UFC 153 Results: Anderson Silva Takes Bonnar's Soul & Many Great Fights!

Main Card (PPV)

Anderson Silva TKO’s Stephan Bonnar with a knee to the sternum and followed up with punches to halt the contest at 4:40 of Round 1.  The “Spider’s” victory was never in doubt as he took punches with his hands down and moved his back against he cage allowing the “American Psycho” to play his game though it didn’t help.  Bonnar let the strikes go but Silva was unfazed and then he delivered a knee to Stephan’s chest that took the soul out of the American before our eyes.  As the spirit left his body Bonnar collapsed to the canvas, turtled up, and received some more punches until the referee called the merciful end.  Anderson is the man and it was never in doubt. "(T)KO Of The Night"
* Dana White guaranteed that he could get the “Spider” to take the dream fight with Jon Jones but I still have many doubts.  Anderson made no bones about that he doesn’t think Chris Weidman deserves a title shot yet and that with only 2 fights left on the legends contract, we need to pick his legacy opponents very carefully.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira submits Dave Herman via Armbar at 4:31 of Round 2.  I got a bit nervous when I saw how bad “Big Nog” looked at the weigh-ins but he was fighting “Pee Wee” and and proved to the doubting Herman that Jiu-Jitsu can defeat anyone.  Dave mouthed off that Jiu-Jitsu could never defeat him and then was defeated by said combat style.  A nice win for “Minotouro” but his next outing will always worry me greatly. 
* A lot of people have called for a Stephan Struve versus Antonio Silva bout but I think it would make more sense for the “Skyscraper” to face “Big Nog” next.  Interesting to see what Zuffa does with the living legend next.

Glover Teixeira defeats Fabio Maldonado via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2.  When we say Glover defeated Fabio, we mean he beat the living shit out of Maldonado.  Teixeira looked every bit the striking machine we have heard so much about but he got a bit sloppy at the end of the 1st round and caught a punch that had him reeling and looking to survive for a moment.  When the 2nd began Glover was back on his game making Fabio a bloody mess and teeing off on his fellow Brazilian leaving him a bloody mess.  It was one of those one sided beatdowns where you wanted the referee to just call the fight and thankfully between the 2nd & 3rd the doctor did.  Fabio showed great heart and will not be cut following his 3rd straight loss. 
* Now perhaps we see Glover face Quinton Jackson as was the idea before or even a bout with Ryan Bader would make sense to test the youngster.

Jon Fitch defeats Erick Silva by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) in an entertaining and impressive bout!  Jon did what he do in smothering Silva and breaking the kids will before our eyes.  Fitch was relentless with the G&P though he did get in some trouble as he found himself wrapped in Erick’s RNC attempt but he slyly worked his way out and from there the day was won.  Erick looked to have little left for the last round and Fitch made him pay battering his younger opponent and looking for the finish. It was so bad in the final 10-8 round that you could see Erick quit as if we were watching Vitor Belfort fight.  "Fight Of The Night"
* A bout against Jake Ellenberger or Martin Kampmann would make perfect sense for the rebuilding Fitch in the future.

Phil Davis taps Wagner Prado with his favorite submission, the Anaconda Choke at 4:49 Round 2.  Prado may run around constantly shouting like a confident fighter but he had nothing for “Mr. Wonderful.”  The way Davis locked on and rolled Wagner so quickly into the choke was such a thing of beauty.  “Submission Of The Night”
* Phil is back at the top and now we must give him another test against Ryan Bader or Quinton Jackson depending on who they give Glover Teixeira.

Demian Maia shut down Rick Story by Neck Crank submission at 2:30 of Round 1.  Well I didn’t expect Rick to get embarrassed that badly but he got dragged to the mat and his jaw crushed in a matter of methodical moments.
* Ok Demian you proved me wrong. 

