Ok, let's check the results...
Mark Munoz def. Chris Leben (TKO 2)
Cut or no cut, you could tell Leben's heart was not in this one. He said afterwards that he just didn't have the mad-on for Munoz like he normally does because he likes Munoz too much. Leben could have continued, surely - Koscheck fought for 4 rounds with a busted orbital bone - but he quit. Based on his comments after the fight, Leben is considering retirement. (1-0)
Renan Barao def. Brad Pickett (sub1)
Pickett was chucking leather, but Barao was more accurate. When he finally clipped Pickett with the big knee, it was just a matter of time before he found a way to finish the fight. Barao looked pretty good. (2-0)
Thiago Alves def. Papy Abedi (sub 1)
Another one where big shots led to a submission. Alves didn't look great but he got the win. Abedi didn't look bad, he just bit off more than he could chew in his UFC debut. (3-0)
Terry Etim def. Edward Faaloloto (sub 1)
Mismatch. Etim was the much better, smarter fighter and won easily. (4-0)
Anthony Perosh def. Cyrille Diabate (sub 2)
Neither one of these guys looked good. Diabate was doing well in the stand up, but once it went to the ground he was lost. (4-1)
John Maguire def. Justin Edwards (unanimous)
Ugly, boring fight. Maguire laid and prayed to victory. Boring as hell. (4-2)
Michihiro Omigawa def. Jason Young (unanimous)
Another boring fight dominated by wrestling and position. Omigawa did little, but Young did less. (4-3)
Phil De Vries def. Rob Broughton (unanimous)
Missed most of this one, but De Vries looked dominant. (5-3)
Che Mills def. Chris Cope (TKO 1)
Mills looked great against an admittedly mediocre Cope. We will see more of Mills. (6-3)
Chris Cariaso def. Vaughan Lee (split)
Didn't see it. (7-3)
Not bad.
Showing posts with label Chris Leben. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Leben. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
UFC 138 Picks
Coming very quickly on the heels of UFC 137 and just before the UFC makes its big splash on network TV comes this forgotten PPV. Except it really isn't a PPV because it's airing for free over here - dunno if the English are being hosed for this Birmingham-based event. Consider that Chris Leben and Mark Munoz are the main event and it gives you some idea of how ugly this little stepchild is. Anyhow, let's get to the picks.
Chris Leben vs Mark Munoz (middleweight)
Both of these guys show some promise but are frustratingly inconsistent. Leben has a great chin and can throw bombs, but tends to lose the big fights. In fact, he's coming off a big loss to Brian Stann - a fight that propelled Stann into a #1 contenders fight - followed by an impressive and quick win over aging vet Wanderlei Silva. Munoz is a wrestler with power who is perhaps bets known for getting KTFO by Matt Hamill back in 2009. Turns out that that KO is one of only two losses on his resume, though, so he's doing pretty well. I could see Munoz taking Leben down and getting the decision, though this is scheduled to go five rounds (the first non-title five rounder in UFC history). Can Munoz really avoid standing a trading with Leben for five rounds? If they trade, who comes out on top? Do either of these guys have the gas tank to go five rounds? See, that's where the difference lies. I think Munoz can handle a longer fight, while Leben tends to gas. If Munoz fights smart and takes Leben down, he stands an even better chance of wearing out the Crippler. I'm taking Munoz.
Brad Pickett vs Renan Barao (bantamweight)
Ok, bad sign: I don't recognize either of these guys and it's the co-main event. Sure, they're bantamweights, but... Pickett is a veteran with a good record. Barao has little UFC experience but is undefeated in 26 straight! That's insane, even if he is fighting meatheads. Both claim to have BJJ skills, but something tells me Barao's is a bit more legit. Pickett will have the stand-up advantage, one would think, but Barao has a few KO's himself. Pickett seems like the wise choice, but I'm gonna go with another upset and pick Barao.
Thiago Alves vs Papy Abedi (welterweight)
I guess Alves has fallen on hard times - never heard of his opponent. Abedi may have a perfect 8-0 record, but he doesn't have a single name on his resume. I just can't pick him even though Alves is struggling. I'm picking Alves.
Terry Etim vs Edward Faaloloto (lightweight)
I'm not sure what Faaloloto is doing in the UFC or why he is fighting a guy like Etim. Etim ought to wipe the floor with this guy and send him packing. Faaloloto winning would certainly be the upset of the night. I'm picking Etim.
Cyrille Diabate vs Anthony Perosh (light heavyweight)
Perosh doesn't look like much, but he ain't bad. Diabate shows promise when he's aggressive. Perosh has a habit of getting KO'd against bangers and that's Diabate's style. I'm picking Diabate.
John Maguire vs Justin Edwards (welterweight)
Tough call. I know very little about Maguire who is making his UFC debut other than he has been a champ in other promotions but has fought a bunch of nobodys. He has a good record, though. Edwards is relatively new to the game but is doing well at 7-1. He has had a harder time against the top competition since graduating to the UFC, but that's one step further than Maguire. Dunno if it's an upset, but I'll pick Edwards.
Michihiro Omigawa vs Jason Young (featherweight)
Neither of these guys is impressive. Omigawa loses lots of decisions and Young is susceptible to submissions. Omigawa has more experience, but a lower winning percentage. He can't seem to beat anyone who has competed in the UFC. I'll pick the young guy - Young.
Rob Broughton vs Phil De Vries (heavyweight)
I like Broughton but De Vries looks a bit scary for a heavyweight. He's British but seems to have sick submissions skills. WTF is a "brabo choke"? (oh - looks like an anaconda choke) I'm gonan go with the dark horse again and pick De Vries.
