Bellator 74 Results

Bellator 74 Results

Lyman Good defeats Jim Wallhead by Unanimous Decision (29-27,29-27,29-27).  Lyman was too good beating up Jim all night long with powerful dirty boxing and looking like the strong favorite in the tournament.

Marius Zaromskis defeats Nordine Taleb by Unanimous Decision (30-27,29-28,29-28) as well.  The “Whitemare” dropped Taleb multiple times in the fight but Nordine kept coming in what was an entertaining and very close fight.

Michail Tsarev submits Tim Welch via RNC at 1:57 of round 2.  Tsarev was threatening with submission attempts all night long and Tim eventually got caught.  Michail might want to take a closer look at the rules though.

Andrey Koreshkov defeats Jordan Smith via Unanimous Decision.  Andrey found himself in a fight and was almost tapped by a very game Jordan.  The striking of Koreshkov held sway but the Russian needs to work some grappling with teammate Tsarev if he hopes to advance his career to the next level.

Will Martinez Jr. submits Casey Johnson via RNC.
Michelle Ould defeats Munah Holland by Unanimous Decision.

Alexandre Bezerra taps Matt McCook via RNC at 3:04 of the 1st round.

Phillipe Nover submits Derrick Kennington the most used move of the night, the RNC.

Brylan Van Artsdalen subs Jay Haas by Guillotine Choke in the initial offering.

Claudio Ledesma defeats Kenny Foster via Unanimous Decision.

7-2 on the Bellator 74 picks.

UFC Nottingham or How I Learned To Stop Worrying & Love UFC On Fuel TV 5 Struve vs Miocic: Picks & Prognostications

UFC Nottingham or UFC on Fuel TV 5: Struve vs. Miocic
September 29, 2012
Capital FM Arena
Nottingham, England

Main Bouts (Fuel TV):
Stefan Struve (24-5) vs. Stipe Miocic (9-0)  “Skyscraper” faces Steepay in a bout guaranteed to not go the full 5 rounds.  The 7 footer has shown a penchant to get hurt by big swingers but he also possesses some stout punching power not to mention a slick submission game.  Miocic is an undefeated wrestler with strong hands and an ability to absorb a lot of unnecessary punishment.  This should be a very close fight but with the range of Struve and his wealth of experience, I expect him to pull out the victory even if he gets dropped finding his marbles long enough to pull the needed sub from hell.
Upset Pick WINNER-Stefan Struve by Rd.3 Submission

Dan Hardy (24-10) vs. Amir Sadollah (6-3)  The “Outlaw” is finally off the snide and after a spiritual awakening in Peru while taking Ayahuasca, the hometown, not homeland but hometown, hero is looking to win in the biggest way possible.  Amir is the under or over achieving TUF winner (depending on how you look at these days) who has shown to be very tough, and sometimes even technical, but mostly just a run of the mill not ready for prime time player.  It is possible Amir could be more busy in the fight, but my heart tells me the “Outlaw” is going to run game on the kid doing it up correct for the homies in attendance with more power striking even if he gets out landed.  Either way, its gonna be a fun one.
WINNER-Dan Hardy by Decision

Brad Pickett (21-6) vs. Yves Jabouin (18-7)  “One Punch” Pickett the English pikey has stumbled against some of the elite (Scotty Jorgensen and Interim Champ Renan Pegado) but for the most part he is one of the best 135ers in the world today.  Brad has stopped 16 men in his career but not must face the Canadian “Tiger” who rides a 3 fight winning streak and has finished 11 of his opponents with his exciting and deadly stand up.  Yves has also been subbed 3 times in his career and is about to make it 4.  Pickett is absolutely stellar on the mat and will finish things there inside of 15 minutes.
WINNER-Brad Pickett by Rd.2 Submission

