July 29, 2017
Honda Center
Anaheim, CA
Main Card on Pay-Per-View:
Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier (19-1) +240 vs. Jon Jones (22-1) -260 [Rematch]
The rightful, undisputed, and actually respected 205 champ, Daniel Cormier rolls into UFC 214 at the tender age of 38, and on a 4-fight winning streak looking to defend his crown against the lone man to best him.
Jon Jones is an absolutely horrible human being. From the PED's, to the hit and runs, to being an unapologetic hypocrite, to just being a self-righteous entitled cunt, he sucks. MMAFO predicted he would become a champion back in '09 but who could've predicted he would become a cautionary tale of what a man should never be? Its obviously everyone else's fault in the world that he thrown away what could have been a strong legacy in favor of playing the victim card over and over again. Seriously, fuck this guy.
And so our soapboxing aside, what about the actual fight? Well, DC's best hopes are that with the 2-year layoff, "Bones" will be a bit rusty and perhaps not have his timing. There are also the new rules that should prevent Jones from extending his arm and in turn his fingers to eye poke as he has done in almost every one of his outings. Perhaps points could be taken or a DQ but that won't satisfy anyone.
In truth, this will he as hard an uphill climb as it was the 1st time for Daniel. Jon has such a significant reach advantage (12 goddamn inches!) and so many varied offensive attacks to throw, while Cormier is a meat and potatoes kind of guy who needs to get in close to fight in the phone booth or take the fight to the ground. It's not going to be pretty and MMAFO appeals to the unkind MMA Gods to intervene for justice in an unjust world.
Of course, there is still time for Jones to fuck this up in one of the myriad of ways he has done so in the past. Stay tuned.
WINNER-Jon Jones by Rd.3 Eye Pokes
Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley (17-3-1) -210 vs. #3 Demian Maia (25-6) +175
Nobody has deserved a title shot more in recent memory than Demian Maia. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace has run off 7 wins in a row in one of the most competitive divisions in MMA, including 2 "Performance of the Night" bonuses. The articulate and intelligent Brazilian avoided the "look at me I'm Conor too" style that everyone is aping, and simply went to work with his head down. Maia is an inspiration for all blue-collar workers anyone who does things the right way even if it's more difficult. MMAFO simply cannot heap enough praise onto this man and the life he leads. Much respect.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Tyron Woodley. A man who bitched, cried, and whined his way to a title shot while instantly demanding "super fights" and claiming discrimination when he has lived a charmed life. It doesn't help that he has a history of boring fights and last out completed the absolute worst MMA title fight in UFC history! And the guy wonders why he is despised.
"T-Wooden" is an explosive fighter with crazy heavy hands the are scary deadly in the early going. Maia's best chance (of course) is a unique takedown or pulling guard to get Woodley into his world. Though creative, Maia's takedowns aren't always that successful and he tends to gas out because of it. Anything can happen if they hit the mats but more likely Tyron stuffs some takedown attempts and as Maia gets tired, he leaves himself open for a bomb that ends his night.
WINNER-Tyron Woodley by Rd.3 TKO
Nobody has deserved a title shot more in recent memory than Demian Maia. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace has run off 7 wins in a row in one of the most competitive divisions in MMA, including 2 "Performance of the Night" bonuses. The articulate and intelligent Brazilian avoided the "look at me I'm Conor too" style that everyone is aping, and simply went to work with his head down. Maia is an inspiration for all blue-collar workers anyone who does things the right way even if it's more difficult. MMAFO simply cannot heap enough praise onto this man and the life he leads. Much respect.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Tyron Woodley. A man who bitched, cried, and whined his way to a title shot while instantly demanding "super fights" and claiming discrimination when he has lived a charmed life. It doesn't help that he has a history of boring fights and last out completed the absolute worst MMA title fight in UFC history! And the guy wonders why he is despised.