Chris Cope vs Che Mills (welterweight)
Cope did alright on TUF while Mills is a nobody. This card is stacked with them. Some eagle-eyed folk might recognize Mills from TUF US vs UK where he lost an elimination fight on the debut episode and never got into the house. He lost to eventual winner James Wilkes, though, so perhaps that bodes well. He actually had Wilkes on his back, but got caught in a leg lock. Since then, he has done alright. I predict this'll be a free swinging affair, but I like Mills' chances. I'm picking Mills.
Chris Cariaso vs Vaughan Lee (bantamweight)
Neither of these guys seems all that impressive. Go figure on this card. I'll pick the guy with experience - Cariaso.
Man, this card is UGLY. Let's hope it's a good show.
Chris Leben vs Mark Munoz (middleweight)
Both of these guys show some promise but are frustratingly inconsistent. Leben has a great chin and can throw bombs, but tends to lose the big fights. In fact, he's coming off a big loss to Brian Stann - a fight that propelled Stann into a #1 contenders fight - followed by an impressive and quick win over aging vet Wanderlei Silva. Munoz is a wrestler with power who is perhaps bets known for getting KTFO by Matt Hamill back in 2009. Turns out that that KO is one of only two losses on his resume, though, so he's doing pretty well. I could see Munoz taking Leben down and getting the decision, though this is scheduled to go five rounds (the first non-title five rounder in UFC history). Can Munoz really avoid standing a trading with Leben for five rounds? If they trade, who comes out on top? Do either of these guys have the gas tank to go five rounds? See, that's where the difference lies. I think Munoz can handle a longer fight, while Leben tends to gas. If Munoz fights smart and takes Leben down, he stands an even better chance of wearing out the Crippler. I'm taking Munoz.
Brad Pickett vs Renan Barao (bantamweight)
Ok, bad sign: I don't recognize either of these guys and it's the co-main event. Sure, they're bantamweights, but... Pickett is a veteran with a good record. Barao has little UFC experience but is undefeated in 26 straight! That's insane, even if he is fighting meatheads. Both claim to have BJJ skills, but something tells me Barao's is a bit more legit. Pickett will have the stand-up advantage, one would think, but Barao has a few KO's himself. Pickett seems like the wise choice, but I'm gonna go with another upset and pick Barao.
Thiago Alves vs Papy Abedi (welterweight)
I guess Alves has fallen on hard times - never heard of his opponent. Abedi may have a perfect 8-0 record, but he doesn't have a single name on his resume. I just can't pick him even though Alves is struggling. I'm picking Alves.
Terry Etim vs Edward Faaloloto (lightweight)
I'm not sure what Faaloloto is doing in the UFC or why he is fighting a guy like Etim. Etim ought to wipe the floor with this guy and send him packing. Faaloloto winning would certainly be the upset of the night. I'm picking Etim.
Cyrille Diabate vs Anthony Perosh (light heavyweight)
Perosh doesn't look like much, but he ain't bad. Diabate shows promise when he's aggressive. Perosh has a habit of getting KO'd against bangers and that's Diabate's style. I'm picking Diabate.
John Maguire vs Justin Edwards (welterweight)
Tough call. I know very little about Maguire who is making his UFC debut other than he has been a champ in other promotions but has fought a bunch of nobodys. He has a good record, though. Edwards is relatively new to the game but is doing well at 7-1. He has had a harder time against the top competition since graduating to the UFC, but that's one step further than Maguire. Dunno if it's an upset, but I'll pick Edwards.
Michihiro Omigawa vs Jason Young (featherweight)
Neither of these guys is impressive. Omigawa loses lots of decisions and Young is susceptible to submissions. Omigawa has more experience, but a lower winning percentage. He can't seem to beat anyone who has competed in the UFC. I'll pick the young guy - Young.
Rob Broughton vs Phil De Vries (heavyweight)
I like Broughton but De Vries looks a bit scary for a heavyweight. He's British but seems to have sick submissions skills. WTF is a "brabo choke"? (oh - looks like an anaconda choke) I'm gonan go with the dark horse again and pick De Vries.
Chris Cope vs Che Mills (welterweight)
Cope did alright on TUF while Mills is a nobody. This card is stacked with them. Some eagle-eyed folk might recognize Mills from TUF US vs UK where he lost an elimination fight on the debut episode and never got into the house. He lost to eventual winner James Wilkes, though, so perhaps that bodes well. He actually had Wilkes on his back, but got caught in a leg lock. Since then, he has done alright. I predict this'll be a free swinging affair, but I like Mills' chances. I'm picking Mills.
Chris Cariaso vs Vaughan Lee (bantamweight)
Neither of these guys seems all that impressive. Go figure on this card. I'll pick the guy with experience - Cariaso.
Man, this card is UGLY. Let's hope it's a good show.
Monday, July 4, 2011
UFC 132 Results
Another UFC event on a long weekend means yet another MISSED UFC event. Sorry, but the cottage takes precedent and there's nowhere to watch the event anywhere nearby. Too bad - I thought this might be a good event and it looks like it was.
Dominic Cruz def. Urijah Faber (unanimous)
This division has seen the belt change hands a lot, but Cruz is finally giving it a bit of stability. His win over perennial contender Faber clearly establishes him as the top dog. Faber represents a troubling trend in the UFC, as far as I am concerned. How many title shots is this for him? Sure, I understand it's at bantamweight, but, still, he seems to get title shots every other fight. Deserved? I dunno... He lost this fight cleanly according to the judges (50-45, 49-46, 48-47) but I'm not sure how Cruz would have won that first round. "Dancing around" was not a judging element last time I looked. In the second and third rounds Faber seemed to get the more significant strikes in and even a couple of takedowns, but at least two of the judges saw Cruz having the edge. If the scores are announced with one judge having it 50-45 and no one knows who won until the announcer actually says the guy's name - you have a problem. This fight ws definitely closer than 50-45. (1-0)
Chris Leben def. Wanderlei Silva (KO 1)
Wow. Quick fight. Just what the fans wanted, but perhaps a little TOO short. Wanderlei doesn't have the chin to stand up to guys like Leben anymore. Is he done? Maybe. He still represents a bit of a stepping stone for up-and-comers but he's no longer anywhere near the top. Leben took a hard shot and then gave it right back to Wanderlei in spades. (1-1)
Tito Ortiz def. Ryan Bader (sub 1)
Huh. I didn't give Ortiz much of a chance in this one, but he caught Bader and then threw on the guillotine. Bader looked hesitant and surprisingly smaller than Ortiz. Bader might have won had it lasted longer than a round, but that's what you get in MMA. Ortiz will wanna parlay this into some kind of title contention, but I think this just goes to show how ridiculous it was for Jones to get a title fight after beating Bader. Bader is good, but not that good. (1-2)
Good event, but man did I get creamed. Surprising results.
