How Good is Conor McGregor?

My headline question, on the surface, seems ridiculous. How can one doubt the skill level of the UFC featherweight champion who is also undefeated in the organization?

I've had this discussion with many MMA fans and the issue I always have is when do people stop judging him on his performance in the Octagon and start basing their opinions on the narrative Conor and the UFC wants you to believe. The brash, blue collar, Irishman is a perfect archetype in a fight-crazed world.



This car could've bought a lot of potatoes.
Credit: blacksportsonline

However, that is a conversation for a different day. This post is all about critiquing the résumé of the champion. Everyone will point out his 13 second TKO of Jose Aldo, but those same people forget Aldo hadn't fought in over a year and was dealing with multiple injuries. The McGregor fan would then say "he finished the #3 featherweight in less than two rounds only 5 months earlier." That is true, but does anyone remember Mendes won the first round with his superior wrestling and took that fight on only two weeks notice?

The answer is of course not! But don't let these facts stop you from christening him the best pound for pound fighter on the planet. McGregor has taken advantage of favorable matchups, like being given a 36 year old with no ground game in an event built around hyping the Irishman in Boston. Or in his main event debut, when the UFC brought a card to Ireland and handed him a fighter with questionable cardio coming off a loss, just to highlight McGregor to his countrymen.

I give credit to McGregor for making the most of the opportunities given to him, especially this weekend. There is zero downside to fighting Nate Diaz at 170 pounds. If he wins, ridiculous fans and bloggers will begin talking about how he can hold titles in three weight classes but if he loses, the only thing that will be written is how much of a warrior he was for even accepting the fight. The guy is good, but an all-time great? Not even close.... yet.

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After a very long hiatus I decided I needed a return to the blogging life.  My dog is sick of me yelling about the Bears run defense and watching every single fight night, so all of you get to enjoy them.



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UFC 152: Jones Goes Heel

Well ladies and gentlemen some said that this day would never come. For a while it looked like we were doomed to a life of Pacquio-Mayweather style waiting for a Rousey-Cyborg fight to fill our MMA desires.

But after 42 days filled with injuries, angry phone calls, press conferences and ultimately the first cancellation in company history the UFC is back this weekend with UFC 152. The debate of who to blame over the cancellation of UFC 151 will continue for years. At least now fans will have some fights to watch while we argue if Jon Jones has gone full heel.

The one plus of having a show cancelled is that all of the following cards are strengthened by the rescheduled fights. This card already had the inaugural flyweight title on the line but you add the best fighter on the planet in the main event and the card becomes a must buy.

I did have to dust off my prognosticating helmet but have no fear it still works and is ready for another great showing.

Now on to the picks....

Last Card: 4-1
Year: 59-35

Cub Swanson vs. Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira 

When the WEC merged with the UFC, there were many fighters people were excited to finally see in the Octagon; Cub Swanson (17-5 UFC, 2-1 UFC) was not one of them. In his last four fights in the organization he was 2-2 without a career defining moment, except losing to Jens Pulver and Jose Aldo in a combined 43 seconds. After losing his UFC debut to Ricardo Lamas he has bounced back with two straight knock out victories. The heavy handed featherweight looks to continue his streak against a man I've dubbed “Must see TV.”

Every time Charles Oliveira (16-2, 4-2) steps into the cage fans are guaranteed for a show. Even in losses against Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone I wasn't able to turn away from the screen. Those losses inspired “Do Bronx” to drop down to featherweight where he has looked awesome. His calf slicer on Eric Wisely remains one of the most painful images I have seen.

There is only one way Swanson wins this fight and it is with his cinder block hands. Oliveira's chin is far from sturdy but I feel Do Bronx is too dynamic fir the veteran. I expect Oliveira to get tagged a couple times and quickly realize the fight needs to go the ground where he will lock in a submission. reverse triangle guillotine arm bar.

