UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II
August 11, 2012
Pepsi Center
Denver, Colorado
Its strange to me that after the hate that labeled UFC 147 & UFC 149 as "bad cards," very little has been said about UFC 150 and its barren landscape. There are two decent fights on this PPV and the rest are up and comers, mismatches, and no names. Ah well, there is some $money$ to be made on the Upset Picks for which I have selected 3, and a couple of gimme fights with Jake Shields and Yushin Okami, and a title fight that I am not very excited to see.
August 11, 2012
Pepsi Center
Denver, Colorado
Its strange to me that after the hate that labeled UFC 147 & UFC 149 as "bad cards," very little has been said about UFC 150 and its barren landscape. There are two decent fights on this PPV and the rest are up and comers, mismatches, and no names. Ah well, there is some $money$ to be made on the Upset Picks for which I have selected 3, and a couple of gimme fights with Jake Shields and Yushin Okami, and a title fight that I am not very excited to see.
Main Card (PPV):
Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson (16-2) vs. Frankie Edgar (14-2) [Rematch] I haven't been less interested in a UFC "Main Event" in quite a while as two point fighters play another game of tag and run for 25 minutes. "Bendo" is still going to be stronger, faster, and more skilled in almost all areas of the fight game. Frankie has become beloved for taking an ass kicking and recovering but that's not exactly a confidence builder and eventually Edgar will stay down after allowing himself to be hit again and again. Henderson can out wrestle the wrestler turned striker, and Edgar isn't going to worry Ben on the mat in any capacity. Frank is never going to be throttled in a fight but he's just going to come up short against "Bendo" everywhere as Dana White screams for Edgar to make the long awaited move to Featherweight. I still find the "Answer" to be overrated.
WINNER-Benson Henderson by Decision
* Dana White has officially stated that Nate Diaz will face the winner of this bout for the gold!
Donald Cerrone (18-4) vs. Melvin Guillard (30-10-2) The "Cowboy" has not just won 6 bouts since coming to the UFC, but straight dominated them falling only to Nate Diaz after perhaps too busy of a schedule. Melvin got back to the winning side of things after a two fight skid and getting oh so close to the coveted Lightweight title shot. Mel definitely hits to kill you but has shown a huge weakness on the floor not to mention an ability to be knocked silly on the feet where he is at his best. Cerrone can strike with almost anybody (save for the 209 star that just signed a new contract with Zuffa) and submit you on the floor which he has done 13 times in his career. Don knows this is a win that can put him back on the track toward the Lightweight title and does the right thing taking down the former Jackson/Winkeljohn teammate and exploiting his weakness on the floor. I would not be shocked if Melvin KO'd anybody but save for a lucky strike, the "Cowboy" rides into the sunset as Guillard taps out for the 10th time in his career and Donald calls out Anthony Pettis for an exciting future grudge match.
WINNER-Donald Cerrone by Rd.3 Submission
* The "Not So Young Assassin" missed weight, again, continuing to amass unprofessional failures to his resume.
Jake Shields (27-6-1) vs. Ed Herman (20-8) "Short Fuse" may have won 3 in a row since his return from a long injury layoff but if Shields has anything left in the tank this bout should be one sided at best. Jake is a much better higher caliber fighter and back at his proper weight of 185 lbs., his power should return and hopefully some endurance as well which has plagued the 33 year old. Ed is tough sure, but his striking is as bad as Jake's and he's lost 5 times by submission where Shields will be looking to work. Shields needs a stoppage win and a good one at that. He gets it and then he'll move up in competition and we'll see where this latest effort by Jake goes.
WINNER-Jake Shields by Rd.2 Submission
Yushin Okami (26-7) vs. Buddy Roberts (12-2) The "Nature Boy" (look it up) fills in on late notice after 2 opponents fall out due to injury, to become the confidence builder for the recently struggling "Thunder." After a soul crushing defeat at the hands of Anderson Silva, Okami was running through Tim Boetsch until the final round found him bullied by the "Barbarian" into a barrage he couldn't withstand. Its a must win moment for Yushin to have any hope of importance in the Middleweight division again as he faces a Jackson/Winkeljohn product who rides a 6 fight winning streak that includes his UFC debut. There is a reason this bout has the longest odds on the card as Okami brutalizes Roberts giving "Thunder" a much needed stoppage win.
WINNER-Yushin Okami by Rd.3 TKO
Justin Lawrence (4-0) vs. Max Holloway (5-1) The TUF kid with promise say the pundits brought a head kick KO to his debut but not before struggling against an average fighter in John Cofer without using his vaunted wrestling skills. Max showed some vicious striking out of the TUF house as a guy I thought was a throw away fighter. Max won't get to utilize those skills as he is grounded over and over again before succumbing to a submission early.