Prelims (FX)

Rony Bezerra TKO’s Sam Sicilia with punches at 4:16 of Round 2 and all without crying!  “Jason” became a big boy tonight and had his way with Sam.  There is still a lot left to see from Rony at Featherweight.

Gleison Tibau defeats Francisco Trinaldo by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  Tibau was as solid as ever though Trinaldo had his moments but seemed to face toward the end.

Diego Brandao defeats Joey Gambino by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  Diego looked pretty good thrashing Gambino and dropping him numerous times throughout the beating.  Joey had some serious heart but he was out gunned from start to finish.

Sergio Moraes taps Renee Forte by RNC at 3:10 of Round 3.  I’m still not impressed with Sergio though he did prove he can climb a man’s back like a tree.

Prelims (Facebook)

Chris Camozzi defeats a hapless Luiz Cane via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  I have never, ever, see “Banha” look so bad.  Cane just seemed unable to throw strikes and get his offense going.  Chris just kept coming forward with his awkward strikes but his pressure won the day against a guy who looked like he wasn’t able to fight mentally.  Just sad, sad, sad and Luiz is most likely to be shown the door along with Dave Herman on Monday.

Cristiano Marcello defeats Reza Madadi by controversial and just dead wrong Split-Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27).  What the fuck?  There is no way Cristiano won this fight an everybody knows it except the idiot judge who gave all three rounds to the Brazilian in an obvious case of home cooking.  “Mad Dog” easily won the 1st two rounds out striking his opponent, hurting him, and even working in takedowns to stack points.  It was all for naught as two of the judges were paid off in obvious schenanigans.

         A side note here, Fernando Yamasaki needs to be fired as a referee.  Despite his legendary history of being awful at his job, he has now added standing fights up 30 seconds after they hit the ground for no reason and trying to allow Fabio Maldanado to be killed.  Just terrible stuff and he seems to just get worse and worse.  

8-3-1 on the picks.

Bellator, ONE FC, Invicta, CES, & M-1 Global Results

MMAFO had some technical issues at the beginning of October causing us to fall behind on the results of our picking game for Bellator 75, ONE FC 6, Invicta FC 3, CES MMA 14, & M-1 Global Challenge 34.  Our most sincere of apologies and here are the results.  

MMAFO went 3-2 at Bellator 75 but no hating on Brett Rogers who fought (and lost) with a broken arm.  Eric Prindle returned the groin kick to Thiago Santos setting up a future  roshambo rubber match.

A paltry 3-4 at ONE FC 6 where Jens Pulver was kicked in the balls so hard that I won’t be able to have kids and Shinya Aoki beat another worthless fighter.

We went up a bit at Invicta 3 going 6-3 as Tara LaRosa shocked us by losing and Jessica Penne became the promotion’s 1st Champion at Atomweight.  

CES 14 was what is was as Dave Bautista won in not so impressive fashion against a last second fat man but the “Crow” won which was the important thing getting us 2 more wins.

Finally, Aleksander Emelianenko won a decision at M-1 Challenge 34 giving MMAFO a total of 15-9 which ain’t that great, but also not that bad.

UFC 153 Silva vs Bonnar: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 153: Silva vs. Bonnar
October 13, 2012
HSBC Arena
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Main Bouts (PPV):
Anderson Silva (32-4) vs. Stephan Bonnar (14-7)  This is a Light Heavyweight bout that is only scheduled for 15 minutes.  We all know the “Spider” is the greatest active fighter today and he steps in here before his homeland to save a dying card.  The “American Psycho” is a gamer who has never been stopped in a MMA fight though he is known to cut and bleed like Ric Flair in a cage match.  Bonnar is far too slow no matter how much weight Silva has gained and I would bet my life he can’t submit Anderson with Jiu-Jitsu which is really the strong part of his game.  Stephan is gonna take a beatin’ and what we are all looking for is how much damage can Bonnar take without dying in the cage.  It may be the greatest professional moment for Stephan in his professional career, and I don’t think he’ll wilt under the pressure and shit the bed like Forrest Griffin did, though the only question is if Boner can live to the end of round 3 which would be a moral victory.  I do expect a fun fight as Bonnar comes forward with no fear (which he should have) and gets taken apart by the “Spider” in an entertaining if not important clash.  Hey, anytime we get to see Anderson Silva fight is a good thing.
WINNER-Anderson Silva by Decision

