UFC 128, QUICK PICKS AND RING GIRLIES

  



I'VE BEEN BUSY DEAL WITH IT

     I know I havn't posted an update in a minute, but I've just started a few new jobs and got a lot going on.  I will never miss a big event for predictions, or post fight for recaps however.  Sorry for no breakdowns or in depths as well, but like i said, busy, busy, busy.  Get your picks in if you think you know anything, and i'll update your picks record tomorrow.



STRAIGHT TO THE POINT.
UFC 128 PICKS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE GANG.

Jon Jones vs Shogun Rua -  Rua via 3rd round TKO
Urijah Faber vs Eddie Wineland - Faber via 3 round Majority Decision
Joseph Benavidez vs Ian loveland - Benavidez via 3 round Majority Decision
Cropcop vs Brenda Schaub - Cropcop via 1st round KO (head kick dream)
Jim Miller vs Kamal Shalorus - Miller bros via miller bros decision
Nate Marquart vs Dan Miller - Miller bros via miller bros decision
Kurt Pellegrino vs Glieson Tibau - Glieson Tibau via 3rd round Split Decision

   

THE UPSET, THE SPIT, THE DRAW.

                                UFC 127 SHORTCAP

     The show kicked off on a Sunday during daylight in Australia just to keep it live in the states on a Saturday night.  The show was speculated weeks in advance to be a weak card, and even appeared sort of weak on paper.  Certainly not for the first time, the majority was wrong, and UFC 127 delivered.  The main event ended in a draw that sets up a very interesting situation, while the surprisingly massed hyped co-main event delivered with some eye candy.  The under cards did not fall short either as underdogs pulled off upsets to keep the lightweight and welterweight divisions up in a steady mix.

            PENN AND FITCH, MAJORITY...DRAW?

     Penn and Fitch had an interesting fight that raised eyebrows and questions from every direction at the end of the fight.  Did Penn just try to take down Fitch after years of fighting without trying to take anyone down?  Did Penn really win the second round?  Did the effort of Fitch in the 3rd round warrant a 10-8 on the scorecards, based on two takedowns, and no position passed the guard?  Was either fighter expecting the decision?  Does Fitch win a 5 round fight?  Who is more motivated in the rematch?  Given the circumstances of the division, is the rematch for the welterweight title?  Was the results of this fight the best case scenario for the fans, the UFC, and Fitch and Penn both?  Fights that raise this many questions are an obvious success.

BISPING SPITS FIRE WITH HANDS, SALIVA WITH MOUTH


     Bisping and Rivera had enough hard talk and smack leading up to it to sell as a headliner, despite the current standings of the fighters.  Rivera came into the fight as quite an underdog, yet he was the leader of the two in the pre fight antics.  Bisping had stated how offended he was of the videos and the mocking of his accent leading up to the fight, but really hid his true emotions until fight night.  Between some aggressive striking and relatively easy takedowns, Bisping dominated the fight up and until the stoppage.  The respectful embrace that occurs in 99 percent of fights after the final bell or a stoppage was the last thing Bisping intended.  He first rushed to Riveras corner and spit at one of the corner men, who Bisping had said was involved with the videos and mocking of his heritage and family.  He then rushed over to Jorge demanding an apology.  This fight was a good one and could lay some leeway for more pre fight hype in the future between fighters.



T3H OTHER RESULTS
Fitch and Penn fight 3 rounds to a majority DRAW
Bisping defeats Rivera via 2nd round TKO
Dennis Siver defeats George Sotiropoulos via Unanimous Decision
Brian Ebersole defeats Brian Ebersole via Unanimous Decision
Kyle Noke defeats Chris Camozzi via 1st round sub (RNC)
Ross Pearson defeats Spencer Fisher via Unanimous Decision
Alexander Gustafsson defeats James Te Huna via 1st round sub (RNC)
Nick Ring defeats Riki Fukuda via Unanimous Decision
Anthony Perosh defeats Tom Blackledge via 1st round sub (RNC)
Tiequan Zhang defeats Jason Reinhardt via 1st round sub (Guillotine Choke)
Mark Hunt defeats Chris Tuchscherer via 2nd round KO
Curt Warburton defeats Maciej Jewtuszko via Unanimous Decision




Prediction record outcomes of UFC 127 via teh Bruiser;
Samuel- 3-4
Beegle- 3-4
Goose- 2-5
Wineland- 1-6
Ray- 0-7

Overall;
Goose- 15-10 
Samuel- 13-9
Travbuc- 10-3
Beegle- 7-6
Chad- 5-0
O.o- 5-2 
Snow- 3-2
Schmit- 2-1
Wineland- 2-8
Ray- 0-7

 

PREDICTIONS, PENN VS FITCH, UFC 127

                                              LAYOFF


     First off I'd like to apologize for the lack of updates over the week.  I went through a move and am now living back in my hometown, so I haven't had a lot of free time.  The same goes for today as I won't be able to give great breakdowns, but will post my predictions, and still would like you all to post yours to see how well you can pick em.  I'll be picking for a lot of the fights but not all of them, feel free to pick as many or as little as you'd like to.