Upset Pick WINNER-Justin Lawrence by Rd.1 Submission
Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson (16-2) vs. Frankie Edgar (14-2) [Rematch] I haven't been less interested in a UFC "Main Event" in quite a while as two point fighters play another game of tag and run for 25 minutes. "Bendo" is still going to be stronger, faster, and more skilled in almost all areas of the fight game. Frankie has become beloved for taking an ass kicking and recovering but that's not exactly a confidence builder and eventually Edgar will stay down after allowing himself to be hit again and again. Henderson can out wrestle the wrestler turned striker, and Edgar isn't going to worry Ben on the mat in any capacity. Frank is never going to be throttled in a fight but he's just going to come up short against "Bendo" everywhere as Dana White screams for Edgar to make the long awaited move to Featherweight. I still find the "Answer" to be overrated.
WINNER-Benson Henderson by Decision
* Dana White has officially stated that Nate Diaz will face the winner of this bout for the gold!
Donald Cerrone (18-4) vs. Melvin Guillard (30-10-2) The "Cowboy" has not just won 6 bouts since coming to the UFC, but straight dominated them falling only to Nate Diaz after perhaps too busy of a schedule. Melvin got back to the winning side of things after a two fight skid and getting oh so close to the coveted Lightweight title shot. Mel definitely hits to kill you but has shown a huge weakness on the floor not to mention an ability to be knocked silly on the feet where he is at his best. Cerrone can strike with almost anybody (save for the 209 star that just signed a new contract with Zuffa) and submit you on the floor which he has done 13 times in his career. Don knows this is a win that can put him back on the track toward the Lightweight title and does the right thing taking down the former Jackson/Winkeljohn teammate and exploiting his weakness on the floor. I would not be shocked if Melvin KO'd anybody but save for a lucky strike, the "Cowboy" rides into the sunset as Guillard taps out for the 10th time in his career and Donald calls out Anthony Pettis for an exciting future grudge match.
WINNER-Donald Cerrone by Rd.3 Submission
* The "Not So Young Assassin" missed weight, again, continuing to amass unprofessional failures to his resume.
Jake Shields (27-6-1) vs. Ed Herman (20-8) "Short Fuse" may have won 3 in a row since his return from a long injury layoff but if Shields has anything left in the tank this bout should be one sided at best. Jake is a much better higher caliber fighter and back at his proper weight of 185 lbs., his power should return and hopefully some endurance as well which has plagued the 33 year old. Ed is tough sure, but his striking is as bad as Jake's and he's lost 5 times by submission where Shields will be looking to work. Shields needs a stoppage win and a good one at that. He gets it and then he'll move up in competition and we'll see where this latest effort by Jake goes.
WINNER-Jake Shields by Rd.2 Submission
Yushin Okami (26-7) vs. Buddy Roberts (12-2) The "Nature Boy" (look it up) fills in on late notice after 2 opponents fall out due to injury, to become the confidence builder for the recently struggling "Thunder." After a soul crushing defeat at the hands of Anderson Silva, Okami was running through Tim Boetsch until the final round found him bullied by the "Barbarian" into a barrage he couldn't withstand. Its a must win moment for Yushin to have any hope of importance in the Middleweight division again as he faces a Jackson/Winkeljohn product who rides a 6 fight winning streak that includes his UFC debut. There is a reason this bout has the longest odds on the card as Okami brutalizes Roberts giving "Thunder" a much needed stoppage win.
WINNER-Yushin Okami by Rd.3 TKO
Justin Lawrence (4-0) vs. Max Holloway (5-1) The TUF kid with promise say the pundits brought a head kick KO to his debut but not before struggling against an average fighter in John Cofer without using his vaunted wrestling skills. Max showed some vicious striking out of the TUF house as a guy I thought was a throw away fighter. Max won't get to utilize those skills as he is grounded over and over again before succumbing to a submission early.
Upset Pick WINNER-Justin Lawrence by Rd.1 Submission
Prelims (FX):
Jared Hamman (13-4) vs. Michael Kuiper (11-1) The up and down Hamman has shown great striking at times but he also takes a lot of abuse which isn't good when you are super skinny with a long neck that allows for whiplash when struck on point. "Judo" Mike (what an original nickname) will be happy to strike but won't have the power, technical skills, or speed to hang with the "Messenger." The "Messenger?" When the hell did Jared start with that lame name? Anywho, Jared can be KO'd but the percentages say he'll light up Kuiper in what could be a spirited affair as Mike slows down late and never uses his Judo.
Upset Pick WINNER-Jared Hamman by Decision
Dennis Bermudez (8-3) vs. Tommy Hayden (8-1) The "Menace" is a very strong wrestler with great potential and the ability to throw his opponents through the cage while the "Wild Card" only tasted defeat in his UFC debut and trains with Team Jorge Gurgel. Jorge will have to supply Tommy boy with some real heart as he faces a juggernaut that is relentless with takedowns though severely lacking in his striking. Its still enough as the TUF veteran gets his 2nd big dance win by crushing his opponents will.