Oliveira Submission (Reverse Triangle Guillotine Arm bar) Round 2

Matt “The Hammer” Hamill vs. Roger “The Hulk” Hollett 

I will admit that I have been a Hamill (10-4, 9-4) fan says his days on TUF. Who could root against a guy like him, especially when he teamed up with Tito Ortiz? Hamill is the clear superior fighter in this matchup but he was sitting on his couch retired. He remains the only man to ever beat Jon Jones, and don't give me the whole it was by DQ excuse. A win is a win even if Mazzagatti was involved.

Roger Hollett (13-3, 0-0) comes into his UFC debut riding a five fight win streak. The only fight I have seen of him is his last one where he earned a split decision win over John Hawk on a Bellator prelim. His record along with his finishing potential (11/13) makes him interesting but the only real reason he has this fight is because he is Canadian. Taking the unknown guy is always rewarding in MMA from a gambling perspective, Hollett is no exception coming in at +310 but you won't find me taking the dog in this one.

Hamill TKO Round 2

Michael “The Count” Bisping vs. Brian “The All-American” Stann

Bisping (22-4, 12-4) has had a long, successful carer but if I ask you to name his best performance, what would you say? He has finished eight of his opponents but the most impressive was against a very unimpressive Jason Miller. Thats another issue with Bisping, even when he is dominant, the public opinion is that the other guy did not train hard or the referee made a mistake. The Brit is hungry for a title shot, something he has never received in his long UFC career, and the only way he gets back to a title eliminator, likely against the Weidman-Boetsch winner is if he finishes the All-American.

The former marine/ WEC champion has come a long way in his fighting career. The drop to middleweight is where Stann (12-4, 6-3) has found the most success. He had three straight wins before being submitted by Chael Sonnen. I see Stann in this fight a lot like I see Swanson in the opening bout. Stann needs to land one of his bombs if he hopes to win. The key to beating Bisping is to not allow him to stay on the outside.

Stann must be careful because if he utilizes that approach he opens himself up for a takedown. Bisping is one of the few Brits who has the ability to execute a takedown and finish the fight on the ground. I'm excited to see the strategy in this fight and still hold out hope that Stann will come out to this.Bisping Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson

The co-main even is occupied by what may be the fastest matchup in UFC history. Benavidez (16-2, 3-0) has been unstoppable in his MMA career. The only man who has been able to defeat him (twice) is the bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. He pairs explosive wrestling with a slick guillotine to finish most of his opponents. His camp, Team Alpha Male, has never had a UFC champion despite having some of the biggest his names in the sport in the lighter weight classes. Many say the flyweight division was built for Benavidez and he proved that when he knocked out Yashuhiro Urushitani in second round in the opening round of the four-man tournament.

Johnson (15-2-1, 3-1-1) would love to continue the title drought at Team Alpha Male. Mighty Mouse is the fastest fighter in the UFC, most likely in the entire sport. While he has only finished one opponent in his last eight fights, his cardio is fantastic. This will be his third time making the weight cut and it was obvious to see how much better he looked in the second McCall fight.

In the four combined losses of the two fighters neither one has ever been finished. Johnson looked to be in trouble in the last round of the first McCall fight but I attribute that to problems with the first weight cut more than anything McCall did. When the fight starts I suggest getting a comfy seat because fans are in store for a 25 minute war that ultimately ends in a Team Alpha Male dance celebration.

Benavides Unanimous Decision (49-46)

Jon “Bones” Jones vs. Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort 

Jon Jones (16-1, 10-1) has had a crazy month. He went from facing Dan Henderson to Chael Sonnen. HE was reportedly then set to face Lyota Machida before finally settling on Belfort. Public opinion has changed mightily on the light heavyweight champion, just ask one of his almost opponents. When all the drama came out, I supported his decision, why should the champion have to take a new opponent on short notice?

Whatever your opinion of Jones is, people have to admit hes borderline unstoppable. There is a reason he is such a huge favorite. His most recent victories are a who's who of the MMA world. His last four victories are all over former UFC champion sand only one went that distance.

The man tasked with the most difficult job on the planet is Vitor Belfort (21-9, 10-5). He has many things going against him in this fight. The most glaring being the fact is that he is not a light heavyweight fighter. Belfort will be giving up four inches of height and over ten inches of reach.

