Some cool fights coming up in MMA. I'll post some of the best ones along with my predictions of who'll win each bout.
UFC 103 SEPTEMBER 19th, 2009:
Vitor Belfort(18-8; #7 Middleweight)* vs. Rich Franklin (25-4) This fight is a must see. They are fighting at 205lbs, when they both are more used to fighting as middleweights (185lbs). While I admire Vitor's heart and explosive power, my money, were I to gamble, would be on Rich for the win (by decision).
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (25-6-2; #7 Heavyweight)* vs. Junior dos Santos (8-1) I can't easily rule out anyone from Team Nogueira (Junior dos Santos, Anderson Silva, the Nog bro's), but Mirko, who hasn't lost a fight since the pair of losses in 2007, has more experience. If this fight stays on the feet where CroCop wants it, it won't last 3 rounds before CroCop wins. If Junior dos Santos can get Mirko on the ground, he will have the advantage. Nonetheless, I'm calling CroCop for the win on this, by (T)KO, 2nd or 3rd round.
Vladimir Matyushenko (22-4) vs. Igor Pokrajac (21-5) Maty makes his return to the UFC after a long stint with the IFL (where he reigned as light heavyweight champ). He's fighting Igor Pokrajac, from Team CroCop, whom he'll beat likely by unanimous decision. The Janitor will mop this one up.
DREAM 11 OCTOBER 6, 2009:
Gegard Mousasi (23-2-1; #7 Middleweight) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4) Expect the rising star Gegard Mousasi, who fights for Red Devil Internation (Fedor's affiliation) and hasn't lost since 2006, to win this fight by (T)KO.
UFC 104 OCTOBER 24, 2009:
Lyoto Machida (15-0; #1 Light Heavyweight)* vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (18-3; #5 Light Heavyweight) I can't see anyone in the Light Heavyweight division (not even Anderson Silva or a slimmed down Randy Couture) beating Lyoto. This guy is in his prime, and his particular mix of skills and talent make him unbeatable, at least for the near future. Rua has no chance. 1st Round (T)KO.
UFC 106 NOVEMBER 21, 2009:
Brock Lesnar (4-1; #2 Heavyweight)* vs. Shane Carwin (11-0; #10 Heavyweight) As much as I would love to see Lesnar lose, Shane isn't the guy that'll do it. I forsee a drawn out wrestling match with the stronger Lesnar winning by decision.
Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) vs. Mark Coleman (16-9) I've never really admired the skill of either of these fighters. If this fight is done at 205lbs, Coleman will have to cut more weight, and not be in top form. Tito is coming off back surgery and is an unknown quantity. I'll enjoy watching either one of them get beat on, but I think I'd like to see Tito get beat slightly more. Coleman's sheer size difference (even if he cuts weight to 205) is enough for me to tip the scales in his favour to win, likely by decision.
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