UFC on Fox 5
December 8, 2012
Key Arena
Seattle, Washington
December 8, 2012
Key Arena
Seattle, Washington
Main Card (Fox):
Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson (17-2) vs. Nate Diaz (16-7) “Smooth” defends his title against the 209 fighter who had a breakthrough ’12. Ben will come in with size (muscle) on Nate as well as a leg kick game the Diaz brothers struggle with, stellar wrestling and takedowns which is also the bane of the Cesar Gracie kin. Henderson will be looking to mat fight all evening while Nate tries to get his non-stop striking and taunting game in action. I don’t see things going well for Nate as he gets man handled much like he did against a similar Rory MacDonald (see 2 fights later). Hurting Ben early and shaking his confidence will be as difficult as it is to submit the guy which no one has been able to do save for unknown Rocky Johnson way back in ’07 which was Henderson’s 3rd professional bout. Diaz will make it fun all the way to the finish but the percentages are solidly against him here. Despite all of this, I am picking Nate Diaz to win because fuck it! Its a fight and the 209 know how to scrap. Strap on the mean mug and put up the double finger salute. “Can I get an amen?”
Upset Pick WINNER-Nate Diaz by Decision
Mauricio Rua (21-6) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (14-1) The years seem to be grinding “Shogun” down as he suffered in a war with Dan Henderson and snuck past a terrible Brandon Vera in August. “Shogun’s” endurance is always a question in his feast or famine UFC career. Gustafsson is built long and lean with crisp striking not unlike the Champion who beat Rua so bad you’d of thought Jon Jones was fighting Murilo which does not bode well. The only mark on the “Mauler’s” record came to wrestler Phil Davis who showed him he needed work on his grappling game and then Alex was smart enough to join up with “Mr.Wonderful” to do the work. However, this is a new level of competition for Alex and after a minute into the fight when Rua looks gassed out, “Shogun” may still be able to go 25 minutes at a prodding zombie like pace. I feel time has brought down Rua and the end will be coming sooner rather than later for his career. Alexander can use angles in his striking far more effectively but he must be aware of the blitzkrieg attack of “Shogun” which can put any man unconscious in seconds. Gustafsson employs a more dare I say, safe, game plan becoming more confident and aggressive late for the judges approval.
WINNER- Alexander Gustafsson by Decision
Rory MacDonald (13-1) vs. BJ Penn (16-8-2) This has turned into a nice grudge match with Penn asking the notably acne riddled Rory to do more drug testing and Rory angrily accepting and complaining about the process the entire way. Now we have the legend that is BJ coming back from the brink of retirement, in amazing shape with a legendary camp, which we have heard a thousand times and I believe even before his last fight against Nick Diaz who bludgeoned him into an almost retirement. The comparison is fair as the fellow Tristar combatant is comparable to Champion GSP in many ways whom BJ fought, and lost to, twice. MacDonald is a stellar wrestler with decent hands but an unyielding will and stamina. The Canadian will be looking to get the top game in gear against Penn smashing the will out of the Hawaiian who is nearly impossible to tap out though Rory won’t be looking for that anyway. Has anyone else noticed, BJ does not have a very impressive record and that is rightfully why he isn’t mentioned in the top tier of talent anymore. The “Prodigy” hasn’t had an impressive outing since ’09 when he almost killed Diego Sanchez. I expect BJ to have his moments in the fight but as things move along he will shrink against the pressure as he tends to do. Then people will really be debating his legacy as he has gone 1-3-1 in his last 5 Zuffa bouts! MacDonald and Mike Ricci will then celebrate on a shopping spree.
WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Rd.3 TKO
Mike Swick (15-4) vs. Matt Brown (15-11) Despite my hopes, Brown has hung around winning 3 bouts in a row against the bottom rung of the Welterweight division. Swick has returned from a 2 year hiatus to KO yet another bottom feeder. Mike easily has the better game in all facets but Matt is stubbornly tough and could shake the fragile confidence of the AKA man. If Swick gets moving fast and often he should take this thing running away as both men have great chins but Mike just has more skill.
WINNER-Mike Swick by Decision
Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson (17-2) vs. Nate Diaz (16-7) “Smooth” defends his title against the 209 fighter who had a breakthrough ’12. Ben will come in with size (muscle) on Nate as well as a leg kick game the Diaz brothers struggle with, stellar wrestling and takedowns which is also the bane of the Cesar Gracie kin. Henderson will be looking to mat fight all evening while Nate tries to get his non-stop striking and taunting game in action. I don’t see things going well for Nate as he gets man handled much like he did against a similar Rory MacDonald (see 2 fights later). Hurting Ben early and shaking his confidence will be as difficult as it is to submit the guy which no one has been able to do save for unknown Rocky Johnson way back in ’07 which was Henderson’s 3rd professional bout. Diaz will make it fun all the way to the finish but the percentages are solidly against him here. Despite all of this, I am picking Nate Diaz to win because fuck it! Its a fight and the 209 know how to scrap. Strap on the mean mug and put up the double finger salute. “Can I get an amen?”