Dominic Cruz def. Urijah Faber (unanimous)
This division has seen the belt change hands a lot, but Cruz is finally giving it a bit of stability. His win over perennial contender Faber clearly establishes him as the top dog. Faber represents a troubling trend in the UFC, as far as I am concerned. How many title shots is this for him? Sure, I understand it's at bantamweight, but, still, he seems to get title shots every other fight. Deserved? I dunno... He lost this fight cleanly according to the judges (50-45, 49-46, 48-47) but I'm not sure how Cruz would have won that first round. "Dancing around" was not a judging element last time I looked. In the second and third rounds Faber seemed to get the more significant strikes in and even a couple of takedowns, but at least two of the judges saw Cruz having the edge. If the scores are announced with one judge having it 50-45 and no one knows who won until the announcer actually says the guy's name - you have a problem. This fight ws definitely closer than 50-45. (1-0)
Chris Leben def. Wanderlei Silva (KO 1)
Wow. Quick fight. Just what the fans wanted, but perhaps a little TOO short. Wanderlei doesn't have the chin to stand up to guys like Leben anymore. Is he done? Maybe. He still represents a bit of a stepping stone for up-and-comers but he's no longer anywhere near the top. Leben took a hard shot and then gave it right back to Wanderlei in spades. (1-1)
Tito Ortiz def. Ryan Bader (sub 1)
Huh. I didn't give Ortiz much of a chance in this one, but he caught Bader and then threw on the guillotine. Bader looked hesitant and surprisingly smaller than Ortiz. Bader might have won had it lasted longer than a round, but that's what you get in MMA. Ortiz will wanna parlay this into some kind of title contention, but I think this just goes to show how ridiculous it was for Jones to get a title fight after beating Bader. Bader is good, but not that good. (1-2)
Carlos Condit def. Dong Hyun Kim (TKO 1)
Condit is climbing the ranks. He looked pretty good here, though it was a short fight. He has power, for sure. Nice flying knee. (2-2)
Dennis Siver def. Matt Wiman (unanimous)
I heard this one was controversial, but I don't get it. Wiman CLEARLY won the second round, but other than that, all he did was go for weak takedowns. He got one at the end of the first and midway through the third, but Siver was FAR more active on the standup. Takedown attempts should not count for anything, especially if it's a weak ass single leg. This was the right decision. (3-2)
Condit is climbing the ranks. He looked pretty good here, though it was a short fight. He has power, for sure. Nice flying knee. (2-2)
Dennis Siver def. Matt Wiman (unanimous)
I heard this one was controversial, but I don't get it. Wiman CLEARLY won the second round, but other than that, all he did was go for weak takedowns. He got one at the end of the first and midway through the third, but Siver was FAR more active on the standup. Takedown attempts should not count for anything, especially if it's a weak ass single leg. This was the right decision. (3-2)
Melvin Guillard def. Shane Roller (KO 1)
Guillard just looked way faster. This is one of those "yeah you're good - WEC good. Welcome to the UFC" kind of fights. (4-2)
Guillard just looked way faster. This is one of those "yeah you're good - WEC good. Welcome to the UFC" kind of fights. (4-2)
Rafael dos Anjos def. George Sotiropoulos (KO 1)
Quick fight. Disappointing for George who was in the title hunt. He just got caught. (4-3)
Quick fight. Disappointing for George who was in the title hunt. He just got caught. (4-3)
Brian Bowles def. Takeya Mizugaki (unanimous)
Didn't see it. (5-3)
Didn't see it. (5-3)
Aaron Simpson def. Brad Tavares (unanimous)
Didn't see it. (5-4)
Didn't see it. (5-4)
Anthony Njokuani def. Andre Winner (unanimous)
Winner looked pretty one-dimensional. You won't win too many MMA fights that way. He hasn't grown since TUF. (5-5)
Winner looked pretty one-dimensional. You won't win too many MMA fights that way. He hasn't grown since TUF. (5-5)
Jeff Hougland def. Donny Walker (unanimous)
Both of these guys looked good. Good fight. We'll see them again. (5-6)
Both of these guys looked good. Good fight. We'll see them again. (5-6)
Good event, but man did I get creamed. Surprising results.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
UFC 132 Picks
Not a lot of time, so just quick picks:
Cruz
Wanderlei
Bader
Condit
Siver
Guillard
Sotiropoulos
Bowles
Tavares
Winner
Walker
This actually looks like a decent event. Too bad I'll miss it this cottage weekend.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
UFC 125 Results
Okay, okay - I've been totally slacking. It's been busy at my paying job, so the volunteer work has had to take a back seat.
Pay me for this and I'll be posting like clockwork.
...Please!
Let's catch up with UFC 125. I didn't see it because of New Year's Eve celebrations out of town, but I did catch some stuff.
