I am extremely excited about this upcoming UFC. The card is stacked and I can’t wait to watch the event. Here are my predictions and thoughts on the fights/fighters:
Silva Vs Belfort
This one should be a great fight. Anderson (27-4), of course, is a phenom considered by many to be the best pound for pound fighter alive. Vitor (19-8) is also an incredible fighter who since early UFCs has shown great speed and power. Silva has, unfortunately, not had the best performances lately. He hasn’t lost; he just hasn’t seemed very interested in finishing his opponents. All the dancing around antics have turned many fans, including me, off. Belford, has shown that there are two versions of himself. When he’s the “on” Vitor, he’s unstoppable; when he’s the “off” Vitor, he just doesn’t seem to be there mentally. I am hoping for a great fight, and would love to see Vitor win this. I’d love for him to knock Silva out. It’s not that I don’t like Silva, I’m just tired of him.
Forrest Griffin Vs Rich Franklin
Both are very skilled fighters and both have great cardio. Both are former world champions and either one could win this fight. Franklin (27-5) has been very successful and has a lot of experience. Forrest (17-6) has a bit of the “Belford syndrome” in that he can be “on’ or “off.” They are both well rounded, and Forrest will probably have the size and reach advantage, but I see Franklin winning.
Jake Ellenberger Vs Carlos Eduardo Rocha
Both great but not familiar enough with them to make a call.
Jon Jones Vs Ryan Bader
I am more excited about this fight than any other on the card! They are both awesome and it stands to be a real war. Bader (12-0) is undefeated and a real powerhouse. Incredible wrestling base and knock out power in both hands. Jones (11-1, really should be 12-0) is long, ultra athletic, and very skilled. He also has great wrestling base, as well as great spinning back kicks, vicious elbows (I call them “hellbows),” etc. I am a huge fan of Jones, and I see him winning this fight. I also see him becoming champion of this division in the near future.
Miguel Angel Torres Vs Antonio Banuelos
These guys are both coming from the WEC and are very scrappy. Torres (37-3) is a former WEC champion who held the title for years. He has good muay thai skills and will have the reach advantage for sure. He is also a Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt. Banuelos (18-6) is very formidable as well. He has great wrestling and ground and pound skills. This should be a really fast paced and exciting fight. Giving this one to Torres.
Paul Kelly Vs Donald Cerrone
Paul Kelly Vs Donald Cerrone (13-3)
Kelly (12-3) is a solid striker and has scored 5 TKOs in his 12 wins. “Cowboy” Cerrone is coming from the WEC and has been very impressive, especially in the submission department (10 of his 12 wins were via submissions). He has a sick triangle. This should be another great battle and I’m going with Cerrone on this one.
Chad Mendes Vs Michihiro Omigawa
The winner of this 145 lb fight will probably be in line (in the near future) for a fight with Jose Aldo. Omigawa is12-8-1 overall, 0-2 UFC but is on a five fight winning streak. He’s come a long way and is pretty balanced with his skill, but prefers submissions. Mendes (9-0) is from team Alpha Male (Uriah Faber) so as you’d expect, he’s a powerhouse. He as an extensive collegiate wrestling background and really pushes the pace. I don’t think Omigawa will be able to control the pace or distance of this fight (or be able to submit Mendes when it hits the ground, which will definitely do). Mendes wins this one.
These are all the fight’s I’m discussing. The rest of the card is as follows:
• Gabe Ruediger Vs Paul Taylor
• Norifumi Vs Demetrious Johnson
• Kyle kingsbury Vs Ricardo Romero
• Mike pierce Vs Kenny Robertson
