The fight night bonus for most spectacular knockout at UFC 159 should have a few candidates. Most of them will probably be seen on the main card.The main event could even turn out to be the spot that gives us the most memorable KO finish. I’ve predicte…
The fight night bonus for most spectacular knockout at UFC 159 should have a few candidates. Most of them will probably be seen on the main card.
The main event could even turn out to be the spot that gives us the most memorable KO finish. I’ve predicted a second-round stoppage for Jon Jones in his bout against ChaelSonnen.
Bones is so explosive and Sonnen applies constant pressure. That combination could turn into a devastating counter elbow, knee or kick that leaves the challenger lying flat.
Jones will be looking to make a statement, and nothing says hello like a KO. Here are the other fights I believe have potential to deliver bonus-winning KOs.
Alan Belcher vs. Michael Bisping
I favor Belcher in this bout. Bisping routinely comes up short in big fights. If he stays on his feet against Belcher, he is at a disadvantage. Belcher is a bit quicker at this stage of both men’s careers.
After watching Bisping get dropped by VitorBelfort at UFC on FX 7, I’m really starting to wonder if he should be considering retirement.
He’s 34 years old and a KO loss at the hands of Belcher would push him that much closer to the inevitable.
Ovince St. Preux vs. Gian Villante
St. Preux has one-hitter quitter power. Check out these two KOs of T.J. Cook and Jason Day.
OSP’s left hand should have a parental advisory sticker on it, because it is explicit. Villante is a good fighter, but he has struggled against powerful strikers like Lorenz Larkin and Chad Griggs.
That’s not a good look heading into a battle with a guy like St. Preux. His only loss in the last three years came to GegardMousasi.
That was a decision defeat in Dec. 2011. This guy is a beast, and he could put on a show in his UFC debut. This fight will be on FX during the preliminaries.
Don’t go to the restroom, because you just might miss it.
Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson
Even if this fight doesn’t end in a brutal KO, both men may just fall over from exhaustion midway through the second round.
Neither of these big guys are built to go the distance. Conditioning has been an issue for both, but they bring plenty of power to ensure they can do optimal damage in a short period of time.
Nelson’s game is more well-rounded, in my opinion. Kongo has always looked like a guy who should be champion, but usually underwhelms me in the Octagon.
While it lasts, it should be entertaining, but ultimately I think Nelson will finish Kongo. It could be the KO of the night, or the first-ever double-submission because of fatigue.
Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I’m out of control.
Chael Sonnen isn’t fooling Jon Jones. Usually, Sonnen is the master of trash talk leading up to his fights, but he has been especially complimentary of Jones.He said Jones would beat Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. He claimed that Jones was already the be…
ChaelSonnen isn’t fooling Jon Jones. Usually, Sonnen is the master of trash talk leading up to his fights, but he has been especially complimentary of Jones.
I see it all as a clever Jedi mind trick Sonnen is playing to throw Jones off his game. But it won’t work.
This started as both men coached teams during the Ultimate Fighter 17. During a few interactions, it actually seemed like the two men were friendly toward each other.
Sonnen is smart. He knows that if he can get Jones to lose an edge, he has a shot at beating him. Newsflash, Chael: Jones is smart, too.
As the show came to an end, Jones became colder and colder towards Sonnen. During the TUF 17 finale, Jones refused to engage in any back-and-forth as Joe Rogan interviewed the two men.
Check out Jones’ demeanor in this video:
Why did he give Sonnen the silent treatment? Because he had flipped the switch.
He’d gone from fellow coach on a reality show to defending champion in preparation. Jones will not be caught off guard. If by some stretch he loses to Sonnen on Saturday night, it will be because Sonnen was the better man.
Logic says that won’t happen.
Jones is too big, too strong and too well-balanced in his disciplines to be knocked off by Sonnen. The challenger is a premier wrestler, but Jones is exceptional in almost every aspect of MMA.
His size and speed will overcome Sonnen, and I predict a second-round KO.
Once the fight is over, Sonnen should seriously consider going into the announcing or promotional business full-time. At 36, he has what it takes to beat many of the fighters at middleweight and light heavyweight.
But not the Anderson Silvas and Jon Jones of the world. At this point in his career, if you can’t be champion, what’s the point?
Sonnen is good for the sport. He brings personality that most of the fighters don’t have. After he loses on Saturday, however, it’ll be time for him to make his points in a suit holding a microphone exclusively.
Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I’m out of control.
The Jon “Bones” Jones vs. Chael Sonnen main event at UFC 159 won’t be as exciting as the hype leading up to it.If you like knockouts, you’ll probably like what you’re going to see, but if you’re looking for an epic, back-and-forth battle, search YouTub…
The Jon “Bones” Jones vs. ChaelSonnen main event at UFC 159 won’t be as exciting as the hype leading up to it.