Paul Sass (13-0) vs. Matt Wiman (14-6)  The “Sassangle” is still undefeated stopping ? of his opponents all by the submissions they know are coming.  “Handsome” is the epitome of the “gatekeeper” label in the Lightweight division.  Matt may not be able to break the glass ceiling but he is very durable and smart enough not to play the ground game here.  Wiman sprawls and brawls beating up Paul and giving him his 1st professional loss.
Upset Pick WINNER-Matt Wiman by Decision

John Hathaway (16-1) vs. John Maguire (18-3)  “Gypsy Jiu-Jitsu” in the hizzle bizzle!  The battle of the British Johns sees the single loss “Hitman” continuing to build an impressive career against a sturdy if not flashy ground fighter.  This fight may not set the building afire but it will display a chess like battle that Hathaway is destined to win with his better all around skills.
WINNER-John Hathaway by Decision

Che Mills (14-5) vs. Duane Ludwig (21-13)  I’m amazed every time I see “Bang” in another bout.  The 34 year old is a veteran who has taken a ton of punishment throughout his career and is actually 74 in fight years.  “Beautiful” just got embarrassed against Rory MacDonald in excruciating fashion last out and is looking to erase that nightmare at home.  Look, Che is a striker and “Bang” is a striker.  The problem is that “Bang” has been (T)KO’d 6 times now and the light has definitely faded on his career.  This may be the final coffin nail for Ludwig’s long career but he’ll go down swinging.
WINNER-Che Mills by Rd.2 KO

Prelims (Facebook):
Kyle Kingsbury (11-4) vs. Jimi Manuwa (11-0)  Kyle was dumb enough to ride a motorcycle and road rashed his back up but will compete anyway.  “Poster Boy” is a striking machine who has finished every single opponent faced and is making his UFC debut.  Kingsbury is tough enough but the AKA fighter is going to need to retreat to the mat if he hopes to survive for 15 minutes.  He won’t.
WINNER-Jimi Manuwa by Rd.3 TKO

Andy Ogle (8-1) vs. Akira Corassani (9-3)  Ogle is riding a 7 fight win streak and appeared on the failed “Live” season of TUF (16), while Akira is “that guy” from TUF 14 who tapped out but the referee missed it and he survived not owning up to his lucky break.  I don’t care much about this.
Upset Pick WINNER-Andy Ogle by Decision?

Tom Watson (15-4) vs. Brad Tavares (8-1) “Kong” or the English Phil Baroni, is finally making his long awaited Zuffa debut.  “Kong” gave up his BAMMA Middleweight title to play with the big boys and 1st gets Xtreme Couture’s Hawaiian banger.  This should be a fun back and forth bone throwing exhibition until Tom gets tired and Tavares runs him over.
WINNER-Brad Tavares by Rd.3 TKO

Gunnar Nelson (9-0-1) vs. DaMarques Johnson (16-11)  A lot of hype comes with the Renzo Gracie phenom who is an undefeated Jiu-Jitsu killer. DaMarques is that annoying gnat of a fighter who is always there and just never seems to go away no matter how badly we want him to.  This is an ideal match for Nelson to get situated with the Octagon and he catches the “Darkness” doing something stupid eventually.
WINNER-Gunnar Nelson by Rd.2 Submission

Jason Young (9-5) vs. Robert Peralta (15-3)  Wow, who gives a shit about this bout?
Upset Pick WINNER-Robert Peralta by Decision

M-1 Global Challenge 34: Aleksander Emelianenko!

