UFC 115: June 12, 2010General Motors Palace in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
This is an underrated card with more interesting fights on the undercard than the PPV but each bout could be close and a match pickers nightmare. Top to bottom this event is full of fascinating fights. We get free fights on Spike TV that are excellent, tons of promotion for the TUF 11 finale and the absolute worst season and cast of all time, three future Hall Of Famers, and a standard appearance from GSP, all from Canada!
Main Bouts (PPV):
Chuck Liddell (21-7) vs. Rich Franklin (26-5) "Ace" is the hardest working man in the UFC taking on anyone at any weight and now at any time. That should be respected more than it is but anywho, Chuck returns after the rest of the world caught up with his striking style and his chin came into question. Rich was owned by Anderson Silva and a lucky strike from Vitor Belfort but he beat Dan Henderson no matter what the judges say. This means Franklin is actually underrated and we all know he has a much stronger well rounded MMA IQ than the "Iceman." I respect how Chuck went back to camp and came in amazing shape but despite the claims from The Pit that he has trained all of this new stuff, once in the fight, I think it will disappear from his mind (as always) and he'll continue to strike as Rich brings the leg banging kicks, southpaw striking, and the potential to take things to the mat where he'd own Chuck and possibly earn a stoppage. It should be stand up for the most part but expect some unexpected takedowns as Franklin diversifies his way to a victory.
Mirko Filipovic (26-7-2) vs. Pat Barry (5-1) I don't give a damn about anything in this fight save one mere thing. I love "Cro Cop" and I'm going out on his shield one way or the other.
Paulo Thiago (13-1) vs. Martin Kampmann (16-3) The Brazilian special forces guy (*when has a MMA card ever had two special forces fighters on the same card?) is destined for a title shot while the 86th "Hitman" can do it all, he lacks the striking power Paulo possesses though I believe he could have the advantage on the floor even with Thiago being a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Marty is very smooth on the floor but that just leads to a stalemate and I see Kampmann breaking down Thiago with his superior technique on the feet as the fight wars on toward a possible Split winner.
Ben Rothwell (30-7) vs. Gilbert Yvel (36-14-1) Tim Sylvia Jr. fights a one dimensional jackass whom he should own. I can't say either guy impresses me much but the Miletich fighter is more well rounded and adept to staying within the rules of MMA.
Carlos Condit (24-5) vs. Rory MacDonald (10-0) "NBK" was a guy I thought would tear up the UFC welterweights when coming from the WEC but that has only produced mixed results. "Waterboy" will be looking for takedowns and Condit's defense is porous at best. This is a style disaster for Carlos who's skinny frame will be a target for the core strength of Rory who continually amasses points in what is going to be a gritty ugly war.
Main Bouts (PPV):
Chuck Liddell (21-7) vs. Rich Franklin (26-5) "Ace" is the hardest working man in the UFC taking on anyone at any weight and now at any time. That should be respected more than it is but anywho, Chuck returns after the rest of the world caught up with his striking style and his chin came into question. Rich was owned by Anderson Silva and a lucky strike from Vitor Belfort but he beat Dan Henderson no matter what the judges say. This means Franklin is actually underrated and we all know he has a much stronger well rounded MMA IQ than the "Iceman." I respect how Chuck went back to camp and came in amazing shape but despite the claims from The Pit that he has trained all of this new stuff, once in the fight, I think it will disappear from his mind (as always) and he'll continue to strike as Rich brings the leg banging kicks, southpaw striking, and the potential to take things to the mat where he'd own Chuck and possibly earn a stoppage. It should be stand up for the most part but expect some unexpected takedowns as Franklin diversifies his way to a victory.
WINNER-Rich Franklin by Decision
Mirko Filipovic (26-7-2) vs. Pat Barry (5-1) I don't give a damn about anything in this fight save one mere thing. I love "Cro Cop" and I'm going out on his shield one way or the other.