The Brazilian has been on roll lately. He has won seven of his last eight fights with the only loss being an Anderson Silva front kick. Luckily, Belfort recovered his head from the crowd and fought a Jon Jones sized fighter in Anthony Johnson.

Belfort has dynamite in his hands, the problem will be getting close enough to use them. Jones does not have an iron chin in my opinion, although it has not been tested that much besides a few shots from Rashad Evans. Watching Jones' fights he usually coasts through the first round. He finds his range and figures out how he wants to finish his opponent. Expect for the champ to do the same thing and for fans to quickly forget any drama from UFC 151.Jones TKO Round Three

Nike couldn't hook up Jones with better shoes?
Source: http://sicounterpunch.files.wordpress.com

As an extra bonus I have included the shorter, and error-filled picks of my co-host of Split Decision, Ryan Penney.  

We host a show on http://www.sportsgeeksusa.com/  that covers all the MMA news and plenty of nonsense too.  Hope you can like our facebook page, follow us on twitter and leave plenty of comments.  Make sure to vote on the poll to the right and enjoy the fights.

Wait... What is MMA? What is the UFC? It has been so long since we last saw a live card that Roy Nelson is now in shape... only kidding, he is still fat but has a great beard....

Cub Swanson

vs

Charles Oliveira

We start off with my candidate of FOTN with two of the most exciting "young-ins" in the featherweight division going toe-to-toe. Charles Oliveria and Cub Swanson matchup nicely and will give us fireworks early and often. I think Oliveria has more talent and is the favorite but sleeping on Swanson would be a poor strategy. Swanson has had two impressive victories in a row but i think that ends tonight..... Oliveira wins this by round 2 KO( head kick that makes ESPN top 10)

Matt Hamill

vs

Roger Hollett

The only Canadian on the card, Hollett will try to earn his stripes against an always difficult Matt Hamill in the Light Heavyweight division. Hamill has lost two in a row, but lets not forget.. HE BEAT JON JONES(sort of.. i mean, not really.. but he did officially..... SO TAKE THAT!) Hamill has fought some of the best out there, and this will give Hollett a huge challenge. Hollett was the original matchup for Hamill, then was replaced and then stepped back in... did you follow that? Hollett is making his UFC debut against a savvy Vet and in his homeland, i think this proves to be too much for him. Hamill via 30-27 decision.

Michael Bisping

vs

Brian Stann

These two are both hoping to get a shot at the Spider.... Both have lost to Chael Sonnen... both looked great at weigh-ins... Now to how they're different... Bisping has won big fights, Stann hasnt had that defining win yet... This could possibly be it! I think this fight will go 1 round and will be a "throw'em" type fight. Weigh ins made me believe these two are looking to impress the boss man and one way to do that is one-punch KO. I am taking the upset and the American-CUE HULK HOGANS "I AM A REAL AMERICAN" WALK OUT! Stann via RD 1 TKO.... USA! USA! USA!

Joseph Benavidez

vs

Demetrious Johnson

FINALLY... the flyweight tourney is done and we are going to get a champion in the "little guy" division. Benavidez hasn’t fought since March after he ran through Urushutani. Now he is going against Demetrious "mighty mouse" Johnson in a fight that should excite. I don’t think either fighter finishes the other, but i think Benavidez picks apart Johnson. He wins this 49-46 on all three score cards and becomes the first UFC flyweight champion.

AND NOW TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT

Jon Jones (c)

vs

Vitor Belfort

This fight makes zero sense to most. Jon Jones has dominated many at 205.... Belfort has been decent in the middle weight division.. so, let’s just go ahead and move him up.. wait.. huh? I am a Chael Sonnen fan boy, but doesn’t that make more sense marketing wise to have Chael/Jon Jones? This fight lasts 2 rounds.. I assume it will be boring in the first before Bones overwhelms Belfort and wins via RD 2 TKO.... He gets a lot of boo's from the angry Maple Leafs fan still upset about the lockout.

That sit for my predications. Look for our review show tomorrow as we go over this event with our in-depth insight!

UFC on Fox 4: This is the Best 205 Can Offer?