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard (draw)
Wish I had seen this. Sounds like Maynard was smoking Edgar in the first round but failed to finish. Apparently it was easily a 10-8 round, maybe an unheard of 10-7. Either way, Maynard did not get the job done and may have gotten a bit too comfortable with his lead or may have even tired himself out a little. The draw sets up a rematch - their third fight, actually - with Edgar yet to secure a win over Maynard. Now that Maynard has a five rounder under his belt, the rematch bodes well for him. He may be the favourite in the next fight.
Brian Stann def. Chris Leben (TKO 1)
Looks like Leben went toe-to-toe again and lost. No style points for the guy. He just sticks his chin and fists out. Stann capitalized and was able to KO the troubled fighter. Kudos to him. Leben was on the rise and this is a nice feather in Stann's cap. Will the Leben-Wanderlei fight still happen?
Thiago Silva def. Brandon Vera (unanimous)
Vera was gien his walking papers after this one. A massive fall for a guy who came in with such promise and was boasting he'd be the first guy to hold the heavyweight and light-heavyweight belts at the same time. Not so much. He hasn't improved and looks timid in the octagon. That won't keep you employed at the new and improved UFC. Silva keeps looking good. his only major setbacks have been against future champs.
Hyun Dong Kim def. Nate Diaz (unanimous)
The stats suggest Diaz did well, but Kim got the nod. Another example of Diaz just not fighting smart? He needs to avoid getting taken down. He's way too comfortable there, but it never looks good in the judge's eyes to be on your back.
Clay Guida def. Takanori Gomi (sub 2)
Not surprising that the ultra slow Gomi could not keep pace with hyperactive Guida. Gomi has not impressed me and yet this win has people buzzing about a title shot for Guida. THIS fight? Well, maybe if he defeats Anthony Pettis in his next fight...
Jeremy Stevens def. Marcus Davis (KO 3)
Poor Davis. Apparently, he was clearly winning the fight until he got caught in the third round. The loss got him cut from the UFC even though he has always been a good performer and this was his first fight at lightweight. Tough break. No doubt a direct result of Zuffa merging the WEC with the mothership and the resulting surplus of lightweights in the UFC.
Dustin Poirier def. Josh Grispi (unanimous)
Ok.
Brad Tavares def. Phil Baroni (TKO 1)
F***ing retire already! What was this guy doing back in the UFC?!
Diego Nunes def. Mike Brown (split)
Remember when Mike Brown was a somebody?
Daniel Roberts def. Greg Soto (sub 1)
Ok.
Jacob Volkmann def. Antonio McKee (split)
Can't bet on Volkmann.
Pay me for this and I'll be posting like clockwork.
...Please!
Let's catch up with UFC 125. I didn't see it because of New Year's Eve celebrations out of town, but I did catch some stuff.
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard (draw)
Wish I had seen this. Sounds like Maynard was smoking Edgar in the first round but failed to finish. Apparently it was easily a 10-8 round, maybe an unheard of 10-7. Either way, Maynard did not get the job done and may have gotten a bit too comfortable with his lead or may have even tired himself out a little. The draw sets up a rematch - their third fight, actually - with Edgar yet to secure a win over Maynard. Now that Maynard has a five rounder under his belt, the rematch bodes well for him. He may be the favourite in the next fight.
Brian Stann def. Chris Leben (TKO 1)
Looks like Leben went toe-to-toe again and lost. No style points for the guy. He just sticks his chin and fists out. Stann capitalized and was able to KO the troubled fighter. Kudos to him. Leben was on the rise and this is a nice feather in Stann's cap. Will the Leben-Wanderlei fight still happen?
Thiago Silva def. Brandon Vera (unanimous)
Vera was gien his walking papers after this one. A massive fall for a guy who came in with such promise and was boasting he'd be the first guy to hold the heavyweight and light-heavyweight belts at the same time. Not so much. He hasn't improved and looks timid in the octagon. That won't keep you employed at the new and improved UFC. Silva keeps looking good. his only major setbacks have been against future champs.
Hyun Dong Kim def. Nate Diaz (unanimous)
The stats suggest Diaz did well, but Kim got the nod. Another example of Diaz just not fighting smart? He needs to avoid getting taken down. He's way too comfortable there, but it never looks good in the judge's eyes to be on your back.
Clay Guida def. Takanori Gomi (sub 2)
Not surprising that the ultra slow Gomi could not keep pace with hyperactive Guida. Gomi has not impressed me and yet this win has people buzzing about a title shot for Guida. THIS fight? Well, maybe if he defeats Anthony Pettis in his next fight...
Jeremy Stevens def. Marcus Davis (KO 3)
Poor Davis. Apparently, he was clearly winning the fight until he got caught in the third round. The loss got him cut from the UFC even though he has always been a good performer and this was his first fight at lightweight. Tough break. No doubt a direct result of Zuffa merging the WEC with the mothership and the resulting surplus of lightweights in the UFC.
Dustin Poirier def. Josh Grispi (unanimous)
Ok.
Brad Tavares def. Phil Baroni (TKO 1)
F***ing retire already! What was this guy doing back in the UFC?!
Diego Nunes def. Mike Brown (split)
Remember when Mike Brown was a somebody?
Daniel Roberts def. Greg Soto (sub 1)
Ok.
Jacob Volkmann def. Antonio McKee (split)
Can't bet on Volkmann.
Monday, July 5, 2010
UFC 116 Results
Sucks that I missed this one. Apparently there are no UFC fans in Haliburton. Heard it was great. Saw some replays online.
Brock Lesnar def. Shane Carwin (sub2)
Leben with a submission now? WTF? The world is upside down. Once again, Leben snags victory from the jaws of defeat as he sinks in a very late triangle to upset the very tired Akiyama. Akiyama ought to drop to welterweight, but apparently the Japanese are loathe to cut weight. (1-1)
Chris Lytle def. Matt Brown (sub2)
Another slugger gets a submission. This one isn't that strange, though, as Lytle won in a similar fashion last time out. I kinda called this one - this was just a poor match-up for Brown. (2-1)
Stephan Bonnar def. Krzysztof Soszynski (TKO2)
Saw only highlights. Bonnar was a mess afterwards. This is a bad result for the Polish Experiment as his career is now spinning its wheels after a good start. If you can't fight smart enough to beat Bonnar, you probably don't deserve to be in the UFC. I have no idea where either fighter goes from here. (2-2)
Sotiropoulos keeps climbing the ladder. Look for a very tough opponent next time out. The UFC will want to really test the up-and-comer. (3-2)
Brendan Schaub vs Chris Tuchscherer (heavyweight)
Schaub has dynamite in his hands. Let's see where it leads him. (4-2)
Romero busted up Petruzelli's arm. Seth was looking alright up until that point. Romero was gassed, but Petruzelli couldn't finish and he paid the price. (5-2)
Didn't watch this so much as listen to it, 'cause I knew it went to decision and I'm not that big a fan of Grove's. Looks like it might have been a bit of a controversial decision. One judge scored it 30-27 Grove and another 29-28 Reljic? Strange. (5-3)
Gerald Harris def. Dave Branch (KO3)
Looks like Harris was winning this one, though Branch had the third one locked up, from what I could tell. Branch had Harris in a triangle, but Harris picked up Branch a la Rampage and slammed him. I didn't see the other angle, but looking at the live angle it looked like Harris may have knocked Branch out using his head, and not the mat. That reminds me of Ortiz's win over Evan Tanner. That's unfortunate. (6-3)
Didn't see it. (7-3)
Didn't see it. (7-4)
7-4, eh? Not bad.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
UFC 116 Picks
I can’t believe I might actually miss this one… Biggest heavyweight fight ever.
Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin (heavyweight)
This is a very tough call. See, these guys are both monsters and it may depend on two things: can Lesnar get Carwin down, and can Carwin catch Lesnar with a solid punch. We haven’t seen Lesnar get caught with a solid shot yet so we have no idea what his chin is like. Carwin, on the other hand, hasn’t had his gas tank tested – so if Lesnar can smother him into the second round… Both of these guys are relatively untested, which makes predicting the outcome that much more difficult. In the end, though, I think Carwin will clock Lesnar but I’m pulling for Lesnar anyway.
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs Chris Leben (middleweight)
Chris Leben as the co-main event? And this isn’t a TUF season finale or an Ultimate Fight Night Live? What gives? Well, that’s what happens when Leben subs in for Wanderlei Silva. I don’t know if this fight will still be second to last, but it certainly has lost a good amount of hype. Yoshihiro Akiyama has beaten Denis Kang and Alan Belcher, no slouches in the division. He’s 13-1, and that lone loss came in his second pro fight against a guy who was almost twice his size. Akiyama has good stand up, but his best bet here is to get Leben to the ground and use his mat skills to submit the man with the granite chin. I’ll pick Akiyama.
Chris Lytle vs Matt Brown (welterweight)
I quite like Matt Brown and this is sure to be an entertaining fight as long as it’s on the feet, but this is a poor match-up for Brown. Lytle is also a stand-up fighter, but has a very good ground game. I don’t see Brown knocking out Lytle, and I can see Lytle fighting smart and getting the decision or submission. I’ll pick Lytle.
Krzysztof Soszynski vs Stephan Bonnar (light heavyweight)
The rematch. Maybe it was a head butt last time out, so this fight was required before the Polish Experiment could claim the next rung up the ladder. I’m pulling for the adopted Canadian, but Bonnar may have more to fight for. As we’ve seen recently with Keith Jardine, no one is immune from getting cut by the UFC, and although
George Sotiropoulos vs Kurt Pellegrino (lightweight)
Could be fight of the night. Both are talented, with Sotiropoulos as the up-and-comer and Pellegrino as the established vet looking to climb the ladder before it’s all over. This is a big fight for George, as a win would move him into the upper echelons of the weight division. I’m pulling for Sotiropoulos.
Brendan Schaub vs Chris Tuchscherer (heavyweight)
Expect a slugfest. The UFC seems to want big things out of Schaub and this may be a bit of a stepping stone for him, especially if Tuchscherer lays an egg like he did against Tim Hague. But it won’t be easy. Schaub has great power and none of his fights have gone beyond the first round. I’ll pick Schaub.
Seth Petruzelli vs Ricardo Romero (light heavyweight)
Is it a coincidence that as Kimbo leaves the UFC, the Kimboslayer returns? The man who single-handedly brought down Elite XC returns to the UFC where he pretty much bombed three years ago, in the hopes of making the best of a second chance. The UFC has arguably spoon fed him a win by matching him up against a guy who has only fought in the Ring of Combat organization and has no big name wins – and no photo on the UFC website. He does have an impressive record, though (10-1) with his lone loss a DQ for an illegal soccer kick. Ouch! You know what? I’ll pick the new guy – Romero.
Kendall Grove vs Goran Reljic (middleweight)
Grove is another fighter with nine lives. He has looked impressive at times, but he has a bit of a glass jaw, which has been exposed a number of times in spectacular fashion. He has lost four of his last seven, but I don’t expect him to get cut, even if he loses. Goran Reljic has a good record and a win over Wilson Gouveia, but he has alos lost to CB effing Dollaway, for Pete’s sake. Both have ground skills, but Reljic does have KO power. I’ll pick Reljic.
Gerald Harris vs Dave Branch (middleweight)
Who? Harris was apparently on TUF, but I don’t remember him at all. And I guess I missed his two previous UFC fights. Branch is 6-0, so one assumes he’s no pushover. I’ll take the guy with UFC experience and KO power, though. I’m picking Harris.