                                 T3H PICKS
BJ Penn vs John Fitch -  Penn via 2nd round submission.
Michael Bisping vs Jorge Rivera - Bisping via 3 round majority decision
George Sotiropoulous vs Dennis Siver - Siver via Liver kick/TKO round 1
Chris Lytle vs Brian Ebersole - Lights out Lytle via 3 round split decision
Kyle Noke vs Chris Camozzi -  Camozzi via 1st round KO
Ross Pearson vs Spencer Fisher - Pearson via 2nd round TKO
Nick Ring vs Riki Fukuda -Pretty Riki via 1st round TKO

Good luck picking, I took a few underdogs and think it's gonna be a stellar night.

UPSET, RETIREMENT, AND A CONTROVERSIAL :)

    NEW PERSPECTIVE

     Saturday night marked the start of the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament featuring some of the highest profiled heavyweights in the mma world.  Prior to the two main events which consisted of the first half of the first round of the tournament, Strikeforce held a texting poll asking for predictions on who would win out and win the tournament.  Nearly 40 percent of fans had chosen Fedor, and the third highest vote went to Andrei Arlovski with 11 percent.    These ideas were quickly trashed as a huge night unfolded.


         

                            EMERGING MAIN EVENT STORIES

FEDORS STREAK- Fedor dropped his second straight fight Saturday night.  Until his prior loss to Werdum, Fedor was 31-1, and the only loss was a cut stoppage 17 seconds into the first round in his 5th fight.  The last emperor announced after his fight his idea of retirement.  This could be the last time we ever see one of the greatest fighters of all time.
THE :) - Following the upset, UFC president Dana white had several very controversial, and unprofessional tweets including a ':)' and a few heated fire shots at fans tweeting to stick up for Fedor. 
THE UNDERDOG - With all of the media and attention centered on Fedor, we are quick to overlook and barely discuss Antonio Silva's accomplishment.  Silva came into the fight as a 5 and a half to 1 underdog which is HUGE in mma lines.  Not only did he pull off a victory and upset, he literally dominated the fight, with most sportscasters saying they would score the second round 10-8.  A new force to be watched in the tournament(those of you still going to watch)?  I believe so.

                             CO-MAIN EVENT STORIES

ANDREI'S LAST DANCE- Less surprising than Fedors loss was Andrei Arlovski dropping his 4th straight fight to heavy hitter Sergei Kharitonov.  Andrei did not make any mentions of retirement after the bout, but in my oppinion I think it is about that time for him.
LADIES AND GENTS, I GIVE YOU SERGEI- For the  majority of the first round, Arlovski looked smoother with his strikes, quicker with his feet and head, and crisper with his combo's.  When it came time to test his chin once again however, Arlovski provided the familiar glass for Sergei to shatter.  Sergei is now my horse to ride through the rest of the tournament.  Let's go.



Prediction record outcomes of Fedor-Silva via the bruiser;
Samuel- 3-1
Snow- 3-2
Travbuc- 3-2
Goose- 2-3

Overall;
Goose- 13-5
Travbuc- 10-3
Samuel- 10-5
Chad- 5-0
O.o- 5-2
Beegle- 4-2
Snow- 3-2
Schmitt- 2-1
Wineland- 1-2


                            HAPPY VALENTINES DAY....

 




              

FEDOR VS SILVA

   STRIKE FORCE HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNEY ROUND 1

     Kicking off tonight, the Strikeforce card will feature the first two matches in the first round of the tournament of 8 heavyweight fighters.  Set to take place is Fedor - Bigfoot Silva, and Arlovski - Sergei.  There are 8 other bouts on the card, some of which are alternative bouts for the tournament.  I'll be picking for the main fights of the tournament and two side fights, feel free to leave picks for any.

