Upcoming UFC 136 Edgar vs. Maynard III

Upcoming UFC 136 Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III, October 8th, 2011 from Houston, Texas.

I’m just gonna go ahead right away and say I’m pretty upset after living in and around Houston for 9 months I come home one week before this dream of a rematch comes to town? Okay, done with that, on to the exciting stuff. For the first time in a while I am excited about every single fight on the main card, and even a few on the undercard.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III – lightweight championship

No, Maynard is not a third generation Gray, this is the third time these two will be meeting in the cage and the instant rematch from their bout on New Years Day at UFC 125. This fight was pretty close to not happening. Dana White, like me, does not like the instant rematch, it just delays other championship matchups. Anthony Pettis, the last WEC lightweight champ, was promised the next title shot and it was even announced at the press conference that he would have it. Soon after though, Dana probably gave his head a shake and realized not only the challenger, but the current champ, Frankie Edgar, wanted to see that fight with a decisive result and needed the rematch. They had both fighters watch their New Years Day matchup and it was pretty interesting to hear what they had to say. Both fighters had themselves winning 48-46.

I would like to see Maynard finally put an end to this. The first round at UFC 125 he completely dominated. He knocked down Edgar 4, maybe even 5 times. Edgar looked bad, totally shaky, unable to get up, if it wasn’t a title match, it could possibly have been called. But to give him credit he did keep getting up. Also, if Maynard wanted to finish it, he should have in that round when Edgar was so weak. That was obviously the gameplan but unfortunately he wasn’t able to follow through and he gassed himself out a bit. The rest of the fight was back and forth but I thought Maynard took it. But no need talking about a fight 9 months ago, this is the fight at hand. Since it has been so long I really don’t know what to expect. I can only guess both have worked hard on their weaknesses from the last time their faced each other. I’m only hoping that Maynard worked on that knockout power so when he knocks down Edgar this time around, he stays down.

Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian – featherweight championship

I made the mistake of going against Aldo at his first title defense at UFC 129 but I won’t be making that mistake here. I just don’t think Florian has what it takes to finish him. The Ben Stiller lookalike is a fantastic fighter and has taken out some big names, but he has done so in four different divisions! That has to take a toll on his body. He has fought from 145 all the way up to 185. I think he fits better in this division, or even lightweight but I don’t think he can be the champ right now against Aldo. It’s a quote of a quote but I heard Anderson Silva said if Jose Aldo was 185, he’d retire. If Silva is scared of this dude, he’s gotta have something. I just hope it’s an exciting finish.

Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann – middleweight

This is so crummy to have to pick. This is Sonnen’s first fight back after all the controversy of his fight against Anderson Silva and drama afterwards. I really wanted to see him come in and redeem himself but this is an easy choice, Stann has quickly made his way into my top three fighters and I’m going with him. His last three fights have been exciting finishes, one submission and two huge TKOs. He’s an awesome guy and has already adopted Couture’s nickname Captain America, just added the 2.5. These two were about to start training together before this matchup was announced so it’s another friendly gone foe fight. Both fighters have great wrestling background and clearly have knockout strength. Either way, I don’t think these two will let the fight go to a decision. Another TKO for Stann? Yes please.

Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan – featherweight

This is the promised rematch from Phan’s UFC debut at the TUF Season 12 finale. I feel like he was robbed in that fight but since his recent loss to Mike Brown he does have a lot to prove. I hope he can do it, I’m a Phan… haha, get it?

Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon – lightweight

Guillard has been running through guys, Jeremy Stephens, Evan Dunham, Shane Roller but Lauzon also just had an impressive submission victory over Curt Warburton. I feel like Guillard may take this one but I’m really hoping Lauzon can pull it off. I was rooting for him when he faced George Sotiropolis at UFC 123 but after being disappointed there I want to see him win it. 

Upcoming UFC 135 Jones vs. Rampage

Upcoming UFC 135 Jon "Bones" Jones vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, September 24th, 2011 from Denver, Colorado.

Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson – light heavyweight championship

Getting to this matchup was a bit of a journey. It started with season 10 of TUF where coaches Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson were set to face each other for the number one contender spot to take on the champ at the time, Shogun Rua. After Rampage took his fighting hiatus to become a “movie star” they fought and Evans took the W. But when Evans was to get fight Shogun, he had to pull out because of injury. Rampage was unable to cut as much weight as he would have to on such short notice so young gun, Bones Jones was giving the chance to step up. He took advantage of the opportunity with a big third round TKO. So now it’s set for Evans to get his title shot against a different champ. Later it is announced that Jones has an injury that requires surgery and will put him out until the end of 2011. Not wanting to wait that long to fight again, Evans took the headline fight at UFC 133 and took out UFC vet Tito Ortiz. Now here is where the really crummy news for Evans comes in, Jones does not need surgery and is ready to fight. Too soon after his last bout, Evans wont be in that matchup so the man he defeated, Rampage, gets it. Yes, Rampage did defeat Matt Hamill and Lyoto Machida since his loss to Evans but I would still be pretty annoyed if I was Evans. Pretty sure he will take on the winner of this one though, so I suppose that’s the silver lining.

Now past the ifs, ands, buts, and injuries, on to the fight! Simple choice, Jones it is. He is incredible. Like I have said before, he has a very out there and unorthodox fighting style. Moves like the flying knee and spinning elbow tend to annoy me because they are often so inaccurate and tend to be just for show. However, this kid has perfected them and they have become a great weapon, hook, jab, spinning elbow, it’s all in his back of tricks. Having the longest reach in the UFC isn’t a bad thing to have up your sleeve either. At 84.5” that is even longer than the spider’s (Anderson Silva) 77.5” reach. That’s one reason why I want to see that matchup so badly. But that’s neither here nor there, this fight comes first. Rampage is a great fighter as well, no doubt about that, I just don’t see the same drive I used to. His last two fights have gone to the judges and one decision was split. Rampage is usually really aggressive and I do hope to see that side of him come back but with a 10” reach deficit it will not be easy. I think this fight will be exciting and I don’t think it will go to a decision, unfortunately for Rampage though, he’ll be getting the short end of the stick. I’m a big Jones fan and I want to see him hold on to this belt for a while.

Matt Hughes vs. Josh Koscheck – welterweight

I’m so happy this fight changed! Hughes was set to face Diego Sanchez. If you ask me, Sanchez has gone a little loopy lately. He renamed himself “The Dream”, I wont go into it, just read my post for UFC Live on Versus 3. Anyway, Sanchez suffered a broken hand and was replaced by Koscheck, we all know how I feel about him… He hasn’t had a fight since being totally demolished by GSP at UFC 124. He could come out guns blazing and surprise everyone but I’m hoping instead that Hughes redeems himself after a ridiculously disappointing loss to BJ Penn. I don’t see either of these guys getting a title shot soon after this fight but I do want a good matchup with Hughes taking the win.

Nick Ring vs. Tim Boetsch – middleweight

This is the only other fight on the card I’m really excited to see. Ring is a TUF vet and trains in Calgary Alberta, Oh Canada! He has won two fights so far in 2011 and I am hoping to make that three. He’s a goofy dude but seems really down to earth and cool, not to mention a great fighter. His defeat of Riki Fukuda was so controversial that Dana White actually gave Fukuda a win bonus paycheck as well. Ring obviously didn’t want to leave it up to the judges again and took his next win by submission. Boetsch is a big guy and has been in the UFC for a long time but I think Ring will take this one, he seems to have momentum since he fought so recently with a decisive finish.

Having so few fights that I am really pumped about usually means it is going to be a great night. Going in with no expectations and watching fighters I don’t really follow is usually a good combination. I’m hoping that pattern stays true and it’s an exciting night of TKOs and submissions. 

Upcoming UFC 134 Silva vs. Okami

Upcoming UFC 134- Rio Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami, August 27^th, 2011 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This is without a doubt going to be one of the most exciting cards so far this year. Three big Brazilian names taking on top contenders in their own backyard.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Dan Miller – middleweight

Brother of one of my new favourites, Jim Miller, Dan Miller, a middleweight, isn’t quite as good but has the same awesome attitude. Unfortunately he has lost to most of the top 10 guys in the weightclass; Maquardt, Bisping, Demian Maia, and Chael Sonnen but I would still like to see him do well. Especially considering I don’t remember this Palhares dude other than the fact that he also lost of Marquardt not too long ago.  

Ross Peason vs. Edson Barboza – lightweight

I am very excited to see the Captain on a main card. (I dubbed Edson Barboza “The Captain” a while back, simply because I really like the pirate movies) His most recent fight in March went to a decision but this kid has got some major kicks I am excited to see him pull out at this one. Ross Peason is an incredible fighter, he’s taken out big names like Andre Winner and rising star, Dennis Siver but I’d like to see Barboza win in his home country.

