UFC 117: August 7, 2010Oracle Arena in Oakland, California
Main Bouts (PPV):
Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (26-4) vs. Chael Sonnen (24-10-1) Despite the disgusting effort against Demian Maia, I still love the "Spider." Riding his record holding 10 consecutive title defenses, Silva just has to be pissed and jacked up to face the biggest mouth in MMA who has not stopped talking. Ever. You cannot hear that much shit come out of a guys mouth without looking to kill him. If Silva comes in mind ready, Team Quest's foundation has 1 single chance to win and that's L&P. We know Anderson can roll with anyone and with his length and power on the feet, this will get ugly though most likely not as ugly as I'd like. Here's hoping there will be blood as a motivated Silva destroys the republican religious fanatic and flips the bird to his boss.
WINNER-Anderson Silva by Rd.3 TKO
Jon Fitch (22-3) vs. Thiago Alves (16-6) [Rematch] *[The winner will be the official £1 contender to face the winner of GSP vs Josh Koscheck] This will be a war and you can pretty much forget about their 1st meeting in which Fitch put down the bitch slap. Since then Alves offensive game has evolved to a deadly level as his takedown defense became impenetrable save for super-hero GSP. Fitch seems to stay the same as the rest of the Welterweight division closes in on him though nobody has stopped him yet including GSP. Effective top control is a must for Fitch but with little fear of being finished, Thiago will pick away at Jon though I don't doubt he'll look at the lights for parts of the match. The AKA poster boy has not been stopped since his 4th fight way back in 2002. Fitch is a monster sporting a 12-1 UFC record (which is ridiculous and I know few who have a better winning percentage) but I just have this feeling that the 37th MMA fighter called the "Pitbull" is about smash his way back into title contention.
Clay Guida (26-11) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (14-4) Every one's favorite Energizer bunny/caveman is back and looking to stay afloat a top the Lightweight division while the Gracie Fusion team member seems to have caught fire in recent months. No surprises here the "Carpenter" is looking to pressure and grind you to death while Anjos might threw his newly effective striking along with his dizzying Jiu-Jitsu. I am a great believer in momentum but Rafael has never fought anyone the caliber of this Animal from Greg Jackson's Muppet. Dos brush with the elite came against the similar style of Tyson Griffin who smothered the Brazilian into a frustrating loss. If there is 1 thing Clay can do well, it's take you out of your game and frustrate you to death. You got nothin' for my boy and it's a classic smash n' kill Guida style.
Matt Hughes (44-7) vs. Ricardo Almeida (12-3) The greatest Welterweight of all time's crusade against the Gracie family name is going to fall short of "Gracie Killer" Kazushi Sakuraba's 4. The HIT Squad co-founder has 2, but neither Renzo or Royce had been competing in the UFC or regularly. Not to mention the fact both were aged. Now we have Renzo 2.0 in the form of "Big Dog" his prized and most feared student. Almeida has the youth, striking, and a far superior Jiu-Jitsu game against the heading for the sunset Hughes. I'm not even sure Matt's vaunted cardio can stay effective here nor his wrestling which will face a good takedown defense from Ricardo. The elder warrior will hang true for a while, but eventually the more athletic fighter will take this fight over toward the finish.
Junior dos Santos (11-1) vs. Roy Nelson (15-4) *[The winner will be the official £1 contender to face the winner of Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez] I gotta love for "Big Country" the size of his gut, yet this fight is not going to go his way. We haven't seen the Jiu-Jitsu game of "Cigano" yet but with the training partners at Black House and his floor reputation from there, he'll do just fine if Roy can get him to the mat before he eats a barrage of machine gun fists to the face. The overhand from Nelson is powerful but Santos has that in either hand and any style of punch. The speed will overwhelm Brian Reeves but not before putting up a spirited if not futile effort.
Dustin Hazelett (12-5) vs. Rick Story (10-3) Everyone loves "McLovin" but the "Horror" of Story is nothing to sniff at. 4-1 in the UFC slipping only in his debut against now infamous John Hathaway while winning the rest with wrestling and determination. Dustin wants this fight on the floor as fast as possible avoiding potential damage against a guy built like a brick shit house. Hazelett is nearing that top rung in the division while a hungry Story is awaiting his ascension and the opportunity is here. Tying up limbs is a "McLovin" specialty but he must survive the early onslaught and the Paul Daley fight makes me think he won't.