"T-Wooden" is an explosive fighter with crazy heavy hands the are scary deadly in the early going. Maia's best chance (of course) is a unique takedown or pulling guard to get Woodley into his world. Though creative, Maia's takedowns aren't always that successful and he tends to gas out because of it. Anything can happen if they hit the mats but more likely Tyron stuffs some takedown attempts and as Maia gets tired, he leaves himself open for a bomb that ends his night.
WINNER-Tyron Woodley by Rd.3 TKO
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| Art by http://lancewilkinson.deviantart.com/ |
Vacant Female Featherweight Title Fight
#1 Cristiane Justino (17-1, 1) -1375 vs. Tonya Evinger (19-5, 1) +900
After the debacle that was Germaine de Randamie versus Holly Holm in February (you know, the "Iron Lady" being given a win she didn't deserve for the Inaugural belt and then promptly fucking off back to the Netherlands and refusing to defend her belt against "Cyborg" and becoming a pariah to MMA fans), we have yet another fight for the once again vacant female Featherweight title. This time, it properly involves the most feared female MMA fighter of all time, versus a deserving challenger who has earned her shot at the big time.
"Femborg" has not lost a fight since her 1st professional outing way back in 2005. The 32 year old machine has stopped 15 of her 18 opponents by (T)KO and hasn't even seen the 3rd round in 7 years! Justino's boxing is very, very good not to mention the crazy power.
"Triple Threat" lost in The Ultimate Fighter season 18 but then went on a tear winning 7 bouts in a row and capturing the Invicta Featherweight Championship. The 36 year old can do a bit of it all but she excels in grappling and making fights ugly. Evinger deserves this moment and a few more in the UFC.
Best of luck to anyone who steps into the cage with "Cyborg." The woman is simply too dominant at her weight class and only Megan Anderson (who dropped out of this contest due to injury but will return another day) seems to be a game challenger. Germaine de Randamie ruined her career and dropped the belt in fear of this killer (yes, we heard her excuses and don't buy them)! This is the worst kind of match for Tonya who plays right into Cris' hands which knock her out.
WINNER-Cristiane Justino by Rd.1 KO
"Femborg" has not lost a fight since her 1st professional outing way back in 2005. The 32 year old machine has stopped 15 of her 18 opponents by (T)KO and hasn't even seen the 3rd round in 7 years! Justino's boxing is very, very good not to mention the crazy power.
"Triple Threat" lost in The Ultimate Fighter season 18 but then went on a tear winning 7 bouts in a row and capturing the Invicta Featherweight Championship. The 36 year old can do a bit of it all but she excels in grappling and making fights ugly. Evinger deserves this moment and a few more in the UFC.
Best of luck to anyone who steps into the cage with "Cyborg." The woman is simply too dominant at her weight class and only Megan Anderson (who dropped out of this contest due to injury but will return another day) seems to be a game challenger. Germaine de Randamie ruined her career and dropped the belt in fear of this killer (yes, we heard her excuses and don't buy them)! This is the worst kind of match for Tonya who plays right into Cris' hands which knock her out.
WINNER-Cristiane Justino by Rd.1 KO
#2 Robbie Lawler (27-11, 1) -160 vs. Donald Cerrone (32-8, 1) +140
The "Ruthless" one finally returns after taking a necessary and deserved year long break. The former Welterweight Champion may have given his soul in his fight with Carlos Condit and the long career of wars may be catching up to his 35 year old body. Rob has shown solid improvement at ATT and they are well equipped to give him the best possible plan for victory.
Does "Cowboy" even take this MMA thing seriously anymore? He seems more interested in other adrenaline inducing sports these days and when he gets to the most elite opponents, he collapses in some of the most glorious failures of all time. Cerrone is a great fighter though. The mans submission game is tight and he is a great/creative striker. The problem here, is his suspect chin.
These guys are going to enjoy the potential for a highlight brawl and will engage accordingly. In a firefight, you always side with rugged Lawler who MMAFO fully expects to disintegrate "Cowboy" in the cage.
