UFC 59 Reality Check PPV

Finally, after the disappointment of UFN4, comes a PPV with a higher class of fighters and excitement! Intriguing fights, last minute replacements, and titles all on the docket for UFC 59 Reality Check.

Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski vs Tim "The Maniac" Sylvia: WINNER-Arlovski While rumors are running wild that Andrei has taken this fight lightly after their first meeting, I do not believe it. Andrei respects and trains for all opponents, especially when holding the heavyweight championship. The Pitbull has much better ground game (obviously), and better stand up which is Sylvia's strength. His cardio is better, and he is much faster. Andrei is also training with Randy Couture and Forrest Griffin. Does Tim have a chance? Yes. He trains with the best team in MMA, Miletich, has definite KO power, and is training for this harder than any other fight he has had. He is hungry and wants his title back. Tim must take his time and not rush into Arlovski like he did in the first fight. Slow and steady, picking his shots, will give him a chance in this fight. He cannot go to the ground and must keep the fight on the feet. In the end, The Pitbull still wins this fight, probably by submission again. Sylvia is hard to take down, but it will be done. It will be a much better fight than the first, but the outcome is the same. Andrei successfully defends the title.

"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz vs Forrest Griffin: WINNER-Ortiz People are beginning to claim that Forrest will win this fight because of how hard he has been training with such names as Andrei Arlovski, Frank Trigg, and Randy Couture. Possible, but doubtful. Tito has been gone awhile, but don't forget all his accomplishments. His ground game is vicious, and he'll take Forrest down. The question is, will the rumored ju-jitsu of Forrest be any good. Can he defend or work for submissions while on his back. His stand up will be much better than Tito's, but Tito has learned his lesson from Chuck. He will take him down and g&p. Forrest has a puncher's chance, and can win, but the odds have got to favor the hometown hero, fighting for the 1st time in Cali (for the UFC), and returning from over a year of inactivity. Tito wins but it should be fun.

Nick Diaz vs Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk: WINNER-Sherk It pains me to say it because I love Nick, but Sean wins. Sherk is a Matt Hughes clone, with brutal g&p and crazy power, I see trouble for Nick. Diaz advantage is the stand up which he clearly owns, and on the ground, where he is well skilled at submissions and escapes. The problem is his cardio in recent fights, has shown his inability to finish the fights. Sherk will not have this problem. Also, Nick has the reach advantage over the 4 inches shorter fighter. Sean will not leave this fight standing for that advantage to be asserted. After this fight, Sherk will head down to 155lbs to rule the lightweights. Nick must win to stay in the UFC. Tough and very excited fight expected. Pull for Nick, bet on Sean.

Jeff "Snowman" Monson vs Marcio "Pe De Pano" Cruz: WINNER-Snowman Jeff has brutal strength and great submissions. Pe De has cutting elbows (i.e. Mir) and submissions. Neither has great stand up skills. In the end, Monson has much more experience, and power which should be the difference. Monson wins and goes on to be the #1 contender for the heavyweight championship.

David "Soul Assassin" Terrell vs Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith: WINNER-Smith Here's an upset pick. David is coming off an injury and embarrassing loss to Tanner. His preparation is always suspect, though he has good striking and ground game. Smith has the WEC championship and amazing hands with KO power. This could be a good fight depending on which Terrell shows up. The fast tough fighter who KO'd Lindland, or the out classed fighter who was schooled by Tanner. I just think Smith is on a roll and ready to head to the next level with his debut in the UFC.

Karo "The Heat" Parisyan vs Nick "The Goat" Thompson: WINNER-Goat Upset pick #2. Karo is coming off and injury that took away his title shot at Matt Hughes. The Goat has reeled off 8 wins in a row. The Goat has better stand up, while Karo has his unorthodox Judo skills. Both have good submissions. Both can go the distance. The difference is inactivity for Karo, and keeping busy for Nick. Most will be picking the former #1 contender, I smell and upset baby.

Jason "The Punisher" Lambert vs Terry Martin: WINNER-Lambert Ummm, has anyone noticed how good Jason is? 20 wins against such opponents as Wiuff, Eastman, and much better opponents. Martin has great KO's and only 1 loss. Lambert has the reach advantage and Martin's conditioning is always a question. Martin usually comes in over confident and cocky. Look for the Punisher to establish himself with his hands, and then take it to the ground for a submission. Watch this guy (Jason) he could really impact the 205lbs division.

Thiago Alves vs Derrick "The Eraser" Noble: WINNER-Alves Rematch! Noble won the 1st meeting in 2003 by a choke. This time, Alves is fighting to keep his spot in the UFC, while Noble is making his debut. Alves has fought better competition and has better cardio. He's looking for redemption and should find it here. Both have good hands and Alves has better submissions. Alves has the edge with better training partners (American Top Team) and better record. Alves by decision.

Evan Tanner vs Justin Levens: WINNER-Tanner Evan is in the best shape of his life and coming off losses to Loiseau and Franklin. He is hungry and angry after losing two fights by the doctors stoppage. Keep in mind, he was doing find against the Crow when a cut ended his night. Tanner is a former champ and veteran of the UFC who has fought much better fighters. Levens is a last minute replacement for Horn, who took the fight on 3 weeks notice. A Ruas student is key, and he has great hands with KO power, something Tanner lacks. The difference is Tanner is far more experienced at all levels of the game. Tanner returns to the win column by g&p!

Should be an exciting night with some really good fights. Stay tuned for any changes and PPV results!