Let’s face it. UFC 149 was a total flop.  Not only did I have my worst predictions of all-time, the fights in general were awful. After a phenomenal preliminary card, Matt Riddle and to a certain extent Renan Barão were the only fighters to show up.

The only thing stranger than the Kongo-Jordan fight and Hector Lomabrd’s debut was news that broke earlier this week.  At the press conference for UFC on Fox 4 Dana White announced the winner of the Brandan Vera-Shogun Rua fight would receive a title shot. (My initial reaction).

After hours of social media outrage good ole DW changed his mind and decided that if the winner co-main event between Ryan Bader and Lyota Machida wins in more impressive fashion than Rua or Vera than that person would receive the title shot. (Revised reaction).

There are many issues with this decision in my opinion.  First off, Vera is 1-2-1 in his last four fights and was originally scheduled to face James Te-Huna.  How does he go from a Fuel card against a mid level fighter to a main event #1 contender fight against a guy who has lost 2 of his last 3? Dana you make my head do this.

I’d much rather see Phil Davis, who is on the under card, or Alexander Gustafson get a shot than any of the four mentioned above. At the very least give Jon Jones a rematch against this guy.

Now on to the picks…

Last Card: 1-4
Year: 52-33

Mike “Quick” Swick vs. DeMarques “Darkness” Johnson

The main card kicks off with the return of Mike Swick (14-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC)  to the Octagon.  He has not fought in two and a half years and is riding a two fight win streak.  They are his first two losses in the division after winning his first four at 170.  A season 1 TUF alum Swick burst on the scene with 5 wins (4 finishes) and projected to be a champion one day.  Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his career.  Ring rust will be an issue and who knows if his hand phenomenal hand speed has slowed down.

Joe Silva did not do Swick any favors by matching him up with Johnson (16-10 MMA, 4-4 UFC) in his first fight back.  The TUF Season 9 runner-up is known for his brawling style.  He is very aggressive and will push Swick as soon as the bell wings. While, Darkness has put on many entertaining fights his style has proved to be his downfall as he has been caught on multiple occasions.

This fight is a huge opportunity for both fighters.  Being able to kick off the main card on Fox gives the winner of the fight a ton of momentum in the crowded welterweight division.

Swick Round 2 Submission (Guillotine)

Jamie Varner vs. Joe "J-Lau" Lauzon

Last fall, no one would believe these guys would be facing off against each other.  Joe Lauzon (21-7 MMA, 8-4 UFC) just submitted Melvin Guillard in less than a minute and was heading to a potential title eliminator fight against Anthony Pettis. Varner (20-6-1- MMA, 2-1 UFC), was not even in the UFC. In fact, he lost to Dakota Cochrane, a guy who could not get into the TUF house, on a regional show.

Since that loss, Varner has seen a resurgence in his career.  The former WEC put together two wins in the XFC promotion before stepping in against Edson Barboza at UFC 146.  No one wanted to face Barboza at that time but Varner rose to the occasion finishing the Brazilian in the first round. This is technically his second stint in the UFC but he is a far superior than his first time. Three of his six losses are by submission so he will need to be on the top of his game against the dangers Lauzon.

J-Lau is a difficult fighter to judge in the lightweight division. Since his debut against Jens Pulver in 2006, Lauzon has proven he can hang with anyone in the division.  He does everything fairly level, but is elite when he comes to his submission game.  His guard has caught a number of fighters in his career.  The one issue for J-Lau is his cardio.  He starts so fast and at such a great pace that if he does not get a finish early he is trouble in the later rounds.

The longer this fight stays on thee feet, the better it is for Varner.  His goal needs to be to weather the storm and push this fight to the later rounds.  After his performance against Barboza he will not be taking anyone by surprise.

Varner Decision (29-28)

Ryan “Darth” Bader vs. Lyota “The Dragon” Machida

This sort of, kind of, possible number one contender fight between two fighters who in their last four fights are a combined 3-5 is a hard one to predict.  Bader (14-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is coming off a dominating decision win over Rampage Jackson that sounds a lot more impressive than it really is. (Sorry buddy)

The first match up against Jones was too much at the time for Bader. However, I think he learned a lot more in his next fight, a loss to Tito Ortiz than he did against Jones. His key in this one is no shocker, his wrestling. Machida (17-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) is a great counter puncher and the best way to avoid this is to stand and trade with him as little as possible.

