Mirko "Cro Cop" "Final Fight" versus Ray Sefo

The Ultimate Fighter Season 15 kicks off tonight but its a relatively slow stretch for Zuffa until mid April but there is no shortage of MMA action in the meantime. First and foremost, we say goodbye to a legend of the sport in Mirko Filipovic. "Cro Cop" as he is widely known has returned to his homeland of Croatia for a "Final Fight" in his original combat form of kickboxing. Cro Cop will face fellow K-1 standout Ray Sefo.

You can watch the final Mirko Cro Cop bout this weekend on

• Fight Now TV
• PPV
• Live Stream from www.fightnow.com
• The Fight Network (Canada only)

The event kicks off this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT. as we watch the legend one final time!

BTW, MCC FTW!

Strikeforce Results: Rousey Crowned Champion By Another 1st Round Armbar!

Ronda Rousey defeats Miesha Tate via round 1 Armbar Submission as advertised, to become the new Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion! Miesha survived the 1st armbar attempt with skill but Rousey Judo slammed Tate a 2nd time setting up the eventual end. Tate fought so hard but once hyper extended she was forced to tap. Rousey is a beast and Sarah Kaufman is next!

Josh Thomson defeats K.J. Noons by Unanimous Decision to apparently set up a 3rd and very unnecessary fight with Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez. We really need to have the always boring Mr. Glass for another 25 minute beatdown at the hands of "El Nino?" Can't we get Melendez some decent opponents already. KJ sucks.

Kazuo Misaki looked great at Welterweight Upsetting Paul Daley by Split-Decision. The "Grabaka Hitman" looks shiney and new at 170 as he went to war exploiting "Semtex's" lack of ground prowess and standing tall through his punches. Very impressive and lets all point and laugh at Daley who claimed he would return to the UFC after winning this bout.

Lumumba Sayers tapped a shot, out of shape and disinterested fighter in Scott Smith by Guillotine Choke in the very 1st round. There is zero reason to have Scott fight again. I appreciate all the great efforts in the past but fighter safety dictates we retire Smith so he can enjoy watching his children grow up before bad things happen. Lumumba may or may not be someone to watch in the future but I'm doubting it. The jesus shit is very annoying as well.

Ronaldo Souza taps Bristol Marunde via Arm-Triangle in the last round. Marunde was nice to fill in the spot but "Jacare" needs top level Middleweight competition which he deserves! Man Strikeforce is purgatory for some poor souls.

Sarah Kaufman defeated Alexis Davis by Split Decision. This was a bloodbath and an all out brawl. Davis opted not to employ her ground game instead standing toe to toe with Sarah who cut her open badly and got the better of the stand up war. Finally in the final round, Alexis got the bout to the floor and dominated Kaufman but it was after a two round beating. A great fight and Ms. Kaufman now becomes the #1 contender to newly crowned champion Ronda Rousey.

Roger Bowling beats white supremacist Brandon Saling by TKO Rd.2. Granted Saling was a last second replacement but Strikeforce should still do a better background check so that we don't discover post fight we just watched a Nazi fight. Bowling continues but this is embarrassing and ship this Brandon kid away for good. Saling also has a criminal record for Statutory Rape and Domestic Assault. We don't need this guy in our sport.

Ryan Healy defeated Caros Fodor by Arm-Triangle in the last round. "Bam Bam" quietly sits by hoping Josh Thomson gets hurt in camp as he is oft to do.

Ryan Couture TKO's Conor Heun in the 3rd round. I did not see that one coming.

6-3 on a tough weekend to pick fights.

UFC On FX 2 Results: Kampmann Rallies Late, Benavidez Rolls To The Finals, & Flyweight Controversy

Martin Kampmann makes a last second comeback to submit Thiago Alves by Guillotine Choke at 4:12 of the final round! Besides an early push kick that seemed to momentarily rock the "Pitbull," Kampmann got beat up for 13 minutes as Thiago seemed to be cruising to a solid victory. Alves always willing to give away a win, shot in on the "Hitman" after dominating safely on the feet for the duration, and Martin reversed them on the way down landing on top with a secure guillotine forcing the tapout! Great, dramatic, and a much deserved win for Kampmann despite recent losses by horrendous judging, Marty is still near the elite of the division while Thiago continues to watch his prime slip away.

