Monday, September 13, 2010

UFC Fight Night 22 in Texas?: We'll Pick It Anyway


UFC FIGHT NIGHT 22: September 15, 2010
Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas

Strikeforce just proved MMA has no business in Texas but maybe the more professionally run Zuffa gang can pull this off without questions of non-existent drug testing, oxygen enhancers, and the local referees trying to get someone killed. Nate "The Great" has "gotta have it" while Pearson looks for that next step in career, and the return of the beloved Yves Edwards.

Main Bouts (On Spike TV):
Nate Marquardt (29-9-2) vs. Rousimar Palhares (11-2) Nate "The Great" is very confident coming into this bout and looking to rebound from a loss to Chael Sonnen and that dream rematch with Anderson Silva. If this lil' Brazilian tank can grab a limb Nate had better run for the hills but Marquardt is light years ahead of Palhares on the feet and has more than enough experience to weather the initial attacks until both men become slick. Nate will be patient until the mouth of Rousimar opens for air and the attack will be on.
WINNER-Nate Marquardt by Decision

Efrain Escudero (13-1) vs. Charles Oliveira (13-0) The Mexican hero takes on a change of opponent (as do a lot of guys tonight) against an undefeated prospect who brought a beautiful submission 41 seconds into his debut for Zuffa. I like Efrain's improved boxing and sprawl to beat up Charles who finds himself out of his depth on the feet. Once worn down and breathing heavy, Escudero can take him down if needed, and pound the cat into his 1st loss.
WINNER-Efrain Escudero by Decision

Jim Miller (17-2) vs. Gleison Tibau (21-6) This is perhaps the most competitive fight of the night. Miller is happy to scrap with anyone and Tibau, a Jiu-Jitsu ace, has developed good striking and is looking to finish fights even if he doesn't always. I like Jim to use superior wrestling but he must keep the points game in mind when this hits the judges table.
WINNER-Jim Miller by Decision

Ross Pearson (11-3) vs. Cole Miller (16-4) The Brit should have this fight all day. Cole has made the papers complaining about wrestlers that hold him down, a sly nod to his opponent in hopes to make this bout exciting, but Ross ain't that guy anymore. Ross developed quite an array of well put together striking and can rock Miller at will. Cole is a tough guy (TUF) but barring a Jiu-Jitsu submission exhibition breaking out, I'll take the vastly improving Team Rough House member to run game.
WINNER-Ross Pearson by Rd.3 TKO

Prelim Bouts (Non-Televised):
Yves Edwards (38-16-1) vs. John Gunderson (23-7-1) More men fell out of this fight than Mexican's outta the truck at the construction site, but we see the long ago uncrowned "Lightweight Champion" of the UFC get his last shot at the big show. I've always been down with "Thugjitsu" but his prime is far in the past and he has become known as a mistake maker. Gunderson will tap anyone if this gets to the floor so it is a must for Edwards to stay upright. Yves should win this fight if he doesn't shoot himself, but I have to stay with 1 of the 1st Lightweights that I liked waay back in the day, who knows this is his last shot.
WINNER-Yves Edwards by Heart Strings
Jared Hamman (11-2) vs. Kyle Kingsbury (8-2) I like Hamman's stand up to own this bout while Kyle can't really hang with anyone, though he'd be happy to accept a beating.
WINNER-Jared Hamman by Rd.2 TKO
Rich Attonito (8-3) vs. Rafael Natal (12-2) I like Rich for bouncing the frat boy douche bag Jamie Yager from the UFC, but he is well out gunned here. "Sapo" simply has a looking to finish Jiu-Jitsu while Attonito just really doesn't bring much at this level which is probably a bit above his head.
WINNER-"Sapo" Natal Rd.2 Submission
David Mitchell (11-0) vs. Anthony Waldburger (12-5) I see this as a close fight for 2 minor league guys trying to take that next big step in their career. At the end of the day though, "Daudi" stays undefeated though his career for Zuffa might not last as long as expected.
WINNER-"Daudi" Michelle by Decision
Brian Foster (13-5) vs. Forrest Petz (17-8) The HITSquad prospect may have stumbled a bit so far but it was against Chris Lytle and the red hot Rick Story so give him a bit of a pass. The "Meat Clever" is simply a gatekeeper who's time has come on the chopping block. Foster is going to make this fight dirty and ugly and Petz' face will tell the tale when all is said and done.
WINNER-Brian Foster by Rd.3 TKO
Tomasz Drwal (17-3-1) vs. Dave Branch (6-1) 2 men who recently made MMA highlight reels for all the wrong reasons battle for their jobs in the UFC. Before making ESPN's "top plays" for being slammed through the canvas into oblivion, Dave was actually doing fine in his bout with Gerald Harris. The guy really transitions well on the floor from hold to hold and had some nice accurate striking against a really tough opponent. The "Gorilla" watched his knee snap, crackle, and pop as Rousimar Palhares held on far too long which would gain him a nice steep fine and gave Tomasz a chance to scream to the heavens in pain. Now he can hang tough here all day but he gets out pointed if not stopped by a guy I plan to watch closely as he progresses.
WINNER-Davey Branch by Decision

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