Stefan Struve (19-4) vs. Christian Morecraft (6-0) The "Skyscraper" is back from almost blowing an easy win bout against Paul Buentello and following up with a jaw jacking loss to Roy "Higher On The Card Than You" Nelson. Yes the potential to be a great Heavyweight is there for Stefan but his gentle chin worries me constantly. Morecraft is taking a very large step up in competition but he is also a giant and this isn't even a "Freak Fight." I fully expect Struve to hang in long enough to engulf Christian with his pretzel twisting skills which will be interesting to see with 2 near 7 footers.
Johny Hendricks (8-0) vs. Charlie Brenneman (11-1) It's a collegiate wrestling seminar here as 2 very similar fighters who have yet to really distinguish themselves battle for some semblance of recognition. Johny will strike better, though not well, and in a tough battle gains the points to the nod.
Ben Saunders (8-2-2) vs. Dennis Hallman (41-13-2) "Killa-B" stood up in a silent room and accepted a last second fight with Jon Fitch last time out and earned a debilitating loss for his efforts. It was simply another level fighter but "Killa-B" will learn much more from that loss and here he's going to steamroll Hallman right out of the UFC. Dusty is a durable veteran but the tank is emptying and Ben gets a reward for getting abused by Fitch.
Rodney Wallace (9-2) vs. Phil Davis (6-0) "Sho-Nuff" meets "Mr. Wonderful" in a battle of great nicknames and a lot o' potential. Davis is the future of the division while Rodney may have reached the ceiling for his career. Expect all heart from Wallace but Philly is going to outwork almost everyone with just silly skills and smarts.
Jon Fitch (22-3) vs. Thiago Alves (16-6) [Rematch] *[The winner will be the official £1 contender to face the winner of GSP vs Josh Koscheck] This will be a war and you can pretty much forget about their 1st meeting in which Fitch put down the bitch slap. Since then Alves offensive game has evolved to a deadly level as his takedown defense became impenetrable save for super-hero GSP. Fitch seems to stay the same as the rest of the Welterweight division closes in on him though nobody has stopped him yet including GSP. Effective top control is a must for Fitch but with little fear of being finished, Thiago will pick away at Jon though I don't doubt he'll look at the lights for parts of the match. The AKA poster boy has not been stopped since his 4th fight way back in 2002. Fitch is a monster sporting a 12-1 UFC record (which is ridiculous and I know few who have a better winning percentage) but I just have this feeling that the 37th MMA fighter called the "Pitbull" is about smash his way back into title contention.
WINNER-Thiago Alves by Decision
Clay Guida (26-11) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (14-4) Every one's favorite Energizer bunny/caveman is back and looking to stay afloat a top the Lightweight division while the Gracie Fusion team member seems to have caught fire in recent months. No surprises here the "Carpenter" is looking to pressure and grind you to death while Anjos might threw his newly effective striking along with his dizzying Jiu-Jitsu. I am a great believer in momentum but Rafael has never fought anyone the caliber of this Animal from Greg Jackson's Muppet. Dos brush with the elite came against the similar style of Tyson Griffin who smothered the Brazilian into a frustrating loss. If there is 1 thing Clay can do well, it's take you out of your game and frustrate you to death. You got nothin' for my boy and it's a classic smash n' kill Guida style.
WINNER-Clay Guida by Decision
Matt Hughes (44-7) vs. Ricardo Almeida (12-3) The greatest Welterweight of all time's crusade against the Gracie family name is going to fall short of "Gracie Killer" Kazushi Sakuraba's 4. The HIT Squad co-founder has 2, but neither Renzo or Royce had been competing in the UFC or regularly. Not to mention the fact both were aged. Now we have Renzo 2.0 in the form of "Big Dog" his prized and most feared student. Almeida has the youth, striking, and a far superior Jiu-Jitsu game against the heading for the sunset Hughes. I'm not even sure Matt's vaunted cardio can stay effective here nor his wrestling which will face a good takedown defense from Ricardo. The elder warrior will hang true for a while, but eventually the more athletic fighter will take this fight over toward the finish.
