UFC 141 Lesnar vs Overeem: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 141 Lesnar vs. Overeem
December 30, 2011
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Bouts (PPV):
Brock Lesnar (5-2) vs. Alistair Overeem (35-11) The "Viking" has returned from asshole surgery while "Ubereem" looks to make his mark in the UFC's Heavyweight division. The huge giants can both bang but I have never seen the "Demolition Man" look good outside of 5 minutes while Brock has never shown cardio issues. People seem to have forgotten just how fast Lesnar is for a Heavyweight and his chin is now in question after his last two bouts. Brock has never gone to sleep yet and I see his chances at taking down Overeem as very high. Brock's double leg is lightening fast and once grounded I don't see a good outcome for Alistair. The Dutchman could land a big strike against Lesnar but a conservative Brock who takes things late into the fight will have a distinct advantage. Easy early and power wrestling seal the fate of the newcomer.

WINNER-Brock Lesnar by Rd.3 TKO

Nate Diaz (14-7) vs. Donald Cerrone (17-3) A dream match for educated MMA fans brings in 209 jr. against the as of late on fire "Cowboy." Don had the best year of his career winning 4 times in 2011 and finishing all but one! Diaz has returned to the Lightweight division after flirting with Welterweight and embarrassed Takanori Gomi last out. This is going to be a war as these two notoriously hot headed fighters have already been in each other's faces and Stetson hats have been knocked to the ground. Nate has the edge in Jiu-Jitsu but nowhere else. Cerrone has seemingly put it all together recently and is very dangerous wherever the fight takes place. Nate loves to get into a striking war but is always open to takedowns and knee taps which Donald has employed in the past. Its just going to be a fight but eventually the "Cowboy" gets his hand raised.

WINNER-Donald Cerrone by Decision

Jon Fitch (23-3-1) vs. Johny Hendricks (11-1) Fitch has long been established as the #2 in the Welterweight division but after a disappointing Draw against BJ Penn and shoulder surgery putting him out for 10 months, what kind of Jon will we see? He has also long been criticized for being a "boring" fighter and has even vowed to change his training to end fights. Could this new pressure lead to mistakes against another bad ass wrestler who is most likely ahead of Fitch in the striking game? I think Johny has all the tools to pull a major Upset here against Fitch who has looked stagnate in the cage. Roll the dice as striking takes the day with two wrestlers which trends toward Hendricks.

Upset Pick WINNER-Johny Hendricks by Decision

Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) The "Janitor" is the gatekeeper of the division awaiting new young talent like Gustafsson. Alex has only stumbled against fellow prospect Phil Davis while looking impressive against everyone else with very well rounded skills. The 40 year old Vlad has looked good recently but not against good competition. Time is a bitch and Gustafsson shows he is the future as he whips Matyushenko silly standing before a triumphant return to the homeland with the UFC later in '12.

WINNER-Alexander Gustafsson by Rd.2 TKO

Nam Phan (17-9) vs. Jim Hettes (9-0) The "Kid" has a nice looking start to his career albeit against tomato cans. Phan has a ton of valuable experience on his side as well as great striking and underrated heart.

WINNER-Nam Phan by Decision

Prelims (Spike TV):
Ross Pearson (12-5) vs. Junior Assuncao (13-4) The "Real Deal" is making the move to Featherweight meeting Jr. who is a nightmare for anyone. Pearson's mixed bag of striking must be on point while he avoids the mat like the plague.

WINNER-Ross Pearson by Decision

Ramsey Nijem (5-2) vs. Anthony Njokuani (14-5) Ramsey is looking to show continued improvement as he uses his speed and slick grappling against a kickboxer who is known to be weak on the floor. Nijem will eat some punches as he is oft to do before taking control on the mat in a potentially exciting matchup.

WINNER-Ramsey Nijem by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Dong Hyun Kim (14-1-1) vs. Sean Pierson (11-5) The "Donger" returns after being blown out by Carlos Condit while "Pimp Daddy" is hanging on to his job for dear life. Pierson's prime is behind him while the "Stun Gun" has yet to reach his full potential. Kim gets back to form here touching up Sean when he pleases and getting back some confidence after the KO loss to Jake Ellenberger.

WINNER-Dong Hyun Kim by Rd.3 TKO

Jacob Volkmann (13-2) vs. Efrain Escudero (18-3) Oh dead god let Escudero take out "X-Mas" once and for all. The uber-boring wrestler is back and so is Efrain who fought six bouts outside the UFC recently. Jacob relies on one thing and one thing only which is L&P. Efrain is coming in on short notice which is never a good sign but I just can't see him staying off his back long enough to accrue the points needed to win.

WINNER-Jacob Volkmann by Decision

Matt Riddle (5-3) vs. Luis Ramos (19-7) "Beicao" got blitzed in his debut against Erik Silva while Riddle has been losing close slug fests. Neither man will "wow" you with technical skill but Riddle can take a beating though he relies to heavily on wrestling. I just don't know that either man belongs but Matt should eke out the nod.

WINNER-Matt Riddle by Decision

Manny Gamburyan (11-6) vs. Diego Nunes (16-2) The "Gun" hung tough against Kenny Florian and now meets a former #1 contender who has lost two in a row to top talent. Nunes is being positioned for a title run in thin division. Diego will use his athleticism to keep free of Manny's power striking while grappling at times in a diverse attack ending in a close bout on points.

WINNER-Diego Nunes by Decision

By the by, we went 6-2 on Strikeforce Melendez vs Masvidal.