UFC 122 Picks

Ok, I’ll admit it, I’ve been slacking off recently. Well, no, not really – I’ve been really busy right around event time (in fact I’ve missed a couple) and, frankly, the cards have been a little on the weaker side. So sometimes I’m not all that inspired to get my picks in on time. But even though this weekend card is one of the weakest in memory (that’s what you get for going to Europe and having to air the event free on Spike), I’m determined to make some quick picks. By the way, why is this an official UFC numbered event instead of simply a Fight Night or some sort? Anyways, here are my picks:

Nate Marquardt vs Yushin Okami (middleweight)

Marquardt is that really solid fighter who seems to have a hard time getting to the top of the mountain. But he’s a tough hombre for others to get through on their way there, too. Okami has been a pretty solid fighter who has not impressed beyond mid-card status. I’m really hoping to see Marquardt get another shot at Anderson Silva, so I’m picking Marquardt.

Jorge Rivera vs Alessio Sakara (middleweight)

Talk about inconsistent mid-carders. The fact that these two are the co-main event is really indicative of the weakness of the card. Rivera seems like a nice guy but he was not that impressive on TUF and has been schooled in the past. He does have a couple of flashy knockout wins under his belt and voila – co-main event. Sakara will always be remembered by me as one of the guys who got destroyed by Houston Alexander. Alexander is out of the UFC now, but Sakara remains. I’m not sure how he stuck around after getting beaten by Chris Leben to make it 2 for 6 with no impressive wins, but then he reeled off three straight including a TKO over a returning James Irvin, so voila – co-main event. Sad. Both like to stand and bang but Rivera TKO’d Nate Quarry so I’m gonna give Rivera the edge.

Dennis Siver vs Andre Winner (lightweight)

Winner hasn’t beaten anybody of note with the exception of perhaps his decision win over Rafaello Oliveira. Siver is a mid-carder, really, but has been in with some of the best including Gray Maynard, Paul Kelly and Spencer Fisher. Neither one of these fighters turns my crank but I’ll give Siver the edge.

Amir Sadollah vs Peter Sobotta (welterweight)

Sadollah is still a kid in this sport, but he’s a workhorse who can grind out a decision. Sobotta has lost his two UFC fights after building up a decent record, both by decision. This does not bode well for Sobotta. Sobotta should win, but I’m not going to count Sadollah out. Sadollah could find a way to secure the victory by boring decision. …But I’m gonna pick Sobotta by TKO.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs Goran Reljic (middleweight)

I think this fight is at middleweight, though Soszynski has fought at light heavyweight and even heavyweight. The Polish Experiement has had an up and down career but is easy to cheer for due to his good nature. Reljic is also dropping down, so this ought to be an interesting match-up. Reljic has a good style for beating Soszynski, but the Winnipegger has heart – but he needs a good coach. The fighter that comes in with the best game plan will win. Here’s hoping that’s Soszynski.

Kyle Noke vs Rob Kimmons (middleweight)

Kimmons has a ton of experience and finishes guys off fast. No big wins, though. Good thing for him, he isn’t fighting a big name. Noke is decent, but not overwhelming. He has a split decision win over George Sotiropoulos (in the latter’s fourth fight) but a loss to him as well. A respectable record, but no big wins. I’m picking Kimmons.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs Alexandre Ferreira (light heavyweight)

Matyushenko is still alive? Huh. This guys has been around forever. He’s a wrestler who tends to win by decision. Ferreira is making his Octagon debut and has reeled off a string of quick submissions. This guy is slick but does not appear to have much of a gas tank. I’m picking Ferreira to put on a show.

Pascal Krauss vs Mark Scanlon (welterweight)

Two guys who don’t have a picture on the UFC website. Great. One guy doesn’t even have a record showing. WTF…? Both are undefeated though and Scalon won his last fight by head kick in ten seconds. Both guys seem to have an arsenal of submissions and power. After a 17-month layoff this is Scanlon’s FOURTH fight this year. OK, I’m picking Scanlon.

Duane Ludwig vs Nick Osipczak (welterweight)

Whoever loses this fight is getting cut for sure. Both are coming off a pair of losses. Neither has looked particularly good or has any big wins. Ludwig has a ton more experience, but Nick will have a height and reach advantage. I like Nick, but not his chances. I bet Ludwig knocks him out.

Seth Petruzelli vs Karlos Vemola (light heavyweight)

Vemola wins fights fast. He’s dropping down in weight after a decision loss to Jon Madsen. Petruzelli, the Kmbo Slice and EliteXC killer, also tends to avoid decisions. He has the greater pedigree, but I’m gonna go with Vemola in the upset anyways.

Kris McCray vs Carlos Rocha (middleweight)

McCray did not impress me at all on TUF, but he does have a decent record. Rocha appears to be a very dangerous submission artist. I’m gonan pick the new guy – Rocha.