                                             THE LAST EMPEROR


     The main event of the night is Fedor Emelianenko facing Antonio 'Big Foot' Silva.  It's hard for me not to go with the favorite and overall legendary Fedor based on odds and careers alone, but stylistically, Fedor holds advantages all over this fight.  If you tune in tonight and think Fedor is way to small to win this fight, then take a second to youtube Fedor vs Schilt, or vs Zulu, or vs Hong, or vs Tim.  Fedor has made a hobby out of slaying giants and he can thank his awesome striking, great chin, and beautiful armbars.  My prediction is Fedor pulling this one off, midway through the second round, via his 7th career armbar.

                          

                             THE PIT BULL PUT DOWN



     The other fight on tonights card involving the heavyweight tournament puts ex-UFC standout Andrei Arlovski against a prime candidate in Sergei Kharitonov.  Former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei has hit a slump in his career that he desperately needs to get out of.  He has lost three straight, but has the hands to get back on the right track.  That being said, I'm taking Sergei to take this fight via TKO in the second round.  If you've never heard of the man, he holds wins over Semmy Schilt, Werdum, and Ubereem.  His only losses have come against Big Nog, Ubereem, A.Emelianenko (Fedors brother), and submission specialist Jeff Monson.  Looking to see a possible end to Andrei's career and a rising surge of Sergei's.




        TWO QUICKIES

Valentijn Overeem (Ubers brother) over Ray Sefo via first round KO
Chad Griggs Over Gian Villante via TKO round 2

YOUR UFC CHAMPIONS, SON

     With the merger of the WEC and two new weight classes,  the largest mma organization in the world now holds 7 champions at any given time (aside from any belt stripping incident).  Get a basic rundown on your champs, and why they deserve to be where they are at.




                            HEAVYWEIGHT - CAIN VELASQUEZ

  
Record - 9-0

Last loss - Runnin strong

Most notable moment - UFC 121, Cain came in as a slight underdog and manhandled Brock Lesnar from the opening bell clear up til the stoppage 4 minutes and 12 seconds later, to obtain the UFC heavyweight belt and carry the pride of a Mexican American community through the sport.

Reason to love - Cain sits atop the world right now with an impressive resume in the hardest hitting division.  If you love to see fighters finishing fights, then Cain is your man 8 out of 9 times.  Finishing 6 of his nine fights in the first round and 2 of his fights in the 2nd round, Cain is an action first fighter that loves to mix it up quick.

Biggest challenge - Shane Carwin or Junior Dos Santos.  Two heavyweights with the same amount or more stoppages in only a couple more fights, JDS and Carwin bring heavy hands to the table if they get a shot in the future.  Cain has shown he has a chin in his fight against Kongo, but the new heavyweights are a whole new breed of power.








      LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT - MAURICIO 'SHOWGUN' RUA

Record - 19-4

Last loss - UFC 104 October 2009, controversial decision that gained Shogun immediate rematch.  Previous loss in UFC debut in 2007 against Forrest Griffin.

Most notable moment - August 28th, 2005.  At the age of just 23, Shogun had racked up a record of 10-1, with his only loss to Babalu, and 9 of his 10 wins coming by knockout, only winning one decision to his last opponent, Little Nog.  Needless to say he was a superstar in the making, and this date sealed his deal as he would face Alistair Overeem and Ricardo Arona on the same night of a tournament, and would go on to win both by TKO in the first round.

Reason to love - Another striking artist, Shogun holds 16 of his 19 wins by way of KO or TKO, and 1 of the other 3 were by submission.  At the age of 29 he has many years left in the sport, but also an incredible resume behind him.  Flying under the rader because of all the hype of UFCs other superstars, Shogun stays respectful, and confident.

Biggest challenge - Jon Jones recently defeated Ryan Bader and was offered a short notice (6 weeks to prepare) title shot.  I'm fairly certain even the mention of the name Jones brings up highlight reels, but that isn't the only thing dangerous about the kid.  Jones shares the same mass success at an early age that Shogun once had himself, and that propelled Shogun to the position he sits atop today.  





                         MIDDLE WEIGHT - ANDERSON SILVA

  

Record - 28-4

Last loss - 5 years ago to Yushin Okami, where he knocked Okami out with a kick from his back, but was DQ'ed because the strike was illegal.  Previous loss was in 2004 to Ryo Chonan via flying scissor heel hook.

Most notable moment -  This one is up in the air for me.  His record streak of wins and title defenses as well as his victories when traveling up in weight have all been impressive.  For now I'm saying every most recent fight he wins is the most impressive as it keeps his legendary streak alive.