Antonion Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Brendan Schaub – heavyweight

No question, after he came second on the tenth season of TUF, I have been a fan of Schaub. Since the show ended, Schaub has gone 4-0 with two coming from TKO and one huge KO of Mirko Cro Cop in his most recent fight in March. Big Nog is not going to be an easy one to get past, he’s been fighting a lot longer and has similar KO power but I think Schaub has it. He’s younger, faster, and I feel like he is more driven to get his title shot. I don’t see this fight going past the second round and I am going with the Hybrid this time.

Shogun Rua vs. Forrest Griffin – light heavyweight

Shogun has home court advantage and Griffin has only had one fight in the past year but I’m still going with one of my favourites. I have always liked Griffin, I like his style and he’s a great sport. Not the best reasons to pick a winner but do I ever have real legitimate fighting related reasons? Shogun just lost his belt in March to the extraordinary Jon Bones Jones so I’m sure he feels like he has something to prove. That was his first defense so he wasn’t even able to hold the belt for a year. This is not the first time these two have fought though; this is the victory that earned Griffin his embarrassing highlight reel hands flailing victory celebration. He finished Shogun with a submission with just seconds left in the lst round, he went on to gain the title but this was also four years ago. Both of these guys know what it is like to hold the belt and I usually don’t care for a repeat champ but I like these guys and I think they were both good ambassadors. Plus Griffin is hilarious. If you can find it, watch Griffin’s part of the countdown, when he talks about wanting a girl that looks just like him (his wife is pregnant with their first child, a daughter, to be born 10 days after this fight). I see fight of the night potential in this one, I’m just hoping it goes that way I want it to.

Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami – middleweight Championship

I cannot wait for Silva to be dethroned, and Okami may just have what it takes to get the job done. Okami earned his title shot by taking out Nate Marquardt at UFC 122. He was able to control the pace and was the aggressor for most of the fight. He also trains with Chael Sonnen, the one man who has been able to take Silva to the edge, and just barely lost in the last seconds of the 5^th round after dominating the majority of the fight. This is a little ace in Okami’s pocket for this fight. Now with Silva, if you have read my blogs you know my feelings about him; I have felt lately that he has been lackadaisical about fighting. He was becoming a showboat, clowning guys in the cage but not finishing. After his most recent KO of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 my faith in 2008 Silva is beginning to return. As long as Silva comes out strong and aggressive, like the amazing fighter we all know he is, I will have no problem cheering him on as he keeps the belt. However, if showboat Silva decides to make an appearance instead I will be thoroughly disappointed. Silva is widely considered as the best pound for pound fighter on the planet but it’s about being smart too, and if Okami goes in with the right gameplan and the right mindset, he could pull off the upset. 

Upcoming UFC 133 Evans vs. Ortiz

Upcoming UFC 133 Rashad Evans vs. Tito Ortiz, August 6^th, 2011 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rashad Evans vs. Tito Ortiz – light heavyweight

So I am almost furious with this fight. First it was supposed to be Rashad Evan’s shot at Jon Jones, the current belt holder. But when Jones suffered an injury during his fight against Shogun Rua where he earned the belt, Phil Davis was named the new opponent. But of course Davis suffered a knee injury and the spot was offered up to Tito. SO MAD! His most recent win was impressive, a submission victory over Ryan Bader which I haven’t blogged about yet but I will because his reaction is repulsing. Miming digging a grave, dragging Bader in and then covering it up. That is so low class. To celebrate is one thing, and good for him, he worked and trained hard for that but to be a cocky, arrogant, jerk is too much. Not the first time he has celebrated like that and I’m certain it will not be the last but I am not impressed Mr. Ortiz.

For a while now I have been saying I am over Tito. I used to like him and I do not deny that he is talented, he’s a former champ but I can’t stand his attitude and for a couple fights it seemed like he was fighting as a coach not a fighter. It makes sense, just think about it for a minute. When he defeated Bader, he had not won in about 5 years and his contract was on the line. Up against the wall he was in survival mode to save his career against the man who’s only loss was to the current champ. Kudos to him, it has earned him the third pick for this headline fight. Also, good for him for taking another fight so soon after his last. That still doesn’t earn my vote though, I’m hoping that just when Tito thinks he is on his way back up he gets shot back down and suffers a huge loss against Evans.

