UFC 105 Results

Yeah, yeah, I know: that was SO two events ago - but I have been super busy and didn't get around to putting in my picks or discuss the event, so... But, you know, I did make some quick picks via email to a friend of mine, so let's discuss:

Randy Couture def. Brandon Vera (unanimous) - I had picked Couture. I thought it would go much as it did - since Vera was much taller and had a significant reach advantage, I expected Couture to take the same approach as he did against Gonzaga - just hug him up aganst the fence and squeak out the win. He did. Vera got in a few good shots in the second which won him the round, but Couture dictated the tempo in the first and third and the ref let him. Had the ref separated them more often, it might have been a different result, but... Vera was upset by the decision, but, geez, man - move your ass. You can't be pinned for 3/4 of the fight and expect to have made an impression. (1-0)

Hardy def. Swick (unanimous) - I had picked Swick. He got stunned early and didn't let his hands go as much as I thought he would. I expected a trade war at some point with Swick getting the big shot, but it just didn't happen. Swick seemed out of step for most of the fight and Hardy was able to counter punch effectively. He earned the decision, though I can't say the same for a title shot. Hardy hasn't faced anyone of established significant calibre (Swick is still new to 170) so why get the GSP fight? You'd think Hardy would have to dethrone Fitch or Silva or Koscheck first. Or even Parysian or Diaz for Pete's sake! Sure, Davis is a tough guy, but he wasn't exactly getting love from the UFC either in terms of marquee match-ups. (1-1)

Bisping def. Kang (TKO 2) - I had Kang, figuring he'd find a way to submit the Brit. It looked good early, with Kang dominating the first and even putting Bisping down with a solid punch, but that all disappeared in the second. Not sure if conditioning was a factor, but Kang was a different man in the second round and Bisping put him away with some pretty straight forward ground and pound. A disappointing loss for Kang. (1-2)

Brown def. Wilks (TKO 3) - I can't believe I picked Wilks. I quite like Brown, but I thought he'd be susceptible to submissions. Wilks never really got the chance. It was close at times, but Brown is a tough mutha and took it to Wilks. Good for Brown. (1-3)

Pearson def. Riley (TKO 2) - I picked Pearson and he didn't let me down. It was hard to decide what to make of him after the TUF competition where he looked so good to start and then kinda faded (though he won the show by the narrowest of margins). He looked good here, though. Big win over a game opponent. (2-3)

Hathaway def. Taylor (unanimous) - I picked Taylor. I'd have to see this to believe it. Taylor's a tough guy and it would take a tough guy to decision him. (2-4)

Etim def. Gugerty (sub 2) - I picked Etim. He's a very skilled guy and I didn't know much about Gugerty (didn't have time to research). Would like to see this one. (3-4)

Osipczak def. Riddle (TKO 3) - I picked Riddle. Would like to se this one, too. Both of these guys show flashes of brilliance but are inconsistent. Both likeable guys. (3-5)

Siver def. Kelly (TKO 2) - I picked Kelly who is a tough mammajamma, but Siver is impressive. Gonan keep my eye on this guy. (3-6)

Gustafsson def. Hamman (KO 1) - I picked Gustafsson who had an impressive record. Man, was this ever a knockout from hell. Look for this guy to be back in the UFC soon. (4-6)

Winner def. Delgado (KO 1) - I picked Winner, who has been impressive, while Delgado is talented but flawed. Winner nearly toook Delgado's head off with a monster shot that had Delgado in dreamland before his head hit the mat. Wow. (5-6)

So 5-6 on picks off the top of my head. Not sure I would have picked differently had I had time to think about it, so I'll have to take the heat.