UFC 150: No More Rematches Please

After the most successful UFC card on Fox history the organization carries the momentum into Denver for a card headlined by the lightweight title rematch between Ben Henderson and Frankie Edgar.

This card sums up an issue I currently have with the UFC. Right now fighters, especially the champions, have too much power in picking their fights.Frankie Edgar received this rematch because he refused to drop to 145. I understand he gave two rematches but one was because Penn is a legend and the other was because the fight ended in a draw.

Then, in the middleweight division Anderson Silva refuses to face Chris Weidman, the clear number one contender because wins over Demian and Maia and Mark Munoz are not impressive to his camp. If Silva will not fight Jon Jones or Weidman who is there left for him? His camp suggests Rich Franklin, seems like a guy who is more concerned about his legacy than actually challenging himself.

If there is a champion who has a right to complain about challengers it is Jn Jones. I won't get too much into it now, but if Jones does get bey Henderson, how is Machida the best Dana White 7 Co can offer to challenge him.

This weekend's card has plenty of story lines but the one thing we can be thankful is that DW learned from the Rothwell-Hunt “thriller and kept the big boys off this card in Denver.

Now on to the picks....

Last Card: 3-1
Year: 55-34

Justin “The American Kid” Lawrence  vs. Max “Blessed” Holloway 

The pay-per-view portion of the card card starts with a featherweight bout that showcases the future of the division. Lawrence (4-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), at 22 years old, is the elder in this fight and comes from the most recent TUF season where he lost in the semi-finals to eventual winner Michael Cheisa. Lawrence bounced back with a two bonus performance when he knocked John Cofer out cold at the finale.

Holloway (5-1, 1-1), only 20 years old, bounced back from his first career loss against Dustin Poirier with a dominating decision over Pat Schilling in June. Holloway really impressed me in his last fight. After watching his performance against Poirier I felt that he needed more time to develop. His striking is explosive but he can get wild at times.

When the cast for TUF: Live was announced many picked Lawrence as the guy to beat. He was a highly successful amateur kickboxing champion and is a two-time St. Louis Golden Gloves boxing champion. (Thank you Wikipedia). I'll take Lawrence here collecting another bonus.

Lawrence KO Round 2

Buddy Roberts vs. Yushin Okami 

Roberts (12-2, 1-0) is a Team Jackson product receiving a huge opportunity in this bout. He defeated Caio Magahalhaes in June by decision. The win did not set shockwaves throughout the division but due to a couple of injuries he is now in a fight with all upside for him.

Okami (26-7, 10-4) needs a win after losing straight to Anderson Silva and Tim Boetsch. After originally scheduled to face Rousimar Palhares, Okami should be glad to get a guy like Roberts. It gives hims a chance to get back on the winning track on a PPV main card. Three losses in a row will damage any fighter so the best thing for Okami is to go out and do what he does best. Don't get too wild, move around, and sprinkle in some take downs. He will not earn any new fans with this performance but at this point all Okami needs is a win.

Okami Decision (30-27)

Jake Shields vs. Ed “Short Fuse” Herman

At first glance this looks like a huge mismatch. Shields (27-6-1, 2-2) has been a champion in nearly have organization he has competed in and has notable wins over Yushin Okami, Carlos Condit, Martin Kampmann and Dan Henderson. After going 2-2 in the Octagon, Shields is set to make his UFC middleweight debut, a weight he has not fought at since April 2010. He is a submission ace, but his cardio has been questioned since coming off to the UFC and it will be interesting to see how how getting back to this weight effects him.

Herman (20-7, 7-5) is in the middle of a career renaissance. He has a three fight winning streak, all finishes, but no one near the caliber of Shields. Herman's best chance in this fight is to avoid going to the ground. Despite being a black belt himself, there is no doubt the best chance for him to win is keeping the fight on his feet.

I expect to see a vintage Jake Shields out there. The first round will feature some awkward stand up exchanges before Shields gets top control in the second and finishes it.