The dragon was most recently seen unconscious on the mat with Jon Jones walking away like a true BAMF.  While many people will remember the ending sequence, they forget how great Machida looked leading up the submission.  He challenged Jones more so than anyone and actually tagged Jones a couple times.  Machida has been criticized by being too passive at times, but if he fights like he did against Jones this weekend, it will be a shot night for Bader.

Machida KO Round 2 & earns #1 contender spot

Maurico “Shogun” Rua vs. Brandon Vera

The main event is one of the most uneven fights to headline a card in years. Rua (20-6 MMA, 4-4 UFC) is a former light heavyweight champion who only losses in the past 9 years are to current or former UFC champions as well. Vera (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), on the other hand, is coming off his first win since August 2009.

Shogun’s last fight was considered by many to be the fight of the year.  He proved that going 5 rounds will not be an issue for him and I doubt Vera will be bale to push him as much as Henderson did in that bout. Despite being a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu has only one submission win in his entire career.  When healthy, Shogun has the hands to knock out anyone and never puts on a boring fight.

No one is more shocked to see in Brandon Vera in this position than me.  I remember the days when people were talking about Vera being a champion in two different weight classes. (I’m not lying, look it up). Call me crazy, but I don’t think a win over Eliot Marshall deserves a number one contender fight.  Also, while many people point out Vera is 1-2-1 in his last four fights, the two losses are to Jon Jones and Randy Couture, certainly no shame in that.

Vera is pumped about this fight.  We have seen many times where a fighter comes out of nowhere and takes advantage of a huge opportunity. I do not think this fight is one of those times.  I expect Shogun to take this early and without working too hard. 

Rua KO Round 1 & earns #1 contender spot
I know what you're thinking, how can their be TWO number one contenders?!?!  The way I see it, none of these four men deserve a chance at Jon Jones, if he beats Henderson, with a single win at UFC on Fox 4. I expect the winners of these two fights to go up against each other for an interim title/number one contender fight while Jones takes a fight at heavyweight.  It won't be against a top guy, my best guess would be a Ben Rothwell/Cheick Kongo type.  That way Jones gets an intriguing fight and the 205ers have a chance to build some momentum before getting stomped by Jones again.

Could these two beat Jon Jones in a handicap match?
Credit: MMAmania

If you liked this article please leave a comment below and vote on the poll to the right.  Also, I started a weekly podcast called Split Decision on http://www.sportsgeeksusa.com/ with my friend Ryan Penney, needless to say it is pretty awesome so you check that out too.

UFC on FX 3: Stache Vs Mouse Take II

After two great performances my predictions took a slight hit last week due to two upsets in the TUF final and main event. A weaker man would have made excuses and avoided another piece.  Did you think I’d crumble; did you think I’d lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive!

The UFC is lucky to still have its main event.  Especially after the past couple weeks in the sport has seen so many injuries, Belfort, Bisping, Stann and Cruz just to name a few. We all know the controversy that was McCall-Johnson I and hopefully this fight won’t disappoint and the company can crown its first ever flyweight champion some time this summer.

Now on to the picks…

Previews and Predictions

Last Week: 2-3

Year: 34-21

Eddie Wineland vs. Scott "Young Guns" Jorgensen

When the WEC was absorbed by the UFC Wineland, a former bantamweight champion, was a name people that tapped as a potential champion. On the last WEC card he had a devastating KO by a slam against Ken Stone that made a rocking Phoenix crown go silent. Since coming over though he has lost his two bouts against Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez. Wineland can finish the fight any second standing but will need to avoid Jorgensen’s takedowns in order to have a chance in this one.

Jorgensen is the definition of a gate keeper at this point in his career.  He has no problem against Jeff Curran or Ken Stone but when he faces the elite fighters in the division, Renan Barao/Dominick Cruz, he struggles. “Young Guns” is very difficult to finish though, only being stopped once in 18 career fights.  The key for him is to avoid getting into a brawl with Wineland.  Jorgensen needs to utilize wrestling and ground the dangerous Wineland and grind to a victory.

