Monday, December 25, 2017

UFC 219 Cyborg vs. Holm: Fight Card, Half Assed Musings, & Odds


Cyborg vs. Holm
December 30, 2017
T-Mobile Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Card on Pay-Per-View (pm/CT):

Featherweight Champion Cristiane Justino (18-1, 1) -345 vs. #4 Holly Holm (11-3) +315

"Femborg" has won 18 fights in a row gaining Strikeforce, Invicta FC, and now the UFC championship! This alone is a striking fact that people seem to overlook as Justino's career has been saddled with a failed PED test in '11 that none will let her forget, the absence of the dream match versus Ronda Rousey, and the behind the scenes reputation of being difficult to work with. All of these things have overshadowed what a dominant force Cristiane has really been not in just women's MMA, but all of MMA. Few can say they have dominated a single division with such ferocity, and has only heard a judges verdict in her 2nd professional bout in '05! "Cyborg" has frightening power and athleticism, and a rumored solid ground game. She is the unbeatable champ, and always looking for a worthy opponent.

MMAFO loves us some Holly, but the "Preacher's Daughter" has a tough hill to climb. It's not that she can't get the job done (we know she can eh Ronda) but "Cyborg" is a fellow striker, only more vicious, more powerful, and brings more attacks. 

And here's the stinkiest little known feature, Justino can grapple. She hasn't shown much because she has never needed to, but she can do it. Holm, not so good on the canvas. We'll be rooting for Holly with all of our little black hearts, but we're also just hoping she comes out of this okay. 

WINNER-Cristiane Justino by Rd.3 TKO



#4 Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0) -265 vs. #5 Edson Barboza (19-4) +245

The "Eagle" made weight and that was the biggest hurdle for the Russian. "Barbie"will need to hit something big, and something quick, before he is taken to the ground and beaten mercilessly like he was from Estonia. 

WINNER-Khabib Nurmagomedov by Rd.3 TKO

Poor #6 Jimmie Rivera just cannot find an opponent. "Mr. Glass" Dominick Cruz dropped out when his arm fell off, and replacement John Lineker got a toothache and went home.

https://www.instagram.com/cynthia.calvillo/?hl=en
#8 Cynthia Calvillo (6-0) -230 vs. #7 Carla Esparza (12-4) +210

Holla for our favorite Team Alpha FeMale fighter, Cynthia Calvillo! The vibe we've heard going into this is that Cynthia will be better on the feet and Carla will own the grappling. That is incorrect sir! Calvillo can out-wrestle Esparza as well and the "Cookie Monster" has not looked the same since her soul was taken by Joanna Jedrzejczyk in '15. "CC" got this all day y'all. 

WINNER-Cynthia Calvillo by Decision

Carlos Condit (30-10) -155 vs. #9 Neil Magny (19-6) +145

"The Natural Born Killer" took some "me" time for the last 15 months and it was necessary and overdue. Condit has been a hard worker in MMA over the years and after that war with Robbie Lawler, Carlos deserved a long layoff (though it took Demian Maia to teach the lesson). But now "NBK" is back and its time to devour enemies.

Neil, you're a nice guy and all, and have made massive strides in your game, but we've seen how far you can go. Its nothing to be ashamed of (except perhaps for his in-cage IQ) but you are treading water in shark infested seas. Best o' luck and we'll pray for your soul.

WINNER-Carlos Condit by Decision

Prelims on FS1 (7pm/CT):

Khalil Rountree (6-2) -315 vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (12-2) +285

Diiiick. You're a dick Khalil. Try to show a little class this time when you knockout your opponent.

WINNER-Khalil Rountree by Rd.1 TKO

Dan Hooker (14-7) +170 vs. Marc Diakiese (12-1) -200

Well, well, well, Mr. Bonecrusher, ya ate a little humble pie last out didn't ya youngster. Diakiese suffered his 1st career loss last out in Split Decision fashion but he's still willing to throw that crazy spinning shit we all so love. The name of his opponent is apropo since he's about to get fucked. 

WINNER-Marc Diakiese by Decision

Myles Jury (16-2) -185 vs. Rick Glenn (20-4-1) +170

The veteran "Glacier" Glen is a slow non-stop unstoppable brawler with a chin of granite and endurance. 

Jury returned to action in April with a win after a 16 month absence. The kid should be entering his prime but its hard to know what is going on on this kids head. Myles is a point fighter who you just get the feeling doesn't like fighting, and just does it because he is very good and can make money. He ain't bout it.

Do you have the heart? That is the question as Jury really has the tools to win this bout everywhere, but he's going to have to slog through some rough waters dealing with the non-stop action coming his way. If he has the heart, he has the skills.

WINNER-Myles Jury by Decision?

Louis Smolka (11-4) +185 vs. Matheus Nicolau Pereira (12-1-1) -225

It's not that surprising that Smolka is the underdog here after losing 3 straight, and admitting to the press that he drank heavily during past training camps. It's hard to imagine a fighter treating their career this way, but Louis has always had an odd arrogance about him for a man who cannot beat the elite fighters. 

Jackson-Wink's Brazilian Flyweight has learned well from his training camp hardly competing in contests via inactivity. 

Smolka may be flailing lately, but if he has curbed his drinking problems, he's longer, and hits much harder and more often than Pereira. Louis won't be surprised by anything MNP has to offer and gets a much needed win to stay with the company.

Upset Pick WINNER-Louis Smolka by Decision

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass (6pm/CT):

Marvin Vettori (12-3) -220 vs. Omari Akhmedov (17-4) +180

Akhmedov is a stellar fighter for 2 rounds, and a major liability in the 3rd when he gasses out like clockwork. Omari hits big  and trains out of ATT, but the blueprint is out on this guy.

The "Italian Dream" is 2-1 in the UFC and loves the guillotine. Vettori is a counter striker with decent takedown defense and a controlled pace.

Ya just can't pick guys whose game never changes and everyone and their dog knows how to beat him. Vettori at the very, ver least, should win 2 rounds if'n he doesn't flat out stop Akhmedov.

WINNER-Marvin Vettori by Decision


Tim Elliott (14-8-1) -200 vs. Mark Delarosa (9-0) +185

Mr. Elliott was to fight Justin Scoggins a mere two weeks ago, then an injury forced him out of the contest. Pietro Menga took the replacement spot on short notice but couldn't make the weight scrapping that fight. Now, Tim has hopes for yet another opponent as Delarosa makes his promotional debut on short notice.

The undefeated Texan is a young 23, training out of Gilbert Melendez's Skrap Pack in Cali. Marky Mark will look to stay horizontal while picking apart Tim with technical boxing.

Delarosa has a real shot here, and looks like he has potential for the future, but on such short notice against a grizzled vet, this seems like a bit much for the youngster. Tim should keep the Skrapper working to stop the takedown enough to win 2 rounds.

WINNER-Tim Elliott by Decision

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