Shields Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Round 2

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs. Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard

A lightweight battle between two friends is the co-main event. The build up to this fight has been more about Cerrone (!8-4, 4-1) calling out Anthony Pettis rather than talking about his scheduled opponent. Cowboy is coming off a clear-cut decision win over Jeremy Stephens and is looking to jump to the front of the lightweight division. Cerrone is dangerous wherever the fight goes but loves finishing his opponent on the ground. (13 submission wins)

In October of last year Guillard (30-10-2, 11-6) was on his way to a title shot. An upset by Joe Lauzon and a submission loss to Jim Miller through ice on his hot streak. But after a decision win just over a month ago against Fabricio Camoes, Guillard took this fight on short notice to get back to the top.

Guillard appears to be in trouble. Nine of his ten losses have come by submission and as mentioned before, Cerrone loves that. The two promise a brawl but despite his gentlemanly drawl I expect Cowboy to go for the submission early and end this thing.

Cerrone Submission (Triangle Choke) Round 1

Frankie "The Answer" Edgar vs. Benson “Smooth” Henderson

Frankie Edgar (14-2-1, 9-2-1) aka the king of the rematch looks to regain his title in the main event. Honestly, I am not that excited for this fight. It pains me to say that because there are so many great match ups to make in the 155 pound division. Edgar possesses some of the best footwork in the UFC and above average wrestling as well. No one will show more heart in a fight than the New Jersey native but is that enough to take out the much bigger Henderson (16-2, 4-0)?

In their first fight Edgar looked like a featherweight and Henderson was competing at 170. Smooth has been on a roll since dropping the WEC title to Anthony Pettis in December 2010. The first fight he went toe to toe with Edgar and at the end of the fight looked like he could go five more rounds.
After reviewing their first fight again I still like Henderson in this one. If he throws less kicks and lands another one of those upkicks, he should be able to control the action and defend his title. Just don't expect him to finish Edgar.

Henderson Unanimous Decision (49-46)

Win or Lose, let's promise to not fight each other again
Credit:MMAfighting

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 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 149: Who's Number Two?

This weekend was supposed to be the third match between Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber.  After splitting the first two matches then coaching opposite each other on the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter the end of this rivalry seemed imminent.

Of course, the UFC did not take into account one of the worst injury bugs ever to effect a card.  Originally, Erik Koch and Jose Aldo had their championship fight scheduled for UFC 149 and was going to be one of the rare times the lighter weights would main event a pay per view card. 

Not counting the main event, the UFC also botched the announcement of signing Bibaiano Fernandes, one of the top bantamweights in the world.  Instead he ended up signing with One FC and we are left with Francisco Rivera against Roland Delorme.

There is also a lot less sexiness on the card after Akiyama dropped out due to injury in training.  Also, a fight between former light heavyweight champion Shogun Rua and Thiago Silva was scrapped and eventually to UFC on Fox 4.

This past week my genius showed once again. If you count my bonus Strikeforce picks I finished 8-2.  Now too shabby if I say so myself.

Now on to the picks…

Last Card: 5-1Year: 51-29 

Chris “The Menace” Clements vs.Matt “Deep Waters” Riddle

This is a surprising bout to kick off the main card in my opinion. It made more sense to me to put Court McGee and Nick Ring to kick off the show. However, this is a fight that should entertain the Calgary fans.

Clements debuted (11-4, 1-0 UFC) debuted wit ha split decision win over Keith Wisniewski at UFC 145. The Menace, who owns the fastest MMA KO in history at 3 seconds, looked wild in my opinion. His striking is far from technical but when he was able to avoid the clinch he was able to throw bombs.

Riddle (6-3. 6-3) is a life time UFC fighter. He debuted on TUF season 7 and has been in the Octagon ever since. His submission game has improved over this time and consistently puts up entertaining fights. Deep Waters has only finished one opponent in his career and has lost 2 of his last 3.