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1) vs. Dave Herman (21-4)  “Big Nog” is looking to erase the broken arm memory burned into all MMA fans brains by Frank Mir last December.  Thankfully, he is facing a small minded error prone Heavyweight who is about to be shown the door back to the minor leagues.  Dave has but one chance, and its a KO punch, which is possible against a 36 year old “Minotauro” who is 94 in fight years.  The Team Nogueira Godfather can tap Herman whenever he pleases and might even put “Pee Wee” to sleep standing.  The MMA gods have decreed this to be a win for Rodrigo one way or the other in front of the most rabid Brazilian fans.
WINNER-Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by Rd.2 Submission

Glover Teixeira (18-2) vs. Fabio Maldonado (18-5)  The highly touted prospect finally got to the UFC in may of this year and throws up Chuck Liddell’s hang loose cross because he is also a KO machine and he trains at The Pit with the “Iceman’s” gang.  Fabio is a boxer with just killer body shots though he has had some bad luck losing his last 2 Zuffa bouts after winning his debut.  This will be a crowd pleaser as the two Brazilians slug it out but if, and that's a big if, Teixeira gets in trouble he can best Fabio on the floor.  Look for Glover to crush Maldonado in a fun slobber knocker.
WINNER-Glover Teixeira by Decision

Jon Fitch (23-4) vs. Erick Silva (14-2)  This is gonna be a good one.  Fitch got caught last out but you cannot deny that through the course of his career, he has the ability to slow down anybody (BJ Penn) and make opponents fight his way.  Erick is the new hype who has killer striking but this is a whole new level of cat.  Silva’s takedown defense is good and the key to him winning but Jon’s relentless grinding style has earned him a 13-2-1 record just for the UFC and even Georges St. Pierre couldn’t stop him (though granted he did beat the living shit outta him).  My only fear is that Jon who is well aware of his “boring” label, will look for a more exciting and dangerous crowd pleasing style while looking for the stoppage that has eluded him since 2007!  Erick has a lot to prove to me and he will have his chance.
Upset Pick WINNER-Jon Fitch by Decision

Phil Davis (9-1) vs. Wagner Prado (8-0) [Rematch]  The 1st outing ended almost before it began when an errant finger cut Prado’s eye and the doctors called a stop to the bout 1:28 in.  Prado is quite vocal and full of bravado but it is doubtful his hands will be able to hang with Phil’s vaunted wrestling prowess and coming along striking ability.  Its “Mr. Wonderful’s” fight to lose and if the stand up fails him the wrestling won’t.
WINNER-Phil Davis by Decision

Demian Maia (16-4) vs. Rick Story (14-5)  I like the “Mat Magician” at 170 but the “Horror” will not be intimidated by Demian or the homeland crowd.  Story got dry humped by Charlie Brenneman in a fight he took on last second notice as well, and then dropped a good fight to perennial Welterweight star Martin Kampmann which is nothing to sneeze at.  Since those bouts it seems like people have forgotten how good Rick is and that he sports wins over Thiago Alves, Johny Hendricks, Brian Foster, and Dustin Hazelett.  Maia’s only top tier win is over Chael Sonnen (I’m not counting Dong Hyun Kim’s injury loss) and he has shown 4 times already that when he gets near the top of a division, he falls.  Sometimes Maia’s striking looks improved and sometimes it looks rudimentary.  Story has never been tapped or KO’d and if Rick can stay standing for the most part, I like him to pull a decent Upset here using his aggression over a more passive and flaky fighter.
Upset Pick WINNER-Rick Story by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Rony Bezerra (11-3) vs. Sam Sicilia (9-0) “Jason” The Brazil TUF winner who looked very tentative in the finals and narrowly won while crying almost throughout.  7 wins in a row for Sam including a KO win in his UFC debut but the record is against lackluster talent.  “Jason” should get things done and hopefully won’t keep crying like Adam Morrison in the sweet 16.
WINNER-Rony Bezerra by Decision

