Thursday, February 04, 2010

UFC 109 Relentless: Predictions & Premonitions


UFC 109: FEBRUARY 6, 2010
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Bouts:
Randy Couture (17-10) vs. Mark Coleman (16-9) The 1st meeting of 2 UFC Hall Of Fame members as the "Natural" meets the "Hammer" for 3 rounds. Originally slated to fight at UFC 17, yes freaking UFC 17, the old school guard meets. Nobody is really giving Coleman a chance in hell and neither am I. Randy has far better skills in every category and even with Mark giving this potential "last fight" all he has got, it will still not be enough. Randy can out box, out wrestle, and out run the "Godfather Of Ground & Pound" if needs be. The only advantage for the withering Hammer House member is that he has a sturdy chin, while "Captain America" seems to go down easier and easier. Mark has a chance here. Just not much of one. This will be about as impressive as the debacle that was Couture/Vera so keep that wallet in you pocket and pirate it online like you should.
WINNER-Xtreme Couture by Decision
Nate Marquardt (29-8-2) vs. Chael Sonnen (23-10-1) I like this fight simply because Sonnen is a tough Team Quest guy that can help polish Nate the "Greats" game for Anderson Silva or Vitor Belfort. Marquardt obviously has more skill and power not to mention he can end fights anywhere while Sonnen generally needs a decision. Also what is the deal with Chael's mouth these days? The guy who has always been a big bible thumper is now talking more trash than Muhammad Ali. Well stop talking because your career is about to hit the ceiling as Nate disposes Sonnen with extreme prejudice before becoming the new Middleweight Champion in the middle of this year!
WINNER-Nate Marquardt by Rd.3 Submission
Demian Maia (11-1) vs. Dan Miller (11-2) The Jiu-Jitsu genius returns after a pathetic 1 punch 21 second KO loss in his last effort to Nate Marquardt. Miller is coming off a decision loss to Chael Sonnen. Both men make their living on the ground and that is just not going to bode well for Dan. Granted he can strike better but Maia is still training with Wanderlei Silva's team and that has to pay dividends eventually. When things hit the floor you are going to get tangled up in Demian's world and tapped out. Dan's best bet is to keep Maia at a distance with the jab and try to garner points for a decision. Ain't gonna happen.
WINNER-Demian Maia by Submission
*Matt Serra (9-6) vs. Frank Trigg (19-7)* "He's a foot stompin' midget." "I can't lose to a guy with a tramp stamp." Ya gotta love a fight between 2 guys who really know how to talk shit properly. The hilarity that has led up to this fight makes me pray it will be close and entertaining so we can do it again. I mean really, neither guy is going to contend for a title in what's left of their careers, but they can still entertain in and out of the cage. The "Terror" looked good against Matt Hughes while "Twinkle Toes" got starched by Josh Koscheck. I kinda got this feeling Serra is going to catch Trigg with 1 of those big right hands or else it will be an entertaining decision win as Frank returns to commentary, where he belongs, full time.
WINNER-Matt Serra by Rd.2 TKO
Paulo Thiago (12-1) vs. Mike Swick (14-3) Its the battle of 2 highly overrated Welterweights. "Quick" lost his title shot and pride last out against Dan Hardy while Paulo beat "Christmas" by a decision. I like Mike here simply because he is better all around fighter not to mention the fact that Paulo has already faced AKA teammates Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck giving him a major advantage. Now if only the gaunt malnourished Swick would get some food and return to Middleweight where he belongs.
WINNER-Mike Swick by Decision

Preliminary Bouts:
Mac Danzig (18-7-1) vs. Justin Buchholz (8-4) What interests me here is how little Justin has to offer in the UFC. The guy is 1-3 for Zuffa and lacks any sort of "wow" factor. The Vegan won TUF 6 and fell apart losing his last 3 fights! The difference between the 2 is the level of competition which will lead to Mac returning to the win column, and Buchholz to the unemployment line Monday. Danzig really needs to win in a flashy impressive style to begin the rebuilding of his career.
WINNER-Mac Danzig by Decision
Melvin Guillard (22-8-2) vs. Ronnys Torres (14-1) 6-4 in the UFC and only staying gainfully employed because of his highlight reel KO power, the "Young Assassin" returns yet again bringing his awesome striking and embarrassing ground game. Ronnys an impressive Nova Uniao prospect training with Jose Aldo, Vitor Ribeiro, Thales Leites, and Jimmy Carter (not that Jimmy Carter). I'll pray for Torres to get that takedown before Mel can land a big bomb and lets banish this "explosive" and "athletic" forever.
UPSET PICK WINNER-Ronnys Torres
Rob Emerson (8-8) vs. Phillipe Nover (9-2-1) I've never had any love for the strike only Emerson but I'm also enjoying watching the career implosion of Nover who was supposed to take the Lightweight division by storm after TUF 8 but has instead lost 2 in a row. Zuffa is hand picking opponents for Phillipe to defeat and he keeps losing! Oh its funny but here he will finally get his 1st UFC win against the 50 center before Dana White starts whoring out Nover to the Filipino demographic.
UPSET PICK WINNER-The Filipino Assassin by Decision
Brian Stann (8-2) vs. Phil Davis (4-0) The "All-American" Marine has been on a roll as of late winning the trilogy against Steve Cantwell, and getting the decision nod over the very tough and potential filled Rodney "Sho-Nuff" Wallace. The 2008 NCAA Wrestling Champion at 197 lbs. is making the quick jump to the big time with a world of hype and into a really tough fight. Both guys lack experience but its "Mr. Wonderful" who is also facing the bright lights for the 1st time and will need that amateur wrestling skill to topple the hard hitting, even if a bit stiff, Marine. This could be 1 of the closest fights of the night and really fascinating with these 2 up and coming prospects. I like Davis to dominate the fight on the floor if he can keep Brian there. The stand up game is not a good idea for Philip who instead turns up the relentless pressure and executes the win.
WINNER-Paul Orndorff by Decision
Tim Hague (10-2) vs. Chris Tuchscherer (17-2) The likeable "Thrashing Machine" returns from Canada eh, to face Brock Lesnar's training partner who is built wide like a durable wrestler should be. Tim got blitzed by the 7 second shit storm that came down from super-freak Todd Duffee. Hague wants to make people forget that schlacking while punishing Chris for comments Lesnar made about Canada's health care system (groan). Chris lost last out against Gabriel Gonzaga but give the guy props for getting his balls kicked out through his mouth and still trying to compete. This will be wrestling 101 as the bad guy grinds out a win.
WINNER-Chris Tuchscherer by Decision
Rolles Gracie (3-0) vs. Joey Beltran (10-3) OMG its a Gracie back in the UFC!
Mostapha Al-Turk could not get his visa (because people are racist) and thusly the "Mexicutioner" steps in. Despite the inventive nickname and a recent TKO win over Houston Alexander (why couldn't Kimbo Slice do that?) I'm just hoping he can hang so Rolles can see the 2nd round for the 1st time in his short career. This has Jiu-Jitsu clinic written all over it.
WINNER-Rolles Gracie by hmmmm, Submission?

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