If you like knockouts, you’ll probably like what you’re going to see, but if you’re looking for an epic, back-and-forth battle, search YouTube for another fight.
Jones is going to stop Sonnen inside of two rounds. Here’s why:
Diverse Striking Ability
Jones uses his elbows as well as any fighter I’ve ever seen in the sport. Just when you think that you have a handle on Bones’ bows, he seemingly invents a knew way to punish with them.
Just ask Rashad Evans.
His feet, fists and knees are nearly as dangerous. To say Sonnen has never faced an opponent like Jones would be unfair to Sonnen. No one has faced a striker quite like Jones.
Height and Length
Every weapon Jones has in the stand-up is augmented by his enormity at 205 pounds. Standing 6’4″, he holds a three-inch height advantage over Sonnen.
Because he’s also athletic and smart, Jones is able to use his size as much as any fighter in any weight class.
Takedown Defense
ChaelSonnen‘s only chance to win this fight is to take Jones to the ground. Sonnen is one of the world’s best wrestlers, but per UFC.com, Jones has 100-percent efficiency in defending takedowns.
Even if Sonnen gains top control on Jones, the champion is so well-rounded that he could likely handle himself off his back.
But I doubt he ever gets there. With those distinct advantages identified, here’s how I see the round-by-round action transpiring:
Round 1
Jones attempts to bring the action to Sonnen as opposed to backpedaling like most of the challenger’s opponents do.
He uses lateral movement to avoid Sonnen‘s charges and also to create striking angles. It is similar to the strategy Anderson Silva used to stop both Sonnen and Stephan Bonnar.
Sonnen will be open to knee strikes and elbows as Jones puts himself in position to counter. The challenger will survive the first five minutes, but he will wear the scars of a dominant round for the champion.
Round 2
Jones will take total control. Look for a spectacular strike to drop Sonnen to all fours. Jones will pounce and pound him out to end the fight.
Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I’m out of control.
The man who seamlessly blends WWE-level mic work with formidable grappling technique gets a shot at the gold on Saturday night. Chael Sonnen’s personality may rub some the wrong way, but ultimately he’s good for the sport.Just being a solid fighter is …
The man who seamlessly blends WWE-level mic work with formidable grappling technique gets a shot at the gold on Saturday night. ChaelSonnen‘s personality may rub some the wrong way, but ultimately he’s good for the sport.
Just being a solid fighter is nice, but Sonnen‘s ability to flip the switch when the cameras are on has helped him attain a few opportunities.
While most could argue Jon Jones should be defending his light heavyweight title against fighters like LyotoMachida, Dan Henderson or Alexander Gustafsson, he will instead take on the man he competed against as a coach during The Ultimate Fighter 17.
Why? Because Sonnen‘s wolf tickets sell arena tickets and secure pay-per-view buys.
He aspires to make every one of his on-air appearances must-see TV, and he usually succeeds. We’ll see if he can take down one of the sport’s great champions.
All the talking is over, and it’s time to fight. Here’s how you can watch UFC 159.
Date: April 27, 2013
Time: 10 p.m ET for Main card; Preliminaries begin at 6:35 p.m ET on Facebook and 8 p.m ET on FX
(Asterisks in predictions means there is a more detailed analysis below)
Matchup
Weight
Coverage
My Pick
Johnny Bedford (19-10-1) vs. Bryan Caraway (17-7)
135
FX
Caraway by decision
Kurt Holobaugh (8-1) vs Steven Siler (21-10)
145
Facebook
Holobaugh by decision
Leonard Garcia (15-10-1) vs Cody McKenzie (13-3)
145
Facebook
McKenzie by submission
Sheila Gaff (10-4-1) vs Sara McMann (6-0)
135
FX
McMann by submission
Ovince St. Preux (12-5) vs Gian Villante (10-3)
205
FX
St. Preux by KO
RustamKhabilov (15-1) vs Yancy Medeiros (9-0)
155
FX
Khabilov by decision
Nick Catone (9-4) vs James Head (9-3)
170
Facebook
Head by decision
Alan Belcher (18-7) vs Michael Bisping (23-5)
185
Main Card
Belcher by KO*
Pat Healy (31-15) vs Jim Miller (22-4)
155
Main Card
Miller by decision*
Cheick Kongo (18-7-2) vs Roy Nelson (18-7)
265
Main Card
Nelson by TKO*
Phil Davis (10-1-1) vs Vinny Magalhaes (10-5)
205
Main Card
Davis by submission*
Jon Jones (17-1-0) vs ChaelSonnen (28-12-1)
205
Main Card
Jones by KO*
Belcher Will Win Battle of Second-Tier Middleweights
Both Alan Belcher and Michael Bisping have had their opportunities to earn title shots over the last three years. But both of them have slipped up along the way.