Upset Pick WINNER-Nate Diaz by Decision
Mauricio Rua (21-6) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (14-1) The years seem to be grinding “Shogun” down as he suffered in a war with Dan Henderson and snuck past a terrible Brandon Vera in August. “Shogun’s” endurance is always a question in his feast or famine UFC career. Gustafsson is built long and lean with crisp striking not unlike the Champion who beat Rua so bad you’d of thought Jon Jones was fighting Murilo which does not bode well. The only mark on the “Mauler’s” record came to wrestler Phil Davis who showed him he needed work on his grappling game and then Alex was smart enough to join up with “Mr.Wonderful” to do the work. However, this is a new level of competition for Alex and after a minute into the fight when Rua looks gassed out, “Shogun” may still be able to go 25 minutes at a prodding zombie like pace. I feel time has brought down Rua and the end will be coming sooner rather than later for his career. Alexander can use angles in his striking far more effectively but he must be aware of the blitzkrieg attack of “Shogun” which can put any man unconscious in seconds. Gustafsson employs a more dare I say, safe, game plan becoming more confident and aggressive late for the judges approval.
WINNER- Alexander Gustafsson by Decision
Rory MacDonald (13-1) vs. BJ Penn (16-8-2) This has turned into a nice grudge match with Penn asking the notably acne riddled Rory to do more drug testing and Rory angrily accepting and complaining about the process the entire way. Now we have the legend that is BJ coming back from the brink of retirement, in amazing shape with a legendary camp, which we have heard a thousand times and I believe even before his last fight against Nick Diaz who bludgeoned him into an almost retirement. The comparison is fair as the fellow Tristar combatant is comparable to Champion GSP in many ways whom BJ fought, and lost to, twice. MacDonald is a stellar wrestler with decent hands but an unyielding will and stamina. The Canadian will be looking to get the top game in gear against Penn smashing the will out of the Hawaiian who is nearly impossible to tap out though Rory won’t be looking for that anyway. Has anyone else noticed, BJ does not have a very impressive record and that is rightfully why he isn’t mentioned in the top tier of talent anymore. The “Prodigy” hasn’t had an impressive outing since ’09 when he almost killed Diego Sanchez. I expect BJ to have his moments in the fight but as things move along he will shrink against the pressure as he tends to do. Then people will really be debating his legacy as he has gone 1-3-1 in his last 5 Zuffa bouts! MacDonald and Mike Ricci will then celebrate on a shopping spree.
WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Rd.3 TKO
Mike Swick (15-4) vs. Matt Brown (15-11) Despite my hopes, Brown has hung around winning 3 bouts in a row against the bottom rung of the Welterweight division. Swick has returned from a 2 year hiatus to KO yet another bottom feeder. Mike easily has the better game in all facets but Matt is stubbornly tough and could shake the fragile confidence of the AKA man. If Swick gets moving fast and often he should take this thing running away as both men have great chins but Mike just has more skill.
WINNER-Mike Swick by Decision
Prelims(FX):
Yves Edwards (41-18-1) vs. Jeremy Stephens (20-8) It was good of the “Lil Heathen” not to get arrested this time before the bout though there is still time left. We have the fight scheduled again, as the master of “Thugjitsu” pushes on in his storied but fading MMA career. Yves must avoid the power shot that has rendered him unconscious and put him on his ass in losing efforts prior. As I stated before in October, I don’t like the odds here for the “Original Gangster.” The “Master Of Thugjitsu” is going to need every trick in his arsenal to hurt the “Lil Heathen.” Jeremy isn’t special but he hits like a train and has a granite jaw. Its going to be hard for Yves to counter and keep up with Jeremy’s continual work and find a submission as well. Tough night for the “OG” but here’s hoping for the Upset.
Yves Edwards (41-18-1) vs. Jeremy Stephens (20-8) It was good of the “Lil Heathen” not to get arrested this time before the bout though there is still time left. We have the fight scheduled again, as the master of “Thugjitsu” pushes on in his storied but fading MMA career. Yves must avoid the power shot that has rendered him unconscious and put him on his ass in losing efforts prior. As I stated before in October, I don’t like the odds here for the “Original Gangster.” The “Master Of Thugjitsu” is going to need every trick in his arsenal to hurt the “Lil Heathen.” Jeremy isn’t special but he hits like a train and has a granite jaw. Its going to be hard for Yves to counter and keep up with Jeremy’s continual work and find a submission as well. Tough night for the “OG” but here’s hoping for the Upset.