* Never say die Kampmann should get a top tier guy next, perhaps Mr. Jake Ellenberger. Thiago, we're done here. Thanks for the memories.

Joseph Benavidez TKO's Yasuhiro Urushitani with punches a mere 11 seconds into the 2nd round. Joe "B-Won Kenobi" is the favorite of the Flyweight tournament for a reason. The guys wrestling skills are sick and his new "power" at 125 is to be reckoned with. On to the finals for Benavidez.

Demetrious Johnson and Ian McCall fight to a Majority Draw. This is just fucking ridiculous. These two men went to war with one of the most exciting fights of the year with "Uncle Creepy" pulling away in the final moments almost stopping "Mighty Mouse" with enthusiastic G&P. MMAFO scored the fight 29-28 for McCall but it was very close and a Draw can be stomached but the Athletic Commission adding the scorecards up incorrectly to read us a Majority Win for Johnson when it was in fact a Draw, should have been a clear win for Ian, and we have a debacle for the Flyweight tournament. Can you blame Dana White, who had a "sudden death" round in place to avoid such draws, for hating tournaments! Sydney should be embarrassed at their moron commission but Johnson/McCall 2 will go down in April 21, at UFC 145 to bring a finale to this madness. "Fight Of The Night"

Constantinos Philippou Upsets the overrated Court McGee via Unanimous Decision. A perfect game plan from Serra/Longo keeps Constantinos moving and peppering the slower and weaker Court who continues to push forward eating punches. It is what it is.

James Te Huna TKO's Aaron Rosa in the 1st round in brutal fashion. Rosa has a beard and may look good eventually at Light Heavyweight just not against he Aussie Robbie Lawler. Huna just has serious power in both hands and once he starts lighting you up, there is little chance you are going to recover. James may not make any serious runs at a belt but he is always going to be entertaining to watch. "(T)KO Of The Night"

Anthony Perosh defeats Nick Penner via TKO with only 1 second left in the 1st round. I don't know what to say about the veteran "Hippo" who seems to have found youth and new life at Light Heavyweight have now won 3 in a row!

Steven Siler Upsets Cole Miller by Unanimous Decision. Its perfect that on my new and inaugural "guarantee pick" that I am wrong. Siler just came out and took the fight to Cole becoming the "Miller Killer" as he has now beaten both brothers soundly. Did not see that one coming.

* Now would be a good time to set up Cole vs Donald Cerrone for their grudge match with both coming off losses.

Andrew Craig defeats Kyle Noke by Unanimous Decision. He sure did.

T.J. Waldburger taps Jake Hecht with a beautiful Armbar 55 seconds into the fight. "Submission Of The Night"

Daniel Pineda subs Mackens Semerzier with an Armbar in the 1st as well and I'm done with Mack now. I just can't pick his fights correctly one way or the other.

Shawn Jordan TKO's Oli Thompson in the 2nd of an actually entertaining Heavyweight bout. The British strongman took a lot of punishment but the LSU fullback looked very good standing and pulling off a celebratory back flip as well. More to come from Jordan.

We ate it on this one going 6-4 on the picks.

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey Weigh-In Video

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey Weigh-In Pictures

Strikeforce Tate vs Rousey Picks & Prognostications

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey
March 3, 2012
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio

Main Card (Showtime):
Women's Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate (12-2) vs. Ronda Rousey (4-0) Not to belittle women's MMA, but could they make out once in each others comforting warm guard? I'm just saying, you put this together to get attention for womens MMA, add some TNA, and you'll hit your trending twitters. Yet, both women are supremely talented with Tate leaning on her Team Alpha Male based wrestling while Rousey is a decorated Judo practioner who loves to break arms. Ronda is coming down in weight for the 1st time but I don't forsee any issues there. What is does say is Ronda is going to be bigger and much stronger forcing Tate to employ a cautious plan of hopefully keeping things standing where Rousey hasn't spent as much time. All that being said, I see Ronda coming forward and just engulfing Tate, dragging her the the mat, and getting destroyed. Just not the face Ronda.

