UFC 204 Bisping vs. Henderson 2: Picks, Prognostications + Odds

October 8, 2016

Manchester Arena

Manchester, England

Main Card on PPV:

Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping (30-7) -245 vs. #10 Dan Henderson (32-14) + 205 [Rematch]

The last 2 years have been the most successful for "The Count" in his illustrious career. Bisping won 4 in a row and secured the Middleweight title while defeating his rival, Luke Rockhold, in a rematch on 2 weeks notice. Mike has been questioned and derided his entire career but fought through the litany of TRT cheaters and did while being the most wanted man in MMA even before he secured the belt. The fact remains, Bisping is a very hard worker and never stopped coming with effort and a belief in himself. That, is the stuff champions are made of.

"The Count" has elevated his boxing game with coach Jason Parillo and now Bisping claims he has learned not to over train and has his game on point. Mike may be 37, but he's better than he's ever been and nobody can doubt the heart he showed against the GOAT Anderson Silva.

"Hendo" is one of the greatest fighters of all time. There is no doubt. The accolades and titles only scratch the surface for a man who rarely trained hard but fought anyone who came calling with his "H-Bomb" of death. Dan won the UFC 17 Middleweight tournament, Pride FC Middleweight Championship, Pride FC Welterweight Championship, was the 2005 Pride Welterweight Grand Prix Champion, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship, with only a UFC title escaping his grasp. Now at the ripe age of 46, Henderson has one final chance at the gold. The use of TRT is the only knock on his resume and he has fought without it for the last 2 years. 

Both men are out for blood and "Hendo" has showed that with his age he still has the power in that "H-Bomb" as proven with a nasty knockout of Hector Lombard last June. Even so, Dan has shown chinks in his chin being finished by Vitor Belfort (twice), Gegard Mousasi, as well as being badly wounded and seemingly out on his feet against Tim Boetsch and "Shogun" Rua. The old man is more dangerous when wounded.

We all know the score here. "Hendo" hated Bisping from their time together on TUF which culminated in Dan knocking out Mike at UFC 100 in one of the most spectacular finishes in history. Not only did Henderson turn out "The Count's" lights, but he dropped an extra unnecessary forearm on the prone Brit and used the vision to create his personal logo adding even more insult to Bisping. Mike has never forgotten and long asked for a rematch that he never received until Bisping won the title and had something Danno wanted. 

Now they meet again, for the last time. Henderson always has a chance, but a puncher's chance only. Bisping has now become a better fighter in every facet. Don't even bring up grappling because Dan hasn't used wrestling in a fight in many years. This should be Mike's fight however he sees fit but in MMA, you just never know. We are fighting in Bisping's homeland of Manchester, England and if the MMA Gods are kind, he will finish Henderson early and have his long awaited revenge.

WINNER-Michael Bisping by Rd.2 TKO

Why is Vitor dressed as a giant condom?

 #5 Gegard Mousasi (39-6) -345 vs. Vitor Belfort (25-12) +285

Much like the Main Event, Belfort only has a puncher's chance. The longtime cheater has lost 2 of his last 3 and at 39, without his special potions, is a former shell of his self. Vitor has ducked Gegard for years and now its time for his comeuppance.

"Sweet Sassy" Mousasi was dubbed by MMAFO as future champion back in 2008. There have been setbacks like the bad loss to Uriah Hall in '15, but Gegard is one of the best striker's in all of MMA not just in his division. "The Dreamcatcher" is about as well rounded as you can get and has found a new vigor and anger in recent years that serves him well.

Unless Belfort has found a way to sneak more of his PED's past USADA, then he's rightfully fucked. Mousasi plays it safe early and when Vitor gasses out after the 1st 5 minutes as he always does, the ass kicking is on.

WINNER-Gegard Mousasi by Rd.2 TKO

#8 Ovince Saint Preux (19-8) -155 vs. Jimi Manuwa (15-2) +135

"OSP" has been coming along in his MMA career but has failed when it comes to the elite level such as Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira. There is power in his hands and he has some grappling skills but he is prone to making mistakes.

Manuwa too has suffered when facing the top of the pile (Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafsson) but Jimi is a straight kickboxer without a wrestling game. Whenever Jimi can bully and opponent around the cage he can dominate.

This is a tough fight to call. Neither man is overly impressive and both make errors mid-fight. Ovince at the very least can grapple whereas Jimi has shown no ability to do so. Take "OSP" to win on G&P skills.

