UFC Fight Night 135 Gaethje vs Vick: Fight Card, Half-Assed Musings + Odds

August 25, 2018

Pinnacle Bank Arena

Lincoln, Nebraska

Main Card on FS1 (9pm/CT):

Justin Gaethje (18-2) +130 vs. James Vick (13-1) -150

We're all expecting a good battle between these two geniuses, but maybe not. The word is out on Gaethje who is willing to take a beating and lose if he gets a "Fight of the Night" bonus. However, Justin has lost two in a row and was finished both times, so how long will he continue with this losing approach? With his opponent Vick being the tallest in the division, there is room there to duck inside and surprise the Texan by taking him to the canvas where Gaethje can employ his rumored wrestling skills. This would not only surprise his foe, but would give Justin a nice advantage instead of just rushing forward letting the chips fall where they may.

For his part, "The Texecutioner" has used those long limbs to establish a nice 9-1 record in the UFC though he hasn't faced top tier rivals yet. James has good striking via Team Gang Rape (Lloyd Irvin) but he has been caught standing straight up before by Beneil Dariush who put the lights out. 

Vick has been straight up disrespectful leading up to this bout in an odd sort of way. It's not the talking for the sake of talking approach everyone is using these days trying to become the next Conor McGregor, but a real vile anger toward Gaethje which seems out of place. We mention this because if it's James that cannot control his emotions, and is willing to go dirty in the game of gab, maybe he'll be on tilt leaving himself open as he takes risks. Justin may not be the smartest tool in the shed but at this point a win is a necessity and we expect him to throw some surprises into the night as well as a heavy dose of his brutality. That, and Lloyd Irvin is a rapist creep so fuck James Vick for staying with such a scum human. Gaethje finally mixes up the assault before catching Vick with his hands down to avoid these new takedowns, and knocking Tex on his his tits.

Upset Pick WINNER-Justin Gaethje by Rd.3 TKO

Michael Johnson (17-13) +100 vs. Andre Fili (18-5) -120

Christ MJ, are we doing this or not? "The Menace" is in desperation mode as he has lost 3 bouts in a row and his 1st foray into 145 was a disaster in January. Johnson has some good punches (ask his domestic partner) and can do some wrestling as long as he is on top.

"Touchy" Fili has been all over the map though for the 1st time in his career (in the UFC) he has back to back wins. Andre will make things exciting out there but he also makes glaring mistakes consistently in the cage. 

MJ should handle this. There is a reason we're seeing the rare guy on a winning streak facing a cat on a losing streak. There is more belief in Mike as a fighter and this is a chance to begin righting the ship. Andre will get punished on the feet and find himself unable to ground Johnson or do anything of note. Michael gets a confidence boost with the finish.

Upset Pick WINNER-Michael Johnson by Rd.2 TKO

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Cortney Casey-Sanchez (7-6) +105 vs. Angela Hill (8-4) -125

Dagnabbit! MMAFO likes both of these ladies and since both need a win badly, we hate to see one lose. First things 1st, check out 2Straws, the vidcast from Angela Hill and Jessica Penne which is entertaining and informative.

Anywho, Angela had her power striking game taken away by Alliance that likes to add crazy footwork to every one's game whether it helps or not. It hasn't helped Hill but she can still heft a volume of punches despite her coaches not allowing her to plant her foot and deliver power anymore. 

"Cast Iron" Casey got her shot at the upper echelon of the division but was found lacking. Losses to Michelle Waterson, Felice Herrig, and Claudia Gadelha have shown us Cortney has already hit her ceiling. Though she won't have to worry about it with Hill, Casey-Sanchez really struggles with grapplers and at times gets very hesitant in the cage.

Ya gotta think Hill here as she has the tighter striking though she is less well rounded than Casey-Sanchez. It should be close and fun, but Cortney has shown she'll give away rounds for no reason at all while "Overkill" goes into overdrive.

WINNER-Angela Hill by Decision

Jake Ellenberger (31-14) +350 vs. Bryan Barberena (13-5) -440

I guess we're doing this so Jake can retire in the homeland of Nebraska? Ellenberger is 2-8 in his last 10 fights! That is abysmal. Jake is frail at this point and though "Bam Bam" isn't exactly known for his striking, he can ground and pound out the best of them. Bryan takes Jake's soul and hopefully he retires.

WINNER-Bryan Barberena by Rd.2 TKO

John Moraga (19-6) +135 vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (14-0) -155

This is a conundrum when we can't decide if Moraga is a contender or gatekeeper. "Chicano" wrecked highly touted prospect Magmomed Bibulatov last October, putting him back on everyone's radar after limited success prior. A solid win over Wilson Reis and on a 3-fight bounce and Moraga is rolling again. 

"Deus da Guerra" is going to come at you all arms and legs flailing looking for the finish. The record is gaudy but Figueiredo hasn't been proven wrong with his approach to date.

Nah, we're not believers in Figueiredo. Moraga is the exact type of vet to catch the Brazilian wilding. John knows his strength here lies with a grappling attack and that is what gets the job done for him.