Just a side note, another little slap in the face, since it has been announced Jones doesn’t need surgery, Evans will not get the first shot at Jones’ title, Rampage gets it in September!

I’m going to make the rest of my choices short and sweet because I’m just plain annoyed with Tito showing up again.

Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama – middleweight

Both of these guys need to win, Akiyama is coming off two straight losses to Chris Leban and Michael Bisping and Belfort just lost to Silva in an embarrassing front kick to the face KO. I’m a fan of Akiyama and especially since Belfort just had his chance at the belt I’m going with him tonight.

Brian Ebersole vs. Dennis Hallman – welterweight

Ebersole is on quite a role and with a recent victory over Chris Lytle I feel like Ebersole has the momentum and he will be my pick this time.

Jorge Rivera vs. Costantinos Philippou – middleweight

I don’t know anything about this Philippou guy but after all the trash talking Rivera did before his fight against Bisping I’m going to be cheering against him.

Mike Pyle vs. Rory McDonald – welterweight

I’m going to be watching at a very busy bar in America so even though I kind of think Pyle will take this, I’m going with my fellow canuck McDonald in this one.

Over fights to note;

Matt Hamill vs. Alexander Gustafsson – light heavyweight

Obviously going with Hamill since I cheered against him in his last fight. Interesting to note that Hamill defeated Mr Ortiz who got the headline spot ahead of him…. Hmm. Granted, Ortiz did just win his last fight and Hamill lost to Rampage bit still, ugh.

Nam Phan vs. Mike Brown – featherweight

PHAN! I love watching this kid fight. After he got robbed of the decision win at his UFC debut I want Phan to finish this fight and not give the judges the opportunity to do that again.

Upcoming UFC 132 Cruz vs. Faber

Upcoming UFC I32 Dominik Cruz. Vs. Urijah Faber, July 2^nd, 2011 from Las Vegas, Nevada

Dominik Cruz vs. Urijah Faber – featherweight championship

This is a fight I have been looking forward to since I saw this kid defend the last WEC belt at WEC 53. Cruz was so exciting in that fight! Faber made his UFC debut just a short while ago when he went to battle with Eddie Wineland and took the unanimous decision win. Its so hard to pick a winner, Cruz hasn't fought yet in 2011 and has not fought in front of a UFC crowd so both of those factors could play against him. I'm going with Faber in this match up but I think we are in for a good fight. 

Wanderlei Silva vs. Chris Leban - middleweight

Silva has only had one fight at middleweight and it was a great win ver Michael Bisping at UFC 110. But that fight was in February... of 2010. Leban has been fighting a lot more recently with 3 wins, one by knockout and one by submission. His most recent fight was of course a loss to Brian Stann but I wont hold that against him, it's Brian Stann. I'm going with the crippler in this one. 

Tito Ortiz vs. Ryan Bader - light heavyweight

After his loss to current champ Bones Jones I'm not too happy that I feel like this fight is way below Bader. The last time I saw Tito fight was an ugly defeat by Matt Hammil and I felt he was fighting like a sparring partner, throwing some nice combinations but instead of going in for the finish, stepping back. Tito is a great fighter, he has had a great career in the UFC but I think it's time for him to move solely to coaching, he's good at it. But I suppose we will see how this fight goes for him and what Dana has to say after his likely loss. 

Carlos Condit vs. Dong Hyun Kim - welterweight

Kim and Condit I feel are both in the same place right now, definitely on their way up, breaking into the top guys of the welterweight division. I'm picking Condit in this fight simply because his knockout of Dan Hardy is still one of my favourites. If you haven't seen it, go youtube it now, seriously, UFC 120, ridiculous!

Dennis Siver vs. Matt Wiman - lightweight

Both of these fighters are great and are currently on win streaks but I feel like Siver is going to take it. He has that intimidating quiet confidence, it may just be because he can't speak English so he is always quiet. But I've said before he also has that German soldier in a movie look to him, I'm hoping for a submission victory. 

Upcoming UFC 131 Dos Santos vs. Carwin

Upcoming UFC 131 Junior dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin June 11, 2011 BC, Canada


This is going to be short and sweet since time is limited and I'm in the middle of moving! Busy busy with NBA finals and NHL playoffs all going on! All three result blogs will be coming soon though, promise!

