TUF 9 Finale: Sanchez vs Guida

In what was a so so season of TUF with little in terms of future prospects, we head into a good finale with a bevy of fights not including TUF alum, but well matched MMA fighters.

Main card
Lightweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida In what could be a future #1 contenders match, two hard nosed non-stop wrestlers step into the Octagon to undoubtedly unleash hell for the full 15 minutes. Neither man stops attacking and both are 2 of the most intense fighters I have ever seen. If you did not watch the weigh-ins for this event, its worth it just to see how weird Diego is during the staredown. At any rate, Diego is a "Nightmare" for Guida with better wrestling and striking though maybe for the 1st time in his career, not having the advantage in cardio. Clay's my homey but I don't see him finish people very often and that seems to be his only chance in what likely ends in a points decision.
WINNER-Diego "Dirty" Sanchez
Welterweight Finale bout: DaMarques Johnson vs. James Wilks I don't know what to say here except neither guy is impressive, and both rely on different floor routines. Wilks needs the Jiu-Jitsu while Johnson wrestling. I guess I'll take the American based upon MMA camps wanting to hook up with him because of the show, and training him to a better level.
WINNER-Johnson by-this fight doesn't even deserve to be on TV considering the undercard talent
Lightweight Finale bout: Andre Winner vs. Ross Pearson This fight sports 2 guys I actually like but Winner has the size and length advantage, as well as striking and submissions. I hope both have a good showing but Andre will probably put away his fellow Brit in the end.
WINNER-Winner chicken dinner
Welterweight bout: Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns "Lights Out" returns after a close loss to Marcus Davis in a bout he finally has to be the clear favorite. Chris can outwork Burns in every facet of the game and it would be an upset if Lytle fails against this tough but beatable fighter.
WINNER-Lytle by TKO Rd.3
Lightweight bout: Joe Stevenson vs. Nate Diaz The size and length difference between these 2 men is amusing to say the least. Joe "Daddy" is used to dealing with that problem and has his back against the wall after dropping consecutive bouts. Diaz is coming off his 1st UFC loss to 1 Clay Guida via a Split. Nate must use his reach and when clinched up, that beautiful judo throw to grind those sharp elbows into the cut friendly Joe. The G&P of the "Daddy" is superb so fighting from his back like he is normally comfortable doing, isn't really an option. This has close fight written all over it but the size difference leads me toward Nate scoring another close fight win.
WINNER-Nathan by Split-Decision (they can't screw him again right?)

Prelims
Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Gleison Tibau I've never had any love for "Cocaine" Mel, but the guys punches knock people asunder. The constant glaring problem is when taken to the floor, the guy is a fish out of water. Tibau is a brilliant Jiu-Jitsu fighter if he can get the fight there before awaking to smelling salts. Flip and or toss the coin here.
WINNER- Tibau by eventual sub
Welterweight bout: Brad Blackburn vs. Edgar Garcia I hate to pick a guy making his UFC debut, but when you KO people like this cat does, and are facing a fighter as inconsistent as "Bad" Brad, I kinda have to.
WINNER-Eddie G. by the KO of the night
Catchweight bout at 208 lbs: Mike Ciesnolevicz vs. Tomasz Drwal Not sure who couldn't make weight turning this into a Catchweight bout, but the Miletich wrestler (a wrestler, really?) has much game as proven in his UFC debut. Drwal can punch, and can gas out in the blink of an eye. Look for Mike to G&P Tomasz into unemployment.
WINNER-Cesnolevitzvhinco by Rd.2 TKO
Welterweight bout: Nick Osipczak vs. Frank Lester The "Molester" has heart I give him that, but not much else. I'll take the Brit with slick skill who has had time to repair the whole needing air to breathe during a fight problem.
WINNER-Osipcz by submission
Lightweight bout: Jason Dent vs. Cameron Dollar I don't know. $$$ bill has good striking power, but Dent can take a shot and has a much better all around game and is taking his 2nd shot in the UFC. Not sure Cameron can hang with all that.
WINNER-JD by something

Not bad for a free TUF finale, and where are all the guys from the show? Maybe everyone doesn't get a spot in the UFC anymore which is good. Bring back both gingers however. Hey, ShoMMA prospects of whatever it is called is on!