June 24th on Spike TV, the live Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale will air on Spike TV. The season was plagued with the back and forth (staged) bickering between Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz, but this night should (finally) belong to the fighters. The only stand out of the season has to be Michael Bisping who at 10-0, seems to be ready to jump into the top ten Light Heavyweight fighters in the UFC. Other than him, the show gave us a look at average fighters, acting annoying and like children in a cramped house for 6 weeks. Though, Ross Pointon has become my new favorite. He may not be the best fighter, but he has a ton of heart, pride, and courage. Not to mention, he's funny as hell. Now, on to the fights....
Kenny "Kenflo" Florian vs Sam "Hands Of Stone" Stout: This will be for the #1 contender spot, and a chance to be demolished by Sean Sherk for the Lightweight title (coming soon). Kenny has sharp elbows and ju-jitsu while Sam is a kickboxer with speed as well. This fight comes down to a mat technician, vs a stand up fighter.
WINNER-Sam Stout Sam survived a tough fight with Spencer Fisher and Kenny beat the highly overrated Kit Cope. In this fight, Sam uses his sprawl to stop the takedowns and KO's the also highly overrated Kenflo. Ken's one chance is a sub or cut, but Stout must not be taken down!! Kenny, go home and stop bothering people.
Keith "Dean Of Mean" Jardine (10-2-1) vs Wilson Gouveia (6-3): Keith is coming off his controversial loss to Stephan Bonnar. Wilson is coming off a KO win in an hasn't fought anyone worth a shit. Keith is all around while Wilson, well, he's going to lose.
WINNER-Jardine The only question on this fight is how will Jardine win. He's fought at a much higher level, and is coming in to avenge his recent loss to Bonnar to get back in the Light Heavyweight hunt.
"The Count" Michael Bisping (10-2) vs Josh "BTP" Haynes (7-4): The Count is a stand up fighter with perfect strikes and some submissions. BTP is a Team Quest member who, of course, is a wrestler with some striking ability and all his wins came by submission.
WINNER-Bisping The Count is ready. The guy has the talent to make some noise in the Light Heavyweight division. It would be a huge upset if he loses this fight to an average fighter. But, the UK native should roll right through Haynes who has no future in the UFC.
Kendall "Spyder" Grove (5-3) vs Ed "Short Fuse" Herman (10-3): Kendall was at least amusing on the show, while Ed was a jerk, and pretty much acted like a child throughout the season. However, the Team Quest member (Ed), has great wrestling (shock), and Randy Couture has billed him as the "next big thing." Kendall has a lot of reach with his long, lanky, arms and legs. He has good submissions and can strike from a distance. But can he keep Ed from taking him down?
WINNER-Ed Herman The answer is no. Ed will keep coming until he gets Kendall down, and then the continuous assault will take place. Ed will be in shape for this fight (unlike on the show), but will get a good fight from Ken. Grove will need some luck, he isn't a huge underdog, in what could be a good close fight.
Rory "Is Gay" Singer (8-5) vs Ross "Gladiator" Pointon (4-6): Look, Rory has all the physical gifts as well as much better competition coming into this fight. He only weakness has been just giving up mentally. Ross, well Ross is a heavy hitter. He's also very funny and has courage for days. The problem is, he's just not that good.
WINNER-Pointon HA, tricked ya. I'm going with my heart, and the heavy underdog. I bet I'm the only one picking Ross but who cares. I like him, he deserves it, and big KO power, and Rorys is an annoying prick. Ross continues the "Year of the Upset!"
Kalib Starnes (6-0-1) vs Danny Abaddi (0-0): Kalib was my pick to win the damn thing before the rib injury. He's back, in good shape, and the #1 ranked contender at 185 in Canada. The guy has all the skills and should come in hungry to showcase his talent. Daniel is making his MMA debut. The guy has good hands and kickboxing, but nothing on the ground, and should be an easy kill for Kalib.
WINNER-Starnes He is a HUGE favorite against a one dimensional fighter. Still, watch out for the KO punch from the boxer.
Luigi Fioravanti (7-1) vs Solomon "Dagger" Huchenson( 6-2): Dagger returns, and exits just as fast. Solomon has some talent, but Luigi has heavy hands and hung well against Chris Leben earning this fight. Luigi has also fought better competition and Solomon has better ground skills.
WINNER-Luigi My gut says Solomon, but smart money is on Luigi. This could be a good, close, brawl.
Matt "What?" Hamill (0-0) vs Jesse Forbes (1-0): Matt is the deaf super wrestler who doesn't like to get hit. Jesse is the young kid who seems to make mistakes while winning fights.
WINNER-What? Matt should take this fairly easily with his great wrestling skills. Jesse's only shot is to put Matt in a war, and make him uncomfortable with the strikes.
Wes "Soldier" Combs (12-0) vs Mike Nickels (3-1): Wes has 9 KO's and Mike has some of the worst hands I've ever seen. All the experience is with Wes who is a KOTC veteran.
WINNER-Wes Obviously by KO.
To recap, Bisping, Herman, and Starnes are really the only Ultimate Fighter 3 contestants to watch. They have real chances to do well. ? marks are can Matt take the hits to be successful, will Wes continue to dominate, and can Ross pull the unthinkable upset? There could be some decent fights here, though they probably won't end up on TV unless the main events end quickly. This ends the lame season 3, but in August comes season 4 with veterans on the cast and new hope.-MMA Mafia
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