Aleksander Emelianenko vs Konstantin Gluhov
Fedor may have retired, but the next best thing (heh) is still fighting.  Little brother Aleksander Emelianenko is fighting in M-1 Global’s Challenge 34 against Konstantin Gluhov in a ginormous event.  The “Last Emelianenko” is on a 3 fight winning streak and trying to build his 20-5 Heavyweight record up while convincing potential MMA promotion suitors he doesn’t have hepatitis B and possibly setting up a bout in KSW with  strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski. Should be a slobber knocker and there are other people we don’t know scrapping as well.
WINNER-Aleksander Emelianenko by Rd.2 TKO

Bellator 74 Picks & Prognostications

Main Card
Season 7 Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinals
Lyman Good vs. Jim Wallhead “Judo” Jim is a grizzled veteran who has won 10 of his last 11 bouts and trains with the famous Team Rough House gym in England.  Good, the OG Champion, has only lost to Rick Hawn, whom Jim shares a loss with as well, and Bellator Champion Ben Askren.  Both men are sturdy as they come but Good will thwart the offensive efforts of Jim, taking the fight down a notch to a grinding affair.
WINNER-Lyman Good by Decision

Michail Tsarev  vs. Tim Welch The “Lonely Wolf” is a Russian submission machine who has tapped 18 men in his career and rides a 10 fight winning streak into Bellator.  Tim trains out of Team Quest but hasn’t seen a lot of real action and has to remain standing to have a shot in this contest.  He won’t, and Michail can tap him from any position.
WINNER-Michail Tsarev by Rd.2 Submission

Jordan Smith vs. Andrey Koreshkov The “Spartan” is the one we all want to see in this tournament.  The 22 year old Russian is a highly touted prospect who has won all 10 of his professional bouts violently and by stoppage.  Andrey trains with Alexander Shlemenko and subscribes to his let it all hang out and go style.  Mr. Smith is making his Bellator debut and is the sacrificial lamb on the altar tonight.  Jordan is walking into a hurricane armed with an umbrella.  Smith loves to strike but has a questionable chin which Koreshkov will shatter like a vodka bottle hitting concrete.  Let the violence rain down and let the ridiculous Fedor Emelianenko comparisons begin.
WINNER-Andrey Koreshkov by Rd.1 TKO

Nordine Taleb vs. Marius Zaromskis Tristar Taleb has improved as his short career has progressed and is looking to strike with the “Whitemare.”  That may not be a good idea against the creative and hard to predict striking of the Lithuanian.  Marius is inconsistent to say the least but when he’s on his game he can do some amazing things.  I’m thinking its too much too soon for Taleb but this could still be a close outing.
Upset Pick WINNER-Marius Zaromskis by Decision

Prelims
Casey Johnson vs. Will Martinez Jr. W-Junior
Derrick Kennington vs. Phillipe Nover W-”Super”
Jay Haas vs. Brylan Van Artsdalen W-BVN
Munah Holland vs. Michelle Ould W-Munah
Claudio Ledesma vs. Kenny Foster W-The “Tooth Fairy”

UFC 152 Results:

Main Bouts (PPV):
Jon Jones taps Vitor Belfort by Americana submission at 0:54 of the 4th round to retain his Light Heavyweight Championship.  Belfort came so close to the crazy upset as he almost caught “Bones” with an armbar in the 1st round.  Jones willed his way out or prayed to Jesus, and from there Jon took total control.  Vitor tried pulling guard over and over again as he quickly wore down setting up the inevitable finish.  Now we can all praise jesus together in celebration!
* Now we can hear Dana White talk about how much he loves Jon Jones and what a great person he is.

Demetrious Johnson defeats Joseph Benavidez by Split-Decision (47-48. 48-47, 49-46) to become the 1st UFC Flyweight Champion.  This went about as expected and I’m not surprised by the decision even though MMAFO scored the bout 48-47 for Benavidez.  Hit and run style wins the day but the crowd had no right to boo the competitive contest. 

Michael Bisping defeats Brian Stann by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  The “Count” mixed things up and abused Stann for 15 minutes in about the only fight I got correct.  Stann is just to slow for Bisping and has not developed the ground game he swore he was spending all of his training upon.  Another solid win for Mike who has now gone 6-2 at Middleweight and deserves a title shot.