WINNER-Jeremy Stephens by Decision
Raphael Assuncao (18-4) vs. Mike Easton (13-1) Here we have a couple of limited talents who seem to get the most out of their basic skills. Assuncao is tough but relies heavily on his Jiu-Jitsu skills and can be out worked by ambitious fighters. The “Hulk” seems like a strong striker but he usually just gets workman like decisions staying just a tad ahead of his opponents on strength. Mike is determined enough to get the job done in what portends to be a bland bout.
WINNER-Mike Easton by Decision
Ramsey Nijem (6-2) vs. Joe Proctor (8-1) The Pit Elevated fighter seems to be improving each time out relying on his wrestling but improving the hands as well since his TUF days. Joe is as bland as they come not looking relevant anywere. Take Nijem on spirit if nothing else.
WINNER-Ramsey Nijem by Rd.3 TKO
Daron Cruikshank (11-2) vs. Henry Martinez (9-2) I don’t know much about Daron save for he is a svelte fella who likes to strike and is getting his 1st shot at the big time. Henry is a Jackson/Winkeljohn fighter who missed weight and prefers the ground. Flip a coin.
WINNER-Daron Cruickshank by Rd.2 TKO
Dennis Siver (20-8) vs. Nam Phan (18-10) Ze German lookz pretty good at ze Featherweight where Phan steps in at the last minute to do his thing which is to always make a fight competitive but not win. Siver has the power and those darn spin kicks that Nam should be throwing. It should be a fun fight but Dennis smashes Phan with an iron cross.
WINNER-Dennis Siver by Decision
Raphael Assuncao (18-4) vs. Mike Easton (13-1) Here we have a couple of limited talents who seem to get the most out of their basic skills. Assuncao is tough but relies heavily on his Jiu-Jitsu skills and can be out worked by ambitious fighters. The “Hulk” seems like a strong striker but he usually just gets workman like decisions staying just a tad ahead of his opponents on strength. Mike is determined enough to get the job done in what portends to be a bland bout.
WINNER-Mike Easton by Decision
Ramsey Nijem (6-2) vs. Joe Proctor (8-1) The Pit Elevated fighter seems to be improving each time out relying on his wrestling but improving the hands as well since his TUF days. Joe is as bland as they come not looking relevant anywere. Take Nijem on spirit if nothing else.
WINNER-Ramsey Nijem by Rd.3 TKO
Daron Cruikshank (11-2) vs. Henry Martinez (9-2) I don’t know much about Daron save for he is a svelte fella who likes to strike and is getting his 1st shot at the big time. Henry is a Jackson/Winkeljohn fighter who missed weight and prefers the ground. Flip a coin.
WINNER-Daron Cruickshank by Rd.2 TKO
Dennis Siver (20-8) vs. Nam Phan (18-10) Ze German lookz pretty good at ze Featherweight where Phan steps in at the last minute to do his thing which is to always make a fight competitive but not win. Siver has the power and those darn spin kicks that Nam should be throwing. It should be a fun fight but Dennis smashes Phan with an iron cross.
WINNER-Dennis Siver by Decision
Prelims (Facebook):
Scott Jorgensen (13-6) vs. John Albert (7-3) Scotty J is back after a 2 fight losing skid for the 1st time in his career to face “Prince” who has also lost back to backs. “Young Guns” has the power, grappling, and technique to get the job done as long as he avoids the power punch. Scotty J gets it done either using the smart plan of wrestling or by smashing John in a boxing match.
WINNER-Scott Jorgensen by Decision
Tim Means vs. Abel Trujillo has been cancelled since Tim fell in the sauna knocking himself unconscious and out of the fight.
Michael Chiesa vs. Marcus LeVesseur has been cancelled due to illness.
Scott Jorgensen (13-6) vs. John Albert (7-3) Scotty J is back after a 2 fight losing skid for the 1st time in his career to face “Prince” who has also lost back to backs. “Young Guns” has the power, grappling, and technique to get the job done as long as he avoids the power punch. Scotty J gets it done either using the smart plan of wrestling or by smashing John in a boxing match.
WINNER-Scott Jorgensen by Decision
Tim Means vs. Abel Trujillo has been cancelled since Tim fell in the sauna knocking himself unconscious and out of the fight.
Michael Chiesa vs. Marcus LeVesseur has been cancelled due to illness.
Abel Trujillo (9-4) vs Marcus LeVesseur (22-6) Well after the two mishaps mentioned above, we have hodge podged together a Lightweight bout. “Killa” is an imposing looking Blackzilian on a 4 fight winning streak making his Zuffa debut. The “Prospect” is 1-1 in the UFC and is well rounded.
WINNER-Abel Trujillo by Decision
WINNER-Abel Trujillo by Decision
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