This is a case where I think fighting in front of his native fans will hinder Clements’ performance. I think he comes out looking to finish the fight early and Riddle survives long enough to get him down and stay on top.

Riddle Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Brian Ebersole vs. James Head

I am very surprised to see Ebersole (50-14-1, 4-0) on this card. He defeated TJ Waldburger a month ago at the Guida-Maynard FX card. After the fight, he announced a desire drop to lightweight but instead he has an opportunity to move to 5-0 at welterweight before he moves to 155.Ebersole has not lost since 2007 (11 fights) with the only loss to Hector Lombard, the guy in the co-main event. The man fans call “The White Anderson Silva” has the experience and skills to win this fight wherever it goes.  My one concern is that there is little for him to gain here besides a paycheck and maybe a bonus. 

James Head (8-2, 1-1) looks to play spoiler in this welterweight match up. After a submission loss to Nick Ring in his debut, a drop to welterweight proved successful as Head submitted Papy Abedi in the first round. Head should prove to be less of a test than Waldburger on the ground for the veteran Ebersole.

Ebersole Submission (Arm Triangle) Round 2

Cheick Kongo vs. Shawn “The Savage” Jordan

Kongo (17-7-2, 10-5-1) should change his name to the Ultimate Heavyweight gate keeper. He beats Pat Barry, Matt Mitrione and Paul Buentello but loses to Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez and most recently, Mark Hunt. A four fight unbeaten streak was snapped with when he was KOd in the first by the already mentioned Hunt.  Kong is well-rounded and despite all the crap I give him when I discuss his fights is capable of putting away any fighter.

Jordan (13-3, 1-0) steps in for Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and is presented with a huge opportunity.  HE announced his arrival in March with a second round TKO over Oli Thompson.  An unknown to many, Jordan will look to take advantage of Kongo’s questionable chin and get another knockout. 

This fight is a toss up for me.  Both guys are strikers who have been Kod in the past.  In this fight I expect Kongo to use his wrestling to wear down the young Jordan, if he doesn’t Kongo could find himself on a Fuel card soon.

Jordan TKO Round 1

Hector “Lightning” Lombard vs. Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch”

This is a fight that every single middleweight in the world should be watching.  Lombard (31-2-1, 0-0) is making his UFC debut and is #6 in my rankings. A impressive win likely pits him against Anderson Silva. There is a logjam in the division. Between Lombard, Weidman, Stann, Bisping and Belcher Joe Silva's job gets much easier with a KO win by Lightning. Lombard has done all he can outside the UFC to make a name for himself and now is his chance to step up and make the most of his opportunity.

The one man who can throw a wrench into everything is Tim Boetsch (15-4, 6-3). Thats no problem for him because he has been doing that since dropping down to middleweight. Three straight wins over Kendall Grove, Nick Ring and his massive comeback against Yushin Okami. Boetsch took a lot of shots in that fight and showed resiliency.

The problem is that the Barbarian has never faced anyone with the power of Lombard. If he gets hit anywhere near the number of times he did against Okami it is going to be lights out for him.Lombard KO Round 1

Renan Barão vs. “The California Kid” Urijah Faber

The interim bantamweight title is on the line for these two tough competitors. Barão (28-1, 3-0) is on an absolute warpath. He is unbeaten in his last 29 fights and has not been in trouble in any of them. Also, Barão is the favorite by oddsmakers despite being Faber's (26-5, 2-1) popularity.

Faber was the king of the WEC before it was taken over by the UFC. He was the face of the company and has had titles in every organization he has fought in. Faber does not surprise you much with his game either. He is an aggressive fighter with incredible cardio and one of the best guillotines in the sport.

Barão will need to adapt his training partner, Jose Aldo's, fighting style, to win this fight. Aldo picked Faber apart with leg kicks (proof) en route to a decision win. If Barão can utilize his length to avoid power shots he should be able to work his stand up game.