WINNER-Mirko Filipovic by Rd.1 KO
Paulo Thiago (13-1) vs. Martin Kampmann (16-3) The Brazilian special forces guy (*when has a MMA card ever had two special forces fighters on the same card?) is destined for a title shot while the 86th "Hitman" can do it all, he lacks the striking power Paulo possesses though I believe he could have the advantage on the floor even with Thiago being a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Marty is very smooth on the floor but that just leads to a stalemate and I see Kampmann breaking down Thiago with his superior technique on the feet as the fight wars on toward a possible Split winner.
WINNER-Martin Kampmann by Decision
Ben Rothwell (30-7) vs. Gilbert Yvel (36-14-1) Tim Sylvia Jr. fights a one dimensional jackass whom he should own. I can't say either guy impresses me much but the Miletich fighter is more well rounded and adept to staying within the rules of MMA.
WINNER-Ben Rothwell by Rd.2 Submission
Carlos Condit (24-5) vs. Rory MacDonald (10-0) "NBK" was a guy I thought would tear up the UFC welterweights when coming from the WEC but that has only produced mixed results. "Waterboy" will be looking for takedowns and Condit's defense is porous at best. This is a style disaster for Carlos who's skinny frame will be a target for the core strength of Rory who continually amasses points in what is going to be a gritty ugly war.
WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Decision
Prelims (On Spike TV):
Mac Danzig (19-7-1) vs. Matt Wiman (11-5) I do love free fights and this one should be good. Both TUF veterans find themselves with their backs against the wall in this "loser leaves town" fight. The vegan dropped three in a row before Zuffa gave him the gift of Justin Buchholz which he almost blew while "Handsome" dropped dos in a row before receiving the gift of Shane Nelson (*both men also recently lost to Jim Miller). Both of these guys have disappointed in what many thought would be successful careers for both men and while Matt has better hands, Mac had better stop these punching exchanges that get him in trouble and return to his Jiu-Jitsu roots. Fighting a a much higher level for most of his career will help but a smart Danzig will make Wiman scream for "Mother."
Tyson Griffin (14-2) vs. Evan Dunham (10-0) The fact that this fight is NOT on the PPV is shocking but thank you Mr. White. Also how about two Xtreme Couture teammates agreeing to fight each other (I'm looking at you Jon Fitch & Josh Koscheck of AKA)! The inevitable show stealer finds mini-Tyson oh so close to that brass ring while the undefeated Dunham takes the time in his fights to learn his opponent and then beat them like mentor Randy Couture. Evan just isn't ready yet for this ever improving wrestling machine who is supposed to have improved his stand up for this particular fight though he will have a definitive size advantage. Tyson owns the mat while the striking will be close in a high tilt affair for bragging rights at the gym as Griffin slowly pulls ahead enough to get the judges to nod in his direction.
Prelims (On Spike TV):
Mac Danzig (19-7-1) vs. Matt Wiman (11-5) I do love free fights and this one should be good. Both TUF veterans find themselves with their backs against the wall in this "loser leaves town" fight. The vegan dropped three in a row before Zuffa gave him the gift of Justin Buchholz which he almost blew while "Handsome" dropped dos in a row before receiving the gift of Shane Nelson (*both men also recently lost to Jim Miller). Both of these guys have disappointed in what many thought would be successful careers for both men and while Matt has better hands, Mac had better stop these punching exchanges that get him in trouble and return to his Jiu-Jitsu roots. Fighting a a much higher level for most of his career will help but a smart Danzig will make Wiman scream for "Mother."
WINNER-Mac Danzig by Decision
Tyson Griffin (14-2) vs. Evan Dunham (10-0) The fact that this fight is NOT on the PPV is shocking but thank you Mr. White. Also how about two Xtreme Couture teammates agreeing to fight each other (I'm looking at you Jon Fitch & Josh Koscheck of AKA)! The inevitable show stealer finds mini-Tyson oh so close to that brass ring while the undefeated Dunham takes the time in his fights to learn his opponent and then beat them like mentor Randy Couture. Evan just isn't ready yet for this ever improving wrestling machine who is supposed to have improved his stand up for this particular fight though he will have a definitive size advantage. Tyson owns the mat while the striking will be close in a high tilt affair for bragging rights at the gym as Griffin slowly pulls ahead enough to get the judges to nod in his direction.
