UFC 105: November 14, 2009Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England
Main Bouts:
Randy Couture (16-10) vs. Brandon Vera (14-3) "Captain America" has seen and done it all but the whole older than dirt question is always there. The "Truth" is looking to make his name against the "Natural" with striking while Randy wants a floor battle where he tests the questionable heart of Vera. I haven't seen Vera look impressive in the least since he took out a fat and still recovering Frank Mir back in 2006. Since that time he has gone 3-3, changed weight divisions, and only stopped Mike "Average At Best" Patt. Every time Brandon faces an upper tier fighter (Tim Sylvia, Fabricio Werdum, & Keith Jardine) he just doesn't bring that confidence that he once used to claim he was going to win the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles at the same time. Couture will fight at a higher pace against the man 14 years his junior, and has the mental marbles to figure out his opponents before, during, and after the fight.
WINNER-The Old Man by Rd.3 TKO
Mike Swick (14-2) vs. Dan Hardy (22-6) We all know this is set up for Swick to get the title shot/sacrifice against GSP but expect the "Outlaw" to make it exciting. Swick has the speed and power against the man who loves to scrap. The Rough House fighter is tough but if he doesn't get shut down, he ain't winning the decision against Mike who when in trouble, can take you down and get the points for the win. AKA represents and Swick returns the "Runner-Up" trophy to the comical Hardy.
Mike Swick (14-2) vs. Dan Hardy (22-6) We all know this is set up for Swick to get the title shot/sacrifice against GSP but expect the "Outlaw" to make it exciting. Swick has the speed and power against the man who loves to scrap. The Rough House fighter is tough but if he doesn't get shut down, he ain't winning the decision against Mike who when in trouble, can take you down and get the points for the win. AKA represents and Swick returns the "Runner-Up" trophy to the comical Hardy.
WINNER-Mike Swick by TKO Rd.3
Michael Bisping (17-2) vs. Denis Kang (32-11-1) This is a coin flip fight. Both men have similar skills and talent though the hometown edge is easily in the "Count's" corner as he is ultra-popular in Britain. Kang can do it all but makes stupid costly mistakes. Mike is looking to rebound after a disastrous and embarrassing loss to Dan Henderson. The will to win leans to Bisping who has a lot to prove and honestly, as much as I like him, I have seen Kang just kinda ride a fights out instead of trying to win them. Potential "Fight Of The Night" candidate here but your guess is as good as mine.
Michael Bisping (17-2) vs. Denis Kang (32-11-1) This is a coin flip fight. Both men have similar skills and talent though the hometown edge is easily in the "Count's" corner as he is ultra-popular in Britain. Kang can do it all but makes stupid costly mistakes. Mike is looking to rebound after a disastrous and embarrassing loss to Dan Henderson. The will to win leans to Bisping who has a lot to prove and honestly, as much as I like him, I have seen Kang just kinda ride a fights out instead of trying to win them. Potential "Fight Of The Night" candidate here but your guess is as good as mine.
WINNER-Bisping by Decision
James Wilks (6-2) vs. Matt Brown (9-7) Now I don't believe the "Immortal" is a world beater, and granted he doesn't have much of a ground game, but I expect Matt to curb stomp the TUF winner. Wilks has great ground game but he takes a lot of punches and won't be able to survive those shots against Brown.
James Wilks (6-2) vs. Matt Brown (9-7) Now I don't believe the "Immortal" is a world beater, and granted he doesn't have much of a ground game, but I expect Matt to curb stomp the TUF winner. Wilks has great ground game but he takes a lot of punches and won't be able to survive those shots against Brown.
WINNER-Mike Brown by KO Rd.1
Ross Pearson (9-3) vs. Aaron Riley (28-11-1) To me this is a tough one to call. Coming off the last TUF as the Lightweight winner, Ross does not get an easy fight against the tough as they come veteran Riley. Both men have serious heart and serious iron jaws. In his 41st professional fight, Aaron joined up with the Greg Jackson Camp and looks to make that final run in his career. I like Riley just about everywhere and a tough night for the pup.
Ross Pearson (9-3) vs. Aaron Riley (28-11-1) To me this is a tough one to call. Coming off the last TUF as the Lightweight winner, Ross does not get an easy fight against the tough as they come veteran Riley. Both men have serious heart and serious iron jaws. In his 41st professional fight, Aaron joined up with the Greg Jackson Camp and looks to make that final run in his career. I like Riley just about everywhere and a tough night for the pup.
