UFC 186 Johnson vs. Horiguchi: Fight Card

April 25, 2015
Bell Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The Bantamweight rematch between Champ TJ Dillashaw and Renan Pegado was cancelled due to "Dilly" getting a rib injury while Rory MacDonald versus Hector Lombard was cancelled because Hector finally got popped for using steroids. This card has been savaged by injuries and yet somehow the UFC mafia got "Rampage" back on the bill at the last moment, and there's nothing wrong with watching "Mighty Mouse" do his thang. We also get action from Mike Bisping, Aisling Daly, Randa Markos, and the lovable Sarah Kaufman so things aren't all bad.

Main Card on PPV:

Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson (21-2-1) -850 vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (15-1) +525

"Mighty Mouse" is tasked with saving the PPV by putting a clinic on his Japanese challenger. Johnson is defending his gold for the 6th time having won 7 in a row and is unheralded though one of the top Pound4Pound fighters in the game today. Demetrious has blistering speed, a lightning quick shot, swift punching combinations, and cardio for years! Good luck landing a finger on this guy.

Kyoji is the hope of Japan earning a title shot in the modern era. The young powerful hitter from "Kid" Yamamoto's Krazy Bee camp is more willing to get out of control while throwing some crazy shit but he also has some straight wrestling skills in his tool box which could be an equalizer. Horiguchi has some of the most powerful mitts in the Flyweight division and loves the finish.

In the end, only Ian McCall seems to have a chance against "Mighty Mouse." Johnson's angles are going to play hell with Kyoji's attack and at the least, he'll wear the Japanese warrior down. Demetrious is in the least popular division in the UFC and is one of the sport's best fighters. Its a shame really. "Mighty Mouse" is gonna run game yet again in impressive fashion, though the crowd may filter out before the end.

WINNER-Demetrious Johnson by Decision

Quinton Jackson (35-11) -280 vs. Fabio Maldonado (22-7) +230

Somehow the vengeful MMA Gods snuck "Rampage" back onto the card despite numerous lawyers stating his court case has no merit and he'll be returned to Bellator, but we digress.  "Rampage" is the same cat he's always been. He'll train as little as possible and rely upon his heavy hands. Jackson is now 36 and past his prime.

The "Brazilian Redneck" has won 4 in a row in his weight class (we'll ignore the Heavyweight destruction at the hands of Stipe Miocic) and is a boxer who fights in MMA. 

Neither man is going to look for the takedown, instead Fabio will use his non-stop body shots and overwhelming boxing while trying to survive the power of "Rampage." Quinton will have success early against the very hittable Maldonado who comes from behind in the fight but the judges show him no love.

WINNER-Quinton Jackson by Decision

Michael Bisping (25-7) -155 vs. C.B. Dollaway (15-6) +125

The "Count" has managed to get under the skin of another opponent, but in this foe he has found a mark he can beat. Bisping is the far better athlete, boxer, and should be able to sprawl and brawl CB's wrestling for the most part. We don't have much faith in Dollaway and never have.

WINNER-Michael Bisping by Decision

John Makdessi (12-3) -175 vs. Shane Campbell (11-2) +145

This is a catchweight fight at 160 lbs. since Abel Trujillo got injured beating the shit out of an innocent woman. Seriously, that piece of shit should be fired.

Hey John, President of Fear The Fighter clothing line, pay your bills! Gegard Mousasi has filed a lawsuit against said clothing company and Prez since they owe him $25,000 and many other fighters as well. Good luck keeping your mind on the task at hand Makdessi. Anywho, John's been off for a year after suffering a defeat last February. He's a Tristar fighter who is a striker and little else. Fans say they enjoy strikers, but watch this boring ass dude go to work. Yeesh.

"Shaolin" has won 3 in a row coming into his Zuffa debut and is a former Kickboxer who is technically impressive. Inside or outside, Shane can hit you with everything in the tool kit with solid takedown defense and perhaps a surprising grappling game as well.

Gonna be a bad few days for Makdessi. Campbell is far more diverse in his striking and will mash Makdessi in the clinch. We've got an Upset Special people!

Upset Pick WINNER-Shane Campbell by Decision

Yves Jabouin (20-9) +350 vs. Thomas Almeida (17-0) -500

"Thominhas" is the Chute Boxe next generation star who has starched 13 of his 17 wins. This guys footwork is something up and comers should watch, and though he doesn't stop attacking, he doesn't waste energy or tire. Almeida also has that vicious streak that Chute Boxe was once feared for.