Roberts has a good record with a load of submission wins, including two by strikes. Petz has a load of experience including five UFC fights a while back (2-3). Roberts is a submission king and Petz has a habit of losing by submission. I’ll pick Roberts.
Jon Madsen vs Karlos Vemola (heavyweight)
Madsen, a former TUF competitor, is significantly heavier than the somewhat unknown Vemola. Vemola looks like a beast on paper, though, amassing a perfect 7-0 record, all ending in the first round by TKO or rear naked choke (meaning the opponent essentially turtled at some point). Granted, all of those fights took place in the
Monday, January 25, 2010
Fight Night Results
Missed this one while in Cuba. Sorry, folks.
Let's recap:
Gray Maynard def. Nate Diaz (Split) - Tough one to call. I'm glad Maynard won, but I'm not sure he quite earned it. I might have had Diaz at 29-28. The first round was close and the next two were split. How one judge had it 30-27 Maynard is beyond me and shows the UFC needs to do SOMETHING about the judging.
Evan Dunham def. Efrain Escudero (sub 3) - Escudero suffered his first pro loss. He looked good in the first, but faded a little and then got submitted nicely.
Aaron Simpson def. Tom Lawlor (Split) - Lawlor started off well, but was overwhlemed after the first.
Amir Sadollah def. Brad Blackburn (Unanimous) - Sadollah keeps winning, but I'm not sure he's ready for top-flight competition. He looks like he's barely pulling these out, sometimes.
Chris Leben def. Jay Silva (Unanimous) - Missed it.
Rick Story def. Jesse Lennox (Majority) - Ok...sure. Didn't see it.
Thiago Tavares vs Nick Lentz (Majority Draw) - Really? Ok. Didn't see it.
Rory MacDonald def. Mike Guymon (sub 1) - Didn't se it.
Rafael Dos Anjos def. Kyle Bradley (Unanimous) - Too bad for Bradley.
Gerald Harris def. John Salter (TKO 3) - Nope.
Nick Catone def. Jesse Forbes (Split) - Uh...when's the replay?
Next up: the battle of the old timers at UFC 109 - Randy Couture vs Mark Coleman. I'll try to make it, I swear.
Let's recap:
Gray Maynard def. Nate Diaz (Split) - Tough one to call. I'm glad Maynard won, but I'm not sure he quite earned it. I might have had Diaz at 29-28. The first round was close and the next two were split. How one judge had it 30-27 Maynard is beyond me and shows the UFC needs to do SOMETHING about the judging.
Evan Dunham def. Efrain Escudero (sub 3) - Escudero suffered his first pro loss. He looked good in the first, but faded a little and then got submitted nicely.
Aaron Simpson def. Tom Lawlor (Split) - Lawlor started off well, but was overwhlemed after the first.
Amir Sadollah def. Brad Blackburn (Unanimous) - Sadollah keeps winning, but I'm not sure he's ready for top-flight competition. He looks like he's barely pulling these out, sometimes.
Chris Leben def. Jay Silva (Unanimous) - Missed it.
Rick Story def. Jesse Lennox (Majority) - Ok...sure. Didn't see it.
Thiago Tavares vs Nick Lentz (Majority Draw) - Really? Ok. Didn't see it.
Rory MacDonald def. Mike Guymon (sub 1) - Didn't se it.
Rafael Dos Anjos def. Kyle Bradley (Unanimous) - Too bad for Bradley.
Gerald Harris def. John Salter (TKO 3) - Nope.
Nick Catone def. Jesse Forbes (Split) - Uh...when's the replay?
Next up: the battle of the old timers at UFC 109 - Randy Couture vs Mark Coleman. I'll try to make it, I swear.
Monday, August 31, 2009
UFC 102 Results
Missed the event on Saturday - I was busy getting wine spilled on me at a wedding...
Looks like I missed an entertaining one. Let's see how my predictions went:
Randy Couture Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (heavyweight) - Sounds like this one lived up to the hype and then some. It appears Couture avoided a gauntlet of submissions to make it to the decision, but the judging wasn't really in doubt. Nog knocked The Natural down a couple of times, which was probably all the difference he needed. I'm a bit surprised that Nogueira got the better of the stand up. I hope they show this fight on UFC Unleashed soon. (0-1)
Keith Jardine Vs. Thiago Silva (light heavyweight) - Got this one right on, pretty much. Silva knocked out Jardine pretty quickly - a story we've seen from Jardine before. Let's hope this is the end of the Jardine title shot talk for a while. He really needs to develop a better arsenal. Being "unorthodox" only gets you so far. (1-1)
Chris Leben Vs. Jake Rosholt (middleweight) - What happened here? I hear Leben was winning the fight but got choked out in the third. Oops. (1-2)
Nate Marquardt Vs. Demian Maia (middleweight) - Wow. This was short-lived. I thought this could be fight of the night, but it was over before it started. Highlight reel finish puts a mark on Maia's record and puts Marquardt back in the title hunt. (2-2)
Brandon Vera Vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (light heavyweight) - I anticipated a better fight. I hear this one drew boos and was one of the few fights to go the distance. Apparently Soszynski did alright in his first fight against "top" competition. Let's hope he can learn from it and put something together for his next fight. Vera isn't making lots of friends these days with boring fights and lacklustre performances. I didn't see this one, but if you're drawing boos, you're drawing the ire of Dana White. (2-3)
Ed Herman Vs. Aaron Simpson (middleweight) - This one almost doesn't count because the fight ended on an injury to Herman. That's too bad 'cause it was a homecoming of sorts and no one likes to see a fight end like this. (2-4)
Gabriel Gonzaga Vs. Chris Tuchscherer (heavyweight) - I picked the newcomer in this one, but he didn't get the job done. (2-5)
Justin McCully Vs. Mike Russow (heavyweight) – The newcomer delivered in this one. I still don't know what Russow can do, though. (3-5)
Tim Hague Vs. Todd Duffee (heavyweight) – Yikes. 8 seconds? Yikes. Dunno if Hague will be invited back. Too bad. (3-6)
Nick Catone Vs. Mark Munoz (middleweight) – Sounds like this was a close decision, but Munoz pulled off the victory in the lighter weight class. (4-6)
Marcus Aurelio Vs. Evan Dunham (lightweight) – Fluked this one, too. No idea what this Dunham kid is like. (5-6)
Another event with a losing record. Ugh. But, like I said, the Herman fight ought not to count, really, and If I were picking with my head instead of my heart I'd have probably gone 8-3.