Reason to love -  The reasons not to love list would be a lot easier and shorter.  Anderson is a true athlete, and a true entertainer.  He has recently developed the ability to really sell fights, and might have picked it up from Chael Sonnen.  Now whether you love him for his five round uphill battle and last minute sub on Sonnen, or his collection of sick KOs (front kick to Vitor, standing back elbow to Fryklund, soft jab on Forrest, leg catch on Irvin, knees twice to Franklin) is totally your choice.

Biggest challenge - At middleweight, no one poses much of a threat to him.  The obvious match up and toughest test of his career will come if GSP is able to best Jake Shields.  GSP will come into the fight with a game plan that you can guarantee will play to the biggest weaknesses of Silva.




                     WELTERWEIGHT - GEORGE ST-PIERRE 

Record - 21-2

Last loss - April 2007 to Matt Serra (avenged), previous loss October 2004 to Matt Hughes (avenged)

Most notable moment - UFC 94, January 2009.  Aside from his two losses, GSP had only one close fight, and it was with his first fight against BJ Penn, where GSP won a split decision.  At the time of the rematch, BJ Penn was in the top 5 of pound for pound fighters along with GSP, Silva, and Fedor.  GSP wanted to leave no room for doubt and absolutely dominated every round of the rematch.  Eventually BJ's corner threw in the towl at the end of the fourth round.  This hurt me as a BJ fan, but was a huge accomplishment for GSP and his career.

Reason to love -  It takes a true appreciation of the sport to enjoy GSP's fights.  He turns every fight into a chess match, months before the actual bout.  He studies every second of tape available on his opponents, makes a solid game plan, and sticks with it.   This strategy has allowed him to not only beat, but dominate and humiliate his opponents in what's considered one of the deepest talent pool divisions.  If you call GSP boring and don't think he is one of the smartest competitors in the sport, you are mistaken.

Biggest challenge -  Don't think for one second that it is Anderson Silva just yet.  Standing in the way of the super fight and then legacy of GSP is one inspired Jake Shields.  Jake has been counted out and opened up the lines as a 5-1 underdog.  Hard to imagine with a 26-4 record, a 15 fight win streak, and wins over Henderson, Kampman, Jason Miller, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, and Yushin Okami.





                       LIGHTWEIGHT - FRANKIE EDGAR 

Record - 13-1-1

Last loss -  April 2008 to Gray Maynard via decision

Most notable moment - UFC 125 Draw to Gray Maynard.  Going into the fight as an underdog for his third straight bout, and second as champion, Edgar was able to survive the most brutal 1st round I have seen in a long time.  He battled back form what could of been scored a 10-8 or 10-7 round to what I believe should of been a victory, but  as judging goes, came out to a draw.

Reason to love - Most every lightweight is considerably fast, but the footwork of Edgar is something to marvel at.  He has the ability to outscore opponents round after round by way of strikes, or takedowns depending on how he's feeling.

Biggest challenge - Gray Maynard and about 12 other lightweights.  What has quickly become  the deepest division in the UFC following the merger, the lightweight division will have no problem throwing challengers left and right at Frankie as long as he holds the belt.  First on the menu however is a much anticipated 3rd chapter on the Edgar-Maynard saga.





                        FEATHERWEIGHT - JOSE ALDO

  

Record - 18-1

Last loss - November 2005 to Luciano Azevedo

Most notable moment - WEC 48 vs Urijah Faber.  Jose was going into the fight to defend his newly earned title for the first time against a former P4P king in the California Kid.  What was expected to be a brawl turned into a one sided, masterful executed, leg kick inspired fight.   Jose gained mass recognition from his dismantling of the formers champs leg.

Reason to love - The lighter the weight class, the more impressive it is to rack up KO's and TKO's, and submissions on your resume.  Holding 14 of his 18 wins via stoppage, and 7 of his last 8 via KO or TKO, Aldo is electrifying to watch right now.  stay tuned.

Biggest challenge -  Mark Hominick will challenge for the title on April 30th, and make no mistake about it, this fight will come to a finish before the first round.  Mark has claimed to be a striker on a whole other level than anyone Jose has ever faced, and I am quick to take his word for it.  If you need any proof, take a look at his last bout with roop and imagine that kind of percision and power at any weight class. 




                      BANTAMWEIGHT - DOMINICK CRUZ 

Record - 17-1

Last loss - WEC 26 March 2007 to Urijah Faber.


Most notable moment - WEC 47 against Brian Bowels.  Cruz was able to stop a Bowels who had just obtained the title himself from the always dangerous and legendary Miguel Torres.  