Faber's number one goal should be to survive the first two rounds. If he can win either of them its even better. Barão is unbeatable when the bell wing but last time we saw him against Scott Jorgensen he slowed down. The championship rounds will definitely be the California Kid's if it lasts that long.Faber Decision (48-47)

There can only be one champion...
unless you count that Cruz guy
Credit:MMAJunkie

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 (his picks below). Be easy on the kid he is still upset about Chael’s loss. 

Feel free to leave your predictions on our facebook page. The show airs  daily Monday-Friday. 

Chris “The Menace” Clements vs. Matt Riddle

First fight in the main card features the only syrup lover on the main card with Clements hailing from Ontario . The Menace (no Dennis) is 1-0 in the UFC with a decision victory his last time out. Clements has had his opponent changed a few times due to injuries, and now gets a new puzzle.. Or Riddle?(bad attempt at humor). Matt Riddle gets the call. Riddle is coming off a big win in his last fight against Henry Martinez in February. I see this fight being a bit boring….. I hope I am wrong, but I will give the Canadian (Clements) the edge in his native land via Decision.  

 

Brian Ebersole vs. James Head

I love hilarious facial hair… hilarious body hair makes me uncomfortable… mainly because I cant grow it in order to design it… Ebersole is a late replacement after injuries forced Claude Patrick out. Ebersole had decision victory less than a month ago, so his training camp wasn’t hurt too bad being shortened. Head got a big victory in Sweden over Papy Abedi to go 1-1 so far in the octagon. I think Ebersole looked great in his last fight, but didn’t put TJ away, and wont put Head away… which will hurt him and come round 3 Head will lock in a guillotine choke for the submission victory.

Cheick Kongo vs. Shawn Jordan

Who knows which Cheick will show up? This guy looks tough as hell and sometimes even fights that way.. other times he looks like he could careless. I am a big Shawn Jordan guy from what I have seen and I think he has a chance to at least have a say in title match ups, but wont get there himself (definition of a gatekeeper). I think Kongo gets rocked and Jordan beats the hell out of him to get a stoppage in round 2.

 

Hector Lombard vs. Tim Boetsch

Lombard doesn’t want Silva next… He wants Munoz(apparently the trash talk angered the newest UFC’er)He might not get his wish with a dominating performance though… I think if he impresses, he gets Silva next (Chris Weidman disagrees). Boetsch had a  great comeback victory last time out… was down on the scorecard, and came out and won it… Sadly, I don’t think this gets close to the 3^rd round. Round 1 TKO for Lombard and a date with Weidman… winner gets the Spider!

 

Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barao

Urijah Faber had a tough test in Cruz…. I think he has an even tougher test with Renan Barao. Barao has a winning streak that most UFC fighters will never get near… Barao was going to get a title shot sooner rather than later, an injury sped things up…. I think Barao wins this thing if Urijah tries to get cute and finish him… Barao will struggle when this thing gets to the championship rounds. Barao’s cardio has been questioned, and I think that might be the one chance Faber has to win it. Sadly, I don’t think this thing sees the championship rounds. Barao catches that famous chin in round 2 and ends it with an armbar to get the interim belt.

 

That’s it for me. Enjoy the fights and tune in on Monday to Split Decision!

UFC on Fuel TV 4: Silva's Next Victim

After putting on the most anticipated rematch of all-time this past weekend the UFC now has to find Anderson Silva’s next victim opponent.  The UFC on Fuel TV 4 main event pits Mark Muñoz against Chris Weidman. 

The winner of this fight will jump to the front of the line for Silva’s title… at least until Hector Lombard destroys Tim Boetch July 21.  The pay per view card was a rough night for picks.

My guy Tito lost a questionable decision and a freak injury cost me on my Stun Gun.  That’s alright though because I have recovered and am looking to get 20 picks over .500 for the year.

Also, I will be heading to Kansas City this weekend for some bachelor party shenanigans for my brother who I let fight in the UFC while I held the banner.  Unfortunately, this means that I will likely not be able to catch Strikeforce live on Saturday night.

I encourage any fight fan to check it out because it is a much a better card than this Fuel TV card in my opinion. 