WINNER-Robbie Lawler by Rd.2 TKO
#5 Jimi Manuwa (17-2) -180 vs. #8 Volkan Oezdemir (14-1) +158
If Jimi truly wants a title shot, now is his chance to prove it. Manuwa deserves nothing yet but he is emboldened by such a shallow division and the fact he would be a new face in the title scene. The "Poster Boy" is a kickboxing killer with great takedown defense and no ground game to speak of.
"The Volkan" has quietly entered the UFC's 205 division defeating Ovince St. Preux and Misha Cirkunov to quickly establish himself as a major player. The Swede is a strong striker as he showed obliterating Cirkunov with a single punch in May. Can Oezdemir grapple?
This will be a fun kickboxing fight! We really haven't seen enough of "Oz" thus far, but what we have seen is impressive. Manuwa is a one trick pony, but that one trick is murderous. Jimi hasn't proven anything on the ground, but he is rarely taken there. Its a gut feeling, but MMAFO thinks there is Upset potential here and Volkan might just be the new young blood the 205's has been needing.
Upset Pick WINNER-Volkan Oezdemir by Rd.2 TKO
If Jimi truly wants a title shot, now is his chance to prove it. Manuwa deserves nothing yet but he is emboldened by such a shallow division and the fact he would be a new face in the title scene. The "Poster Boy" is a kickboxing killer with great takedown defense and no ground game to speak of.
"The Volkan" has quietly entered the UFC's 205 division defeating Ovince St. Preux and Misha Cirkunov to quickly establish himself as a major player. The Swede is a strong striker as he showed obliterating Cirkunov with a single punch in May. Can Oezdemir grapple?
This will be a fun kickboxing fight! We really haven't seen enough of "Oz" thus far, but what we have seen is impressive. Manuwa is a one trick pony, but that one trick is murderous. Jimi hasn't proven anything on the ground, but he is rarely taken there. Its a gut feeling, but MMAFO thinks there is Upset potential here and Volkan might just be the new young blood the 205's has been needing.
Upset Pick WINNER-Volkan Oezdemir by Rd.2 TKO
Prelims on FXX:
#5 Ricardo Lamas (17-5) +100 vs. Jason Knight (17-2) -120
"Hick" Diaz is getting his shot at a legit Top 10 opponent as he wanted, but the "Bully" is a tough hill to climb.
Knight lost his initial UFC outing to veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri but has since won 4 in a row becoming a MMA fan darling with his Mississippi accent and vicious fighting style. Jason trains under former UFC fighter Alan Belcher and is only 25.
Lamas has been with the UFC (&WEC) since 2009 amassing a 12-5, a title shot, and has become one of the hardest outs at 145. The "Bully" name is apt as Ricardo may strike his way in or just blitz you to the ground where he excels with killer G&P. Lamas is the gateway to the stars as he has fought the best, but never broke through to greatness.
Knight is a game and exciting opponent, but he does take a lot of damage which he doesn't wear well (blood and swelling never looks good to judges btw). This seems like a bit much too soon though there is crazy upside for Jason's future career. Lamas is simply still a level up and when forced into a war, he breaks men. This will be a fun fight but Ricardo can win at least 2 rounds.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ricardo Lamas by Decision
"Hick" Diaz is getting his shot at a legit Top 10 opponent as he wanted, but the "Bully" is a tough hill to climb.
Knight lost his initial UFC outing to veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri but has since won 4 in a row becoming a MMA fan darling with his Mississippi accent and vicious fighting style. Jason trains under former UFC fighter Alan Belcher and is only 25.
Lamas has been with the UFC (&WEC) since 2009 amassing a 12-5, a title shot, and has become one of the hardest outs at 145. The "Bully" name is apt as Ricardo may strike his way in or just blitz you to the ground where he excels with killer G&P. Lamas is the gateway to the stars as he has fought the best, but never broke through to greatness.
