If you are not excited about the rubber match between champion Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture, then you are not a MMA fan! At UFC 57 two of the most popular fighters of all time will collide a final match. Randy won the first fight decisively, and Chuck KO'd Randy in the second. Anything is possible for the third fight!
Despite our picture (top), Chuck comes in the champion and full of confidence after soundly defeating a game Jeremy Horn. Randy comes in after an impressive win over Mike Van Arsdale (also fighting on the card). Can Randy dominate and take down Chuck as he did in the first fight? Or will Chuck keep it a stand up war and KO the "Natural." The MMA Mafia believes that this fight will be different that both previous fights. Both fighters are smart and learn from their mistakes. Randy will not try to stand with Chuck, but Chuck will do everything in his power not to go to the ground. We believe Randy (a takedown artist) will find a way to ground the champion. Then, it will be all over. When down, Chuck cannot withstand assaults and his only defense is just to try and stand back up. I see Randy having a tough time taking the "Iceman" down but eventually in later rounds, Chuck will tire and Randy will get the better of him. Do not be surprised to see this fight go into the later rounds. Randy will go slow and stay away from danger. He may also fail many times at the takedown but he will not give it up. Chucks loses either by exhaustion or decision. Randy becomes the champion again!
Frank Mir vs Marcio Cruz: Winner-Frank Mir The young brash former champion returns to the octagon. Everyone is asking, what kind of shape will he be in? Will he be able to return to form? The short answer is, Yes! Frank was in shape around November, but his agent held him back just to make sure. The UFC has also been nice enough to hand him an opponent who has only 1 professional fight to his record. Cruz is a Gracie trained fighter who has Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu, but Mir has had much more experience. Both have submissions but Frank is one of the best in the sport. At lot of the action will be on the ground and may bore fans, but this is just a warm up fight so Frank can fight Arlovski.
Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs Mike Van Arsdale: Winner- Babalu Renato was on a collision course with the light heavyweight championship until Tito Ortiz returned to the UFC. If anyone is counting Sobral has won his last 9 fights! Mike had a good showing against Randy Couture and there is no shame in that loss. However, he has no fought the caliber of fighter Babalu has. Babalu is a monster who should get a title shot if he wins this fight. Hopefully, he will get the winner of the Couture/Liddell fight.
Alessio Sakara vs Elvis Sinosic: Winner-Sakara Sakara's first UFC fight was ruined when he was kicked in the groin and won by DQ. This will be his second coming out party. Sakara is a strong fighter with submission style coming out of Rome (his home). Elvis got this fight because of a good showing against Forrest Griffin and the fact he is loved by almost all in the sport. A good guy with a great attitude, though he doesn't even have a winning record. Elvis is a tough guy, but he will not win this fight.
Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs Justin Eilers: Winner-Vera The Truth has no shortage of confidence. At his last fight he claimed he is ready to take on Chuck Liddell. He is big on personality and talent. He is however, not a true heavyweight. He is fighting there because the competition is much easier than at light heavyweight. Eilers is coming off his title shot loss to Arlovski where he suffered a brutal leg injury. There are questions as to how he will respond to the injury and coming in after two consecutive losses. The natural heavyweight is very strong and does possess one punch KO power. Eilers also has good talent and has fought the likes of Arlovski, Severn, Cabbage, and Mike Kyle. Experience will be on his side. At the end of the day, the cocky, and crafty Vera should find a way this stand up battle.
Paul "Headhunter" Buentello vs Gilbert Aldana: Winner-???? This will be another crowd pleasing stand up war. Both men love to throw hands and do it well. Buentello has 12 (T)KO's and Aldana has KO'd all 5 fighters he has faced. We don't know a whole lot about Aldana except he can throw leather. We are gathering information, so check back soon for the fight pick winner.
Jeff "The Snowman" Monson vs Brandon "The Iron Lion" Hinkle: Winner-Monson Jeff is a member of American Top Team and has won 13, yes 13, fights in a row. Hinkle last beat Sean Cannon which counts for nothing (hardcore MMA fans know why). Hinkle has some good experience over seas, but he is more of a stand up fighter. I'm betting on the submission specialist with the amazing win streak. Heavyweights, The Snowman is going to make a large impression on the division in 2006. You heard it here first!
Nick Diaz vs Joe "Diesel" Riggs: Winner-????? We all know who both of these fighters are. Diaz, no longer a fan favorite after the Sanchez fight, is coming in with a chip on his shoulder. Joe also lost to Matt Hughes in his last fight (no shame there). The problem is he couldn't make weight for the fight (losing the title shot) and was embarrassed as the champ got an easy armbar victory. Both men are looking for a win, and to stay employed with the UFC. Both men are good at stand up and are both well versed in submissions and ground game (though Joe hasn't shown it recently). This is a pick em fight betters should stay away from. Either man could win, but I am pulling for my man Nick Diaz!
Keith "The Dean Of Mean" Jardine vs Mike "Iron" Whitehead: Winner-Jardine Many thought these two would slug it out for the championship of TUF2, but it did not happen. Whitehead has never shown me anything special though he does train with some great fighters. Jardine will have a hard time KOing Whitehead but if he is in good enough shape, he should win a decision easily. However, he cannot be taken down or he will be submitted.
Stay tuned as we update our picks for the fights and add new incoming information.
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