WINNER-Aaron Riley by workman Decision
Prelims:
Terry Etim (13-2) vs. Shannon Gugerty (12-3) Super-Long Etim brings the lanky limbs that seem to tap lots o' people but that is not the game to employ against City Boxing's 2nd best floor man (Dean Lister still holds #1). Throw the bones, almost literally as the skinny to the point of being frightening Terry, cuts up Gugerty with his many sharp points.
Prelims:
Terry Etim (13-2) vs. Shannon Gugerty (12-3) Super-Long Etim brings the lanky limbs that seem to tap lots o' people but that is not the game to employ against City Boxing's 2nd best floor man (Dean Lister still holds #1). Throw the bones, almost literally as the skinny to the point of being frightening Terry, cuts up Gugerty with his many sharp points.
WINNER-Terry Etim by Rd.2 TKO
Paul Taylor (10-4-1) vs. John Hathaway (11-0) "Relentless" always brings the heat to the game and it will be no different against Johnny boy. The billionth man to be nicknamed "Hitman" is more calm and skilled in the striking game Taylor enjoys. The battle of the 2 hometown boys could be the sleeper "Fight Of The Night" but the reach and height advantage will take their toll for the more well-rounded fighter.
Paul Taylor (10-4-1) vs. John Hathaway (11-0) "Relentless" always brings the heat to the game and it will be no different against Johnny boy. The billionth man to be nicknamed "Hitman" is more calm and skilled in the striking game Taylor enjoys. The battle of the 2 hometown boys could be the sleeper "Fight Of The Night" but the reach and height advantage will take their toll for the more well-rounded fighter.
WINNER-John Hathaway by Decision
Matt Riddle (3-0) vs. Nick Osipczak (4-0) The most boring fighter in the UFC will win again with the lay & pray method as usual.
Matt Riddle (3-0) vs. Nick Osipczak (4-0) The most boring fighter in the UFC will win again with the lay & pray method as usual.
WINNER-Matt Riddle by Decision
Paul Kelly (9-1) vs. Dennis Siver (14-6) Telly's brings da power representing Wolfslair against the adorably small Siver. Dennis can win the ground game if on top, but striking, surviving, and cardio all favor Kelly. Paul can outwork about anyone and loves to brawl his way to a win enchanting the crowds favor.
Paul Kelly (9-1) vs. Dennis Siver (14-6) Telly's brings da power representing Wolfslair against the adorably small Siver. Dennis can win the ground game if on top, but striking, surviving, and cardio all favor Kelly. Paul can outwork about anyone and loves to brawl his way to a win enchanting the crowds favor.
WINNER-Paul "Telly's" Kelly by Decision
Alexander Gustafsson (8-0) vs. Jared Hamman (10-1) Both men are making their UFC debuts and the Stockholm Shootfighter brings his TKO game into play for the Swede. However Hamman loves to throw hands as well for this Light Heavyweight punch fest. Despite the similar records, Jared has more experience at the higher level and will adapt to the big show better coming from ShowXC. Still, he looks like an aged fighter to say the least and I have a friend with the same last name and how often does that happen with such a rare name? I'll take Erik here thank you.
Alexander Gustafsson (8-0) vs. Jared Hamman (10-1) Both men are making their UFC debuts and the Stockholm Shootfighter brings his TKO game into play for the Swede. However Hamman loves to throw hands as well for this Light Heavyweight punch fest. Despite the similar records, Jared has more experience at the higher level and will adapt to the big show better coming from ShowXC. Still, he looks like an aged fighter to say the least and I have a friend with the same last name and how often does that happen with such a rare name? I'll take Erik here thank you.
WINNER-Erik Gustafsson by TKO Rd.2
Andre Winner (9-3-1) vs. Roli Delgado (6-4-1) Andre needs his 1st UFC win and will find a way to do just that at home. Dre is better about anywhere but he also showed be a lot of heart in his runner up loss to Ross Pearson in the last TUF finals, and his clinch game will hurt Delgado. Roli gets bounced after this fight and goes to the minors to improve his game.
Andre Winner (9-3-1) vs. Roli Delgado (6-4-1) Andre needs his 1st UFC win and will find a way to do just that at home. Dre is better about anywhere but he also showed be a lot of heart in his runner up loss to Ross Pearson in the last TUF finals, and his clinch game will hurt Delgado. Roli gets bounced after this fight and goes to the minors to improve his game.
WINNER-Andre Winner by Decision
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