Gleison Tibau (25-8) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (11-1) ATT’s Tibau is always solid and is 9-5 in Zuffa though he usually falters toward the top of the division.  5 wins in a row for “Massaranduba” who is actually a bit underrated from the Brazilian Constrictor Team that includes the likes of Rani Yahya and Paulo Thiago.  This is a coil flip match and I’m going to roll the dice with the more aggressive and new fighter to force his way to a win.
Upset Pick WINNER-Francisco Trinaldo by Decision

Diego Brandao (14-8) vs. Joey Gambino (9-1) “Ceara” is the Jackson/Winkeljohn Brazilian who is 1-1 with Zuffa while “The Raging Warrior” also faltered last out in his debut with the big show.  Diego is a fire that starts fast and fades out while Joey enacts a more slow and steady wins the race plan of action.  I highly doubt Joey has much to offer here as Diego skates to a relatively easy judges nod.
WINNER-Diego Brandao by Decision

Sergio Moraes (6-2) vs. Renee Forte (7-1) “Serginho” is the runner up for the Brazil TUF 185ers and won the crowd though not the day.  Forte is a bit of a mystery but Sergio’s popularity makes me think the debuting kid is being set up for a fall.
WINNER-Sergio Moraes by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Luiz Cane (12-4) vs. Chris Camozzi (17-5) “Banha” has been struggling going 1-3 recently but he has lost to good talent which “Grenade Winged Chest” is not.  Chris has won 2 in a row but he’s just not that good though he is nice enough to donate a portion of his purse to help needy kids in Brazil.  Perhaps the Brazilian fans won’t chant for him to die which is the best he can hope for here.
* Cane was the only Brazilian to lose at UFC 134 and has to be motivated here.
WINNER-Luiz Cane by Decision

Cristiano Marcello (12-4) vs. Reza Madadi (12-2) “Mad Dog” is on a 7 fight winning streak and got all up in Macello’s grill at the weigh-ins.  Cristiano got KO’d his last outing and his only shot here is if we saw a Jiu-Jitsu match which we won’t.  Its a beatin’ to start off the PPV while repping Tehran.
WINNER-Reza Madadi by Rd.2 TKO

UFC On FX 5 Results

Main Card (FX)

Antonio Silva TKO’s Travis Browne with Punches 3:27 into the 1st round.  Browne decided to get a little funky with his striking and stepped wrong hurting his knee.  This was his inspiration for keeping his hands at his waist while “Bigfoot” unloaded a fury of brutal strikes like he was wronged in a Jack Links Beef Jerky commercial.  Hammerfists from Silva paste Travis against the cage as the referee saves him.  Browne tries to stand up as if he is fine but he immediately falls over as Antonio charges the Octagon pulling himself up atop as the entire cage shakes and ringside judges, commentators, and camera people fear for their lives. 
* I have been calling Browne overrated for quite some time and I stand by it.  I say we put together a super freak show starring Antonio Silva versus Stefan Struve!

Jake Ellenberger defeats Jay Hieron via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  This wasn’t the greatest bout with two counter fighters posing and staring a lot.  It was a close bout but Jake won even though Jay felt his oats a bit late and began shoulder rolling without punching which Randy Couture should tell him earns no points. 
* This sets up a nice bout with Jake versus Jon Fitch as soon as he defeats Erick Silva.  The “Thoroughbred” deserves another go or two in the most competitive weight class.

John Dodson TKO’s Jussier Da Silva at 4:35 of round 2.  See, little guys can finish fights!  Dodson is now the official #1 contender to Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson in a bout I just don’t care to see.  Those two are going to flip and flutter around for 25 minutes while almost hitting each other.  Is there anyone more irritating than Dodson.  The guy squeals and flips around posing like he’s a child.  Just the most annoying child you loathe and want to throw in a potato sack.  “Formiga” now probably will lose to Joseph Benavidez. 

Justin Edwards submits Josh Neer by Guillotine Choke 0:45 into the bout!  Edwards has a tight guillotine that put Neer to sleep!  Neer has now been stopped in back to back bouts and is nearing the cut list.  “Submission Of The Night”

Prelims (Fuel TV)
Yves Edwards kinda defeated Jeremy Stephens because the “OG” didn’t get arrested and made it to the arena ready to fight. The “Lil Heathen” was arrested at the hotel harboring the UFC roster and is being held without bail.  UFC president Dana White tweeted, “Don't listen to the media! Nobody ever told them Jeremy isn't fighting. He is fighting!!”  Well it turned out the media was right and the “Baldfather” was wrong.  The rumor is that Jeremy was arrested from an assault last year the ended with a male being hospitalized after a severe beating by Stephens.  It was a felony charge from the state of Iowa. 

Michael Johnson KO’s Danny Castillo 1:06 in the 2nd round of a great comeback.  “Last Call” dropped MJ in the 1st round and then stayed on top of him controlling and winning the round but not hurting the Blackzilian.  In the 2nd MJ got rollin’ as he landed a short, tight left hand that dropped Castillo.  From there MJ dropped perfectally accurate coffin nails on Danny until he was unconscious!  “KO Of The Night”

Mike Pierce KO’s Aaron Simpson  0:29 into the last round in another comeback fight.  I have never seen anyone handle Mike like “A-Train” did in the 1st round.  Aaron treated him like a little brother picking up and slamming Pierce as well as dropping the strong chinned Mike and following up with deadly knees.  Pierce held on for dear life trapped in a RNC but he finally heard the bell.  Quickly into the 2nd, Mike’s overhand right a la Chuck Liddell sends Simpson to the canvas and he eats unnecessary G&P just for good measure!  A crazy fight and people may not like Mike but he is solid!  “Fight Of The Night”

Carlo Prater defeats Marcus LeVesseur via Unanimous Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).  Yup, that happened.

Jacob Volkmann taps Shane Roller via Chin Crank in the 1st round.  “X-Mas” is detestable but he just grabbed Roller and squeezed his jaw until it was near breaking forcing the end.  Farm boy strength from the creepy pedo looking Volkmann.

Diego Nunes defeats Bart Palaszewski via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).  This was one sided as Diego finally showed some aggression in a fight!  An aggressive Diego is hard to beat and Bart just got routed and its a miracle he survived the fight.  The score should be more like 30-26 in this throttling.

Darren Uyenoyama submits Phil Harris by RNC in the 2nd round. 

Thiago Tavares defeated Dennis Hallman because he was able to meet the agreed poundage while Dennis was fired for his lack of efforts. Hallman is now blaming the failed weight cut on “personal issues” stemming from a custody battle with his wife.  Who cares?

9-1-2 on the picks.  We don't actually count Tavares as a win though we should.

Bellator 75, ONE FC 6, Invicta FC 3, & CES MMA 14: Picks & Prognostications For The Weekend

Bellator 75

Hammond, Ind.

The Venue at Horseshoe Casino

MTV2 and Spike.com 

MAIN CARD (MTV2)
Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinals

Eric Prindle vs. Thiago Santos W-Santos

Brett Rogers vs. Alexander Volkov W-Rogers

Richard Hale vs. Mike Wessel W-Hale 

Mark Holata vs. Vinicius Queiroz W-Holata

Bo Harris vs. Chase Beebe W-Beebe

ONE FC 6: Rise Of Kings

Shinya Aoki vs. Arnaud Lepont
WINNER-Shinya Aoki by Rd.1 Submission

Inaugural Lightweight Title Bout

Kotetsu Boku vs. Zorobabel Moreira
WINNER-Moreira

Inaugural Bantamweight Title Bout

Leandro Issa vs. Soo Chul Kim
WINNER-Issa

Ryo Kawamura vs. Melvin Manhoef
WINNER-Manhoef

Bantamweight Grand Prix Opening Round

Jens Pulver vs. Yanfei Zhao W-"Lil Evil"

Min Jung Song vs. Masakatsu Ueda W-Ueda

Kevin Belingon vs. Yusup Saadulaev W-Saadulaev

Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama
Memorial Hall
Kansas City, Kansas

Jessica Penne (9-1) vs. Naho Sugiyama (8-0) W-Penne
Shayna Baszler (14-7) vs. Sarah D’Alelio (6-2) W-Baszler
Kaitlin Young (7-6-1) vs. Leslie Smith (3-2-1) W-Young
Barb Honchak (6-2) vs. Aisling Daly (13-3) W-Daly
Tara LaRosa (21-2) vs. Vanessa Porto (14-5) W-LaRosa
Cat Zingano (6-0) vs. Raquel Pennington (3-1) W-Zingano
Michelle Waterson (9-3) vs. Lacey Schuckman (7-5) W-Waterson
Julia Budd (3-2) vs. Elaina Maxwell (7-4) W-Budd
Carla Esparza (7-2) vs. Lynn Alvarez (5-2) W-Esparza

CES MMA 14:Real Pain

Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports XIV 

Dave Bautista (0-0) vs. Vince Lucero (22-22) W-Bautista

David Loiseau (20-10) vs. Chris McNally (5-4) W-The “Crow”

UFC On FX 5 Browne vs Bigfoot: Picks & Prognostications

UFC on FX 5: Browne vs. Bigfoo
October 5, 2012
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Main Bouts (FX):
Travis Browne (13-0-1) vs. Antonio Silva (16-4) “Bigfoot” meets and untested and overrated Hawaiian Heavyweight in yet another big boy “Main Event.”  I’m obviously not impressed with Travis.  Sure Browne can KO guys but his cardio is weak, his ground game non-existent, and he’s just not that good.  Silva may collapse when he takes a pure shot to his Easter Island head but the guy does have a well rounded game and an ability to hulk smash from top position.  I really think if Silva can brawl and control his bigger opponent, he’ll simply outlast him before finding a tap.
Upset Pick WINNER-Antonio Silva by Rd.4 TKO

Jake Ellenberger (27-6) vs. Jay Hieron (23-5) [Rematch] These men fought back in 2006 and a lot has changed.  Jake won the 1st meeting and evolved into a “Juggernaut” while “Lucky” Jay bounced around and missed out on his prime years in dying promotions.  Hieron certainly deserves another shot in the UFC but this night Ellen gets back in the Welterweight hunt stopping the veteran in killer fashion.
WINNER-Jake Ellenberger by Rd.3 TKO

John Dodson (13-5) vs. Jussier da Silva (14-1) “Formiga’s” record speaks for itself as he debuts in this Flyweight #1 contenders match.  Dodson has had his Zuffa experience and Silva may be caught in the headlights a bit.  Dodson spins round round baby round round to the decision.
WINNER-John Dodson by Decision

Justin Edwards (7-2) vs. Josh Neer (33-11-1) “Fast Eddy” may possess some grit but Neer is a brawler without quit.  Neer puts in a work man like performance yet again while busting up Edwards.
WINNER-Josh Neer by Decision

Prelims (Fuel TV):
Jeremy Stephens (20-8) vs. Yves Edwards (41-18-1)  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.”
WINNER-Jeremy Stephens by Decision

Michael Johnson (11-6) vs. Danny Castillo (14-4)  This should be a close and spirited affair.  Team Alpha Male’s “Last Call” has been on a roll while Johnson showed dramatic stand up improvement with the Blackzilians.  If Mike can continue the sharp striking he’ll have a shot but this is going to come down to heart in the final moments.
WINNER-Michael Johnson by Decision

Jacob Volkmann (14-3) vs. Shane Roller (11-6) The Republican radical is back to treat us to a wrestling match on an MMA card.  Enjoy.  Volkmann has all the charisma of a Paul Ryan.
WINNER-Jacob Volkmann by Decision

Bart Palaszewski (36-15) vs. Diego Nunes (17-3) “Bartimus” changed to the Jackson/Winkeljohn camp while the “Gun” runs with the heralded Black House.  Bart has a lot of tread on the tires while Nunes is going to use his legs to try break down the come forward grappler en route to a judges nod.
WINNER-Diego Nunes by Decision
* “Bartimus” made the weight limit back stage on his 2nd attempt.

Darren Uyenoyama (7-3) vs. Phil Harris (21-9) Uyenoyama gonna wrestle and he gonna G&P.
WINNER-Darren Uyenoyama by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Carlo Prater (30-11-1) vs. Marcus LeVesseur (21-6)  Well this is a terrible fight.
Upset Pick WINNER-Carlo Prater by Rd.3 Submission

Aaron Simpson (12-3) vs. Mike Pierce (14-5)  In yet another wrestling match we’ll see the super “athletic” (seriously MMA writers?) “A-Train” get down with the momentum killer that is the well rounded Pierce.  This ain’t gonna be pretty but Mike do again in the opposite of dramatic fashion.
WINNER-Mike Pierce by Decision

CANCELLED – Hallman 7 Pounds Overweight:
Dennis Hallman (51-14-2) vs. Thiago Tavares (17-4-1)  Somebody didn’t make weight and may just get cut for it but this makes this fight pick a gimme.
WINNER-Thiago Tavares by making weight

UFC On Fuel TV 5 Results: A Great Night Of Fights & MMAFO's Genius

Main Bouts (Fuel TV):
Stefan Struve TKO’s Stipe Miocic at 3:50 of the 2nd round.  “Skyscraper” is 7’0” and yet one of the easiest fighters in all of MMA to hit.  That coupled with his odd zombie reach toward an opponent without any semblance of defense are just baffling.  Steepay found his target multiple times in the 1st and it seemed like is going to be Struve collapsing to the canvas in a heap of rubble yet again.  Then in the 2nd, Stefan lands an uppercut that has Miocic on the run until he evens things with a right hook that stops Struve in his tracks.  Now we finally see the jab from Struve followed by combinations and Stipe is hurt again.  Struve moves in for the kill and when Stipe slips on the canvas, a shot puts him out on his feet while “Skyscraper” unloads.  The referee steps in to save Miocic who never went down but definitely needed saving.  Impressive win for Stefan in parts and he respectfully calls out Fabricio Werdum for a fight which I would love to see. 

Dan Hardy defeats Amir Sadollah by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) for the fans in Nottingham.  The “Outlaw” was caught in the headlights of the hometown early on but found his confidence in the 2nd meeting Amir punch for punch and actually mixing things up with some takedowns!  Its an even bout going into the final round when Hardy takes Amir down again only this time he opens up a slew of gashes around Sadollah’s eyes bringing the crimson.  A big win for the “Outlaw” and Amir is Amir.

Brad Pickett “One Punch” KO’s Yves Jabouin at 3:40 of the very 1st round.  Brad was reacting at the start of this bout but a perfect uppercut lamps Yves into nothingness as Pickett lives up to the nickname and gets down Gundam style!