WINNER-Ronda Rousey by Rd.2 Submission

K.J. Noons (11-4) vs. Josh Thomson (18-4) Wow this fight means nothing. The oft injured Josh against an overrated boxer. This should be a prelim. Thomson has all the ground skills to avoid the stand up that would spell possible defeat. Please god don't let this set up Thomson/Melendez 3.

WINNER-Josh Thomson by Decision

Paul Daley (29-11-2) vs. Kazuo Misaki (24-11-2) So, how badly will "Semtex" miss weight by ya reckon? The guy has continually missed weight for his bouts and I wish someone would take his money and not allow him to fight or he won't fix this issue. If Misaki uses the clinch and smartly takes this to the floor, Daley will be in for some serious G&P. I don't believe the "Hitman's" pride will allow him to smartly take his Jiu-Jitsu starved opponent to the mat instead opting to bang things out and "Semtex" owns that day.

WINNER-Paul Daley by Rd.2 TKO

Ronaldo Souza (14-3) vs. Bristol Marunde (15-6) "Jacare" makes his return after dropping his belt to Luke Rockhold and Bristol (isn't that a girls name?) is going to pay the price. Easiest fight of the night to pick.

Guarantee WINNER-Ronaldo Souza by Rd.2 Submission

Scott Smith (17-9) vs. Lumumba Sayers (5-2) Smith is always a fun fight but the guy has taken too many beatings and is pretty much a 1 trick pony. If Scott can survive long enough, he will try to knock you out. That's it. Sayers is going to want to do much the same but he hasn't been raped by Paul Daley, Cung Le, Nick Diaz, and Robbie Lawer like Smith has. I just think its time for Scott's safety that he step aside after this loss.

Upset Pick WINNER-Lumumba Sayers by Rd.3 KO

Prelims (Showtime Extreme):
Sarah Kaufman (14-1) vs. Alexis Davis (11-4) Sarah should be fighting tonight for the Women's Bantamweight title but she is polite instead of bursting with bravado and people don't want to watch her make out with her opponent unlike the "main event." It is highly disrespectful to the sport and Ms. Kaufman to not give her an earned title shot because they felt another girl was prettier. This is still a great fight and the winner most likely becomes the #1 contender to the winner of Tate/Rousey so it will all work out. I have been impressed with Davis' recent 3 fight winning streak and marked improvement. Kaufman is far more experienced and talented at this stage in the game and avoiding the takedown, Kaufman hits one herself and the pain begins for Davis in a long night.

WINNER-Sarah Kaufman by Decision

Caros Fodor (7-1) vs. Pat Healy (26-16) Fodor has looked very impressive but "Bam Bam" is a tough gritty grinder who always comes prepared for war. I worry about Pat being much larger than Caros but Fodor's talent has really improved and the momentum is his.

WINNER-Caros Fodor by Split-Decision

Ryan Couture (3-1) vs. Conor Heun (9-4) A bad style match up for the "2nd Natural" as he eats punches and thinks about working more on his bad stand up. The "Hurricane" stays on his feet and wins the day.

WINNER-Conor Heun by Decision

Roger Bowling (10-2) vs. Brandon Saling (8-5) Roger should have this all day as long as he prepared properly and didn't take his opponent lightly.

WINNER-Roger Bowling by Rd.2 TKO

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

UFC Japan 144 Results: Henderson Crowned Lightweight Champion & 7 Upsets!

Issei Tamura Upset Tiequan Zhang by TKO in Rd 1. Its hard to call Zhang anything but a bust at this point. He came hyped from China and has gone 1-2 in the UFC and just got KO'd by a replacement fighter. Time to move along.

Chris Cariaso Upset Takeya Mizugaki by Unanimous Decision in controversial fashion. No home cooking here as Takeya gets jobbed in his own homeland.

Ricky Fukuda defeated Steven Cantwell by Unanimous Decision. Steve Cantwell has now set the UFC record 5 lost bouts in a row! Congratulations to the "Robot" who really earned it. How Steve has managed to get worse is beyond me but he has succeeded as Ricky prolongs his stint in Zuffa while Cantwell mercifully hits the bricks.

