style, Pearson with his wrestling, and Siver with his kickboxing, but have evolved into very well rounded fighters.

Can Pearson match the striking acumen of the german? Siver has shown that he can hang with solid grapplers, and has some very nasty striking. Pearson will have to really step up his game, especially his standup, and it will just not be enough. "The Real Deal" will put forth a valiant effort, but Siver will get the nod from the judges after three rounds.

Siver via Unanimous Decision.

Nate "Rock" Quarry vs Jorge "El Conquistador" Rivera
middleweight (185)

Two veteran fighters who like to bang, and have very strong chins? Yes please! Don't let the age of these guys decieve you, despite creeping up on 40, they not only like to go toe to toe, they are quite good at it.

Rivera is coming off a nasty third round KO of Rob Kimmons last October. Quarry fought a month earlier against Tim Credeur in an extremely memorable fight that saw Quarry absorb a lot of punches, only to drop Credeur several times with brutal power en route to a unanimous decision.

So who has the edge? Quarry has the power, and a bit of an edge on the ground should this fight make it there. Expect Rivera to land some early shots, but like he always does. "Rock" will weather the storm, and plant "El Conquistador" on the mat with precision and power for the knockout win.

Quarry via KO, Rd. 2

Roy "Big Country" Nelson vs Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve
heavyweight (265)

Nelson makes his first fight since winning The Ultimate Fighter, which included his decisive, if not spectacular win over the much hyped Kimbo Slice. Struve is coming off an exciting fight with the always tough Paul Buentello, where he squeaked out a majority decision. Can Nelson overcome the massive disparity in reach? Can Struve get off the mat if Nelson gets top position? Struve is giving up about 20+ pounds, but is nearly a foot taller than "Big Country". Roy has deceptive power, and very strong grappling skills, Struve is in for a tough fight.

"Skyscraper" is only 22 years old, but has been fighting as a pro since he was 18. That being said, Nelson has a big experience edge, and isn't likely to be fazed by the stature of his opponent. Struve may work some striking early, but Nelson will get this fight to the ground, and neutralize the massive reach of Struve, and at that point, it's nearly academic. "Big Country" will get another win the way he usually does, utilizing his weight, and making the referee call for a stoppage.

Nelson via TKO, Rd. 3

Takanori "The Fireball Kid" vs. Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian
lightweight (155)

The UFC debut of Gomi is finally going to happen, and everyone is eagerly awaiting to see what the fuss is all about. Unfortunately, it's about four years past the Japanese standouts prime. Owning a stellar record of 31-5 with one No Contest, where he took a savage beating before being submitted by Nick Diaz, which was overturned when Diaz tested positive for marijuana, he is 2-2 in his last four fights. Florian has shown he is almost unbeatable by any lightweight not named BJ Penn or Sean Sherk, and in his career as a lightweight, has failed to finish only one of his ten fights he's won.

Two years Gomis senior, Florian is also the more well rounded fighter. Possessing ginsus for elbows, knees like chin seeking missles, and above all, a killer instinct, Gomi is in for the biggest challenge of his career.

A solid wrestler with an overhand right capable of putting anybody to sleep, Gomi had better improved his conditioning, and clinch defense because it's going to be a bumpy ride if he hasn't. Gomi is at his best when he can counter punch, and work ground and pound from top control, which is just not going to happen, it's either going to be a long night, or a short night, but Florian is going to have his hand raised at the end, and will put himself right back in line for another title shot.

Florian via submission, Rear naked choke.