Allphones Arena
Sydney, Australia
Main Card on UFC Fight Pass:
Luke Rockhold (12-2) -450 vs. Michael Bisping (25-6) +325
Its a grudge match of epic proportions as the “Count” meets AKA’s future champion in Rockhold. Bisping has a true skill at getting under opponents skin, but in this case, it may not result in a positive as Luke has vowed to finish the Brit in a single round.
Since returning from a debilitating eye surgery, the “Count” has gone 1-1 losing a ground battle and perhaps shaking off a bit of rust against Tim Kennedy, and an absolute demolishing of Cung Le. As per usual, Mike is going to want to push the pace and control the action with his volume of punches and create distance with kicks to avoid the long range coming his way. Against Le, Bisping did a great job of staying out of the line of fire against Cung’s kicking attack, and unloading combinations when the timing was right to move inside. This will be key against Rockhold who has finished 10, yes that’s 10 opponents in the initial round. Michael is also adept at thwarting takedown attempts and doing what is necessary, including eating some punches on his way up, to get back to his feet.
Rockhold for his part, is a physical specimen. The guy is very large for the division and his extensive reach poses problems for all opponents. He can and will kick you everywhere, often, and solid power in his left hand. The ground isn’t a safe haven for foes as Luke has submitted 7 rivals while performing his art of “Legitsu.”
For this Main Event battle, there are just too many ways for Rockhold to win and but a single chance for Bisping. Whatever Michael may do well, Luke does it better. Luke can mix up his striking attack with more variety, and can grab a limb to take home from almost any angle. The “Count’s” best bet is to try and wear the American down in the later rounds and hope the judges are on his side. More likely, Rockhold matches his pace and exceeds it for a thrashing AKA style.
WINNER-Luke Rockhold by Rd.3 TKO
Ross Pearson (16-7, 1) -175 vs. Al Iaquinta (9-3-1) +145
The “Real Deal” has been on a tear since returning to Lightweight going 4-0-1 (that’s right, fuck you Diego) showing continual improvement in all facets of the game. Pearson has added power to his striking and always brings a mixed bag attack to keep opponents guessing. A worry is that he cuts easily which could result in a doctor stoppage, or impair his ability to fight.
Al has gone 4-2 for Zuffa losing dos times on the ground because of errors in judgement. The ground isn’t Pearson’s strongest position either but the Serra Longo product does have the grappling edge as long as he doesn’t get to flashy with it. Iaquinta is mostly a boxer like the Brit but he has more power in his kicks, something he utilizes well to set up punching combinations to the dome.
This should be a fun one. These boys are going to get after it and slug but Pearson is the smarter fighter, and he possesses defensive prowess something Iaquinta doesn’t seem to worry about. Expect a close fun fight but Pearson edges it out in the end.
WINNER-Ross Pearson by Decision
Robert Whittaker (12-4) +150 vs. Clint Hester (11-3) -185
“Headbussa” Hester is quickly 4 0 in the UFC and one MMAFO told you to watch for a couple of years ago. He’s a raw talent in MMA but a natural boxer who has shown improved wrestling if not just to keep opponents honest and then get back to the feet. We do worry that Clint can fade in fights but it hasn’t bit him yet.
Whittaker is making the rare move up in weight moving from 170 up to 185. The homeland Aussie has had mixed results relying on striking while showing ineptitude in grappling and sometimes even stalls out in fights looking as though he doesn’t know what to do.
Quite frankly, we haven’t seen much to like about average Whittaker while we believe Hester has true potential. Both men bring similar styles so it will all come down to execution. This is in Australia, but we’ll keep siding with Clint in a close fight and pray the judges aren’t biased.
WINNER-Clint Hester by Decision
Soa Palelei (21-4) -185 vs. Walt Harris (7-3) +150
Its a Heavyweight punch off with two biggies willing to throw bombs, and willing to go out like a light in a moment’s notice.
Palelei’s most recent loss in memory, came against a wrestler named Jared Rosholt. Don’t be fooled though, most of Soa’s TKO’s come on the ground after he takes the mark to the mat and unloads a torrent of strikes. He’s good at positioning himself in advantageous ways on the ground but goddamned if he doesn’t need to improve the cardio. Of course, we could say that about almost every Heavyweight.
Harris is an imtimidating creature out of ATT who has been KO’d and given the KO in the UFC. The former basketball player is pretty damn fast for a big guy, but he is abysmal on the ground.
Harris plays right into Soa’s hands as he comes forward looking to kill, gets taken down, and proceeds to get the shit beat out of him.
WINNER-Soa Palelei by Rd.1 TKO
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:
Jake Matthews (7-0) -380 vs. Vagner Rocha (11-3) +290
The “Celtic Kid” (which means we are immediate fans) is undefeated, large for the division, and a killer in the clinch.
Vagner is still a Jiu Jitsu fighter as he looks to make a 2nd run in the UFC and will probably be starched sooner rather than later. We don’t hold out a lot of hope for Rocha to remain in Zuffa’s hands very long either.
WINNER-Jake Matthews by Rd.2 TKO
Anthony Perosh (14-8) +160 vs. Guto Inocente (6-3) -200
Yea, the Australian “Hippo” is back! Perosh is tied with Randy Couture for oldest fighter to win in the UFC, and is a Jiu Jitsu ace.
Guto is making the right choice dropping down to Light Heavy where he will be a monster, bringing solid power with him.
MMAFO enjoys and roots for Perosh, so take that as you will. We don't see anything special from Guto and how can the "Hippo" not win in his home down under? We ride with Perosh!
WINNER-Anthony Perosh by Rd.1 Submission
Dylan Andrews (17-5) -175 vs. Sam Alvey (23-6) +145
Alvey is as average as they come and though he smiles through it all, he gets hit. A lot!
Andrews is from New Zealand, not to be confused with Old Zealand, so that counts as a hometown hero to the crowd. Anywho, the “Villain” has true finishing power in his hands winning 12 of his 17 by beatdown fashion.
Sam really isn’t a threat to Dylan in any area where this fight could possibly play out. Andrews crushes Alvey and sends him packing from the UFC forever. Sorry smiley.
WINNER-Dylan Andrews by Rd.2 TKO
Richie Vaculik (10-2) +250 vs. Louis Smolka (7-1) -325
“Vas” is basically your work hard wrestler and Smolka took this fight on only 2 weeks notice.
The Hawaiian “Samurai” is a quick mover (like most Flyweights) but he is terrible, dreadful in the wrestling department. Guess where that leaves him here?
Upset Pick WINNER-Richie Vaculik by Decision
Vik Grujic (7-3) -155 vs. Chris Clements (11-5) +125
Vic calls himself the “Spartan,” but it should be more like the “Slobot.” The guy is not a natural athlete and robotic in his approaches.
Clements is more varied striker than his opponent, showing good kickboxing skills in a bout destined to play out on the feet. Chris has more power, uses combinations nicely, and brings some fun spinning shit.
Upset Pick WINNER-Chris Clements by Rd.2 TKO
Daniel Kelly (7-0) +225 vs. Luke Zachrich (14-3) -285
Lucas is a pretty good striker but his defense is what is most impressive about his young game. Zachrich uses angles well and brings a lot of volume.
Kelly is a judoka, but at 36, you have to wonder if he’s coming to this a bit too late despite his undefeated record. Its seems more likely that the UFC just needed another Australian on the card and gave this guy his big day at home.
Zachrich simply out works his opponent bouncing around in there like a boomerang while mixing in the occasional takedown attempt to keep Kelly honest.
WINNER-Luke Zachrich by Decision
Jumabieke Tuerxun (14-2) +350 vs. Marcus Brimage (6-3) -500
Well, look how far the (ahem) “Bama Beast” has fallen. This guy sure has a big mouth but he’s lost 2 in a row. Brimage is a decent striker and very quick. Yeah, that’s about it.
Tuerxun, is from China which means he’ll lose. That’s not racist, calm down people, but everyone the UFC tries to bring over from China is just vastly behind in the MMA game. The “Wild Wolf” is the more well rounded of the two combatants, but he’s not that dangerous either.
Marcus unfortunately uses his boxing skills well enough to fend off another failed Chinese fighter subjecting us to seeing him in that stupid gamer head set at a future weigh in. Sigh.
WINNER-Marcus Brimage by Decision
Frankie Saenz was injured and his fight with Aljamain Sterling is cancelled.
UFC Fight Night Australia Start Times
Main Card on UFC Fight Pass: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Preliminary Card on UFC Fight Pass: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
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