UFC 118 Edgar vs Penn 2: Picks & Boston Baby!

UFC 118: August 28, 2010
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Main Bouts (PPV):
Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar (12-1) vs. B.J. Penn (15-6-1) [Rematch] First things 1st, I scored the original bout for Penn take that how you want. I expect much of the same this time around except Penn is trying to draw in Edgar and get him angry. Not sure that's gonna work but his faint, attack, and move for a judges nod is going to be tougher climbing this time. Not that I believe Penn was sick last time around and not because I'm joining the "let's dog out Frankie," club that is growing within the fickle MMA community lately. I saw a bored "Prodigy" last time out, and embarrassed from that performance he rises back up with a full heart to take his revenge and rightful place as the best Lightweight in the world.

*Jersey may be closer to Boston than Hawaii, but Edgar's getting no love from Beantown at the weigh-ins. By the by, BJ is still the best shit talker in the game. People forget that. Watch the promos to see how to get into your opponents head, and be cocky/hilarious.

WINNER-BJ Penn by TKO Rd.5

Randy Couture (18-10) vs. James Toney (0-0) Everybody has already covered what can possibly be covered on this freak fight. I'd rather focus on how fat Toney is and that his speech verifies early onset brain damage from a long grinding and widening boxing career. Zuffa actually has to put subtitles underneath his promos which just kills me. If Couture fucks this up it is over on many levels. No pressure.

*"Light's Out" came in at a svelte 237 lbs. at 42 years of age while 47 year old while "Princess" comes in a 220 and the backing of the best HGH, chemical infused, blood doping team since Lance Armstrong's crew.

WINNER-Captain America Rd.2 TKO

Demian Maia (12-2) vs. Mario Miranda (10-1) I really like this fight but Mario will have to strike 1st, frequently, and carefully because if he goes to the floor he's screwed. Maia's Jiu-Jitsu is so elite that even with Miranda being good on the ground, there is no doubt Mario tries with all he has to stay on his feet. Demian thinks his striking coming along but it is still rudimentary and will have to absorb some punishment before he can get to his comfort zone. I'm not so sure Maia is very durable and you are going waay out on that limb believing he gets smashed rendering his brain useless for Jiu-Jitsu.

WINNER-Demian Maia by Decision

Kenny Florian (13-4) vs. Gray Maynard (9-0) The power goes to the "Bully," but besides landing that big and rare shot, Gray can't hang with "Kenflo" on the feet. The most improved TUF alum ever, just has to win in his hometown of Boston, against an opponent who will look for a top control L&P which is not going to happen with the always working and dangerous from every angle Florian.

* People are sleeping on this fight but it is a potential "Fight Of The Night" candidate for me and Maynard's cocky demeanor isn't going to hurt Kenny's desire to return to a final shot at that belt. Also, how about Mr. Florian coming to the weigh-ins wearing a Larry "Legend" Bird jersey!!

WINNER-"Kenfo" by Decision

Nate Diaz (12-5) vs. Marcus Davis (17-6) The "Irish Hand Grenade" does big business in Boston but the surly Diaz looks much better at Welterweight. Look for that long jab and some slicing on the always scarred and easily bloody Davis. Marcus can't take damage anymore but it's that sneaky Jiu-Jitsu game that wins the day for Nate-Dogg.

WINNER-Nate Diaz Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (On Spike TV):
Joe Lauzon (18-5) vs. Gabe Reudiger (17-5) A bored "J-Lau" put out a comedic video on the Internet of "Godzirra," poking fun at the man infamous for failing to make weight on TUF even with the enema, yet still eating ice cream cake, and who isn't good enough to make the UFC roster had Terry "Tripod" Etim not pulled out (pulled out;) sending Zuffa out to find what they could on the minor league circuit. "Creepy Joe" has more than enough game to deal with "Godzilla" and with a hometown crowd dropping love for the Bridgeport native, the card is stacked in favor

*Gabe gave Joe a “Sorry about your loss” cake at the weigh-in which was a bit amusing.

WINNER-"J-Lau" by Rd.2 TKO

Andre Winner (11-3-1) vs. Nik Lentz (18-3-2) Another member of Team Rough House gaining some momentum Andre got the runner up trophy in TUF but has looked very good since. Some smooth super speedy striking (5 S's) abuses the "Carnie" early and often as long as he can stay off the floor.
*Winner was on IV's this week for a badly infected cauliflower ear but looked well hydrated and healthy for the weigh-ins.

WINNER-Andre's a Winner by Rd.1 KO

Prelims (Non-Televised):
John Salter (5-1) vs. Dan Miller (11-4) Miller steps in for an injured (thankfully) Phil Baroni, while on a brutal 3-fight losing streak and looking to save his job. Those losses were to the best in the Middleweight division and barring a cringe inducing leg injury (much like last time out for Salter vs Jason MacDonald) he's going to alleviate some frustrations on an unsuspecting heavy bag.

WINNER-Dan Miller by Rd.3 TKO
Nick Osipczak (5-1) vs. Greg Soto (7-1) "O-Shipshack" isn't going to set the world on fire any time soon but did impress a bit with a dubious Split-Decision loss to the now rolling Rick Story.

Soto is going to get sliced up by "Slick" on the feet the end.

WINNER-Nick Osipczak by Decision
Mike Pierce (12-3) vs. Amilcar Alves (11-1) Alves makes his debut for the company riding an 8-fight winning streak while the solid Pierce wants to take that next step to serious contender. Amilcar is a tough Brazilian fighter but he is going to be taken down over and over en route to a boring decision.

WINNER-Mike Pierce by Decision

"Let's go Boston! Let's go Boston!"