Knight is a game and exciting opponent, but he does take a lot of damage which he doesn't wear well (blood and swelling never looks good to judges btw). This seems like a bit much too soon though there is crazy upside for Jason's future career. Lamas is simply still a level up and when forced into a war, he breaks men. This will be a fun fight but Ricardo can win at least 2 rounds.
Upset Pick WINNER-Ricardo Lamas by Decision
#9 Aljamain Sterling (13-2) -125 vs. Renan Pegado (34-4, 1) +105
This is a 140 lb. Catchweight fight.
"Al-Jo" has gone 5-2 in the UFC and got back to his winning ways in April after losing back to back outings for the 1st time in his young career. Sterling is a good scrambler/grappler and has some fun striking but without power.
MMAFO has a bit of a pet peeve here. The mans name is Renan Pegado not Renan Barao. "Barao" means baron a nickname his Grandmother gave him long ago. It's just annoying, get it right. Anywho, Pegado has not been taken down in 7 years (!) and is a great striker but it seems as if he's breaking down after a long career. Why the UFC allowed a cat with notorious weight cut problems a Catchweight fight is beyond us. Just pick a weight class.
The "Funk Master" needs to take "Barao" down because this is a striking battle he will not win. We mentioned Pegado's stellar takedown defense, and Aljamain seems to take to long to get where he is going in that he shows a lot of faints and odd movement, without much to show for it. "The Baron" could finish "Al-Jo"but the safer pick is a points win.
Upset Pick WINNER-Renan Pegado by Decision
* "Barao" looked awful as always at the weigh-ins and used the towel. How many of these life altering weight cuts can Pegado put himself through before his body completely breaks down?
This is a 140 lb. Catchweight fight.
"Al-Jo" has gone 5-2 in the UFC and got back to his winning ways in April after losing back to back outings for the 1st time in his young career. Sterling is a good scrambler/grappler and has some fun striking but without power.
MMAFO has a bit of a pet peeve here. The mans name is Renan Pegado not Renan Barao. "Barao" means baron a nickname his Grandmother gave him long ago. It's just annoying, get it right. Anywho, Pegado has not been taken down in 7 years (!) and is a great striker but it seems as if he's breaking down after a long career. Why the UFC allowed a cat with notorious weight cut problems a Catchweight fight is beyond us. Just pick a weight class.
The "Funk Master" needs to take "Barao" down because this is a striking battle he will not win. We mentioned Pegado's stellar takedown defense, and Aljamain seems to take to long to get where he is going in that he shows a lot of faints and odd movement, without much to show for it. "The Baron" could finish "Al-Jo"but the safer pick is a points win.
Upset Pick WINNER-Renan Pegado by Decision
* "Barao" looked awful as always at the weigh-ins and used the towel. How many of these life altering weight cuts can Pegado put himself through before his body completely breaks down?
Renato Carneiro (11-0-1) -150 vs. Brian Ortega (11-0) +130
We've got a couple of undefeateds here folks.
"T-City" is a very dangerous submission player. Give this guy an opportunity, and Ortega will take a limb home. The problem, is that is about all he's got as the striking is basic and the game isn't strong enough to go very far. Amazing hair though.
"Moicano" is 3-0 in the UFC and fights out of the Constrictor Fight Team in Brazil. Renato is patient to a fault but he frustrated Jeremy Stephens last out, taking the man out of his game, and winning a sneaky decision. He can prolly do it again and he is more well rounded than his foe.
WINNER-Renato Carneiro by Decision
We've got a couple of undefeateds here folks.
"T-City" is a very dangerous submission player. Give this guy an opportunity, and Ortega will take a limb home. The problem, is that is about all he's got as the striking is basic and the game isn't strong enough to go very far. Amazing hair though.
"Moicano" is 3-0 in the UFC and fights out of the Constrictor Fight Team in Brazil. Renato is patient to a fault but he frustrated Jeremy Stephens last out, taking the man out of his game, and winning a sneaky decision. He can prolly do it again and he is more well rounded than his foe.