WINNER-"Big Dog" by Decision
Junior dos Santos (11-1) vs. Roy Nelson (15-4) *[The winner will be the official £1 contender to face the winner of Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez] I gotta love for "Big Country" the size of his gut, yet this fight is not going to go his way. We haven't seen the Jiu-Jitsu game of "Cigano" yet but with the training partners at Black House and his floor reputation from there, he'll do just fine if Roy can get him to the mat before he eats a barrage of machine gun fists to the face. The overhand from Nelson is powerful but Santos has that in either hand and any style of punch. The speed will overwhelm Brian Reeves but not before putting up a spirited if not futile effort.
WINNER-J. Dos Santos by Rd.3 TKO
Prelims (Non-Televised):
Tim Boetsch (11-3) vs. Todd Brown (11-1) The "Barbarian" wanted to step back into the UFC against contender Thiago Silva until a reoccurring back injury changed things. Now Mr.Brown steps in as the unknown replacement with very little shot at the upset. Take the "Barbarian" early and often.
Prelims (Non-Televised):
Tim Boetsch (11-3) vs. Todd Brown (11-1) The "Barbarian" wanted to step back into the UFC against contender Thiago Silva until a reoccurring back injury changed things. Now Mr.Brown steps in as the unknown replacement with very little shot at the upset. Take the "Barbarian" early and often.
WINNER-Tim Boetsch by Rd.1 TKO
Dustin Hazelett (12-5) vs. Rick Story (10-3) Everyone loves "McLovin" but the "Horror" of Story is nothing to sniff at. 4-1 in the UFC slipping only in his debut against now infamous John Hathaway while winning the rest with wrestling and determination. Dustin wants this fight on the floor as fast as possible avoiding potential damage against a guy built like a brick shit house. Hazelett is nearing that top rung in the division while a hungry Story is awaiting his ascension and the opportunity is here. Tying up limbs is a "McLovin" specialty but he must survive the early onslaught and the Paul Daley fight makes me think he won't.
Upset Pick WINNER-Rick Story by Rd.3 TKO
Stefan Struve (19-4) vs. Christian Morecraft (6-0) The "Skyscraper" is back from almost blowing an easy win bout against Paul Buentello and following up with a jaw jacking loss to Roy "Higher On The Card Than You" Nelson. Yes the potential to be a great Heavyweight is there for Stefan but his gentle chin worries me constantly. Morecraft is taking a very large step up in competition but he is also a giant and this isn't even a "Freak Fight." I fully expect Struve to hang in long enough to engulf Christian with his pretzel twisting skills which will be interesting to see with 2 near 7 footers.
WINNER-Stefan Struve Rd.3 Submission
Johny Hendricks (8-0) vs. Charlie Brenneman (11-1) It's a collegiate wrestling seminar here as 2 very similar fighters who have yet to really distinguish themselves battle for some semblance of recognition. Johny will strike better, though not well, and in a tough battle gains the points to the nod.
WINNER-Johny Hendricks by Decision
Ben Saunders (8-2-2) vs. Dennis Hallman (41-13-2) "Killa-B" stood up in a silent room and accepted a last second fight with Jon Fitch last time out and earned a debilitating loss for his efforts. It was simply another level fighter but "Killa-B" will learn much more from that loss and here he's going to steamroll Hallman right out of the UFC. Dusty is a durable veteran but the tank is emptying and Ben gets a reward for getting abused by Fitch.
WINNER-Ben Saunders Rd.3 TKO
Rodney Wallace (9-2) vs. Phil Davis (6-0) "Sho-Nuff" meets "Mr. Wonderful" in a battle of great nicknames and a lot o' potential. Davis is the future of the division while Rodney may have reached the ceiling for his career. Expect all heart from Wallace but Philly is going to outwork almost everyone with just silly skills and smarts.
WINNER-Phil Davis by Decision
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