Vaughan Lee Upset Norifumi Yamamoto by Armbar in Rd 1. The "Kid" just cannot buy a win! Yamamoto was in full control having hurt Lee with a right hand that dropped Vaughan but he then survived a barrage of knees and strikes initiating a scramble. Norifumi landed on top but Lee threw up a crooked triangle attempt that "Kid" should have been able to escape from. Yamamoto waited too long and Lee switches to the armbar forcing "Kid" to tap and punch the canvas in frustration. Its another loss for Yamamoto who has lost all 3 of his UFC bouts after once being one of the most feared lighter fighters in the world. "Submission Of The Night"

* Norifumi is most likely to get cut following another loss and Lee sneaks in a win in Japan for England.

Takanori Gomi defeated Eiji Mitsuoka by TKO in Rd 2. There is no debating how just awful and rudimentary Gomi looked in the initial round. Throwing baseball punches from the waist completely off balance and being rocked continually by Eiji's jab. The 2nd saw the reemergence of the "Fireball Kid" who goes for broke throwing and kicking non-stop for the 1st 90 seconds. A Gomi knee crushes the ribs of Mitsuoka who goes down and Takanori dives onto his opponent unleashing a fury of strikes until the referee is forced to halt the bout and the "Fireball Kid" celebrates atop the Octagon cage with the boisterous crowd.

* I'm not gonna lie. Gomi looks awful even in victory. Some of that can be chalked up to his unorthodox style but he has regressed badly with his footwork and really needs a new camp to tighten his game. That won't happen and lets hope the UFC feeds Takanori more strikers.

Anthony Pettis defeated Joe Lauzon by KO (head kick) in Rd 1. "J-Lau" thought "Showtime" was going low with the lick but he went high and nearly took Joe's head off. Unconscious before he hit the mat, Lauzon was done and Pettis has another highlight reel head kick to his credit and a possible looming title shot. "KO Of The Night"

* With Ben Henderson winning the strap and Pettis being the last man to defeat him (for the WEC title) it just makes sense.

Hatsu Hioki defeated Bart Palaszewski by Unanimous Decision. Hioki finally showed that promised brilliance just dominating "Bartimus" in the 1st and 3rd rounds almost securing a few tapouts. Hatsu is right there in the conversation for a shot at Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.

Tim Boetsch Upset Yoshin Okami by TKO in Rd 3. Okami brought the "Thunder" for the 1st two rounds abusing the "Barbarian" who came out in the final round going for broke with his back against he wall.

Jake Shields defeated Yoshihiro Akiyami by Unanimous Decision. It was a close battle with "Sexyama" looking great at Welterweight stuffing almost all of Jake's takedown attempts until the final round. It was Shields aggression and never say die attitude on the takedown attempts that won him the day. Jake still looks bad striking and I cannot understand why the boys at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu can't learn how to take someone down effectively! Anywho, Jake got it done by a narrow margin and gets the much needed win that still eludes Akiyama.

* I personally hope the UFC doesn't cut Yoshihiro as he seems to possess new life at 170. Give the guy a chance to make a true go of it. Somebody needs to teach Shields to strike but I would love a future fight with Josh Koscheck.

Mark Hunt Upset Cheick Kongo by KO in Rd 1! I just cannot predict Kongo's irrational behavior. When he has an advantage he doesn't use it (the ground game) instead opting to stand with a known powerhouse and getting rocked on a couple of occasions before being put out by the "Super Samoan." Hunt was near a forced retirement and has now rattled off 3 wins in a row and sees his record above .500 (8-7) for the 1st time in a long time.

* Great work for the beloved big man of Japan who could deliver fireworks against the likes of Travis Browne or Stefan Struve.

Ryan Bader Upsets Quinton Jackson by Unanimous Decision. I think Quinton is a fraud. There I said it. He doesn't train and was simply there for his Japan moment of glory that didn't come. Ryan out worked Jackson in the 1st as the men got comfortable. In the 2nd, "Rampage" body slammed Bader onto his neck and smashed his right arm but but he quickly got back to the feet showing no ill effects. "Darth" then hits a solid double leg taking Jackson to the mat for some work. In the final round, Bader again got the takedown and rubbed on Jackson until the bell for a big decision win.

