UFC on FX 2: Alves vs Kampmann Picks & Prognostications

UFC on FX 2: Alves vs. Kampmann
March 3, 2012
(Airs on March 2 in the U.S. due to time difference)
Allphones Arena
Sydney, Australia

G'day as we return down under for a little MMA action in Australia. The "main event" features two men trying to stay relevant in the Welterweight division and the beginning of the Flyweight division via a 4-man tournament.

Main Card (FX):
Thiago Alves (19-8) vs. Martin Kampmann (18-5) This is kinda a sad bout as the loser sees his elite status fade while the other takes a last shot at a title run. Though more talented, Martin takes a lot of punishment and almost seems disinterested in later rounds. The "Pitbull" is very sturdy and avoiding a ground battle beats Kampmann up on the feet felling him late.

WINNER-Thiago Alves by Rd.3 TKO

Court McGee (14-1) vs. Costa Philippou (9-2) Court never does anything to impress coming forward almost in slow motion but gaining endurance as the fight goes on to break his opponents while absorbing their best shots in his beard. Costa has looked well under the tutelage of Serra/Longo with stiff striking but a weakness on the floor. If, and if Costa can overwhelm McGee striking and stay on his feet, his power will see him through an opponent who does everything decent but nothing impressively.

WINNER-Costa Philippou by Decision

Flyweight 4-Man Tournament
Joseph Benavidez (15-2) vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani (19-4-6) Nope. Yash has little chance here. My gut says the loyal Zuffa brass set up Joe for a finals appearance as he rolls through Urushitani.

WINNER-Joe Benavidez by Throttling

Demetrious Johnson (14-2) vs. Ian McCall (11-2) I've been waiting for "Uncle Creepy" to hit the big time and then the #1 ranked Flyweight draws a horrible style match up. "Mighty Mouse's" lightening fast takedowns are undaunted and his speed versus Ian's notorious slow starting leans us toward Johnson. Johnson is very dynamic and in a title shot loss against Dominick Cruz he really impressed more with his relentless effort and ability to take very little punishment. It will be fun and it will be close, but Demetrious edges out McCall.

WINNER-Demetrious Johnson by Decision

Prelims (Fuel TV):
James Te Huna (13-5) vs. Aaron Rosa (17-4) The new Robbie Lawler brings his punching mits to bare on the sturdy chin of Rosa who takes it for a while, before the fall.

WINNER-James Te Huna by Rd.2 TKO

Anthony Perosh (12-6) vs. Nick Penner (11-1) The Aussie "Hippo" has done very well in this UFC stint upsetting veterans right and left but Penner will be hip to his tricks en route to a going away win.

WINNER-Nick Penner by Decision

Cole Miller (18-5) vs. Steven Siler (19-9) Siler has no chance in tonight's "guarantee pick."

Guarantee Pick WINNER-Cole Miller by Destruction

Kyle Noke (19-5-1) vs. Andrew Craig (6-0) Steve Irwin's bodyguard and homeland hero is going to have a rough night.

WINNER-Andrew Craig by Decision

T.J. Waldburger (14-6) vs. Jake Hecht (11-2) TJ has competed very well and will continue to ground his opponents leaving them frustrated for air.

WINNER-TJ Waldburger by Decision

Mackens Semerzier (6-3) vs. Daniel Pineda (16-7) Its Mack the knife who is more talented against a youngster not at a Zuffa level.

WINNER-Mackens Semerzier by Decision

Prelim (Facebook):
Oli Thompson (9-2) vs. Shawn Jordan (12-3) Its the British strong man vs the LSU fullback. Jordan is far more athletic and being strong doesn't translate into MMA success.

WINNER-Shawn Jordan by Rd.2 TKO