Matt Hamill defeats Roger Hollett by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) in lackluster fashion as predicted.  “What?” looked as rudimentary as he did when he “retired” only this time against just plain bad competition.  The fight was horrible and Hollett just proved he doesn’t belong in the UFC.

Cub Swanson TKO’s Charles Oliveira at 2:40 of the 1st round!  Cub landed a body shot that seemed to make Oliveira shit himself followed by a big punch that caused Charles to move away and then suddenly collapse to the mat as if by delayed reaction.  It was strange to say the least but another highlight (sort of) win for Swanson and a setback for “Do Bronx.”

Prelims (FX):
Vinny Magalhaes submits Igor Pokrajac by Armbar submission at 1:14 of the 2nd round.  The theme for the FX prelims turned out to be terrible strategy.  For some reason, Igor decided to not only stay in the guard of Vinny who is known as a one dimensional fighter who only excels at Jiu-Jitsu, but Pokrajac also took Magalhaes down in the 2nd round which, of course, led to his defeat as the Brazilian squirreled around and got the arm tapping Igor and hurting him in the process.  I don’t know what the “Duke” was thinking but he should be embarrassed by his effort.  “Submission Of The Night”

TJ Grant defeats Evan Dunham by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) in a great competitive bout.  I’m not sure why Dunham was pissed at the decision here tonight.  TJ’s striking skills were vastly improved as he pressed the action and out landed Evan in the 1st two rounds.  Evan would get hit and smile, scream, or pose, but that only served notice to the judges that he was getting hit, not to mention the river of blood flowing down his forehead from a well placed knee by Grant.  It was an excellent fight with both men competing hard but Grant simply was more effective and I’m shocked that Dunham was shocked that he lost.  “Fight Of The Night”

Sean Pierson defeats Lance Benoist by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) for the hometown feel good story.  “Pimp Daddy” came out on fire and just looked like he refused to lose in front of his fellow Canadians while Lance had nothing to offer as he got beat up consistently until the last round.  Finally, Benoist landed a shot that had Sean out on his feet wobbling to the ground as the younger fighter pounced.  The clock was ticking down and it was amazing that Pierson survived but he had done enough to win the 1st two rounds and showed serious heart in the last.

Marcus Brimage defeats Jimy Hettes by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  Finally, the last bout on the FX prelims which showed just the most ignorant game plan or lack there of.  Jimy is not a stand up fighter.  Its not his game and he proved it tonight.  Hettes just stood in front of Brimage with his hands at his waist eating shot after shot and getting knocked down in the 1st round.  Jimy then won the 2nd taking things to the mat where he excels and then inexplicably went back to standing and missing with his strikes while Marcus lit him up in the last round.  Just a baffling display of stupidity and why didn’t his corner do something about this moronic plan?  

Prelims (Facebook):
Seth Baczynski KO’d Simeon Thoresen at 4:10 of the very 1st round.  Seth landed a hook that dropped Simeon like a stone to the mat.  Completely out in impressive fashion.  “KO Of The Night”

Mitch Gagnon submits Walel Watson by RNC at 1:09 of the initial round.

Kyle Noke TKO’s Charlie Brenneman at 0:45 into the bout in a controversial stoppage by the referee.  Unlike the bout against Anthony Johnson, this time Charlie was right in his indignation at the stoppage.  Sure Brenneman was dropped but Dan Miragliotta stepped in far too soon as Charlie was shooting on Kyle and was obviously able to defend himself.  The look on the ref’s face said it all as he looked like he knew he screwed up.  

4-8 on the picks.  Holy shit I'm rustier than Matt Hamill's ears.