Looks like I missed an entertaining one. Let's see how my predictions went:
Randy Couture Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (heavyweight) - Sounds like this one lived up to the hype and then some. It appears Couture avoided a gauntlet of submissions to make it to the decision, but the judging wasn't really in doubt. Nog knocked The Natural down a couple of times, which was probably all the difference he needed. I'm a bit surprised that Nogueira got the better of the stand up. I hope they show this fight on UFC Unleashed soon. (0-1)
Keith Jardine Vs. Thiago Silva (light heavyweight) - Got this one right on, pretty much. Silva knocked out Jardine pretty quickly - a story we've seen from Jardine before. Let's hope this is the end of the Jardine title shot talk for a while. He really needs to develop a better arsenal. Being "unorthodox" only gets you so far. (1-1)
Chris Leben Vs. Jake Rosholt (middleweight) - What happened here? I hear Leben was winning the fight but got choked out in the third. Oops. (1-2)
Nate Marquardt Vs. Demian Maia (middleweight) - Wow. This was short-lived. I thought this could be fight of the night, but it was over before it started. Highlight reel finish puts a mark on Maia's record and puts Marquardt back in the title hunt. (2-2)
Brandon Vera Vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (light heavyweight) - I anticipated a better fight. I hear this one drew boos and was one of the few fights to go the distance. Apparently Soszynski did alright in his first fight against "top" competition. Let's hope he can learn from it and put something together for his next fight. Vera isn't making lots of friends these days with boring fights and lacklustre performances. I didn't see this one, but if you're drawing boos, you're drawing the ire of Dana White. (2-3)
Ed Herman Vs. Aaron Simpson (middleweight) - This one almost doesn't count because the fight ended on an injury to Herman. That's too bad 'cause it was a homecoming of sorts and no one likes to see a fight end like this. (2-4)
Gabriel Gonzaga Vs. Chris Tuchscherer (heavyweight) - I picked the newcomer in this one, but he didn't get the job done. (2-5)
Justin McCully Vs. Mike Russow (heavyweight) – The newcomer delivered in this one. I still don't know what Russow can do, though. (3-5)
Tim Hague Vs. Todd Duffee (heavyweight) – Yikes. 8 seconds? Yikes. Dunno if Hague will be invited back. Too bad. (3-6)
Nick Catone Vs. Mark Munoz (middleweight) – Sounds like this was a close decision, but Munoz pulled off the victory in the lighter weight class. (4-6)
Marcus Aurelio Vs. Evan Dunham (lightweight) – Fluked this one, too. No idea what this Dunham kid is like. (5-6)
Another event with a losing record. Ugh. But, like I said, the Herman fight ought not to count, really, and If I were picking with my head instead of my heart I'd have probably gone 8-3.
Friday, August 28, 2009
UFC 102 Predictions
OK, a little busy, but have to get my predictions in before the event on Saturday (which I’m going to miss – darn it!).
Randy Couture Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (heavyweight)
Both are aging warriors, but Nogueira seems to be showing his age more than Captain America. Neither has looked spectacular in recent showings, though Couture lost to Lesnar (no shame there) while Nogeira hasn’t looked sharp in the octagon at all. Both are known for pulling off victories despite the odds. On paper Nogueira seems to have the edge in size and skill, but I can never count Randy out. He seems to always come in with a good game plan and I think he’ll find a way to squeeze this one out.
My money’s on: Couture.
Keith Jardine Vs. Thiago Silva (light heavyweight)
Frankly, I can’t believe people still talk about Jardine being “in the title mix”. He’s beaten some good fighters but he’s lost more than his fair share of fights and to guys one would expect an elite fighter to beat. He seems like a nice guy and I used to be a fan, but I’m getting a little tired of the unwarranted hype. I’m almost hoping Silva sends him packing to clear up the light heavy division. I can see Silva knocking Jardine out.
My money’s on: Silva.
Chris Leben Vs. Jake Rosholt (middleweight)
Leben is a psycho but a tough son of a gun. He’s always willing to bang, but can easily be outsmarted by a good game plan. Rosholt doesn’t seem like much, so if Leben wants to stick around, he had better find a way to knock this guy out.
My money’s on: Leben.
Nate Marquardt Vs. Demian Maia (middleweight)
Could be fight of the night. Probably the two most skilled guys on the card. I like Marquardt but for whatever reason he seems to come up a bit short in big fights. This is a doozy as it will probably be a #1 contenders fight. Maia is talented but has some holes – had Jason MacDonald fought a smarter fight against him, Maia probably would have lost. I don’t see Marquardt getting submitted.
My money’s on: Marquardt.
Brandon Vera Vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (light heavyweight)
I’m peeved I’m gonna miss this one. This could be great. I’m a fan of “The Polish Experiment” and like his style and humour. Vera got a big push when he first came to the UFC but has suffered some massive setbacks since. Is he once again ready for prime time? If he loses, he may very well be shown the door. I’m hoping Krzysztof pulls it off and keeps his streak alive.
My money’s on: Soszynski.