Matt Wiman taps Paul Sass by Armbar submission at 3:48 of the 1st round.  I thought Wiman would try to avoid the ground game of the “Sassangle” but the tables turned tonight.  “Handsome” threw a leg kick early, the exact wrong thing to do if you don’t want to be taken down, and then its on as Sass lands elbows looks for submissions.  Matt doesn’t retreat to the feet and almost secures a “Sassangle” of his own and Paul gets busy with the G&P.  Wiman grabs an arm in defense and Sass for a moment seems unconcerned when Matt rolls Paul on his back forcing a tap or break situation.  Wow, a short but great fight!  That is Jiu-Jitsu fighting at its best from two solid fighters.  Its not shocking that Matt won but how he won beating the Brit at his own game and giving him his 1st career defeat!  “Submission Of The Night”

John Hathaway defeats John Maguire by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in the only awful fight on the card.  This fight was bad and you should feel bad!

Che Mills defeats Duane Ludwig by TKO (knee injury) in round 1.  Just as business was gettin’ good, “Bang” dropped to the mat without contact grabbing his knee.  It looks as if “Bang” blew out his knee and the bout is halted and we may have seen the end to Ludwig’s long career.  

Prelims (Facebook):
Jimi Manuwa defeats Kyle Kingsbury by TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage) after the 2nd round.  Two things we learned from this fight.  #1 Jimi is the amazing striker we had all heard about and #2, Kyle is a tough son of a bitch.  Manuwa survived the initial takedown by Kyle that seems to ruin all good strikers but then came back to his feet where he landed just evil right hands and macabre left hooks from the southpaw.  Kyle then eats a full on kick to the face followed by rape to the body and the AKA fighter drops.  Manuwa graciously allows Kyle back to his feet to continue the slaughter but “Kingsbu” survives!  Kyle’s let eye is nearly closed but he looks for takedowns but eats uppercuts and then the evil Jimi starts in with the knees to the dome.  You begin to cringe each and every time Kyle gets hit but mercifully the bell sounds.  Kingsbury’s eye is completely shut and though the warrior wanted to continue, the doctor wisely calls the debacle off.  Interesting to note Jimi was completely gassed by the end of the 2nd and Kyle actually looked like he could keep going!  Amazing fight.  “Fight Of The Night”

Akira Corassani defeats Andy Ogle by Split-Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28).  This was not a bad little fight.  Ogle dropped Akira multiple times in the 1st round but Corassani always fought back to his feet and after a nice spin kick he hurt Andy with a right hand that put Ogle on his bike.  In the 2nd Akira is landing better and more often as Andy seems to not like the power as a welt begins to develop on his head.  Ogle does get a guillotine on Corassani with a few seconds left but the bell sounds and dirty Akira lands a very late strike that drops the Englishman.  It seems like Akira is trying to earn the reputation of a dirty fighter.  In the final round its more of the same from Corassani but Andy does trap him in the crucifix, and though not in any real danger, Akira cannot escape and when the final bell sounds he stands up frustrated.  Akira is read to be the winner and shakes his head and finger no as if he disagrees with his win.  Strange fight but Ogle didn’t help his cause by running away so much.  Circling is a smart strategy but running is running.

Brad Tavares defeats Tom Watson by Split-Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).  Didn’t see it but I hear good things.  BAMMA’s “Kong” no successful under big light.

Gunnar Nelson taps an overweight DaMarques Johnson by RNC at 3:34 of the 1st round.  Though we didn’t learn anything about the blue chip Jiu-Jitsu fighter, we did see his lauded technical brilliance in tapping out run of the mill TUF cast offs.  DaMarques may escape the cut list by taking this bout on short notice but he shouldn’t.  We’ll learn more about Gunnar in his next outing.

Robert Peralta KO’s Jason Young only 0:23 into the contest.  Peralta landed a nice solid body shot and then snapped Young’s head back with a crisp right hand and Jason was napping before he hit the floor.  Wow that was pretty and then Bobert puts everyone to sleep showing his sparkling personality during the post fight interview.  “KO Of The Night”

I don't call myself a genius, but I won't argue with the pundits.  MMAFO goes 10-1 on the picks!