WINNER-Dennis Bermudez by Decision
Ken Stone (11-3) vs. Erik Perez (11-4) The recipient of the "slam heard round the world" now has two wins in a row after beginning his Zuffa career against Scotty Jorgenson and the aforementioned slamming you to hell Eddie Wineland. Ken is actually quite submission savvy training with ATT but "El Goyito" is no slouch at tapping the competition as well and has a 6 fight winning streak. The difference is that Perez has not been tested against competition of note and Keith Stone is underrated since people only seem to remember him being slammed into China. Kenny will be a step ahead in all areas of MMA though this should also be a close bout.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ken Stone by Decision
Dustin Pague (11-6) vs. Chico Camus (11-3) The "Disciple" of douche baggery in white glasses is back again to try to beat someone up for Jesus while Chico of Roufusport makes his UFC entrance on a 3 fight winning streak backed by some decent power striking. Camus has been a work in progress for a bit, its just a matter of is he ready for the big show? Pague isn't going to contend for any titles but he's a decent litmus test for the Wisconsin native. This is really a coin flip match and shocking myself I'll side with the guy who has 3 UFC bouts already and hung tight against the solid Ken Stone in his last defeat. This could easily go either way so betters stay away.
WINNER-Dustin Pague by Decision
Jared Hamman (13-4) vs. Michael Kuiper (11-1) The up and down Hamman has shown great striking at times but he also takes a lot of abuse which isn't good when you are super skinny with a long neck that allows for whiplash when struck on point. "Judo" Mike (what an original nickname) will be happy to strike but won't have the power, technical skills, or speed to hang with the "Messenger." The "Messenger?" When the hell did Jared start with that lame name? Anywho, Jared can be KO'd but the percentages say he'll light up Kuiper in what could be a spirited affair as Mike slows down late and never uses his Judo.
Upset Pick WINNER-Jared Hamman by Decision
Dennis Bermudez (8-3) vs. Tommy Hayden (8-1) The "Menace" is a very strong wrestler with great potential and the ability to throw his opponents through the cage while the "Wild Card" only tasted defeat in his UFC debut and trains with Team Jorge Gurgel. Jorge will have to supply Tommy boy with some real heart as he faces a juggernaut that is relentless with takedowns though severely lacking in his striking. Its still enough as the TUF veteran gets his 2nd big dance win by crushing his opponents will.
WINNER-Dennis Bermudez by Decision
Ken Stone (11-3) vs. Erik Perez (11-4) The recipient of the "slam heard round the world" now has two wins in a row after beginning his Zuffa career against Scotty Jorgenson and the aforementioned slamming you to hell Eddie Wineland. Ken is actually quite submission savvy training with ATT but "El Goyito" is no slouch at tapping the competition as well and has a 6 fight winning streak. The difference is that Perez has not been tested against competition of note and Keith Stone is underrated since people only seem to remember him being slammed into China. Kenny will be a step ahead in all areas of MMA though this should also be a close bout.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ken Stone by Decision
Dustin Pague (11-6) vs. Chico Camus (11-3) The "Disciple" of douche baggery in white glasses is back again to try to beat someone up for Jesus while Chico of Roufusport makes his UFC entrance on a 3 fight winning streak backed by some decent power striking. Camus has been a work in progress for a bit, its just a matter of is he ready for the big show? Pague isn't going to contend for any titles but he's a decent litmus test for the Wisconsin native. This is really a coin flip match and shocking myself I'll side with the guy who has 3 UFC bouts already and hung tight against the solid Ken Stone in his last defeat. This could easily go either way so betters stay away.
WINNER-Dustin Pague by Decision
Prelim (Facebook):
Nik Lentz (21-5-2) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (18-8-2) The "Carny" has been chided for being a "boring" fighter but you cannot deny the guys wrestling skills and overall toughness. Going a strange 5-2-2 Lentz has notched some top wins but seems to have hit the ceiling against the likes of Evan Dunham and Mark Bocek while he has tried to spice up his game a bit for the fans. Eiji got plastered in his Zuffa debut by Takanori Gomi but has shown durability in his 26 professional bouts though he is aging quick at 36. Expect Lentz to control things with his normal constant takedown attempts while slowly, and I mean slowly breaking Mitsuoka down. The American style wrestling will be too much for Eiji who may get punished enough to leave a submission opening but most likely we add up the points for Nikki.
WINNER-Nik Lentz by Decision
Nik Lentz (21-5-2) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (18-8-2) The "Carny" has been chided for being a "boring" fighter but you cannot deny the guys wrestling skills and overall toughness. Going a strange 5-2-2 Lentz has notched some top wins but seems to have hit the ceiling against the likes of Evan Dunham and Mark Bocek while he has tried to spice up his game a bit for the fans. Eiji got plastered in his Zuffa debut by Takanori Gomi but has shown durability in his 26 professional bouts though he is aging quick at 36. Expect Lentz to control things with his normal constant takedown attempts while slowly, and I mean slowly breaking Mitsuoka down. The American style wrestling will be too much for Eiji who may get punished enough to leave a submission opening but most likely we add up the points for Nikki.
WINNER-Nik Lentz by Decision
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