Quick Strikeforce picks

Lawler TKO Round 2 over Larkin
Gracie Submission Round 1 over Jardine
Marquardt TKO Round 3 over Woodley
Rockhold Unanimous Decision (49-46) over Kennedy

Now on to the real picks…

  

Last Card: 3-3
Year: 46-28
 

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Anthony“The Assassin” Njokuani

The first of six main card fights pits two exciting lightweights against each other.  Dos Anjos is one of the most underrated fighters in the crowded 155 pound division.  If not for a jaw injury suffered in the third round against Clay Guida and a split decision loss to Gleison Tibau he would be on a seven fight winning streak. Dos Anjos is a BJJ black belt who will need to get this fight to the ground if he wants to leave with a win.

Njokuani is one of my favorite fighters to watch when he steps into the Octagon.  His strength is clearly his muay thai and he throws more kicks in a single fight than most fighters do in an entire career.  He has not been the most successful fighter lately, alternating wins and losses in his last six, but he will always have one of the coolest moments in WEC history. 

The advantage Njokuani’s striking is smaller than the advantage dos Anjos holds on the ground.  The Assassin throws volume strikes but he has not finished an opponent in the UFC. It is just a matter of time until dos Anjos gets this fight to the ground.

Dos Anjos Submission (Arm Bar) Round 2

T.J. “The Viper” Dillashaw vs. Vaughan “Love”Lee

Dillashaw was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter Season 14 where he ultimately lost to John Dodson.  In his first fight after the show the Viper put on a clinic against Walel Watson resulting in judges giving scores of 30-25, 30-25 and 30-26.  His wrestling is his greatest asset in his repertoire.  Look forward the young Team Alpha Male product to execute his ground and pound.

Vaughan Lee bounced back from a loss in his UFC debut with a very slick armbar from a triangle against Norifumi Yamamoto in February.  The Brit is a stud on the ground and will be very comfortable executing offense from his back if when Dillashaw takes him down.

When a wrestler, especially an inexperienced one like Dillashaw, meets a stud on the ground it is always a tricky situation.  The wrestler can dominate the entire fight but in an instant get caught in a submission, just ask Chael Sonnen.  In this case though Dillashaw controls his top position very well and I like him to cruise to a victory.

Dillashaw Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Karlos “the Terminator” Vemola vs. Francis “Limitless” Carmont

Vemola is coming off a successful middleweight debut in May where he submitted Mike Massenzio.  While the opponent may be the most impressive, Vemola deserves credit for making the weight cut, just three years ago he was fighting as a heavyweight.  The 6 time Czech Republic National Wrestling Champion is incredibly strong, was a former body builder, but his striking can get wild at times.  Also, in previous fights his gas tank has come into question.   

Carmont, a teammate of Georges St Pierre, is riding a seven fight win streak (2-0 in the UFC).  He also won his last fight by rear naked choke back in April.  Carmont seems to be the more complete fighter of the two.  He lacks the brute strength of the Terminator but his striking game is much more versatile.  The longer the fight goes, the worst news it is for Vemola.

Carmont TKO Round 2

Aaron “A-Train” Simpson vs. Kenny Robertson 

Simpson’s style can best be described as grinding. He was an All-American at Arizona State and it shows when he steps in the Octagon. This will be his welterweight debut where he was originally scheduled to face perennial contender Jon Fitch.  Now he goes up against Robertson, a fighter that not much is known about (he doesn’t even have a wikipedia page) besides a loss to Mike Pierce at UFC 126 last February.

In that loss Robertson was bullied by Pierce for a round and a half before getting TKOd.  At the time I did not think much of Pierce but after recent performances I will not hold the fight against Robertson. He does hold a win against a talented fighter from Wisconsin I have seen fight multiple times in Gerald Meerchaert. 

At age 37 I expect the first time weight cut to take a toll on Simpson. Robertson gets a pass form me for his first Octagon performance and I expect him to come out inspired and lock down the biggest win of his career.