Reason to love -  Cruz has a stand up game that is fun to watch because it is very unique.  with unconventional head movement, and strikes comings from every which way at any given time, Cruz stays busy start to finish, guaranteed.


Biggest challenge -  Mighty Mouse, Torres, Faber.  The UFC hasn't announced who the will give him next, but any of these matchups will make for a very large draw.  More then likely Mouse will get the shot and Faber and Torres will end up in a number one contenders match later on down the line i believe.










    That's it, get ready for this weekend for the first installment of the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament featuring Fedor vs Silva.
 






    

UFC 126 DELIVERED

     Last nights fights set mma fans up for a stellar year with the UFC.  The card was absolutely stacked on paper, and proved it's worth with the night of action.  Better than the huge story lines coming into the fights are the ones emerging after.  How will the rest of Andersons career play out, and who's next?  Is Jon Jones the future of the light heavyweight division and is his style going to set a new style standard to follow in mma?  Whats next for Griffin after his win, and Ace after the loss?

                       PHENOMS FOOT TO THE FACE FETISH


     The hype behind the main event had people extremely excited for this fight.  People were doubting Silva's interest and ability at this age in the sport and this spot in his career.  People also were overflowing Vitor bandwagons coming into the fight thinking Vitor was going to put Anderson away quickly and violently.  All of this was put to rest along with Vitor with one stunning and unique front kick to the face delivered by Anderson in the first round.  The kick sparked titles online such as 'The kick heard round the world' which have also been used for the Pettis kick recently.  While I think the Showtime kick is more impressive, Silva's should been taken as it's own in a very special way and not compared.    The outcome has rejuvenated Silvas fans and has awakened the urges for a super fight push with GSP.  This is in the near future my friends, and I believe will happen near the end of this year. 

                                         BONES BLASTS BADER
                           


     Jon Jones is a complete and exciting mma fighter.  He has all the standard tools necessary and then some custom made ones for fun.  Despite his highlight reel previous to this fight, Jones strayed from his usual flash to show us his pure dominant side.  There wasn't much Bader could do, being kept at bay from the long reach of Jones.  Some impressive grappling and transitioning later and Jones found him self with a nice guillotine  submission over the previously unbeaten Bader in the second round.  The UFC had Joe Rogan announce to Jones after the fight that he would be offered a title shot.  This of course sets up a mega fight with Shogun that I couldn't be happier about.  Bring on the anticipation.  I guess I'll watch Jones highlights again and again for months til this fight happens, and avoid watching Shoguns devastating UFC and PRIDE highlights as if to fool myself.

                   FORREST-FRANKLIN FANTASTIC FIGHT

     You could tell heading up to this fight it was going to be a close fight and milk out to a decision.  Even after the fight was over and before the winner was announced, the fighters were not positive who had won.  Forrest won the fight on points and it was thanks to his size and power advantage.  He was able to take Rich down and hold him down throughout the fight.  Neither of these guys could of possibly lost a fan of me in this fight, but it's nice to see forrest get a win to get his career back in a strong direction.  The fighters had talked and joked about the loser of this bout getting a tattoo.  Lets see if this holds true, I would like to see Forrest make Rich get a bunch of trees on one of his legs.


                           WORTHY WEEKEND WRAP UP


     The rest of the card was very exciting as well, seeing UFC debuts of Donald Cerrone, Miguel Torres, and Chad Mendes all rep victories for the WEC proving the merger to be a great sucess and set up steller fights.  The results were as follows.

Jake Ellenberger over Carlos Rocha via split decision
Miguel Torres over Antonio Banuelos via unanimous decision
Donald Ceronne over Paul Kelly via submission round 2 (RNC)
Chad Mendes over Michihiro Omigawa via unanimous decision
Demetrious Johnson over Norifumi 'KID' Yamamoto via unanimous decision
Paul Taylor over Gabe Ruediger via KO round 2
Kyle Kingsbury over Ricardo Romero via TKO round 1
Mike Pierce over Kenny Robertson via TKO round 2




Here are the prediction record outcomes from UFC:126 via the bruiser;
Me 5-3
Beegle 4-2
Goose 9-2
Wineland 1-2
Chad 5-0
Travbuc 7-1

Making overall standings (2 events)
Me 7-4
Goose 11-3
Travbuc 7-1
Chad 5-0
O.o(Anonymous) 5-2
Beegle 4-2
Shmit 2-1
Wineland 1-2






   GREAT FIGHTS, ON DECK; FEDOR VS ANTONIO SILVA

                                                       ENJOI