Upset Pick WINNER-John Moraga by Decision

Eryk Anders (10-1) -1100 vs. Tim Williams (15-4) +700

Do you see these odds? "Ya Boy" had better deliver because that is egregious. Anders thought the world of himself and called out Lyoto Machida in February only to be schooled by "The Dragon." The UFC has slowed things down for Eryk giving him "The South Jersey Strangler" who will be knocked out cold.

WINNER-Eryk Anders by Rd.1 KO

Prelims on FS2 (7pm/CT):

James Krause (25-7) +300 vs. Warlley Alves (12-2) -360

James "The James Krause" Krause has been putting in time to become a good coach, but now gets back to his own fighting career. The Missourian has a tough out in front of him with Alves.

Warlley is super talented but got setback when he fell to Bryan Barberena and then Kamaru Usman. The Brazilian is about as well rounded as they come and should be able to use his vast tool chest to score at the very least, two rounds as long as his cardio holds.

WINNER-Warlley Alves by Decision

Cory Sandhagen (8-1) -220 vs. Iuri Alcântara (35-9,1) +180

Ya gotta respect 38 year old Iuri still hanging around and banging out lesser thans. "Marajo" can still bang as Joe Soto found out in February not to mention Alcantara can tap you if you want to play that game as well. He's the staunch veteran who can do a bit of everything though the clock is ticking.

Sandhagen thinks himself a striker as well, but his lack of experience will show against the crafty vet who schools him out and says he's not done with the sport yet.

Upset Pick WINNER-Iuri Alcantara by Decision

Andrew Sanchez (9-4) -120 vs. Markus Perez (10-1) +100

Has anyone bought "El Dirte" a bike yet? Sanchez won TUF 23 (who cares?) but the dude has an embarrassing lack of endurance in the cage. The Mizzou fighter should win this easily enough provided he has learned to contain the jitters or whatever it is that makes him gasp for air after 5 minutes.

"Maluko" hasn't exactly been setting the cage on fire either also suffering from exhaustion. Perez hasn't shown much to be impressed with.

Provided Andrew can breathe for 10 minutes he should route Markus but who the hell knows with these two flawed fighters.

WINNER-Andrew Sanchez by Decision?

Mickey Gall (4-1) -340 vs. George Sullivan (17-6,1) +280

It's time to see how Gall reacts to his 1st professional loss. Mickey is a young talented grappler who finally learned against Randy Brown last November, that he needs to vastly improve his striking. Gall claims he has done that very thing and even stepped out of his comfort zone at Miller Brothers MMA and went to the Cali MusclePharm gym. Now the youngster is training with MMAFO Hall of Famer Yves Edwards and kickboxing standout Joe Schilling so he can only be upgrading his game. 

Two failed drug tests from USADA and MMAFO says fuck this guy! Sullivan is a grinder/cheater who has been submitted 4 times in his career which shows his weakness is his opponents strength. George is here to make Gall look good and then he will be shown the door. 

WINNER-Mickey Gall by Rd.2 Submission

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Prelims on UFC Fight Pass (5:30pm/CT):

Joanne Calderwood (11-3) -175 vs. Kalindra Faria (18-7-1) +155

"Bad MoFo JoJo" is back motherfuckers! Calderwood has been out of action for a year after back to back losses and has made the transition from Tristar to Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas while also spending time at the UFC Performance Institute. The Scot is a kickboxer with a real weakness on the mat, but she's tough as they come and enjoys the fight.

The Brazilian has yet to get a win in the UFC but she is also a kickboxer and will gladly engage in a standup battle with Joanne. Kalindra has a ton of experience and can win this bout if she gets Calderwood to the canvas.

We're doubting Faria will be looking to grapple "Dr. Kneevil" and instead we get the gratifying scrap the people demand. So, if we're throwing down, take Calderwood to pull away late for a much needed and exciting win.

WINNER-Joanne Calderwood by Decision

Drew Dober (19-8,1) -220 vs. Jon Tuck (10-4) +180

The "Doberman" seems to be finding his groove a bit as of late and he always has fun outings. Drew is moving into his prime and the improved technique is leading to some knockouts. The Cornhusker will also have the crowd in his favor.

The "Super Saiyan" is 4-4 in the UFC but the fighter from Guam does not belong. Harsh but true. Tuck doesn't have the game to hang with the middle of the roster. 

Give it a little time, and Dober is going to put Tuck away and get a nice finish for the resume.

WINNER-Drew Dober by Rd.3 TKO

Rani Yahya (25-9,1) -125 vs. Luke Sanders (12-2) +105

Yahya is a Jiu-Jitsu ace who wins the 1st two rounds almost every time out and then has zero left in the gas tank by the 3rd as he just wastes time trying to make it to the final bell. It's happened so many times you can set your clock to it. How can a professional not figure out his cardio after 16 years in the business. It's baffling really.

"Cool Hand" Luke has his issues, but he's not going to run out of energy and he won't stop bringing the fight. MMAFO actually sees Sanders sapping the life out of Yahya and surprising people with an Upset win!

Upset Pick WINNER-Luke Sanders by Decision