UFC 113 Thoughts and Predictions

Machida V Rua Rematch:
Ok, so I’m in the minority because I thought Machida actually won last time. It was close, and a great fight indeed. Rua did an awesome job and certainly earned my respect (actually I’ve been a fan of his from way back during his pride days). However, I feel Machida won the first 3 rounds during their last fight and even though Rua gave Machida a better fight than anyone previously, he didn’t take the belt away from Machida. Anyway, my prediction in this encounter will be Machida winning again. I think Rua win stick to the same game plan (namely brutal leg kicks) because they were very effective last time and he feels he can win it with this strategy if he pushes it even harder. Machida will be ready for the leg kicks and effectively deal with Rua this time in what I think will be another war.

Josh Koscheck v Paul Daley.
Josh K is one of the best takedown artist that the UFC has ever seen. He has mad skill, and his stand up has obviously improved by leaps and bounds, and indeed, he can put people to sleep with those hands. Daily has incredible ability to KO his opponants and has done so one many occasions. I think Kos would be crazy to stand toe to toe with daily because he’ll get knocked the f out. I think his ego might convince him to try to do just that. The smart move would be to use his superior wrestling and get it to the ground and take care of business. I respect Koscheck’s abilities but I don’t particularly like him overall. If he fights the smart fight he will win. However, I hope Daily wins this one

Kimbo Slice V Matt Mitrione:

Either one could win this one. Matt is probably more well rounded but Kimbo is brutally strong and has been dedicated in training with American Top Team so I’m hoping he’ll have the skill to pull it off. I’m a recent Kimbo fan mind you. I didn’t like him when he was with Strike force and was so hyped up with out the skill to go along with it. But seeing him in the Ultimate Fighter show impressed me a great deal, as he seemed humble, sincere, and ready to learn and improve. He’s already old for a UFC fighter but I hope he can pull this one off and have a decent UFC career before getting too old and going down hill.