Junior dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin - heavyweight

Even though Carwin has the interim belt I'm going with Junior. I've been informed by a trained mma buddy his fighting style is more fluid and I think that will do well against Carwin who is a little more robotic with his movement. I would also like to see a Carwin vs. Lesnar rematch and I think that would happen if Junior took this fight and then got his chance at Velasquez. Either way though, I'll be happy with either fighter winning, they're both great fighters and with these big dudes in the cage I don't see it leaving the first round. 

Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz - middleweight

I've never really been entertained by Maia so I think I have to go with Munoz on this one. Both fighters have won their last two bouts so we'll have to see how this fight goes. I'm hoping it's an exciting one though, Maia tends to let it go to a decision. 

Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes - featherweight

Now that Florian is down from lightweight to a more comfortable spot at featherweight I think he will do well. So I'm going with Ben Stiller's twin!

Krysztof Sosynski vs. Mike Massenzio - light heavyweight
I have to go with the crazy Polish experiment who has been doing pretty well winning his last fight and getting fight of the night honours in his rematch with Stephan Bonnar


Nick Ring vs. James Head - middleweight
Simple, Canadian, TUF vet, going with the Canuck

Upcoming UFC 130 Rampage vs. Hamill

Upcoming UFC 130 Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Matt Hamill May 28th, 2011 from Las Vegas, Nevada

So this card was meant to include the third fight between lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and challenger Gray Maynard but unfortunately due to injury (both fighters being injured) that fight is being postponed. Edgar was the first to be injured with broken ribs and initially Anthony Pettis (who is in line for the title shot as he was the last to hole the WEC lightweight title) was going to replace him. I’m not happy Maynard got injured but I am happy that he doesn’t have to take on Pettis before getting his chance against Edgar again. This has left the main card to be mostly big guys but there are still some great fights, which should make for a very entertaining evening.

Rampage Jackson vs. Matt Hamill – light heavyweight

UGH I hate when this happens, I like both of these guys! I know a lot of people can’t stand Rampage because he is so cocky and the stunts he pulled delaying the coaches matchup against Rashad Evans and leaving the sport temporarily to pursue his “acting” career but I have always kinda liked something about him. Hamill is a typical good guy, well liked and for good reason. He is definitely an inspiration to a lot of people. He is deaf and recently beat Tito Ortiz at UFC 121after he had made fun of his disability. Hamill is an awesome fighter but I really want to see old Rampage back on top. I can see this being a early first or second round knockout.

Frank Mir vs. Roy “Big Country” Nelson – heavyweight

Unfortunately this is a fight I see as choosing the lesser of two evils. I am going with Big Country on this one, not because I like him, but because I like Mir even less! Mir will probably act like his cocky self coming off a recent defeat of UFC big name, Cro Cop in a painfully boring fight where it felt like Cro Cop didn’t even show up. Before that though he was totally demolished in a first round KO by Shane Carwin. Big Country’s last fight was for the title shot against Junior Dos Santos, which he obviously did not win. Before that, however, he was on a bit of a streak defeating both Stefan Struve (also on this card) and Brendon Shuab by first round KOs. I am really reeeally hoping for another one of those! 

Stefan Struve vs. Travis Browne – heavyweight

I have said it before that I think Struve is going to be a big name in a couple years and I definitely want to stick with that. He is a big dude at 6’11” and as he continues to put on more muscle as he trains for each fight I can only see him getting better. His last fight was an impressive TKO finish of Sean McCorkle at UFC 124 and before that a gross KO victory over Christian Morecraft at UFC 117. Browne has not been in the UFC long at all. His last fight, and UFC debut, was a draw (lucky for him) against Cheick Kongo at UFC 120. Before that fight though he seemed to be a KO/TKO king so this may be a tough one for Struve who doesn’t seem to be able handle fast pressure too well. Let’s see what the kid can do!

Thiago Alves vs. Rick Story – welterweight

Simple answer, I made the mistake at UFC 124 of going against the pitbull and I’m not going to again. Story is not a fighter to be looked past, he is on a five fight win streak but my decision is made.

Brian Stann vs. Jorge Santiago – middleweight

After the UFC 125 I became a huge fan of Stann. He mentioned taking on Wanderlei Silva next but first will have to take on UFC rookie Santiago who has spent most of his mma career in Japan. After seeing this guy’s record where most of his wins are a stoppage, wither TKO, KO or submission I feel like it will be a great fight for Stann and I can’t wait to see him better his position in the middleweight division.