Robertson Unanmious Decision (29-28)

James Te Huna vs. Joey“The Mexicutioner” Beltran
Te Huna is the first ever New Zealander in the UFC and is showing that Kiwis know how to fight. He was won 8 of his last 9 with seven of them coming by stoppage.  While he does not have a signature win yet in his career, it is only a matter of time before more people star taking notice. 

Beltran is back in the UFC after a successful light heavyweight debut outside the promotion.  He is a fan favorite due to his brawling style and iron chin.  Unfortunately for him, I think chin has worn down, you only need to look at the Lavar Johnson fight to see that.  After 21 fights I find it hard to believe that Beltran changed his style that much and a decision win over a 4-2 regional light heavyweight brings memories of Shania Twain.

This is a rather weak co-main even in my opinion even for a Fuel card. Te Huna at this point in their careers is just better than Joey Beltran.

Te-Huna KO Round 1

Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Muñoz vs. Chris“The All American” Weidman

The main event features a pair of two-time college wrestling All Americans. Muñoz was supposed to face Chael Sonnen in January before he injury sidelined took him out of action until today. Muñoz fights a lot like Sonnen; his plan is to take his opponents down and hit them with is Donkey Kong style ground and pound. His four fight win streak includes victories over many different styles of fighters but no one quite as well-rounded as Weidman.

Chris Weidman is undefeated in 8 career fights (4-0 UFC). He comes out of a rising Serra-Longo Fight Team in Long Island.  His last fight against Demian Maia did not wow anybody but people need to remember he cut 32 pounds in 10 days.  The All-American only started training jiu-jitsu in 2008 but I think he has the clear submission advantage in this match up.

When two wrestlers fight it usually turns into an ugly stand up war. While I think the wrestling of Muñoz is overrated, he has only landed 23% of his takedown attempts in the Octagon, he still packs a lot of power.  Weidman will need to utilize his reach advantage to stay clear of these power shots.

When the odds came out on this fight I was surprise that Weidman was the slight favorite over the veteran Muñoz but ultimately I have to agree with the odds makers.

Weidman Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Round 3

Two wrestlers in the main event. What could go wrong?
Credit: MMAJunkie

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 (his picks below). Be easy on the kid he is still upset about Chael’s loss.

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Lightweight- Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Anthony Njokuani

I don’t pick against Ninjas... EVER! Njokuani by 2^nd round KO via some sweet kick.

Bantamweight- T.J. Dillashaw vs. Vaughan Lee

Dillashaw impressed me in Omaha. I think he takes it to the Brit and moves to 2-0 in the Octagon.

MiddleWeight-Karlos Vemola vs. Francis Carmont

Francis has a lot of hype behind him because he trains with GSP. He has lived up to the hype so far with a 2-0 record in the octagon. Vemola will give him a strong test, but I give the nod to Carmont via Decision.

Welterweight- Aaron Simpson vs. Kenny Robertson

Thanks for filling in Mr. Robertson, but this will not end well for you. Simpson is coming off a tough split decision loss and looking for payback. This is a great chance for Robertson who fills in for Jon Fitch, but sadly it wont last long. Simpson by round 1 TKO

Light Heavyweight- James Te-Huna vs. Joey Beltran

James Te-Huna has been extremely impressive so far going 3-1 with his only loss coming at the hands of the Swedish version of Jon Jones (Gustafsson).  He gets a test against a vet who probably doesn’t remember his last fight in the Octagon very well in Joey Beltran. I think the kid gets a HUGE decision victory against Beltran.

Middleweight- Mark Munoz vs. Chris Weidman

I love America but I think Munoz dominates in this one and I don’t think it will be close. I think Munoz grounds and pounds his way to a round 2 TKO. Up next: a spider… That is a scary “reward”.

  

Sorry this week’s picks were quick, and uncreative but sadly Marty was yelling at me to finish these and get back to my sweatshop.

Enjoy the fights… and don’t forget #TeamChael