As usual,, Bisping has been busy insulting his opponent. These barbs would be far more entertaining if he actually beat some of the guys he trash talked.
Bisping told Jeff Cain of MMA Weekly: “It’s in the bag.”
I think he’s wrong. Belcher is a better striker and Bisping doesn’t have a big enough advantage as a wrestler to eliminate that edge. Look for Belcher to stuff Bisping‘s takedown attempts and stop him in the second round.
Jim Miller Will Delight Hometown Fans With Win
Miller should feel right at home at the Prudential Center. He hails from Sparta, N.J., and the fans should be in his corner. He is such a tough, stocky and strong 155-pounder.
He has tremendous explosion on the inside. Miller is dangerous as a striker with short chopping punches and powerful single and double-leg takedowns.
Healy is extremely experienced, but Miller’s power should be the difference.
He’ll win by decision.
Big Country Will Stop Kongo
Someone is going to get knocked out in this fight; that’s almost a certainty. Both men are large, powerful and not built to go the distance.
Nelson has looked more fit of late, but he’ll never be a physical specimen.
Kongo comes to the Octagon with one plan and that is to finish his opponent. I’ve been unimpressed with his development in takedown defense and submissions, though.
Ultimately those deficiencies will cost him. Nelson will get Kongo to the ground and pound him out for the victory.
Phil Davis Is Back on the Rise
Mr. Wonderful’s ascension was halted in January 2012 when he lost to Rashad Evans, but fans shouldn’t forget he holds wins over Gustafsson, Brian Stann, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Tim Boetsch.
After Saturday night, you’ll be able to add Magalhaes‘ name to that list. The 28-year-old Brazilian is on a six-fight winning streak, but Davis is so good on the ground, Magalhaes will spend the majority of this fight on his back.
Davis finished his last bout with Wagner Prado by spectacular Anaconda Choke. Look for another impressive submission win in this one.
Jones Will Do His Talking With His Fists, Elbows, Knees and Feet
It is difficult to include all the body parts Bones uses to attack his opponents. What’s even more perilous for his foes is that you never know what appendage will be the weapon of choice on a given night.
In any case, Jones is too diverse, balanced and big for Sonnen.
The challenger is coming up in weight to face Jones and he is armed only with his tremendous wrestling skill. That won’t be enough.
Sonnen‘s wrestling is great, but it isn’t superior to Rashad Evans’ ability on the ground. Suga’s skills weren’t enough to derail Jones so it stands to reason Sonnen will fall short as well.
The show was entertaining while it lasted, but Jones is going to punish Sonnen to force the stoppage.
Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I’m out of control.
The main event at UFC on Fox 7 was a very good, tactical battle. Officially, Benson Henderson won a split decision, but to say it was close is an understatement.I had Henderson winning three rounds to two, but if Gilbert Melendez had gotten the decisio…
The main event at UFC on Fox 7 was a very good, tactical battle. Officially, Benson Henderson won a split decision, but to say it was close is an understatement.
I had Henderson winning three rounds to two, but if Gilbert Melendez had gotten the decision, I wouldn’t have complained.
Many of the rounds were too close to call. To me, that adds up to a no-brainer rematch. We’ll see how quickly we can see the two best lightweights in the world clash again.
Sometimes, it is good to have two great fighters take on different opponents after such a spirited fight, but not this time.
These two need to get back at it immediately. There is no point in putting Melendez in the Octagon with another lightweight that is clearly beneath him.
Henderson didn’t defeat Melendez handily, so as a champion attempting to move up the pound-for-pound list, he should want to score a definitive victory.
There is tons of risk here, but Henderson doesn’t strike me as a fighter that will ultimately be satisfied with this win.
Melendez had the edge in boxing, but you can’t ignore the leg strikes that twice swept Melendez off his feet. The fact that there were no takedowns only served to further muddle the picture of the fight.
As a hardcore MMA fan, I enjoyed the artistry both men displayed. The boos that come from MMA crowds sometimes are puzzling.
But no matter what the crowd at the HP Pavilion thought, this was a great fight.
UFC fans saw what the hype was all about with Melendez and Henderson proved his mettle as champion. But I don’t think either man can walk away from this epic clash and feel like the superior fighter.
Henderson got the decision and he’s still champion, but there is a doubt in his mind. You could tell he was relieved when he wiped the proverbial sweat from his brow as Bruce Buffer read the judges’ cards.
The champion needs to remove that doubt in a rematch, and soon.
Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I’m out of control.
Any time you get an opportunity to see two of the best fighters in the world clash, it is a major event. On Saturday, April 20, MMA fans will be treated to such an event.UFC Lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (18-2) will defend his title ag…
Any time you get an opportunity to see two of the best fighters in the world clash, it is a major event. On Saturday, April 20, MMA fans will be treated to such an event.