WINNER Tyson Griffin by Decision
Prelims (Non-Televised):
David Loiseau (19-9) vs. Mario Miranda (9-1) Oh the "Crow" returns in a stand up affair with a Washington fighter who just suffered his 1st career loss. Loiseau is returning from a win over a guy who is 6-20 so let's just ignore that and move on. Miranda will have the length advantage and quite frankly is a better all around striker. Dave may try more flashy moves but they don't usually work and the "Crow" is getting a bit long in the beak anyway. Look for an exciting war from the durable veteran but the end comes with the final pink slip from Zuffa.
Prelims (Non-Televised):
David Loiseau (19-9) vs. Mario Miranda (9-1) Oh the "Crow" returns in a stand up affair with a Washington fighter who just suffered his 1st career loss. Loiseau is returning from a win over a guy who is 6-20 so let's just ignore that and move on. Miranda will have the length advantage and quite frankly is a better all around striker. Dave may try more flashy moves but they don't usually work and the "Crow" is getting a bit long in the beak anyway. Look for an exciting war from the durable veteran but the end comes with the final pink slip from Zuffa.
*Mario had a bit of trouble making weight and looked very gaunt. If he hydrates properly it should not matter but something to take note of.
James Wilks (6-3) vs. Peter Sobotta (8-2) "Lightning" won TUF and then got curb stomped by the highly overrated Matt Brown proving just how awful his stand up skills are but his highly skilled and bewildering Jiu-Jitsu will rule the day when he gets back on track by vying for the coveted "Submission Of The Night" paycheck.
Claude Patrick (11-1) vs. Ricardo Funch (7-1) Claude, a former IFL fighter from Canada (eh?) makes his Zuffa debut against a fun to watch, though less talented and for god's sake kid take the damn braids outta your hair it looks retarded, "Golden Boy." Despite the fact that there can only be 1 "Golden Boy" in combat sports, I fully expect Patrick to drag Ricardo to the ground and tap him with as much ease as possible in a fight.
Mike Pyle (18-7-1) vs. Jesse Lennnox (11-2) Haters tryin' to stomp out "Quicksand's" mixed results in the UFC as failure but don't count the Xtreme Couture product out just yet. The kid is super slick/sick on the mat and smarter than your average Miletich student. Speaking of which, Jesse's only shot is staying on the feet, ignoring his wrestling base, and landing the big shots that have been known to crumble Mikey. That would be the opposite strategy he is used to employing but a ground war is a bad idea against a guy who has pinned a submission on everyman he has beaten save two. A simply confused Lennox won't know how to handle the gamer who won't let go of his limbs.
WINNER-Mario Miranda by Decision
James Wilks (6-3) vs. Peter Sobotta (8-2) "Lightning" won TUF and then got curb stomped by the highly overrated Matt Brown proving just how awful his stand up skills are but his highly skilled and bewildering Jiu-Jitsu will rule the day when he gets back on track by vying for the coveted "Submission Of The Night" paycheck.
WINNER-Jamey Wilks by Rd.2 Tapout
Claude Patrick (11-1) vs. Ricardo Funch (7-1) Claude, a former IFL fighter from Canada (eh?) makes his Zuffa debut against a fun to watch, though less talented and for god's sake kid take the damn braids outta your hair it looks retarded, "Golden Boy." Despite the fact that there can only be 1 "Golden Boy" in combat sports, I fully expect Patrick to drag Ricardo to the ground and tap him with as much ease as possible in a fight.
WINNER-Claudett by Rd.1 Submission
Mike Pyle (18-7-1) vs. Jesse Lennnox (11-2) Haters tryin' to stomp out "Quicksand's" mixed results in the UFC as failure but don't count the Xtreme Couture product out just yet. The kid is super slick/sick on the mat and smarter than your average Miletich student. Speaking of which, Jesse's only shot is staying on the feet, ignoring his wrestling base, and landing the big shots that have been known to crumble Mikey. That would be the opposite strategy he is used to employing but a ground war is a bad idea against a guy who has pinned a submission on everyman he has beaten save two. A simply confused Lennox won't know how to handle the gamer who won't let go of his limbs.
WINNER-Mike Pyle by Rd.3 Submission
No comments:
Post a Comment