* I hope you got your moneys worth from "Rampage" because he is going to keep taking it. Time for the swan song match with Jackson versus Stephan Bonnar or Phil Davis and we call it a career. A big boost for Bader who stays alive as it were in the Light Heavyweight division and perhaps a bout against Mauricio Rua would provide a proper test though Bader has gone about as far as he is going to in his career.

Benson Henderson Upset Frankie Edgar by Unanimous Decision to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion! I gave "Bendo" rounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 while scoring only the 3rd for Edgar. Fightmetric scored 100 total strikes to Ben while 81 to Frankie. Ben would out strike Frank in all categories save leg kicks which he won 18 to 13. Henderson out landed 87 to 68 in significant strikes, 59 to 40 head shots, and 28 to 23 in body shots. It was another back and forth tilt but "Bendo" landed more and hurt Frankie with an upkick in what I found a clear win for the new Champion. "Fight Of The Night"

* Ben Henderson vs Anthony Pettis II is coming and going to be amazing. Frankie Edgar is now allowed some time to recoup from all his wars before facing top talent like Melvin Guillard or Donald Cerrone for guaranteed excitement.

Thoughts:

• Impressive that MMAFO was the lone picker of our newly thorny crowned Champion.
• Funny that the post fight press conference's sound was a step behind the video looking like an old dubbed Kung Fu film.
• A rough 7-5 on the picks but with all the Upsets tonight not too bad.

UFC 144: Edgar vs Henderson Picks & Prognostications

UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson
February 26, 2012
(Airs on Feb. 25 in the U.S. due to time difference)
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan

Main Bouts (PPV):
Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) vs. Benson Henderson (15-2) One of the most exciting fights scheduled this year comes to fruition. Edgar has been running game over his subordinates defending his strap twice. "Bendo" lost his WEC title to the "Showtime Kick" but has rocketed back into the scene besting Mark Boceck, Jim Miller, and Clay Guida to earn his shot. Both men posses amazing scrambling ability though the striking must favor the "Answer," Henderson is the more celebrated submission artist. Call me crazy, but I like Henderson to ground Edgar at key moments allowing him to add up points en route to an Upset Win! I am honestly not an Edgar believer and think he has met an opponent who can match his strengths while also bringing in the submission element that has eluded the Jersey native. We all expect fireworks but I'm calling for a new Champion.

Upset Pick WINNER-Ben Henderson by Decision

Quinton Jackson (32-9) vs. Ryan Bader (13-2) * "Rampage" missed weight by 6 pounds, didn't train at Wolfslair or his stateside gym, and is cocky as ever. "Darth" Bader is the hungry young fighter getting back on a one fight winning streak and can bang as well as wrestle. Soon some young buck is going to expose "Rampage" for his lack of interest and Bader may have the salt to do it. Once you don't believe a guy cares for the sport anymore and is collecting a paycheck, how can you credibly pick them?

Upset Pick WINNER-Ryan Bader by Decision

Mark Hunt (7-7) vs. Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) Hunt is a feel good story for Japan but the writing is on the wall. Hunt has only KO power to offer and will need a small ladder to reach Kongo. Cheick will not stand before the Samoan instead opting for his oft used take down for L&P. It will be ugly and boring and one sided. Thanks for the memories Mark.

WINNER-Cheick Kongo by Decision

Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-4) vs. Jake Shields (26-6-1) Jake needs a rebound after losing the title fight to GSP and then getting KO'd by Jake Ellenberger after his father passed away. "Sexyama" is making his long awaited 170 lb. debut after losing 3 competitive bouts in a row. The hated "Tito Ortiz of Japan" can strike better than Shields but I fully expect a motivated Shields, who also dislikes his opponent for past cheating, to make a statement putting Akiyama away with prejudice and returning to the Welterweight elite conversation.

WINNER-Jake Shields by Rd.2 Submission

Yushin Okami (26-6) vs. Tim Boetsch (14-4) People seem geniuinely impressed with the "Barbarian's" move to 185 though I am at a loss as to why. Beating Kendall Grove and Nick Ring does not put you in company with "Thunder" especially when you have only showed weight loss and no real improvement. Boetsch is a tough guy but Okami is at another level. Yushin has fought at the highest ranks of Middleweight for the last 5 years and can match muscle for muscle with Tim an advantage he usually possesses. Tim's power also won't hurt Okami as he finds himself planted on his ass over and over again to a lopsided bout.