"Tiger" is 35 and has been (T)KO'd 4 times in his career, and twice in his last two losses. Jabouin is a striker who is on the way down facing a better hitter on the way up.

WINNER-Thomas Almeida by Rd.2 TKO

Prelims on FOX Sports 1:

Patrick Cote (20-9) -225 vs. Joe Riggs (40-15) +175

And we sing, "Cote, Cote, Cote, Cote...Cote, Cote." Fun arena chants aside, the Canadian "Predator" looks to put his heavy hands on the shell of a man who was once Joe Riggs. "Diesel" is a shot fighter (forgive the pun gun enthusiasts, but the idiot did shoot himself) with a weak chin who is about to get destroyed.
"Cote, Cote, Cote, Cote...Cote, Cote!" 
WINNER-Patrick Cote by Rd.1 KO

Sarah Kaufman (17-2) -205 vs. Alexis Davis (16-6) +165 [Rematch/Trilogy]

You read that correctly, this is the 3rd meeting between these two ladies with Kaufman winning both prior meetings ('07, '12). It seems like strange matchmaking but here we go again. 

Sarah has been off healing injuries from a car wreck and returns as a boxer who in 19 pro fights has only lost to Champions Ronda Rousey and Marloes Coenen. Kaufman is a sweetheart out of the cage but a bruiser inside.

Davis is a kindred spirit to Cat Zingano having lost in under 30 seconds to Ronda Rousey in embarrassing fashion. Now the "Ally-Gator" returns with her grappling skills pitted against a striker.

MMA history tells us it is very rare for a fighter who has won the 1st two meetings to win a 3rd. Even so, Kaufman has stellar takedown defense which should allow her to pick apart Davis standing or in the clinch.

WINNER-Sarah Kaufman by Decision

Chad Laprise (10-0) -450 vs. Bryan Barberena (10-2) +325

The undefeated "Disciple" is a kickboxer who possesses some wrestling skills as well. Counters, combinations, equals a technical crusher on the feet.

"Barberella" has won 7 in a row as a striker with some KO power. Bryan is a big dude and will be happy to strike with abandon.

This is closer than oddsmaker's are saying but you have to lean toward the multi-talented and unbeaten Laprise. Avoiding the power strike, Chad lights up Barberena for the entire night.

WINNER-Chad Laprise by Decision

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (5-1) -380 vs. David Michaud (8-1) +290

The "Quebec Kid" splits time with Tristar and H20 MMA. Top trainer Firas Zahabi speaks very highly about Mercier. Olivier is a Judo black belt with powerful trips and throws and loves to snatch necks.

The "Bulldawg" is a MMA Lab wrestler which should get him into trouble if he takes Olivier down. 

The Canadian should have his way standing or on the mat for a clear cut route.

WINNER-Olivier Aubin-Mercier by Decision

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:

Nordine Taleb (10-2) -265 vs. Chris Clements (12-5,1) +205

France's Taleb is yet another Tristar fighter who has won his 1st two fights in the UFC. Nordine is a large Welterweight who's a jack of all trades, master of none.

The "Menace" is a 39 year old striker who has stopped 11 of his 12 wins. Clements has been tapped 3 times in his career which could spell trouble. He is also taking this on short notice.

Taleb is supposed to win this based upon talent and youth, but don't be shocked if he gets lamp'd to pull the Upset.

WINNER-Nordine Taleb by Decision?

Jessica Rakoczy (1-4) +135 vs. Valerie Letourneau (6-3) -165

How to say this politely, Jessica is not a UFC level fighter. She's just not.

"Trouble" is a Tristar athlete who is on a 2 fight bounce and here 3 career losses came to murderers like Claudia Gadelha, Alexis Davis, and Sarah Kaufman. Val is a kickboxer who utilizes combinations and mixes in takedowns.

WINNER-Valerie Letourneau by Decision

Aisling Daly (15-5) +230 vs. Randa Markos (4-2) -300

MMAFO adores the Irish Aisling and she looked much healthier at this weigh-in after the bad struggle last December. Daly is a SBG technical striker with veteran seasoning.

The "Quiet Storm" snuck through TUF without much fanfare but she's actually quite talented and a natural athlete. The Canadian has a good double-leg shot and decent wrestling skills. 

Both of these ladies are good people but Markos should have most of the advantages when she takes top position on the mat and at the least wins on points.

WINNER-Randa Markos by Decision

UFC 186 Start Times
Main Card on Pay-Per-View: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Prelims on FOX Sports 1: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT