March 18, 2017
The O2 Arena
London, England
Could this be the worst card the UFC has put together in the modern era? Manuwa versus Anderson is your Main Event, really? Joe Duffy is completing his last contracted bout and so the UFC buried him and put him against Madadi? WTF? Nelson versus Jouban is a great contest but this is one of the weakest cards in UFC history! WSOF has put on better shows. The WME IMG era has really begun with a whimper and treating their employees like shit is causing a exodus of talent (Rory MacDonald, Nikita Krylov, Kyoji Horiguchi, Lorenz Larkin & possibly Rick Story). Well done Ari Emanuel.
The only thing of note is that this is the finale for Brad "One Punch" Pickett's long and illustrious career. All the best to the British Pikey as he closes a single though successful chapter in his life.
Main Card on UFC Fight Pass:
#8 Jimi Manuwa (16-2) -140 vs. Corey Anderson (9-2) +120
The Englander has gone 5-2 in the UFC with but a single bout reaching the judges. The 37 year old is a destroyer of worlds on the feet but a kickboxer is all he is.
"Beastin' Overtime's" UFC stint is 6-2 and he's a full 10 years younger than the hometown hero. Corey can wrestle and box a bit but he's also very hittable and prone to make mistakes.
Coincidentally, both men have lost to "Shogun" Rua and Gian Villante who oddly settled their own business last weekend. Anywho, neither men are going on a title run but Anderson has given a name to "wasted potential" as he continues to fight like a rookie. Corey has the ability to become good, but he's just not making any strides in his game. MMAFO sees Manuwa getting to Anderson's suspect chin, and putting him away sooner
rather than later.
WINNER-Jimi Manuwa by Rd.2 TKO
Gunnar Nelson (15-2-1) -330 vs. Alan Jouban (15-4) +270
MMAFO has been a big fan of Jouban since he entered the UFC but best of luck here homie. Alan is a striker who loves to get into a brawl but he is going against a grappling ace who will have his number on the mat.
"Gunni" (as stated above) is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt who is a wizard on the ground as long as he's not facing Demian Maia. Nelson has some power in his hands which are improving, but he'll want to avoid striking with Alan.
Despite being homers for Jouban, Alan brings the fight and there is definitely some fade in Nelson's game. Provided the model can avoid the ground game and the sub attempts early, we thinks he makes a comeback late in the fight to win the 2nd and 3rd if he doesn't outright stop "Gunni" with strikes. Its a big Upset Pick but we're making it!
Upset Pick WINNER-Alan Jouban by Decision
 |
| https://www.instagram.com/one_punch/?hl=en |
For 13 years, "One Punch" has traveled the globe as one of the best "lighter" fighters in the world! Brad was victim of timing as his prime came in the days before the 125 weight class was known in the UFC, and he was dominating the Cage Rage promotion as their Featherweight Champion (two weight classes above where he should be competing mind you) and fought in 4 different weight classes in his day! Pickett once ran off 9 straight wins and defeated the great Demetrious Johnson (one of only two men to do so). Brad was known for his trilby hat and braces (suspenders) which was a homage to his Grandfather, a bare-knuckle fighter. The proud Brit has trained at American Top Team for many years and coaches there as well honing the future stars of MMA.
What should be known about Pickett is that he was always a stand up guy, a proud warrior, someone who was respected by all his peers, and a true professional for his long career. Congratulations to Brad "One Punch" Pickett on a great career and all the best on his future endeavors. MMAFO always enjoyed watching you fight and we respect you greatly. Cheers.
WINNER-Brad Pickett by Decision
Arnold Allen (11-1) +100 vs. Makwan Amirkhani (13-2) -125
"Mr. Finland" took some time off to live his life after coming into the UFC in '15 looking like a world beater. Makwan was intelligent enough to know he needed more work and has been training at SBG in Ireland. Amirkhani has the confidence of teammate Conor McGregor and is relentless in taking you to the ground where he has tapped 9 men.
"Triple A" has won 3 in a row and is a tough as nails fighter who picks up steam as he fights. If Allen has a shot in this bout its by biding his time and catching the sometimes questionable cardio of Amir late.
WINNER-Makwan Amirkhani by Decision
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:
Joseph Duffy (16-2) -570 vs. Reza Madadi (14-4) +435
It's the last fight on "Irish" Joe's contract and since he wants to test the free agent market like any sane athlete would, he's being buried on this shit card against the "Purse Snatcher." Reza is known for his tantrums and for spending 14 months in jail for theft of a boutique. MMAFO doesn't see Duffy struggling a bit here as he tunes up Madadi and beats him anywhere he pleases.
WINNER-Joseph Duffy by Rd.1 TKO
Darren Stewart (7-0, 1) -175 vs. Francimar Barroso (18-5, 1) +155 [Rematch]
We're running it back after an accidental clash of heads caused a No Contest last November between these men.
"Bodao" ate the headbutt but he seems like anytime he faces adversity, or a hard shot (whether legal or not) he seems like he wants to quit and screaming like a bitch didn't help things. Seems like a lack of heart. Barroso is the consummate bully who if you hit him in the mouth, he seems to go away.
Stewie, let's keep it clean this time because the "accidental" headbutt looked pretty dirty. At any rate, Darren is a 185er fighting up a weight class just to get his foot in the UFC's door.
Eh, could go either way but Stewie is going to bring it hard early, and it looks like that will be all that is needed for Francimar to quit and run away.
WINNER-Darren Stewart by Rd.1 TKO
Daniel Omielanczuk (19-6-1, 1) +160 vs. Timothy Johnson (10-3) -185
We harken back to the WWF's 90's gimmicks as "State Trooper Tim" continues his trek around the globe facing an overblown and overrated big heavy. Johnson isn't the most agile cat in the world but he looks like prime Anderson Silva against this lug. Tim also has some really surprising kickboxing and decent hands. If he doesn't finish the Pole, he'll win on points.
Side note, Tim has some funny Twitter exchanges with training partner Roy Nelson if'n you're interested in that sort of thing.
WINNER-Timothy Johnson by Decision
Marc Diakiese (11-0) -230 vs. Teemu Packalen (8-1) +190
"Bonecrusher" all day here.
WINNER-Marc Diakiese by Decision
Tom Breese (10-1) -290 vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (6-2) +245
"The Holy War Angel" (holy hell what an odd nickname) will either knock you out in highlight fashion in a single round, or he'll fade and lose a decision.
Brit suffered his 1st career loss last out against Sean Strickland (for which he should be ashamed) and promptly left the heralded Tristar gym! Breese is a very talented brick of a man who can do it all. Tom should take this to the ground and win easily as long as he avoids the murder punch of Bam.
WINNER-Tom Breese by Rd.2 TKO
Leon Edwards (12-3) +110 vs. Vicente Luque (11-5-1) -130
Oh Jesus, who gives a shit?
Upset Pick WINNER-Leon Edwards by Decision
Ian Entwistle (9-3) +335 vs. Brett Johns (13-0) -420
Ian is a leglock guy and that is all. Its impressive but you need to have a few more skills if you want to compete at this level.
Johns is going to avoid the ground like the plague and go to a decision as he often does. Brett brings the pressure all day and shouldn't have a ton of trouble here.
WINNER-Brett Johns by Decision
Bradley Scott (11-4) +125 vs. Scott Askham (14-3) -145
This is a throwaway Middleweight bout. Both men are slow, and quite limited in their respective games. Scott at least has some finishing ability but whatever.
WINNER-Scott Askham by Decision
Lina Lansberg (6-2) -320 vs. Lucie Pudilova (6-1) +260
The "Elbow Princess" got wrecked against Cristiane Justino last September, but who doesn't? Pudilova is stepping in on short notice and doesn't have much experience. Lucie also struggles in the clinch which is exactly where Lina will work her storied elbows ftw as the UFC builds the women's Featherweight division.
WINNER-Lina Lansberg by Rd.2 TKO
No comments:
Post a Comment