Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Venue: Bell Centre
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
MAIN CARD
•Champ Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (for light heavyweight title)
•Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck
•Jeremy Stephens vs. Sam Stout
•Alan Belcher vs. Patrick Cote
•Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Matt Mitrione
PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)
•Joe Doerksen vs. Tom Lawlor
•Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet
•Mike Guymon vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
•Joey Beltran vs. Tim Hague
•T.J. Grant vs. Johny Hendricks
•Jason MacDonald vs. John Salter
I can't wait for this card. I've long been a huge fan of Lyoto Machida, and I've also been a big fan of Shoguns. I don't know how many of you guys are interested in MMA or watch the UFC, but I usually like to make predictions and see how close I am to it.
Jason MacDonald vs. John Salter- MacDonald (24-13) is a grappler, not a great striker, had some moderate success in his early UFC career before dropping 3 of his last 4 UFC fights.
Salter (4-1) is a wrestler with decent striking but extremely weak cardio. Lost his UFC debut after dominating the first round against Gerald Harris, took that fight on one weeks notice, taking this fight on similar notice.
Prediction: If Salter's cardio holds up, he can be a dominating force. But thats not a given and his stand-up is still in its early phases as he only knows a few combos and doesn't tuck his chin or dip his head. MacDonald is to much of a veteran and gets the 2nd round submission.
T.J. Grant vs. Johny Hendricks- Grant (15-3) is a decent all-around fighter, very scrappy, has a knack of finishing opponents on the ground. Had good success in lesser promotions, but has struggled in the UFC posting a 2-1 record, two fights going to decision.
Hendricks (7-0) is a wrestler with very good take downs and solid hands. Beat Amir Sadollah in 29 seconds. Dominated Ricardo Funch in his last fight. Has a very awesome beard.
Prediction: Grant got rocked in his last fight (against Kevin Burns) despite earning a first round stoppage. Seems to be struggling a bit in the big leagues and Hendricks has dominated virtually everyone he has faced. Hendricks will wear Grant out and earn a decision victory.
Joey Beltran vs. Tim Hague- Beltran (11-3) enters this fight after winning his debut fight against Rolles Gracie. Beltran has solid hands, good defensive grappling. Is a little undersized against the goliath Hague.
Hague (10-3) is a huge guy with limited abilities in virtually everything. Lots of power. Slow, sloppy, weak chin. Almost sure to lose unless he somehow lays on Beltran. Won his debut against Pat Barry, who is a kickboxer with virtually no ground game. Got knocked out by Todd Duffee in 7 seconds, lost a decision to Chris Tuscherer.
Prediction: Hague sucks. Beltran by KO, 1st round.
Mike Guymon vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida - Guymon (11-3-1) is a good striker with a good ground game. Safe chin, but not solid against wrestlers or savvy jiu jitsu players.
Yoshida (11-4) is a judo practitioner who has had mixed success in the Octogon. Last fight, he was embarrassed by Anthony Johnson, who promptly knocked him out.
Prediction: While Yoshida isn't facing someone with the scary power that Anthony Johnson or Josh Koscheck has, Guymon is a very talented striker who seems more keen for wars than Yoshida himself. Yoshida will control early, but Guymon will take the fight in RD 3 by KO in a come from behind victory.
Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet- Davis (16-6) comes into this fight after dropping his last 2, including his first KO loss of his career to Ben Saunders. Davis is a good striker, with decent ground game, and historically a good chin.
Goulet (22-10) is a decent striker with somewhat average ground game. Has an incredibly weak chin and doesn't fair well against above average competition.
Prediction- Marcus Davis by KO, RD 1.
Joe Doerksen vs. Tom Lawlor- Doerksen (44-12) is a grappler by trade, well versed in Muay Thai, comes into this fight looking to improve on his horrid UFC record of 1-5.
Tom Lawlor (6-2) is a wrestler with rapidly improving hands and solid knock out power. Lawlor lost his last fight against Aaron Simpson despite looking good early on, Lawlor gassed out.
Prediction: If Lawlor has a full tank, he can really bring the heat to Doerksen, who I think he has a real chance of knocking out. Doerksen has struggled to impress in the UFC and this will be no different. Lawlor via TKO RD 2.
Patrick Cote vs. Alan Belcher- Cote (13-5) is a striker with good knockout power and good takedown defense, and also has a solid chin. Last fight was a title fight against Anderson Silva in which Cote injured his knee to begin the 3rd and thus lost by TKO due to injury.
Belcher (15-6) is a striker, a kick boxer more specifically, with brutal leg kicks and an above average ground game. Belcher stopped former UFC hype machine product Wilson Gouveia in the first round of his last fight.
Prediction: War. This fight is going to be War. I think Belcher is a more well rounded striker and I also don't see this fight touching the ground. Cote has more power, but isn't as fast. I think Belcher pulls out a tough decision, possibly a split.
Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione- Kimbo Slice (4-1) is a former street fighter who amassed a huge following on the internet. He has solid power and has been improving on his cardio, ground game, and boxing mechanics. Overall, out classed Houston Alexander.
Mitrione (1-0) is a former Arena Football player who in addition to all that size and mobility, has a lot of power (obviously).
Prediction- I think this fight sucks. Kimbo probably wins because he is matched up with someone more novice than he is. Kimbo by TKO RD 2.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Sam Stout- Stephens (16-5) is a striker with solid hands, good cardio, and a solid chin. Stephens has 12 KO or TKOs to his resume.
Stout (15-5-1) comes into this fight after besting Joe Lauzon and Matt Wiman respectively. Stout, a former boxer, has good hands, as well as endurance and takedown defense.
Predictions- Another War, this fight could go the distance or end quickly. Stout doesn't finish to many people, nor get finish to much, but at the end of the day, Stephens is a wrecking machine. I think Stephens will try to overwhelm him but it'll still make its way to the judges, as Stephens notches a split decision and both fighters take fight of the night.
Josh Koscheck vs. Paul Daley (14-4) Koscheck is a very gifted wresler with solid boxing ability and knock out power. Has a fairly weak chin, but improving submission skills. Very athletic and powerful.
Daley (23-8-2) is a striker with great knockout power, cardio, and a solid chin. Daley comes into this fight after destroying Martin Kampmann and Dustin Hazelet.
Prediction- Koscheck is to well rounded and if he fights a smart fight (not always the case with him) he can win this fight on the ground. If he comes out looking to bang, he will lose, and lose bad. A title shot is on the line, and I think he'll actually fight Daley similar to the way he faught Anthony Johnson; intelligently.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Rua- Machida (16-0) is a Karate fighter with explosive counter striking and baffling elusiveness. In addition to being a very gifted striker he is very well rounded in all areas such as judo, jiu jitsu, and sumo wrestling.
Rua (18-4) enters this fight looking to avenge his controversial first encounter with Machida in which Machida won via decision, even though most everyone thought Rua won the fight. Rua is a Muay Thai specialist with powerful kicks and incredible knockout power. Rua also is very well rounded with a black belt in jiu jitsu.
Prediction- I look at it like this; Machida has never had to change his game plan until now. Rua was the first person to figure him out. If Machida formulates a different strategy, such as being the aggressor, he might actually catch Shogun completely off guard. For Shogun had the strategy to surprise Machida in the first encounter, now its Machida's turn to show up with a strategy to take Shogun out of his game. I predict Machida wins the 2nd fight, and goes 2-0 against Shogun. Machida, via decision.
Venue: Bell Centre
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
MAIN CARD
•Champ Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (for light heavyweight title)
•Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck
•Jeremy Stephens vs. Sam Stout
•Alan Belcher vs. Patrick Cote
•Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Matt Mitrione
PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)
•Joe Doerksen vs. Tom Lawlor
•Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet
•Mike Guymon vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
•Joey Beltran vs. Tim Hague
•T.J. Grant vs. Johny Hendricks
•Jason MacDonald vs. John Salter
I can't wait for this card. I've long been a huge fan of Lyoto Machida, and I've also been a big fan of Shoguns. I don't know how many of you guys are interested in MMA or watch the UFC, but I usually like to make predictions and see how close I am to it.
Jason MacDonald vs. John Salter- MacDonald (24-13) is a grappler, not a great striker, had some moderate success in his early UFC career before dropping 3 of his last 4 UFC fights.
Salter (4-1) is a wrestler with decent striking but extremely weak cardio. Lost his UFC debut after dominating the first round against Gerald Harris, took that fight on one weeks notice, taking this fight on similar notice.
Prediction: If Salter's cardio holds up, he can be a dominating force. But thats not a given and his stand-up is still in its early phases as he only knows a few combos and doesn't tuck his chin or dip his head. MacDonald is to much of a veteran and gets the 2nd round submission.
T.J. Grant vs. Johny Hendricks- Grant (15-3) is a decent all-around fighter, very scrappy, has a knack of finishing opponents on the ground. Had good success in lesser promotions, but has struggled in the UFC posting a 2-1 record, two fights going to decision.
Hendricks (7-0) is a wrestler with very good take downs and solid hands. Beat Amir Sadollah in 29 seconds. Dominated Ricardo Funch in his last fight. Has a very awesome beard.
Prediction: Grant got rocked in his last fight (against Kevin Burns) despite earning a first round stoppage. Seems to be struggling a bit in the big leagues and Hendricks has dominated virtually everyone he has faced. Hendricks will wear Grant out and earn a decision victory.
Joey Beltran vs. Tim Hague- Beltran (11-3) enters this fight after winning his debut fight against Rolles Gracie. Beltran has solid hands, good defensive grappling. Is a little undersized against the goliath Hague.
Hague (10-3) is a huge guy with limited abilities in virtually everything. Lots of power. Slow, sloppy, weak chin. Almost sure to lose unless he somehow lays on Beltran. Won his debut against Pat Barry, who is a kickboxer with virtually no ground game. Got knocked out by Todd Duffee in 7 seconds, lost a decision to Chris Tuscherer.
Prediction: Hague sucks. Beltran by KO, 1st round.
Mike Guymon vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida - Guymon (11-3-1) is a good striker with a good ground game. Safe chin, but not solid against wrestlers or savvy jiu jitsu players.
Yoshida (11-4) is a judo practitioner who has had mixed success in the Octogon. Last fight, he was embarrassed by Anthony Johnson, who promptly knocked him out.
Prediction: While Yoshida isn't facing someone with the scary power that Anthony Johnson or Josh Koscheck has, Guymon is a very talented striker who seems more keen for wars than Yoshida himself. Yoshida will control early, but Guymon will take the fight in RD 3 by KO in a come from behind victory.
Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet- Davis (16-6) comes into this fight after dropping his last 2, including his first KO loss of his career to Ben Saunders. Davis is a good striker, with decent ground game, and historically a good chin.
Goulet (22-10) is a decent striker with somewhat average ground game. Has an incredibly weak chin and doesn't fair well against above average competition.
Prediction- Marcus Davis by KO, RD 1.
Joe Doerksen vs. Tom Lawlor- Doerksen (44-12) is a grappler by trade, well versed in Muay Thai, comes into this fight looking to improve on his horrid UFC record of 1-5.
Tom Lawlor (6-2) is a wrestler with rapidly improving hands and solid knock out power. Lawlor lost his last fight against Aaron Simpson despite looking good early on, Lawlor gassed out.
Prediction: If Lawlor has a full tank, he can really bring the heat to Doerksen, who I think he has a real chance of knocking out. Doerksen has struggled to impress in the UFC and this will be no different. Lawlor via TKO RD 2.
Patrick Cote vs. Alan Belcher- Cote (13-5) is a striker with good knockout power and good takedown defense, and also has a solid chin. Last fight was a title fight against Anderson Silva in which Cote injured his knee to begin the 3rd and thus lost by TKO due to injury.
Belcher (15-6) is a striker, a kick boxer more specifically, with brutal leg kicks and an above average ground game. Belcher stopped former UFC hype machine product Wilson Gouveia in the first round of his last fight.
Prediction: War. This fight is going to be War. I think Belcher is a more well rounded striker and I also don't see this fight touching the ground. Cote has more power, but isn't as fast. I think Belcher pulls out a tough decision, possibly a split.
Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione- Kimbo Slice (4-1) is a former street fighter who amassed a huge following on the internet. He has solid power and has been improving on his cardio, ground game, and boxing mechanics. Overall, out classed Houston Alexander.
Mitrione (1-0) is a former Arena Football player who in addition to all that size and mobility, has a lot of power (obviously).
Prediction- I think this fight sucks. Kimbo probably wins because he is matched up with someone more novice than he is. Kimbo by TKO RD 2.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Sam Stout- Stephens (16-5) is a striker with solid hands, good cardio, and a solid chin. Stephens has 12 KO or TKOs to his resume.
Stout (15-5-1) comes into this fight after besting Joe Lauzon and Matt Wiman respectively. Stout, a former boxer, has good hands, as well as endurance and takedown defense.
Predictions- Another War, this fight could go the distance or end quickly. Stout doesn't finish to many people, nor get finish to much, but at the end of the day, Stephens is a wrecking machine. I think Stephens will try to overwhelm him but it'll still make its way to the judges, as Stephens notches a split decision and both fighters take fight of the night.
Josh Koscheck vs. Paul Daley (14-4) Koscheck is a very gifted wresler with solid boxing ability and knock out power. Has a fairly weak chin, but improving submission skills. Very athletic and powerful.
Daley (23-8-2) is a striker with great knockout power, cardio, and a solid chin. Daley comes into this fight after destroying Martin Kampmann and Dustin Hazelet.
Prediction- Koscheck is to well rounded and if he fights a smart fight (not always the case with him) he can win this fight on the ground. If he comes out looking to bang, he will lose, and lose bad. A title shot is on the line, and I think he'll actually fight Daley similar to the way he faught Anthony Johnson; intelligently.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Rua- Machida (16-0) is a Karate fighter with explosive counter striking and baffling elusiveness. In addition to being a very gifted striker he is very well rounded in all areas such as judo, jiu jitsu, and sumo wrestling.
Rua (18-4) enters this fight looking to avenge his controversial first encounter with Machida in which Machida won via decision, even though most everyone thought Rua won the fight. Rua is a Muay Thai specialist with powerful kicks and incredible knockout power. Rua also is very well rounded with a black belt in jiu jitsu.
Prediction- I look at it like this; Machida has never had to change his game plan until now. Rua was the first person to figure him out. If Machida formulates a different strategy, such as being the aggressor, he might actually catch Shogun completely off guard. For Shogun had the strategy to surprise Machida in the first encounter, now its Machida's turn to show up with a strategy to take Shogun out of his game. I predict Machida wins the 2nd fight, and goes 2-0 against Shogun. Machida, via decision.
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