WINNER-Yushin Okami by Decision

Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-14) "Bartimus" has held strong since his WEC days dropping to Featherweight and dispatching struggling Tyson Griffin in his initial UFC appearance bringing his aggressive style to bare. Hioki is the "great hope" of Japan looking for an impressive performance after struggling with George Roop in his debut. I could easily see Bart out working Hioki over time but Hatsu is just so technically brilliant on the floor that he just catches overconfident opponents. Its going to be close again but Hatsu sneaks by and begins making noise for a title shot against Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.

WINNER-Hatsu Hioki by Decision

Anthony Pettis (14-2) vs. Joe Lauzon (21-6) I like "J-Lau" but I think he is reaching that ceiling in his Lightweight career. The guy can surprise people with his ultra-aggressive "gong & dash" style but after the initial onslaught he has depleted his gas tank. "J-Lau" has decent striking and solid ground which Pettis should easily counter with his stellar abilities. "Showtime" has far more tools and I think we will see two Lightweights here going in different directions.

WINNER-Anthony Pettis by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (FX):
Takanori Gomi (32-8) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (18-7-2) Once upon a time in Japan, the "Fireball Kid" ruled the Lightweight landscape causing FEG to create the Bushido series to highlight the superstar. Going a weak 3 and 4 in the UFC, Gomi has not evolved his game relying soley on winging big punches and praying he isn't taken to the mat. Eiji is a solid grappler who will definitely be looking to take Gomi into his world. Takanori still has a big show left in him on his home soil and pulls the dramatic win while mounting the top of the cage as he once did the ring posts in Pride FC.

WINNER-Takanori Gomi by Rd.2 TKO

Norifumi Yamamoto (18-5) vs. Vaughan Lee (11-7-1) Long gone are the days of the reign of the "Kid" but he still has enough speed, striking, and power wrestling to handle whatever Lee brings to the table. Losing 4 of his last 5, Yamamoto needs this bout to remain employed and a big win to re-enforce his legend in Japan. Vaughan comes in late but a full training camp would not prepare him for the "Kid's" last stand.

WINNER-Norifumi Yamamoto by Rd.2 TKO

Riki Fukuda (17-5) vs. Steve Cantwell (7-5) 4 losses in a row for Steve who looks to set the all time UFC losing streak with a loss in Japan. A dubious honor as Fukuda looks to achieve some success in a bout where two stiff fighters will stumble through 15 minutes. With Fukuda fading in fights he needs to get to the "Robot" early with the pain. Riki pins a rose on Cantwell who sets the official record!

WINNER-Riki Fukuda by Decision

Takeya Mizugaki (15-6-2) vs. Chris Cariaso (12-3) Chris is a serviceable fighter but the "Miz" has a level of competition and heart that Cariaso cannot match. Takeya will overwhelm Chris with the aggression pulling away late in the fight.
WINNER-Takeya Mizugaki by Decision

Prelim(Facebook):
Tiequan Zhang (15-2) vs. Issei Tamura (6-2) The "Mongolian Wolf" is on display against a last second replacement playing the role of the sheep. Issei won't have much to offer save for being a member of Krazy Bee which probably got him the job.

WINNER-Tiequan Zhang by Rd.2 Submission

7-1 on the UFC on Fuel featuring Sanchez vs Ellenberger for which we posted no results.

UFC 143 Results: Condit Crowned Champion & Big Wins For Werdum, Pegado, & Poirier

Stephen Thompson KO's Daniel Stittgen with a beautiful over the shoulder Head Kick 4:13 into the 1st round of "Wonderboy's" debut. 25-0 now in kickboxing and MMA for the young phenom who is looking to excite the stacked Welterweight division. Impressive debut. "KO Of The Night"

Rafael Natal defeats Michael Kuiper by Unanimous Decision. Mike may not be UFC ready as the veteran "Sapo" holds him at bay.

