Thursday, February 14, 2019

UFC on ESPN Velasquez vs. Ngannou: Fight Card, Half-Assed Musings + Odds


February 17, 2019
Talking Stick Resort Arena
Phoenix, Arizona

UFC on ESPN Main Card:

Cain Velasquez (14-2) -155 vs. #5 Francis Ngannou (12-3) +135

It's been two years since we've seen the shadow of Cain descend upon the Octagon. The once feared AKA standout has battled a litany of injuries and finally took the time to heal everything and right the ship. Now he's returning at the age of 36 to reclaim glory. Media pundits were quick to dub Velasquez the "GOAT" of all big heavies but history has not played out accordingly. Is there time for the brute to ascend the biggest ladder and step in line just before his friend Daniel Cormier retires?

Just when you thought Ngannou was done, he knocks out contender Curtis Blaydes, for the 2nd time, and keeps him in contention. Franny bombs on common sense but that grappling game is atrocious.

There is no chance Cain keeps this standing any longer than he wants. With his skills he'll easily get the takedown and the mauling begins. We don't feel like Ngannou has much of a shot here provided Velasquez doesn't get hurt walking into the cage.

WINNER-Cain Velasquez by Rd.2 TKO

James Vick (13-2) -120 vs. Paul Felder (15-4) +100

Ugh. Vick is unlikeable. Whether it's because he's part of Team Rape (Lloyd Irvin) or his undeserved heir of entitlement, you just can't root for the guy. "The Texecutioner" is a giant for the division but he doesn't protect his chin well, and though he's got some good skills, his outing against Justin Gaethje proves what MMAFO has always believed, that Vick isn't a prime time player.

Whenever the "Irish Dragon" isn't bumping his gums cage side, he's in the damn thing fighting to his detriment. Paul's a good enough guy but he just cannot resist a brawl and usually doesn't do enough to earn favor from the judges if he doesn't finish an opponent.

Mistakes will be made and though it pains us, Vick seems more likely to find a path to victory or even a submission if he's really feeling his oats.

WINNER-James Vick by Decision


#9 Cynthia Calvillo (7-1) -335 vs. Cortney Casey-Sanchez (8-6) +275

"CC" got back to her winning ways after returning from a bullshit suspension. The Team Alpha FeMale is a stellar grappler but she still needs work on the boxing side.

"CCS" is all over the map. She's long for the division but can't seem to get over close decisions in every fight. She's not a terrible submission fighter, but not amazing as well. Just decent everywhere.

"SiSi" is a talent MMAFO has been high on for some time now. The striking is still coming along but her fallback wrestling skills are enough to decisively win at least two rounds against Cortney.

WINNER-Cynthia Calvillo by Decision

Kron Gracie (4-0) -310 vs. Alex Caceres (14-11) +255

Did you ever think we'd see another Gracie in the UFC? What a strange world MMA is. "Ice Cream Kron" is the youngest son of legend Rickson Gracie. Yes, that Rickson Gracie, one of the most storied warriors in the history of MMA's, son. No pressure kid. As you may have surmised, Kron is a Jiu-Jitsu master and has accolades coming out of his butt. Korn's (sic) been plying his trade in Rizin walking through the competition.

"Bruce Leeroy" is always entertaining and inconsistent. You can always count on that. Dude is quite interesting but his wild attack style lends itself to insane scrambles and no defense.

Eh, there are doubters that don't believe Kron can rely solely on his Jitz and be successful, but we think he can win here by simply fighting smart and avoiding a kickboxing fight. We shall see but props to the guy for taking the risk.

WINNER-Kron Gracie by Decision?

Vicente Luque (14-6-1) -440 vs. Bryan Barberena (14-5) +350

Whatevs.

WINNER-Vicente Luque by Decision

Andre Fili (18-6) +125 vs. Myles Jury (17-3) -145

The "Fratty" is never going to contend for a title, but he'll always beat guys like Fili that aren't technical and fight wild.

WINNER-Myles Jury by Decision

ESPN Prelims:

#7 Jimmie Rivera (22-2) -140 vs. #8 Aljamain Sterling (16-3) +120

Ooh, major importance in the Bantamweight division. Both of these guys are threats to the title but neither have taken that big step yet. Rivera had his 1st career stumble against current #1 contender Marlon Moraes, but then rebounded by smacking around John Dodson. "El Terror" is a great boxer who is far too in love with his average boxing.

The "Funk Master" has struggled against the elite and much like his opponent, is a great grappler who wants to be a striker. "AlJo" is cornered by the Serra-Longo Squad which is always entertaining.

We gotta say, as much as we enjoy Sterling, he doesn't fight smart and never has. Rivera will stick to his plans to get the win in a close interesting fight.

WINNER-Jimmie Rivera by Decision

Manny Bermudez (13-0) -190 vs. Benito Lopez (9-0) +165

The "0" must go. 

WINNER-Manny Bermudez by Decision


Ashlee Evans-Smith (6-3) +145 vs. Andrea Lee (9-2) -165

"KGB" has faced failed drug tests, issues with an abusive husband who sported neo-nazi tattoos, and is still coming. Ya gotta respect that and she'll do enough here as AES is guaranteed to do something stupid in the cage.

WINNER-Andrea Lee by Decision

Scott Holtzman (12-2) -170 vs. Nik Lentz (29-9-2) +150

Upset Pick WINNER-Nik Lentz by Decision

ESPN+ Prelims:

Jessica Penne (12-5) -140 vs. Jodie Esquibel (6-4) +120

Jessica has taken over a year off to heal the mind and body. Since she was massacred by Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Penne has competed but once a year and all were losses. 

Meanwhile, the Jackson-Wink fighter has never shown us a damn thing of importance.

Goddamn we were fans of Jessica back in '10 and she's an awesome lady! Our bias is apparent here but we still think Penne has a solid shot of winning here. The long legged Californian can fight safely from range and is a better grappler if we get in tight. Jessica's durability is a worry but this is an opponent she should defeat.

Also, check out Jessica Penne and bestie Angela Hill on their show Two Straws!

WINNER-Jessica Penne by Decision

Renan Pegado (34-7) +155 vs. Luke Sanders (12-3) -175

Jesus Christ "The Baron" has fallen completely apart. The former champ has gone 2-5 since dropping the belt in '14. Dude can't even beat off at this point. Sanders is pretty sturdy and should be able to amass points as we just cannot put any stock in "Barao" at this point.

WINNER-Luke Sanders by Decision

https://www.instagram.com/emwhitmire115/?hl=en
MMA DOGS!
Emily & Bruce
Alexandra Albu (3-0) -130 vs. Emily Whitmire (3-2) +110

Has it been two years already? Albu only fights every two years one has to wonder what's the point if she's just part timing it?

Get the fuck outta here if you aren't truly committed. Albu is going to experience a waking Whitmire!

Upset Pick WINNER-Emily Whitmire by Decision

No comments: