UFC on FX 2: Introducing the Fun Size Divsion

I dare you not to smile.
Credit: MMAfighting.com

Coming off a historic night in Japan where we saw highlight-reel knockouts, a memorable comeback and a new lightweight champion crowned the most important I realized is that every MMA fan now has a soft spot for a Japanese translator.  She is adorable, that’s for sure and who wouldn’t to get their hands on that pen of hers?

Unfortunately, the UFC chose to go to an English speaking country this week so there is no chance of another twitter-fueled crush.  The bright side is that since the since the card is on FX that means more free fights. 

Prediction time

Last Week: 4-3

Year: 16-9

I was hoping for a big night last weekend with my picks but in a card that had surprises like UFC 144 I’ll taking going over .500.

Court “The Crusher” McGee vs. Constantinos Philippou

Court McGee is one of the The Ultimate Fighter champions that I believe people forget about. HE is not a wild personality or an overly flashy fighter but his 13-1 record shows that he gets the job done when he steps into the Octagon.

Philippou had a chance to be on the cast of the TUF season that McGee won, but he lost in the qualifying round to get to the house.  Missing out on the show didn’t deter him as he eventually found his way to the big show and owns a 2-1 record in the brand.

Mcgee looks stiff to me when he fights.  But after three wins to start his UFC career I expect him to be more relaxed and confident going into this fight. Philippou has one punch knockout power but questionable cardio. The first two minutes of this fight will be very important.

McGee Unanimous Decision 30-27

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson vs. Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall

The first ever flyweight tournament could be called the “Drop down a division because we can’t be Dominick Cruz Invitational” as 3 of the 4 fighters have fallen to the bantamweight champion. One thing to keep in mind is that even though Johnson and Benavidez have wrestled at these weights, they have never had a MMA bout at 125 pounds.

Johnson and McCall is a great bout to kick off the division for the UFC. Johnson is a fan favorite who possesses great speed and takedowns, which should only be more explosive fighting as his natural weight.

McCall is a name that the hardcore internet fans know and has a great story. Since losing to the aforementioned Cruz, Uncle Creepy has been unstoppable. He is 4-0 in the flyweight division, including a win over Jussier De Silva, thought to be the #1 flyweight in the world at the time.

If you loved seeing fights like Cruz-Faber, then you do not want to miss the one as it is sure to be action packed.  Johnson may be a great wrestler, but McCall possesses solid takedown defense, great muay thai and can submit Johnson, who struggles off his back.

McCall Submission (Rear Naked Choke)  Round 3

Joseph Benavidez vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani

The second semi-final match up is between Team Alpha Male product and “Joe-Jitsu” creator, Joseph Benavidez. McCall put it best in the promotional video when he called him a 125 pound Urijah Faber.  I would agree with that, but add the note Benavidez has more explosive takedowns.

Urushitani, like McCall is a champion from a different promotion coming in to compete against the best in the world. He is riding a 5 fight win streak that includes capturing and defending the Shoot championship for their 123 pound division. His resume also includes a victory over the latest TUF champion, John Dodson, a fighter who is expected to make waves in the new flyweight division.

Expect Benavidez to utilize his usual game plan of take downs where he will grind his opponent and then look for submissions. Urushitani has the cardio to go the distance and has the striking edge on his younger opponent.

Benavidez Submission (Guillotine Choke) Round 2

Thiago “Pitbull” Alves vs. Martin “Hitman” Kampmann

Alves’ career in the UFC has been interesting to say the least. He has missed weight on multiple occasions, tested positive for banned diuretics and lost his only shot at the title against GSP. Since that loss, Alves has not had a quality win in the Octagon but that could change this weekend.

Kampmann is a top 10 welterweight in my rankings and if not for coming up short a few judges’ scorecards (I gave him the Shields and the Sanchez fights) he could easily be competing for the belt right.  In fact, he holds a win over the current interim champion, Carlos Condit.

The main event is a match up of elite power (Alves) going up against a very technical kick boxer (Kampmann). Both fighters have potential to make noise in the division and a win here could put them one or two fights from a title a shot.

Kampmann Split Decision

BONUS PREDICTIONS!!!!!

Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio Strikeforce has its own card going, headlined by a title fight between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey.  I have never seen as much hype going into a women’s fight than these two. Carana versus Cyborg was popular but I don’t remember Carano doing a media tour quite like Rousey.

The card on Showtime features lightweight contenders K.J. Noons, of don’t be scared homie fame against Josh Thompson. Also featured is former UFC fighter Paul Daley, former SF Champion Ronaldo Souza and the always entertaining Scott Smith. 

Quick Picks

Smith Round 3 TKO

Souza Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Round 1

Daley KO Round 1

Thompson Unanimous Decision 29-28
Rousey Submission (arm bar) Round 2 

Who will become the biggest non-juicing (Sorry, Cyborg)
badass in Strikeforce's women division?
Credit:MixedMartialArts.com

If you liked this article please leave a comment below and vote on the poll to the right.  Also, as stated above, I started a weekly podcast called Split Decision on http://www.sportsgeeksusa.com/ with my friend Ryan Penney. The show airs 3 PM daily Monday-Friday. 

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