Matt Riddle defeats a game last second replacement Lightweight Henry Martinez via Split-Decision. Not a very impressive performance for the much larger Riddle who struggled with the striking and never say die attitude of the upstart. Matt did enough to win but I'm more interested to see Henry make his proper debut at 155 and someone decent needs to destroy Ridde already.

* I'd like to see a veteran like Josh Neer push Riddle or Amir Sadollah as originally slated.

Matt Brown TKO's Chris Cope with Punches just into the 2nd round. Neither man is going to do shit in the UFC but at least "C-Murder" is most likely gone. I don't care who he fights next because it makes no difference.

Edwin Figueroa defeats Alex Caceres in a controversial Split-Decision. "Bruce Leeroy" was having no problem using his length and varied offense to keep Edwin off his game and chasing for most of the fight. The problem came when Alex landed a full force kick to the groin which dropped Figueroa in obvious excruciating pain. Ed took the full five minutes and battled back valiantly going for risky attacks to try and catch the running Caceres. In the 2nd the groin kick happened again and referee Herb Dean rightly took 2 points! "Leeroy" was sternly warned by the referee and paid the price. Even with the deductions I scored the bout 28-27 for Caceres but the judges saw differently and that is the price you pay for illegal blows.

Dustin Poirier submits Max Holloway with a Triangle Armbar in the 1st round. Max gave it a solid effort, but in the end "Diamond" is just on another level. Once grounded Holloway succumbed to a beautiful mounted triangle and armbar making a statement about his place in the Featherweight division. "Submission Of The Night"

* Dustin is destined for a bout with the "Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung.

Ed Herman taps Clifford Starks with the RNC in round 2. "Short Fuse" has been solid since returning last year and taps out Starks to raise his consecutive wins to 3 finishes in a row.

Renan Pegado soundly defeats Scott Jorgensen by Unanimous Decision. Scotty tried his best but was always a step behind the "Barao" who has impressively won 27 in a row! "Barao" is solidly among the elite now and looking to await the winner of Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz and the rematch with Urijah Faber! "Fight Of The Night"

Josh Koscheck sneaks by Mike Pierce by Split-Decision. "Kos" looked very tentative on the feet and just could not throw his hands though he did come forward more. Mike looked to counter and did so well though Koscheck won the takedown war in a very close back and forth bout. Neither men set the night on fire but I have little problem with the decision either way. "Kos" has got to get some confidence back in his striking and his recent split with AKA won't help matters.

* Koscheck is always near the top and needs a big test against heavy handed Johny Hendricks or possibly now former teammate Jon Fitch!

Fabricio Werdum defeats Roy Nelson by Unanimous Decision in a route. This one wasn't even close. Werdum looked in great shape and his striking was excellent. "Big Country" continually put his head into Fabricio's Thai plum and paid for it bu eating a ton of brutal knees. Nelson has a chin of granite and kept coming but Werdum dominated the match and made Roy look amateur. Very big win for Werdum who moves up the rankings while Nelson barely hangs on to his job.

* "Vai Cavalo" could get a shot at Frank Mir or even Cain Velasquez.

Carlos Condit defeats Nick Diaz by Unanimous Decision. The "NBK" followed the smart Greg Jackson game plant to perfection keeping Diaz chasing him and out landing the 209 fighter. Nick got to talking and landed strikes of his own but it was Condit that was more diversified in his attack and Diaz could not get his number. Carlos ran away with it (pun intended) but did what he should and fault Diaz for not stopping him.

* Carlos Condit becomes the Interim Welterweight Champion and awaits a possible bout with Georges St. Pierre though don't be surprised if we get a rematch with Nick Diaz before then.

Thoughts:

This card wasn't that great.

Corn Nuts are the official "corn snack" of the UFC.

Nick Diaz isn't going to retire and needs to work on his sportsmanship.

7-3 on the picks.