Ed Herman Vs. Aaron Simpson (middleweight)
Herman is talented but needs to learn greater discipline. He’s got the tools but needs to get his head straight and in the game. Don’t know much about this Simpson guy, but apparently he has some killer knockout power, winning all of his fights by KO/TKO. Look for Herman to shoot and test Simpson’s ground game.
My money’s on: Herman (if he’s smart).
Gabriel Gonzaga Vs. Chris Tuchscherer (heavyweight)
Gonzaga is another guy who got a big push early thanks to a big win over Cro Cop but has not been stellar since. His opponent has a terrific record (17-1) and will probably get an equally large push if he defeats Napao. I think this fight may come down to where it takes place. I’d give Gonzaga the edge on the ground, Tuchscherer the edge standing up.
My money’s on: Tuchscherer in a tough one – if he can overcome first UFC fight nerves.
Justin McCully Vs. Mike Russow (heavyweight) – Could be interesting. Both of these guys seem to have a good amount of submission wins, which is rare for heavyweights. I’ll pick Russow to pull it off in his UFC debut.
Tim Hague Vs. Todd Duffee (heavyweight) – No way I’m banking against the Canadian who had an impressive victory last time out. Duffee is undefeated in only 4 fights, but his last victory was over Assuerio Silva who is no slouch. I’m still picking Hague.
Nick Catone Vs. Mark Munoz (middleweight) – Looks like Munoz is looking to drop a weight class. Catone has lost to Tim Credeur while Munoz got bulldozed by Matt Hamill. What effect will the weight cut have on Munoz? The answer to that will probably determine the winner. I’ll bet on Munoz.
Marcus Aurelio Vs. Evan Dunham (lightweight) – Aurelio has gotten lots of praise coming into the UFC, but he’s lost against all the top guys he’s faced (Guida, Franca, Tyson Griffin). Once again, I’m picking the new guy, Dunham, to pull off the upset.
Randy Couture Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (heavyweight)
Both are aging warriors, but Nogueira seems to be showing his age more than Captain America. Neither has looked spectacular in recent showings, though Couture lost to Lesnar (no shame there) while Nogeira hasn’t looked sharp in the octagon at all. Both are known for pulling off victories despite the odds. On paper Nogueira seems to have the edge in size and skill, but I can never count Randy out. He seems to always come in with a good game plan and I think he’ll find a way to squeeze this one out.
My money’s on: Couture.
Keith Jardine Vs. Thiago Silva (light heavyweight)
Frankly, I can’t believe people still talk about Jardine being “in the title mix”. He’s beaten some good fighters but he’s lost more than his fair share of fights and to guys one would expect an elite fighter to beat. He seems like a nice guy and I used to be a fan, but I’m getting a little tired of the unwarranted hype. I’m almost hoping Silva sends him packing to clear up the light heavy division. I can see Silva knocking Jardine out.
My money’s on: Silva.
Chris Leben Vs. Jake Rosholt (middleweight)
Leben is a psycho but a tough son of a gun. He’s always willing to bang, but can easily be outsmarted by a good game plan. Rosholt doesn’t seem like much, so if Leben wants to stick around, he had better find a way to knock this guy out.
My money’s on: Leben.
Nate Marquardt Vs. Demian Maia (middleweight)
Could be fight of the night. Probably the two most skilled guys on the card. I like Marquardt but for whatever reason he seems to come up a bit short in big fights. This is a doozy as it will probably be a #1 contenders fight. Maia is talented but has some holes – had Jason MacDonald fought a smarter fight against him, Maia probably would have lost. I don’t see Marquardt getting submitted.
My money’s on: Marquardt.
Brandon Vera Vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (light heavyweight)
I’m peeved I’m gonna miss this one. This could be great. I’m a fan of “The Polish Experiment” and like his style and humour. Vera got a big push when he first came to the UFC but has suffered some massive setbacks since. Is he once again ready for prime time? If he loses, he may very well be shown the door. I’m hoping Krzysztof pulls it off and keeps his streak alive.
My money’s on: Soszynski.
Ed Herman Vs. Aaron Simpson (middleweight)
Herman is talented but needs to learn greater discipline. He’s got the tools but needs to get his head straight and in the game. Don’t know much about this Simpson guy, but apparently he has some killer knockout power, winning all of his fights by KO/TKO. Look for Herman to shoot and test Simpson’s ground game.
My money’s on: Herman (if he’s smart).
Gabriel Gonzaga Vs. Chris Tuchscherer (heavyweight)
Gonzaga is another guy who got a big push early thanks to a big win over Cro Cop but has not been stellar since. His opponent has a terrific record (17-1) and will probably get an equally large push if he defeats Napao. I think this fight may come down to where it takes place. I’d give Gonzaga the edge on the ground, Tuchscherer the edge standing up.
My money’s on: Tuchscherer in a tough one – if he can overcome first UFC fight nerves.
Justin McCully Vs. Mike Russow (heavyweight) – Could be interesting. Both of these guys seem to have a good amount of submission wins, which is rare for heavyweights. I’ll pick Russow to pull it off in his UFC debut.
Tim Hague Vs. Todd Duffee (heavyweight) – No way I’m banking against the Canadian who had an impressive victory last time out. Duffee is undefeated in only 4 fights, but his last victory was over Assuerio Silva who is no slouch. I’m still picking Hague.
Nick Catone Vs. Mark Munoz (middleweight) – Looks like Munoz is looking to drop a weight class. Catone has lost to Tim Credeur while Munoz got bulldozed by Matt Hamill. What effect will the weight cut have on Munoz? The answer to that will probably determine the winner. I’ll bet on Munoz.
Marcus Aurelio Vs. Evan Dunham (lightweight) – Aurelio has gotten lots of praise coming into the UFC, but he’s lost against all the top guys he’s faced (Guida, Franca, Tyson Griffin). Once again, I’m picking the new guy, Dunham, to pull off the upset.
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