Jorgensen Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Mike "Quicksand" Pyle vs. Josh "The Dentist" Neer

This is a great fight between two veterans; they combine for 75 professional fights. Pyle had a three fight win streak before running into the pain train that is Rory MacDonald.  He bounced back nicely though when he marched into Brazil on enemy soil and TKOd Ricardo Faunch. “Quciksand” makes his money on the ground though, earning 16 of his 22 wins by submission.

“The Dentist” is on a six fight winning streak, the second longest of his career, where has finished all of his opponents. He has fought all over the world against some of the top names in the sport and Neer seems like a different fighter in his third stint with the UFC.  Neer can win this fight wherever it goes but I imagine he will want to keep it standing and earn his 18th knockout.

Neer TKO Round 3

Erick "Indio" Silva vs. Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman

When Silva was last seen in the Octagon he was watching Joe Rogan verbally lash Mario Yamasaki for his decision to disqualify Silva for blows to the back of the head against Carlo Prater. Whether you agreed with decision or not, I did not, it is impossible to argue that Silva has not been impressive in his two UFC bouts.  His explosive striking has ended both fights, legally or not, in under a minute.  Oh yeah, he is a black belt in jiu-jitsu and judo as well.

Brenneman is 4-2 in the Octagon with all his wins by decision.  He had a great win against Rick Story back in June 2011 but that momentum quickly disappeared after an Anthony Johnson head kick.  The key to this fight is whether or not “the Spaniard” can get this fight to the ground.  Silva has all the credentials but no one knows how great they really are because his fights have been over so quickly.

Silva KO Round One

Ian "Uncle Creepy" McCall vs. Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson

This is a fight I have been looking forward to ever since the Australia commission botched the result of their initial bout. Have no fear, I have a source inside the company that says Judge Cecil Peoples is bringing along one of these to insure correct addition.Not only do I love both of their nicknames, the two of them each have entertaining styles of fighting.  McCall shocked everyone in the first fight when he outwrestled Johnson.  “Uncle Creepy” also was able to land the harder strikes, nearly finishing Johnson in the third round.

While “Mighty Mouse” may have been outwrestled there was no doubt he was the quicker of the two fighters.  He has also stated on many occasions how his new diet should allow him to have more energy and now wear down in the later stages of the fight.

This is a hard fight to predict because neither guy has fought anyone else since their last bout.  I think McCall has the mental edge in this one because he almost finished Johnson.  This should be a back and forth war but I don’t see a stoppage happening either.

McCall Unanimous Decision (29-28)

Hopefully the fight can match the brightness
of their shorts at weight ins.
Credit: MMAJunkie

If you liked this article please leave a comment below and vote on the poll to the right a

Also, I started a weekly podcast called Split Decision on http://www.sportsgeeksusa.com/ with my friend Ryan Penney who has his awful unique picks below. Feel free to leave your predictions on our facebook page. The show airs 3 PM daily Monday-Friday. 

Please follow myself and the show on Twitter.  We recap all the fights and news in the MMA world while also interviewing fighters, promoters and trainers

Brace Yourself...

Last weeks predictions proved a few things: I suck at predictions, I suck at grammar, and I make my co-host, Marty Downes look really intelligent.

So, I have a new plan this week. I am going to pick against who I think will win.  That is right; I am trying a brand new strategy. I still promise shitty Grammar, cant change too much.

This free card will have 4 fights and will start off in the Bantamweight division with Eddie Wineland and Scott “Young guns” Jorgensen. Wineland is 0-2 since coming over to the UFC, but I think a lot of people would be having had to fight Faber and Benavidez. Scott Jorgensen is coming off a loss against Renan Barao, who will be fighting Faber for the interim belt in a month. This fight is a great chance for Young Guns to make a move to make a run at the title. I would pick Scotty, but since I am doing this new style of picking, I will take the latter.