UFC 143 Diaz vs Condit: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 143: Super Bowl Weekend - Diaz vs. Condit
February 4, 2012
Mandalay Bay Events Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Card (PPV):

Interim Welterweight Title Fight
Nick Diaz (26-7) vs. Carlos Condit (27-5) The on again off again run around in the Welterweight division is coming to a head as two brutal Welterweights square off for the Interim belt while Georges St. Pierre watches cage side awaiting his future opponent for the real title. Both men are riding momentum's wave but Diaz has gone from most hated to fan favorite superstar in one year's time as his skills have improved with his confidence. Condit is the quiet killer who was the last WEC Welterweight Champion and ironically Nick was the very 1st. "NBK" has run off 4 wins in a row and has gone 11-1 since 2006. The 209 native has won a similar 11 in a row including destroying BJ Penn in his UFC debut. Both men have great ground but Nick's is ridiculous. Diaz can strike in volume for days but Carlos has one move KO power as proven. Neither man excels at the wrestling game which will be absent. Condit has the reach advantage but can he take the myriad of punches coming at his as Diaz never tires. Its going to be a long journey, but Nick is a better fighter and his time is now!

WINNER-Nick Diaz by Decision

Roy Nelson (16-6) vs. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) A slimmer "Big Country" welcomes the returning and I feel highly overrated Werdum to the UFC. Fabricio submitted Fedor Emelianenko to make his name but has been average at best other times when he cannot secure the submission. Werdum's hands are god awful while Roy can throw very heavy leather and defend himself adequately on the floor. Nelson has made good strides but desperately needs the win. "Big Country" will surprise people here punishing Werdum who cannot get the ground game going before a big finale.

Upset Pick WINNER-Roy Nelson by Rd.2 TKO

Josh Koscheck (16-5) vs. Mike Pierce (13-4) Welterweight wrestlers looking to make a stand up war and a statement for the Welterweight top tier. "Kos" still has questions about his repaired orbital eye bone but has always excelled against people not named George. Pierce has quietly worked up the ranks hanging with the likes of Jon Fitch (whom he almost stopped late in the fight) and Johny Hendricks. This could be a very boring fight but look for a careful Blanket to just keep ahead of Mike in the end.

WINNER-Josh Koscheck by Decision

Renan Pegado (17-1) vs. Scott Jorgensen (13-4) This is going to be a great fight and props to perennial MMAFO favorite Scotty Jorgensen for deservedly getting on the 'main card.' "Barao" upset Brad Pickett in impressive fashion and has not lost since his very 1st professional bout. I fear Renan is heading toward a title shot while Jorgensen has already had his. I see a changing of the guard in a "Fight of the Night" contender.

WINNER-Renan Pegado by Decision

Ed Herman (19-8) vs. Clifford Starks (8-0) The angry ginger has been on a roll since returning from knee surgery and meets an undefeated upstart. However, "Short Fuse" has a much more well rounded game against an average unimpressive fighter.

WINNER-Ed Herman by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Dustin Poirier (11-1) vs. Max Hollaway (4-0) "Diamond" rides in with 4 consecutive wins and is looking to challenge Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo this year. Max is filling in and is going to get destroyed here.

WINNER-Dustin Poirier by Rd.3 Submission

4 Absolutely Horrible Fighters in 3 bouts:
Matt Riddle (5-3) vs. Henry Martinez (8-1) I absolutely loathe Riddle but he is getting a 'gimme' fight here as Henry comes in on short notice a weight class above where he fights.

WINNER-Matt Riddle by Rd.2 TKO

Alex Caceres (6-4) vs. Edwin Figueroa (8-1) The equally annoying "Bruce Leeroy" looked better at Bantamweight mixing up his offense and getting rid of the Monchichi haircut. Cute kicks aside watch as Edwin gets things dirty when he finally gets his hands on the kid.

WINNER-Edwin Figueroa by Decision

Matt Brown (12-11) vs. Chris Cope (5-2) Two just awful fighters from awful TUF seasons and Matt will blow the jackass 'wooing' Cope out of the cage.

WINNER-Matt Brown by Rd.2 TKO

Prelims (Facebook):

Rafael Natal (13-3-1) vs. Michael Kuiper (11-0) "Sapo" has gone 1-1-1 in the UFC while "Judo" comes in undefeated but untested. Natal lacks while standing where Kuiper can excel provided he avoids the takedown. It could go either way but I want some new blood.

Upset Pick WINNER- Michael Kuiper by Rd.1 TKO