January 28, 2012
United Center
Chicago, Illinois
Main Bouts (Fox):
Rashad Evans (16-1-1) vs. Phil Davis (9-0) The Rodney Dangerfield of MMA returns ever so close yet again to that title shot against rival Jon Jones. Standing in his way is a very talented young wrestler who uses his long limbs to his advantage as well as bringing strong kicks into his arsenal. "Suga" has far more experience at this level and really has only been shut down once against Lyoto Machida, and since has employed a more tactical game plan that seems to have drawn the ire of fans. Evans has powerful wrestling but it should be nullified in this instance allowing for more striking though in 25 minutes things may get slow at times. "Mr. Wonderful" has been good but Evans experience and fight plan ability should carry him before we drag our way to the final bell.
WINNER-Rashad Evans by Decision
Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) vs. Michael Bisping (22-3) Two of the most hated men in all of MMA meet to see who will get embarrassed by Champion Anderson Silva later this year in Brazil. Sonnen has all the momentum and injections after thumping Brian Stann easily while the "Count" embarrassed an unprepared Jason Miller. Bisping has better cardio and striking but will be looking at the lights all night which luckily for him may be short. Chael will not give up on the takedown and will show no fear from "Pillow Fists" on the feet. Much like the Stann fight Sonnen is going to bully Mike to the ground where he pounds him out.
WINNER-Chael Sonnen by Rd.3 TKO
Demian Maia (15-3) vs. Chris Weidman (7-0) No one is sleeping on the talented last second replacement as Maia the "Mat Magician" looks to continue his improved striking that was absent last out. The "All-American" had an impressive Brabo Choke debut victory but avoiding the ground will be implicit. Weidman has so much natural ability but don't sleep on Maia's trips and sweeps getting this bout where Demian wants it. Though a lot of people are picking Maia on experience, I just think Weidman's style will tire and frustrate Demian before he leaves his chin exposed for a fight ending barrage.
WINNER-Chris Weidman by Rd.3 TKO
Prelims (Fuel TV):
Evan Dunham (12-2) vs. Nik Lentz (21-4-2) Nik claims he was forced into this bout because the UFC wants him to lose so he can be cut since the fans find him so boring. Good. I hope its true. Dunham had an epic career rise even though the judges screwed him against Sean Sherk and the humble pie Melvin Guillard served him only make Evan better. Lentz has L&P wrestling and that is absolutely it. Dunham has too many advantages standing and killer Jiu-Jitsu though I'd advise avoiding the mat entirely.
Prelims (Fuel TV):
Evan Dunham (12-2) vs. Nik Lentz (21-4-2) Nik claims he was forced into this bout because the UFC wants him to lose so he can be cut since the fans find him so boring. Good. I hope its true. Dunham had an epic career rise even though the judges screwed him against Sean Sherk and the humble pie Melvin Guillard served him only make Evan better. Lentz has L&P wrestling and that is absolutely it. Dunham has too many advantages standing and killer Jiu-Jitsu though I'd advise avoiding the mat entirely.
WINNER-Evan Dunham by Rd3. TKO
Mike Russow (14-1) vs. Jon Olav Einemo (6-2) The hometown hero here in Chicago has won 10 in a row at about the talent level of JOE who would prefer a Jiu-Jitsu bout. Mike is going to make things rough and has some power in his striking which spelled the end for JOE in his Zuffa debut. This is going to be about as ugly as it gets but Russow's toughness will see him through.
WINNER-Mike Russow by Decision
Cub Swanson (15-5) vs. George Roop (12-8-1) Roop has a hilarious size advantage but I also believe he has been visibly improved each time out. Cub is known to make mistakes but has some stand up that he won't be able to use against the much taller fighter who can hang with him strike for strike. Its only a matter of time before Roop's all around game catches Swanson admiring his ridiculous tattoos and taps him out.
WINNER-George Roop by Rd.2 Submission
Charles Oliveira (14-2) vs. Eric Wisely (19-6) "Do Bronx" is going to straight whip up on Eric who would be wise to take a knee before hand.
WINNER-Charles Oliveira by Rd.1 TKO
Michael Johnson (9-6) vs. Shane Roller (10-5) "Springfield" continues to make big mistakes in fights while Roller is solidly disappointing. You think Johnson could out work Shane in time but he has shown endurance issues before. In a bout where wrestlers slug it out, I take Johnson to cure his gaffes and shake out a workman like effort.
Upset WINNER-Michael Johnson by Decision
Joey Beltran (13-6) vs. Lavar Johnson (15-5) The "Mexicutioner" has gone 3-3 in the UFC but has always provided tough performances and never gives up on a fight. "Big" is the 1st of the incoming Strikeforce Heavyweights whose punch lives up to his nickname though his overall skill is lacking. Lavar has lost two in a row and is an impressive looking beast while Joe looks like he just got off the bar stool, but make no mistake, Beltran has good striking and though lacking power, he doesn't fade like Johnson and has the heart to walk through the early fire.
WINNER-Joey Beltran by Decision
Chris Camozzi (15-5) vs. Dustin Jacoby (6-1) Chris is a smart bet coming off a game close decision loss in which he mounted a nice comeback. Dustin is a not yet ready for prime time player who is about to exit Zuffa employment.
WINNER-Chris Camozzi by Rd.2 TKO
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