WINNER-Ovince Saint Preux by Decision

Stefan Struve (31-8) -175 vs. Daniel Omielanczuk (19-5-1) +155

The "Skyscraper" has rebounded from personal loss and a heart condition going 1-1 in a competitive loss to Jared Rosholt and a win over the terrible Antonio Silva. The 7'0" fighter has great submissions for a man his size but he doesn't fight using his length well and has a tendency to be hit on the chin and collapse.

The Pole has gone 4-2 since joining the UFC but it hasn't exactly been impressive. Even so, Danny has never been finished in his career and can do a bit everywhere.

Struve is just too fragile and has been knocked out 6 damn times! Omielanczuk can withstand anything Stefan can throw at him and will either put the giant away with strikes or garner enough points to win on the cards.

Upset Pick WINNER-Daniel Omielanczuk by Decision

Mirsad Bektic (10-0) -750 vs. Russell Doane (14-6) +525

Look at the odds on this bitch! The undefeated Cornhusker was supposed to battle Arnold Allen. Then Jeremy Kennedy replaced him. And finally, Russell Doane is tapped to get wrecked. Bektic is a well rounded prospect who should run the table on the replacement.

WINNER-Mirsad Bektic by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims on FOX Sports 1:

Brad Pickett (26-11) +145 vs. Iuri Alcantara (37-7, 1) -165

"One-Punch" has wained at the end of his career but he got a tough fought win last out against Francisco Rivera. The Englander has faded at 38 but he's still dangerous and crafty.

Iuri has earned 7-4-1 career with the UFC but has never taken that next step up in his career. "Marajo" is really skilled whether on the ground or on the feet and will dance either place.

Time has caught up to Pickett and this may be his swan song. Alcantara is only 2 years his junior but the wear on the tires is far less. Iuri uses his offensive skills to touch up the hittable Brit en route to the victory.

WINNER-Iuri Alcantara by Decision

Ian Entwistle (9-3) +265 vs. Rob Font (12-2) -325

This bout has been cancelled as Ian has become ill and withdrawn from the contest.

Davey Grant (10-2) -185 vs. Damian Stasiak (10-2) +160

Davey Grant won his comeback fight in February after a long 3 year absence of multiple injuries. The "Dangerous" Brit is a far better fighter in every facet and should win this bout handily against an average grappler. 

WINNER-Davey Grant by Decision

Leon Edwards (11-3) +225 vs. Albert Tumenov (17-3) -265

Leon is a decent enough boxer but he's highly outclassed here. "Einstein" (Tech N9ne) is a better striker and delivers far, far more power! Ed is going to sleep and Al will be the Sandman.

WINNER-Albert Tumenov by Rd.2 KO

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:

Danny Roberts (13-1) -130 vs. Mike Perry (8-0) +110

"Hot Chocolate" defeated Dominique Steele last April but that guy is garbage. 

"Platinum" Perry is undefeated and won every single one of his bouts via (T)KO and nobody has gotten past the 2nd round.

Roberts has not impressed and we like Mike to rock and shock Dan before he knows what hit him.

Upset Pick WINNER-Mike Perry by Rd.1 TKO

Leonardo Santos (15-4) +180 vs. Adriano Martins (28-7) -220

Leo has gone 9-0-1 in his last 10 including a nice Upset TKO of Kevin Lee last December. The Nova Uniao fighter is Jiu-Jitsu based but is obviously decent with his hands. 

ATT's Martins has gone 4-1 in the UFC only losing when he was decapitated by Donald Cerrone. Adriano is a strong wrestler and has great takedown defense which he will need against Santos. Martins is also a powerful boxer.

This is the classic grappler versus striker. Leo is going to struggle to get this to the canvas and thus Adriano is going to box him up and get the judges nod.

WINNER-Adriano Martins by Decision

Lukasz Sajewski (13-2) +185 vs. Marc Diakiese (9-0) -225

The "Purse Snatcher" Reza Madadi is out with an eye injury so the "Wookie" steps in on 2 weeks notice. Luka is on a 2 fight losing streak and the Pole is a submission fighter who lost his last fight by armbar. So, not so good. 

The undefeated "Bonecrusher" is getting his UFC debut at a young 23 years of age. Marc is a big Lightweight and made his name in BAMMA. Diakanasasauceee (or something) is a big striker and should at the very least post a decision win in the homeland.

WINNER-Marc Diakiese by Decision

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