Wednesday, August 31, 2016

UFC Fight Night 93 Barnett vs. Arlovksi: Picks, Prognostications + Odds


September 3, 2016
Barclaycard Arena
Hamburg, Germany

Main Card on UFC Fight Pass:

Josh Barnett (34-8) -150 vs. #6 Andrei Arlovski (25-12-0, 1) +130


The "Warmaster" has been struggling with big hitters which brings much concern here. Joshua is a catch-as-catch-can wrestler who has been strangely reliant upon striking as of late. Barnett should be using his grappling prowess to take opponents down to dark lands but he has been reluctant to do so for his final UFC run.

Arlovski is, and has always been, a striker with solid power. Unfortunately, he has a weak chin and is hesitant to throw with volume allowing foes to bully him.

Both of these former UFC Heavyweight Champions are in the twilight of their careers. This match would've been more interesting in the early 2000's but it could still be fun. If Andrei lets out the "Pitbull," he could put Josh early since we don't actually believe Barnett is putting his all into the game anymore. The longer this bout goes, the more it favors the "Warmaster" to wear Arlovski out and get a submission. Its the big heavies so we think the "Belarus Vampire" gets the quick win and Josh exits stage left to pursue terrible movies.

Upset Pick WINNER-Andrei Arlovski by Rd.2 TKO

#4 Alexander Gustafsson (16-4) -750 vs. Jan Blachowicz (19-5) +525

Its been a rough couple of years for the stellar Swede. Alex has lost two title fights and got knocked the fuck out in his homeland. Then "Lusty Gusty" went on the MMA Hour and started talking about retiring and perhaps not having the fire to fight anymore.  All terrible signs for fighters. Now, Gustafsson has claimed he "found his smile" and is ready for another run. Uh-huh.

The Pole is 2-2 in the UFC and miles away from a prime Alexander. He is still a pretty fair kickboxer.

Look, we all know Gustafsson should win this running away as long as his mind is in it. Alex is longer, stronger, and better in every way. Either he wins this big or the implosion is on.

WINNER-Alexander Gustafsson by Rd.2 TKO

#5 Ryan Bader (21-5) -220 vs. Ilir Latifi (13-4-0, 1) +180

"Darth" isn't that bad of a fighter and isn't the joke everyone thinks he is. And yet, we see a familiar scenario playing out here. Bader controls a lot of the action and then gets obliterated by a large punch. It happens like clockwork against heavy handed fighters and its gonna happen again. The "Sledgehammer" gets a "name" scalp and continues his unlikely run.

Upset Pick WINNER-Ilir Latifi by Rd.1 KO

Nick Hein (13-2-0, 1) -235 vs. Tae Hyun Bang (18-9-0) +195

Ze German "Sergeant" is 3-1 for the UFC and all are decisions.  Nick uses footwork to avoid getting hit and he has some grappling skills. Not so fun to watch.

The "Banger" is the opposite. Tae is tough as shit and uses his "Supernatural" gifts to knock men into the dark lands. 

Bang is going to bring a Korean War to this battle. Tae will kamikaze Hein and how many racist things can we say in one breakdown? We just kidding and mad props to the "gong & dash" approach.

Upset Pick WINNER-Tae Hyun Bang by Rd.1 TKO

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:

Jessin Ayari (15-3) +105 vs. Jim Wallhead (29-9) -125

Holy shit "Judo" Jim! Didn't this cat compete in Bellator like 15 years ago? For the last 3 years, Wallhead has made a 6-2 record fighting anywhere that would have him. Obviously, the guy is a judo black belt but he also has punching power.

Jessin is a 24 year old German is a grappler who is on a hot streak.

The thing is, Ayari hasn't faced anyone of note while Jim has a resume a mile long of good warriors. Maybe we're just sentimental but we thinks Jimmy gets a bit of shine in the UFC.

WINNER-Jim Wallhead by Rd.2 TKO

Peter Sobotta (15-5-1) +110 vs. Nicolas Dalby (14-1-1) -130

The "Sharpshooter" is having trouble getting going in the UFC going an uneventful 1-1-1. Dalby is a pretty decent striking specialist.

Ze German is 2-1 himself but doesn't have any power in his hands. He'll need to ground this affair to have a shot.

Dalby has good enough takedown defense to thwart Petey's attempts. From there, its just stick and move striking till the end.

WINNER-Nicolas Dalby by Decision

Ashlee Evans-Smith (4-1) -250 vs. Veronica Macedo (5-0) +210

Women who cheat using PED's are not immune from MMAFO's wrath. AES is a cheater but she has a massive size advantage here. We're hoping Macedo can pull some sort of Upset but its highly doubtful.

WINNER-Ashlee Evans-Smith by Decision

Taylor Lapilus (10-2) -150 vs. Leandro Issa (13-5) +130

Issa going to be a one sided affair (get it). Leo needs to use his Jiu-Jistu or he's screwed. Issa's no Demian Maia so watch Lapilus put on a striking clinic.

WINNER-Taylor Lapilus by Decision

Jarjis Danho (6-1-0, 1) -110 vs. Christian Colombo (8-1) -110

"Man Mountain" is right. Jarjis is a behemoth of a man who uses power, power, power, to rape foes on the mat with hard punches and very little wrestling skills.

The man from Denmark is on a 6 fight bounce who is a bit of a mystery if'n you tried to find information on him. He seems to be a grappler.

So who knows. Its the Heavyweight division right? Still, Danho likely pounds Colombo into oblivion because good luck grappling the big fella.

WINNER-Jarjis Danho by Rd.1 KO

Scott Askham (14-2) -120 vs. Jack Hermansson (13-2) +100

There's a whole lotta "who gives a shit" here folks. This is two Middleweights who have no future in this company. We'll take the "Joker" just to infuse some new blood into the division.

Upset Pick WINNER-Jack Hermansson by Decision

Rustam Khabilov (19-3) -420 vs. Leandro Silva (19-4-1) +335

"Hobby Lobby" has gotten back into the groove winning his last two. Rustam is a technical striker's dream who is beautiful to watch save for the periods of inactivity. Even so, "Tiger" is far beyond Silva who is stepping in on short notice. The Jackson-Wink fighter will be tooling this fool all night long.

WINNER-Rustam Khabilov by Decision

UFC Fight Night 93 Start Times:
Main Card on UFC Fight Pass: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass: 11:45 a.m. ET / 8:45 a.m. PT



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

OT: Damn he is fucking fast..! MANNY KNOWS SPEED.. Pacquiao is a machine! And I Love the Rocky IV soundtrack playing in the background.. SUPER SPEED + FOOTWORK + POWER?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdC49NP1FnA