Pick: Eddie Wineland (Split Decision)

In the second main event fight, we go to what you could consider “fatties” compared to 2 of the 3 other fights on this card with Mike “Quicksand” Pyle and “The Dentist” Josh Neer. Pyle is entering his 9^th fight in the octagon, and has a very solid 5-3 record. The Dentist is 2-0 so far in the UFC and is moving his way through the division. I have a hard time picking against the Dentist (mainly because I am scared of dentists) but.. I am trying a new style… so….

Pick: Mike “Quicksand” Pyle (Unanimous Decision 29-28)

We stay in the Welterweight division for Erick “ Indio ” Silva and Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman. Indian vs a Spaniard… I feel like there is some war I could reference, but I fell asleep in my 9^th grade Social Studies class a lot. Sorry Ms. Fackler (don’t let the name confuse you… SHE WAS A BABE) Silva “lost” his last fight because of shots to the back of Prater’s head… While he still received his fight bonus, his record moved to 1-1 in the octagon. Brenneman has struggled since stopping the “Horror” Story. While he is 1-1 since that huge win, he hasn’t impressed…. But since I think Silva wins I have to go to my new strategy…. This is really testing my new strategy.

Pick: Brenneman (TKO-Punches/Knees RD1)

NOW THE MAIIIINNNNN EEEVVVEENNNNTTT OF THE EVENING (in my best Buffer typing)… I feel like we have seen this fight before….. Déjà vu maybe? Or just Judges who cant add good… HEY, I can do that (make mental note to apply to be a UFC judge).

Ian McCall and Demetrious Johnson… Uncle Creepy and Mighty Mouse…I am changing my strategy for this fight. McCall had that thing won if it went to an extra round….

Pick: McCall (Decision-FOTN)

That is it for me… Most likely will fail yet again, I am used to it by now.

Enjoy the fights!

UFC 146: Super Sized Edition

After a MMA-filled week that only encouraged my fear of zombies, the UFC is back this weekend with a heavy dose of the big guys.  The pay per view card features five heavyweight bouts, capped off by the championship fight between Junior Dos Santos and Frank Mir.

Fight fans should also check out the under card on FX as it features some big names of their own. Former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner makes his return to the Zuffa brand against highlight machine, Edson Barboza. Also, two fan favorites in Jason “Mayhem” Miller and British import, Dan Hardy look to extend their UFC careers, while Diego Brandao will make his first appearance since winning The Ultimate Fighter.

Previews and Predictions

Last Week: 5-1

Year: 27-18

Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve vs. Lavar "Big" Johnson

Skyscraper is an intriguing heavyweight fighter.  Not only is he 6’11 but hes only 24 years old.  He holds a 7-3 record in the Octagon but still has not earned a signature win. His ground game is his strong suit, especially when you take in account his division. The one issue in all his losses has been his chin, suffering three first round knockouts.

That’s great news for Lavar Johnson.  A man, who was nothing but average in his Strikeforce career but has been on a tear since joining the UFC.  Two first-round knock outs against Joey Beltran and Pat Barry earned “Big” the opportunity to replace the injured Mark Hunt on the card.

Struve takes more shots than he should in his fights which is why many people are taking Johnson to end this early. But after seeing Barry almost finish Johnson on the ground I expect Struve to get him down and finish the job.

Struve Submission Round Two

Shane DelRosario vs. Stipe Miočić

The next bout pits two undefeated heavyweight prospects against each other. This bout is overshadowed the most in my opinion but the winner of this fight will receive a big push in a division that is short on contenders.  Del Rosario is 11-0 and is coming off a first round submission of the previously mentioned Lavar Johnson in February 2011. 

He was on a roll and was scheduled to face Daniel Cormier before a car accident sidelined him for over a year.  If he does not get in the accident there’s a chance Del Rosario was the one winning the Grand Prix last weekend. 

Miočić is a former D-1 wrestler who has finished 7 of his 8 opponents with 6 of them by knockout.  Most recently he defeated Phil De Fries by knockout in only 43 seconds. 

This is going to be an exciting fight. Del Rosario has the edge on the ground but I think  Miočić with his wrestling advantage will be able to keep the fight standing.  Ultimately, the ring rust of del Rosario is the biggest thing in this fight.

Miočić TKO Round 3

Roy "Big Country" Nelson vs. Dave Herman

Nelson is an enigma in the sport. His “unique” body type has earned him both fans and critics, including Dana White. “Big Country” is a gamer though; he will never quit in a fight and can thank his iron chin for that. He has lost three of four, however and will need a win to convince the big guy to keep him around.

Nelson has lucked out in drawing Herman this weekend.  Herman is a much safer opponent than Antonio Silva, his original opponent. This will be his third UFC fight; he is 1-1 in his Octagon career, most recently getting TKOd by Stefan Struve.

Herman doesn’t have the striking that Werdum, Mir or Dos Santos so I don’t expect him being able to finish Nelson. Also, Nelson has a huge edge on the ground with his black belt in BJJ.

Nelson Submission (Arm Bar) Round 3

Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva

Velasquez is a huge favorite in this fight and it is well deserved. He was on a roll, starting his career 9-0 and defeating Brock Lesnar to win the title.  Unfortunately, in that fight he suffered a torn rotator cuff and was sidelines for nearly 8 months.  That rust showed in his first defense where he was defeated by Junior Dos Santos.

Silva, another Strikeforce import, was coming off the win of his career against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. All that momentum was ended in September in the first round by Daniel Cormier, which seems to be the trend nowadays.

Velasquez is on a mission to get his belt back and holds the edge everywhere but submissions.  Expect heavy ground and pound while he looks to make an example of Bigfoot.

Velasquez TKO Round Two

Junior Dos Santos vs. Frank Mir

I am very excited for this title fight and believe it is closer than the other title fights that have taken place in other divisions recently. Many people are not giving Mir a fair chance which is crazy considering the heavyweight title has changed hands the most in the past three years than any other belt.

Dos Santos has been a beast in his Octagon career.  He is 8-0, 14-1 overall and has defeated three of the heavyweights on this card. His boxing is the best in the division and when he hits someone, he hits them hard.

Frank Mir, a two-time heavyweight champion, is on a three fight win-streak.  He was originally scheduled to face Velasquez, a bout I would still love to see, but to some shenanigans he finds himself fighting for the title. He has been in the UFC for over 12 years and holds the record for most wins, 14, in the division.

Dos Santos has the striking edge but Mir has some deadly knees in the clinch game. If it goes to the ground I have no idea what to expect. Mir has taken his share of opponents’ limbs in the past (Exhibit A, Exhibit B)but experts say dos Santos isn't too worried about it.

As a fan, I really want to pick Mir. I have been a fan for a while but I just don’t see it happening.

Dos Santos TKO Round 3

New School vs Old School in the heavyweight title fight.
Credit: lastwordonsports.com

As an extra bonus I have included the picks of my co-host of Split Decision, RyanPenney.  Back in college, we met and I’d like to take credit for turning him into a MMA fan. 

We host a show on http://www.sportsgeeksusa.com/  that covers all the MMA news and plenty of nonsense too.  Hope you can like our facebook page, follow us on twitter and leave plenty of comments.  Make sure to vote on the poll to the right and enjoy the fights.

Stefan Struve vs. Lavar Johnson:  Johnson Rd 1 KO-KO of night-- Struve will win if this thing goes to the ground, but I think Struve gets caught and his chin get s destroyed. 

Stipe Miočić vs. Shane del Rosario: Miočić  RD 2 TKO--Stipe has tremendous power and is going to move up in this weight class thanks to this fight

Roy Nelson vs. Dave Herman: Nelson Unanimous Decision- Roy can lean on you and I am not impressed with the man formerly known as "pee-wee". Nelson is taking training more seriously and I think he doesn’t impress but gets a much needed win 30-27.

Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Silva: Velasquez RD 3 TKO-FOTN- I am very excited to see what Big foot can do but I think Cain wins and gets a title shot rematch against Dos Santos.

Junior dos Santos vs. Frank Mir: dos Santos TKO RD 2- Mir was impressive and I am much less excited than I was for Allistair but this will do. I think Dos Santos can win if he keeps this standing. This goes to the ground=broken arm for Junior.