UFC 114: Picks For You Time

UFC 114: May 29, 2010
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Main Bouts (PPV):
Official #1 Contender's Bout "Sugar" Rashad Evans (14-1-1) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-7) Though Rashad has been waiting on "Rampage" for a while now, stylistically this fight has disaster written all over it for Evans. Rashad can't match power on the feet for sure and the usually effective leg kicks are not really a big part of Evan's arsenal though Greg Jackson teammate Keith Jardine could be helping with that. Wrestling will be a factor but taking down Jackson is easier said than done, and keeping him floored will he a Herculean task. The gas tanks won't be an issue here with Quinton super-engaged in the fight with the "uncle tom" and other black on black racism that has been erupting as of late. Time for talking is done though good work as this PPV is going to be huge hype masters, but in the end there are more advantages for the American Wolfslair fighter to control with powerful boxing and counters over the smaller statured man in the beautiful suit. Evan's best bet is sticking and moving in route to making it a boring controlled fight on the floor until the Decision. I'm rooting for ya Rashad all the way, but I think we are both going to be disappointed.

WINNER-B.A. Baracus Rd.1 TKO

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3) vs. Jason Brilz (18-2-1) I do appreciated Brilz stepping up for the injured Forrest Griffin but he is going to be cannon fodder for "Minotoro's" boxing before the eventual tap. Also, think of a better nickname than the "Hitman" which is surprisingly used by about 100 professional fighters to date.

WINNER-"Minotoro" by Submission

Michael Bisping (18-3) vs. Dan Miller (11-3) Both men are facing tough times in the Middleweight division but the "Count" has far superior striking and though Miller is great at the takedowns, once there, his offense is limited to a busy Decision. Mike has been known to have defense turning into offense on his back or using his good hips to get out and up to his feet again. Quite frankly, Dan doesn't excel so much at offense and Bisping does. The older Miller is tough as they come but that only helps getting to the final bell. Make it a 2 fer the Wolfslair camp as the "Count" puts on a S&B clinic.

WINNER-Michael Bisping by Decision

Todd Duffee (6-0) vs. Mike Russow (12-1) The "next big hype" is here and be afraid Heavyweights. This very young cat (23) is a physical freak with solid Greco-Roman wrestling and obvious KO power. Mike is a wrestler, yes, that's about it. Let the destruction begin as Duffee devours Russow like Oprah devours newborn babies to keep her satanic heart beating.

WINNER-The "Duff Man" by Devastation

Diego Sanchez (21-3) vs. John Hathaway (12-0) Though the newly motivated "Nightmare" is going to be back and angry as ever (YES!), the 2nd "Hitman" on the card may have some answers to the as to whether or not Diego should return to the Welterweight division. Personally I agree with Sanchez who looked much healthier and powerful as a 170er, though he still made his "I'm trying to intimidate you with an angry 5 year old," face. Be that as it may, John the Rugby player walked into the UFC defeating (at the time) undefeated Tom Eagen, Rick Story, and Paul Taylor who are all very determined, big, and respected Welterweights. Expect this fight to be on the floor a lot where each man will cancel the other out. It's on the feet where the formerly skinny as a crack headed Ethiopian fighter, gets the bout to the judges.
WINNER-Diego Sanchez by Decision

Prelims (On Spike TV):
Dong Hyun Kim (12-0-1) vs. Amir Sadollah (3-1) The fan love is all for the whimsical Amir, but he's about to run into trouble in the form of the "Donger." The "Stun Gun" has far superior striking and will cut and slash Sadollah like Republicans on a bill to aid brown people.

WINNER-The "Donger" by TKO Rd.3
Efrain Escudero (12-1) vs. Dan Lauzon (12-3) Efrain has been impressive in his short career with constant improvement in all areas while Dan had 2 trainers and his own brother Joe Lauzon, quit mid-camp because of a lack of focus for the younger Lauzon. I don't know if Dan could handle Escudero after a good camp let alone a shitty 1. The Tempe fighter already beat a mirror image of Dan (Cole Miller) and it's gonna be takedown and grind kind of night.

WINNER-Efrain Escudero by Decision

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Melvin Guillard (23-8-2) vs. Waylon Lowe (8-2) Finally Guillard gets a boxing match he's wanted and will win though he'll still be a douche.

WINNER-Melvin by Rd.2 TKO
Luis Arthur Cane (10-2) vs. Cyril Diabate (15-6-1) "Banha" and "Snake" are both kickboxers though Cyril's lanky limbs are gonna reach from 1 side of the cage to the other. Arthur has faced tough fighters in 3 of his last 4 (you're the odd man out Sokojoke) while Cyril hasn't faced anyone that good since "Shogun" Rua curb stomped him back in '06. It's close and I do like Diabate but the "debut curse" tips the balance for Luis.

WINNER-"Banha" by Decision
Joe Brammer (7-1-1) vs. Aaron Riley (28-12-1) It's a "loser leaves town" match in which the veteran has all the advantages.

WINNER-Aaron Riley by Decision
Jesse Forbes (11-4) vs. Ryan Jensen (14-6) Flip a coin as I can't be bothered to care about these guys.

WINNER-Jensen by Whatever