WINNER-Renato Carneiro by Decision
Andre Fili (16-4) -380 vs. Calvin Kattar (16-2) +315
"Touchy" Fili came into the UFC a house on fire, but has never lived up to the hype as he alternated between wins and losses for a 4-3 record. Judging by his history, its time to lose another, but the Team Alpha Male member is an exciting fight no matter what.
"The Boston Finisher" is making his UFC debut on a 8 fight winning streak and trains with Team Sityodtong.
For all his wins and his current run, Kattar isn't that impressive. The guy is basically getting a shot because he trains at a great camp, and original opponent Doo Ho Choi became injured and a replacement was needed. Fili's flair will be more than Kattar can handle and if he sees the final bell it will be a moral victory.
WINNER-Andre Fili by Decision
"Touchy" Fili came into the UFC a house on fire, but has never lived up to the hype as he alternated between wins and losses for a 4-3 record. Judging by his history, its time to lose another, but the Team Alpha Male member is an exciting fight no matter what.
"The Boston Finisher" is making his UFC debut on a 8 fight winning streak and trains with Team Sityodtong.
For all his wins and his current run, Kattar isn't that impressive. The guy is basically getting a shot because he trains at a great camp, and original opponent Doo Ho Choi became injured and a replacement was needed. Fili's flair will be more than Kattar can handle and if he sees the final bell it will be a moral victory.
WINNER-Andre Fili by Decision
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| https://www.instagram.com/kailincurran/?hl=en |
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:
Kailin Curran (4-4) +140 vs. Alexandra Albu (2-0) -160
C'mon everyone, Kailin is just adorable but she's just not that good. 1-4 in her UFC run and she's simply to green to be at this level. We apologize to the lovely woman with the voice of an angel, but it's true.
The Russian is also inexperienced with only 2 pro fights and she has not competed in 2 years! "Stitch" is a muscled up lady with decent boxing and the power to get takedowns even if she dos nothing with it. She's also a strange fitness burlesque model if'n you're in to that sort of thing.
Hard to back Curran based upon her current run and we side with Albu to win a contentious decision.
WINNER-Alexandra Albu by Decision
Eric Shelton (10-3) +130 vs. Jarred Brooks (12-0) -150
"Showtime" (original) lost his UFC debut in a squeaker to Alexandre Pantoja in January and is another castoff of the pointless TUF show.
"The Monkey God" (amazing nickname) comes at you as the name would foreshadow like a spider-monkey on Mountain Dew. Brooks is getting his UFC debut undefeated, crazy, even if undersized for the Flyweight division which makes him a tiny lil' killer.
MMAFO actually likes a debutante to win as Jarred should throw so much at Eric that Shelton is just constantly reacting and thus losing rounds.
WINNER-Jarred Brooks by Decision
"Showtime" (original) lost his UFC debut in a squeaker to Alexandre Pantoja in January and is another castoff of the pointless TUF show.
"The Monkey God" (amazing nickname) comes at you as the name would foreshadow like a spider-monkey on Mountain Dew. Brooks is getting his UFC debut undefeated, crazy, even if undersized for the Flyweight division which makes him a tiny lil' killer.
MMAFO actually likes a debutante to win as Jarred should throw so much at Eric that Shelton is just constantly reacting and thus losing rounds.
WINNER-Jarred Brooks by Decision
Joshua Burkman (28-15) +285 vs. Drew Dober (17-8, 1) -345
Why? Just why? We thought this fucker already retired and now we are forced to watch this "never was" fail again? Burkman has gone 1-5 in his 2nd UFC stint and is garbage.
The Cornhusker isn't going to set the world on fire but he's got enough grit and grind to get this done and hopefully Josh disappears for good.
WINNER-Drew Dober by Decision
Why? Just why? We thought this fucker already retired and now we are forced to watch this "never was" fail again? Burkman has gone 1-5 in his 2nd UFC stint and is garbage.
The Cornhusker isn't going to set the world on fire but he's got enough grit and grind to get this done and hopefully Josh disappears for good.
WINNER-Drew Dober by Decision
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