UFC 152 Jones vs Belfort: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 152
September 22, 2012
Air Canada Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

     I don't know about you, but I've been pining for some high level MMA action for a while now.  People are complaining about "too many cards" but I never get enough.  There is also the complaint about the "Main Event" which I also don't fathom.  We're basically getting a free title fight because of "Hendo's" injury.  Jones, who I don't care for as a person, didn't have to take any fight and I would not have been upset with him if he waited for Machida or Dan to return.  Its gonna be a tough night in Canada as the homeboys go 0-4 watching the Americans win 8-2 versus the world.  I hate going chalk on picks but it is what it is.  UFC 152 is a solid card with intriguing and important match ups not to mention two title fights.  The MMA drought is ova so lets pick some fights!

Main Bouts (PPV):
Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones (16-1) vs. Vitor Belfort (21-9)  Again, I don't fault "Bones" for the 151 debacle but I don't like the guy either.  Still, he's an amazing freak of nature with serious skill that tops Belfort's game everywhere save for pure striking power.  The "puncher's chance" is all Vitor has and consider the 35 year old hasn't seen the 2nd round, whether winning or losing, since 2008.  Yes, Vitor is sort of a former Light Heavyweight Champion but keep in mind he "won" the title when his glove scratched Randy Couture's eye 0:49 seconds into their rematch.  Belfort then promptly lost the belt to Couture in the rubber match.  History lesson aside, Jones has almost every tool to defeat Belfort and will do so at a time and method of his choosing.  It will be amusing to watch Vitor swing and miss while gassing out badly as the fight moves on until Jonny is done sparring.  Oh and by the by, Jon's beard just looks stupid.
WINNER-Jon Jones by Rd.3 TKO

Flyweight Tournament Finals
Joseph Benavidez (16-2) vs. Demetrious Johnson (15-2-1)  The inaugural Flyweight title is on the line between two Flash like fighters who can do the whole game.  Both men have lightspeed wrestling skills but Joe "B-1 Kenobi" (greatest nickname ever) has the power "Mighty Mouse" lacks.  Quite frankly, Joey is just better and is going to prove it getting Team Alpha Male their 1st UFC belt and becoming the George Washington of 125.
WINNER-Joseph Benavidez by Decision

Michael Bisping (22-4) vs. Brian Stann (12-4)  The "Count" vs the "All-American."  Tea versus apple pie.  Bravado versus humility.  Country versus country in a completely different country.  Mike gets no love in the media or with the fans but the guy has a very well rounded game and has only lost against he very elite of the UFC and was only stopped once by the "H-Bomb" which can literally happen to anybody.  Stann has been a power striker with a gigantic hole in his game on the mat which Chael Sonnen exploited and don't forget there is a case to be made that Bisping beat Sonnen and was jobbed by the judges.  Brian has improved in his career and works very hard but just doesn't seem to be able to evolve to the level needed to challenge for a title.  The "Count" has won 11 times in the UFC and has a higher fight I.Q. not to mention an ability to change game plans mid fight to get the job done.  Stann is going to need and hail mary punch but Mike is going to keep him working and guessing all the way to the finish line.  
WINNER-Michael Bisping by Decision

Matt Hamill (10-4) vs. Roger Hollett (13-3)  "What?" returns from his 1st retirement of 13 months, and meets the debuting Canadian "Hulk" in a who cares fight.   Hamill has power striking but is terrible throwing and just hopes something lands.  Matt does have his solid wrestling which he will rely on as he gets a comeback win against a nobody.
WINNER-Matt Hamill by Decision

Cub Swanson (17-5) vs. Charles Oliveira (16-2)  The winner here finds himself in a good position in increasingly competitive Featherweight division.  Both men are exciting fighters that throw a myriad of strikes and slick submissions respectively.  Olive definitely has his standard reach advantage but will not want to keep this fight standing against the creative Jackson/Winkeljohn product.  "Do Bronx" can move and mix things up striking keeping Cub busy before he takes him down and employs some sadistic Jiu-Jitsu.  If Swanson wants to throw his spin wheel kicks and spinning back fists he's going to turn into a takedown and he isn't likely to land them anyway.  Cub isn't out of this fight by any means but the percentages have to lean toward Oliveira getting the tapout within 15 minutes of work.
WINNER-Charles Oliveira by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (FX):
Igor Pokrajac (25-8) vs. Vinny Magalhaes (9-5) Magalhaes became a bit controversial since his TUF days winning the M-1 Global Light Heavyweight title which he disrespected, trying to sell it on Ebay after quitting the promotion, and then helped train Brazil's arch enemy Chael Sonnen for the rematch with Anderson Silva.  Big talk Vinny has his chance to prove his skills though you can still color me skeptical.  "Pezao" has improved his striking but his game is still Jiu-Jitsu. Igor is tough and loves to get in a brawl and puts the hurt on Vinny who shows his lack of heart and ability to absorb punishment as the referee is called upon to halt the beating.
WINNER-Igor Pokrajac by Rd.2 TKO

TJ Grant (18-5) vs. Evan Dunham (13-2)  This is the great sleeper fight of the evening with two highly skilled Lightweights looking to break into the 155 elite.  Grant needs to ground this fight and keep things where he is most comfortable but Dunham just has too much skill in all areas.  Dunham has only faltered against the striking of Melvin Guillard (the Sean Sherk debacle doesn't count) but TJ doesn't exactly strike fear in opponents while punching.  Dunham may start slow, but once he gets going its going to be all Grant can do to survive to the final bell.
WINNER-Evan Dunham by Decision

Sean Pierson (12-6) vs. Lance Benoist (6-1)  The 36 year old Canadian saved his job winning a decision last out but his prime days are long behind him and they weren't that great to being with.  I'm not hating on "Pimp Daddy" who is a generally pretty good dude but Lance from the Lou is going to retire the old man showing more tools in an eh, bout.
WINNER-Lance Benoist by Decision

Jimy Hettes (10-0) vs. Marcus Brimage (5-1)  The "Kid" is still undefeated after his 1st two UFC bouts and has been a nice surprise while the uber-annoying "Bama Beast."  Nothing about Brimage empresses me and his biggest attribute, his loud mouth, won't save him in a fight.  Jimy still needs a lot of work standing but Marcus leaves himself wide open for counters and takedowns not to mention Hettes' great throws.  Its gonna be a humbling evening for Marcus as Hettes punishes him on the floor and eventually finds a stoppage by striking or more likely a well timed submission.
WINNER-Jimy Hettes by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (Facebook):
Seth Baczynski (17-8) vs. Simeon Thoreson (17-2-1)  The "Polish Pistola" has reeled off has ran of 5 straight wins while the Norwegian has rattled off 3 straight wins and both can fight on the feet and floor.  Seth has more tricks in the bag in a competitive yet not close contest.  
WINNER-Seth Baczynski by Decision

Mitch Gagnon (8-2) vs. Walel Watson (9-4)  The Canadian lost his initial Zuffa bout while the American has gone 1-2 and made the unfortunate tattoo choice of a phallic symbol on his chest pointing toward his mouth and shockingly many men have done.  Walel has a distinct reach advantage and should have learned his lesson on how to fight wrestlers last out against TJ Dillashaw.  Mitch isn't at that level of wrestling and he eats strikes all night if he doesn't get stopped en route to a one sided affair.
WINNER-Walel Watson by Decision

Kyle Noke (19-6-1) vs. Charlie Brenneman (15-4)  Damn the "Spaniard" has fallen deep down the card these days.  Wasn't it just June of last year that Charlie "Main Evented" a show and actually pulled a big Upset? Since, he has gone 1-2 and hasn't developed his game past his smothering wrestling.  Noke has lost a couple in a row as he has yet to develop a ground game creating this wrestler versus striker style match up.  Expect the norm as Brenneman is relentless with the takedown attempts and spends most of the night on top for the judges nod.
WINNER-Charlie Brenneman by Decision

UFC 151 Jones vs Henderson: Picks & Prognostications

Nobody wins......everyone loses.