Matt Hughes (40-4) vs Royce Gracie (13-1-2)
If you don't know these two names, you are not a MMA fan and should read another blog.
This is the fight everyone has been waiting for. Matt has long been dominant only losing back in January of 2004 against BJ Penn. Keep in mind though, Matt has not fought in over 6 months! Why has the UFC kept one of their most amazing fighters on the shelf for so long?
Royce last fought on New Year's Eve against Hideo Tokoro, an average lighter fighter, and did not look good in the fight. The rules stated that if the match went the distance, the fight would be declared a draw. That possibly, is all that saved Royce from another loss on his record. Royce has averaged 1 fight per year recently, and is now 40 years old.
However, everyone should not forget, that Matt's last loss came at the hands of a ju jitsu expert, BJ Penn, and Royce Gracie is the godfather of ju jitsu. Neither fighter has very good striking with the hands, but Matt gets the edge. Matt will have the power on his side which could help with slamming Royce, or positioning him for the G & P. No one has ever submitted or KO'd Royce Gracie!!!
WINNER-Matt Hughes My heart and mouth will be cheering for the original MMA bad ass, Royce Gracie, but I think Matt's youth and overall expertise of the sport leads him to victory probably by TKO (doctor stoppage). Many experts have this as a "pick em" fight, but oddsmakers have Matt a pretty heavy favorite.
Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez (16-0) vs John "The Natural" Alessio (22-8)
Famous Diego is returning to action after a flu scare caused him to drop 10lbs. during his illness, and endure a short hospital stay. Diego has assured all he is fully recovered and healthy. Alessio is a very good and experienced fighter who is good with submissions and has good hands. The problem for John has been, stepping up, in talent to the upper class. He suffered losses to Jonathan Goulet, Pat Miletich, Joe Doerkson, and Jason Black. All are good fighters, but they all are very aggressive, fast, and never stop coming at you. This also describes his opponent Diego Sanchez.
WINNER-Diego Sanchez Do not overlook Alessio who has a good chance to win this fight. He has fought at a much higher level than Sanchez, and this will be a big test for Diego. In the end, Diego's G & P, and uber-aggressive attack will overwhelm for the win.
Brandon "The Truth" Vera (5-0) vs Ausserio Silva (30-3)
Brandon has been labeled the "next big thing" ever since he began MMA. The guy has insane talent and ego, and the sky's the limit. Still, before the world over reacts, keep in mind he has only 5 pro fights. Also, Ausserio Silva is a great fighter. Silva has never been KO'd and only submitted once. He will have the size and power advantage, not to mention his good submissions. Vera is a great kickboxer, and KO's about everyone.
WINNER-Ausserio Silva This is a very close fight, though most people have Vera as the favorite. I believe Silva can take Vera to the ground where he is best, and Vera has yet to fight. Silva proved against Tim Sylvia he has a great chin, and with his size he should control the pace and win. Silva is the former #1 contender in the UFC, and has much more experience which puts him over the top in my 1st upset pick!
Mike "Quick" Swick (10-1) vs Joe "Diesel" Riggs (26-8-1)
Here we go with the most exciting fight of the night. Mike always lives up to his nickname with amazing speed and surprising power. Joe "The Incredible Shrinking Man" Riggs is notorious for bouncing around in weight classes. This time he's at a good weight (185lbs.) and is good with submissions (10) and KO's (12). Mike is definitely the one stepping up here, while Joe has fought much better talent and with much more experience. Both of these guys are going to throw bombs and it could be who catches who first, gets the win.
WINNER-Joe Riggs This fight could go either way with two fast hard punching fighters throwing at break neck speed. I just think Joe has more power and if the fight did get to the ground he has the advantage. Riggs would be smart to take it to the ground but I think they'll trade punches till one man falls.
Melvin Guillard (37-6-3) vs Rick "The Flying Squirrel" Davis (3-0-1)
Why is Melvin still fighting in the UFC? The guy lost the very 1st fight on TUF2, and then got choked out by Josh Neer at Ultimate Fight Night3. The answer is, Mel is now fighting in his weight class (lightweight 155lbs.), and he is fighting against Rick "Tomato Can" Davis. Davis has only 4 pro fights, and they are against weak talent. At least Melvin has a lot of experience, speed, and KO power.
WINNER-Melvin Guillard The "Young Assassin" (terrible nickname) is so fast and athletic, I would be shocked, if he lost to this unknown new guy.
Spencer "King" Fisher (16-2) vs Matt "Handsome" Wiman (6-2)
Spencer is the Miletich's lightweight contender. If he wins this fight, rumor has it he will get in the title hunt. King has skills in all areas and is very impressive. Matt is,....who is this guy? Oh thats right, he's a replacement chosen by the Miletich camp. Geez, UFC matchups baffle me sometimes.
WINNER-Spencer Fisher
Alessio "Legionarius" Sakara (14-3) vs Dean Lister (7-4)
Sakara has fought at heavyweight quite a bit, though this fight is at 205lbs. Dean Lister normally fights at 185lbs. so he is definitely going to struggle power wise. Dean's game is on the ground with submissions so the question is whether or not he can take the larger Sakara to the mat. Dean cannot finish fights if he doesn't get the submission and I see this fight going to the judges cards.
WINNER-Alessio Sakara The size plays a big part in this match, and Sak wins what could be a technical fight unless he can KO Lister.
Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga (5-1) vs Fabiano "Pegaleve" Scherner (5-2)
Neither of these heavyweights have been impressive yet, and one of these guys will probably not return to the UFC. They have to make a statement, as well as win. Both are submission fighters and are pretty much the same size.
WINNER-Gabriel Gonzaga
Jeremy "100+Fights" Horn (86-14-6) vs Chael Sonnen (14-7-1)
Chael was a replacement for Evan Tanner, and has already lost to Jeremy not once, but twice. Chael is Team Quest trained but Jeremy Horn is Jeremy Horn, and this is the last fight on his UFC contract.
WINNER-Jeremy Horn Horn will want to leave a lasting impression here and may focus on training after this fight. He'll never retire, but he could be much less active after this.
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