UFC 138: Leben vs. Munoz
November 5, 2011
LG Arena at the National Exhibition Centre
Birmingham, England
Main Bouts (Spike):
Chris Leben (26-7) vs. Mark Munoz (11-2) This is the 1st UFC Main Event that will be 5 rounds without a title on the line. The "Crippler" was really rolling along until Brian Stann broke him down standing like the "All-American" became Anderson Silva. Mark is talented but makes stupid mistakes often as he grows against solid competition. Leben has excelled beyond where I thought he would go but reality is about to set in. Against a fellow power striker Chris lacks the natural athletic ability to hang with Munoz especially in a long fight. If, and its always a distinct possibility so if, Leben doesn't KO Mark early, he will slow and tire as Mark's wrestling weakens him while punishing him along the way with strikes. I expect this to be a slug fest early and sad late as the men breathe heavy and the victor pulls away.
WINNER-Mark Munoz by Rd.4 TKO
Brad Pickett (20-5) vs. Renan Barão (26-1) Love "One Punch" the pikey fighter from England. Besides a game and damn close loss to Scott Jorgenson, Brad has straight rolled game 10-1 including a win over former #1 contender Demetrious Johnson. Barao lost his 1st fight so that is an impressive 26 in a row! Amazing but he has not faced the talent level that Brad has in the WEC. At blazing speed Renan is going to make a mistake against the constantly attacking Pickett who can out scramble anyone putting them in awful situations for punishment.
WINNER-Brad Pickett by Decision
Thiago Alves (18-8) vs. Papy Abedi (8-0) Alves is a a point in his career where he has peaked but can still topple the elite up and coming fighters. Papy is one such kid who looks like a mini-Melvin Manhoef who has never seen the 2nd round or tasted defeat in his career. I don't know how much true fire Alves has left but Abedi will test it in a kickboxing war. The "Pitbull" edges on leg kicks and experience which will be crucial in this close fight.
WINNER-Thiago Alves by Decision
Terry Etim (14-3) vs. Edward Faaloloto (2-2) "Ten Inch" Terry is back from injuries while Ed clings to a job he got by being friends with Chris Leben. Etim is going to destroy Faalolotolotolooltolo before the final money shot.
WINNER-Terry Etim by Rd.2 Submission
Cyrille Diabate (18-7-3) vs. Anthony Perosh (11-6) I've been a bit surprised by the "Snake" as he held well against Luiz Cane and got taken out by Alexander Gustafsson who is running up the Light Heavyweight Division while the "Hippo" got a shot for letting Mirko Cro Cop batter him and then battered gift can. Cyrille should use his range taking Perosh apart and if taken down he'll work a decent game or get back up to continuing the kickboxing assault. G'Day Tony.
WINNER-Cyrille Dibate by Rd.3 TKO
Prelims (Facebook):
John Maguire (16-3) vs. Justin Edwards (7-1) John rides a 5 fight winning streak as he makes the move to the big time while Justin was gone 1-1 under Zuffa and trains with Jorge Gurgel in Ohio. I'll roll with Maguire in a coin flip match that doesn't really matter.
Prelims (Facebook):
John Maguire (16-3) vs. Justin Edwards (7-1) John rides a 5 fight winning streak as he makes the move to the big time while Justin was gone 1-1 under Zuffa and trains with Jorge Gurgel in Ohio. I'll roll with Maguire in a coin flip match that doesn't really matter.
WINNER-John Maguire by Decision
Michihiro Omigawa (12-10) vs. Jason Young (8-4) Ohmygodwa came over to rep Japan and has fallen flat going 0-2 in lackluster performances, but they gave him someone to beat. I've always found this car overrated as hell but if he can't out game Young its time to do celebrity game shows.
WINNER-Michihiro Omigawa by Decision
Rob Broughton (15-6-1) vs. Phil De Fries (7-0) Even with this card taking place in England, I still can't believe we're seeing the "Bear" again. Philly Fries also gets the nod for being a native and is undefeated in his short career.
WINNER-Rob by Fatness
Chris Cope (5-1) vs. Che Mills (13-4) "C-Murder" improved vastly last out but he was beating Chuck O'Neil. Che is England's own and more experienced fighter who is looking to make a successful UFC debut. It could be close but Mills should have enough to stump the TUF washout.
WINNER-Che Mills by Decision
Chris Cariaso (11-3) vs. Vaughn Lee (11-6-1) Lee comes in with a bit o'hype but he's the local Brit and Chris handled himself very well against the touted prospect Michael McDonald which opened many eyes. Lee isn't ready for this technically and will most likely be up against a more diverse fighter.
WINNER-Chris Cariaso by Decision
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