UFC Lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (18-2) will defend his title against Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (21-2). The challenger will be making his UFC debut in the title fight.
That is something of a rarity, but it speaks to the enormous respect UFC President Dana White has for Melendez’s ability. This is a much-anticipated bout, and it highlights a very strong card set for free TV.
Yay, us!
Here’s a look at the rest of the card and the coverage particulars.
When: Saturday, April 30 at 4 p.m. ET for Prelims and 8 p.m. ET for main card
Where: HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA
TV: Fox and FX
Live Stream: Facebook Preliminaries
Here are my predictions for each bout. An asterisk indicates a more in-depth analysis is featured below.
Matchup
Weight Class
Coverage
My Pick
Matt Brown (16-11) vs. Jordan Mein (27-8)
Welterweight
Fox
Mein by KO
T.J. Dillashaw (7-1) vs. Hugo Viana (7-0)
Bantamweight
FX
Dillashaw by KO
Anthony Njokuani (15-7) vs. Roger Bowling (11-3)
Lightweight
Facebook
Njokuani by dec.
Tim Means (18-3-1) vs. Jorge Masvidal (23-7)
Lightweight
FX
Masvidal by dec.
Joseph Benavidez (17-3) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (8-3)
(c) Benson Henderson (18-2) vs. Gilbert Melendez (21-2)
Lightweight Championship
Fox
Henderson by dec.*
Carmont’s Length and Versatility Will Be Too Much For Larkin
Larkin is making his UFC debut. He defeated Robbie Lawler in his last bout, which took place in the Strikeforce promotion.
In the bout prior to his win over Lawler, Larkin was KO’d by Muhammad Lawal, but the bout was ruled a no-contest after Lawal tested positive for a banned substance.
Because of that decision, Larkin is still technically undefeated. I totally understand the process of eliminating wins when fighters test positive for no-no drugs, but it is hard to forget this happened (stoppage occurs at the 12:15 mark):
Larkin loves to bang and if he isn’t taken to the ground, his strength and boxing ability give him a shot to beat most middleweights.
However, Carmont’s length and diverse game will have Larkin on his back in no time. He’ll control the majority of this fight and win an easy decision.
Chad Mendes’ Explosiveness Will Be the Difference Against Elkins
This bout is shaping up as one that has the potential to be among the best on the card. Both Mendes and Elkins are what I would describe as elite featherweights.
The difference in this match will be Mendes’ explosive striking. I don’t see him stopping Elkins, but I think he’ll lead the way in significant strikes.
They will battle to a stalemate on the ground. This will be a chess match between two very skilled fighters, but I’m not sure any featherweight in the world can beat Mendes—besides Jose Aldo.
Nate Diaz Will Rebound From Loss to Henderson to Beat Thomson
It is rare that you see Diaz fight someone nearly as good as he is on the ground. Thomson is that guy.
He is perhaps the only fighter Gilbert Melendez has yet to completely solve. He owns a victory over him, though it has been avenged twice (albeit via two reasonably disputable decisions).
Although he is an accomplished wrestler and grappler, he will probably be better off standing. Diaz’s ground game is so advanced not even Benson Henderson wanted to tangle with him on the mat.
Unfortunately, Diaz’s reach, boxing and chin give him an advantage in striking as well. It could be close, but I see Diaz winning a unanimous decision.
Daniel Cormier Will Expose Frank Mir as an Overrated, Washed-Up Heavyweight
Frank Mir has had his moments in the UFC. He submitted Brock Lesnar back when that meant something.
He submitted Cheick Kongo, which is not that difficult for most heavyweights in the sport, and stopped Mirko Cro Cop when he should have already called it a career.
Mir has also scored KO and submission victories over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. For as legendary as Minotauro is, he’s more of a gatekeeper than anything.
With all due respect, most of Mir’s biggest wins seemed bigger when they happened than they do now.
At 33 years old, he has been competing in the UFC for 12 years. He was never extremely fast, but now he’s even slower. His chin isn’t as impressive as his will, which is dangerous. At this point, he’s just a name.
Cormier’s athleticism and boxing skill will lead to an impressive KO win. He is actually a year older than Mir, but he hasn’t been through the Octagon wars Mir has seen. His body is fresher, and that will be the major difference.
Benson Henderson Will Again Prove He Is King of the Lightweights
It’s not always thrilling, but Benson Henderson gets the job done. He states that clearly in the article by Jeff Cain referenced in the tweet from MMAWeekly.com below.
His bout on Saturday with Gilbert Melendez is probably not going to be action-packed. Both men are very dangerous, and both respect the other’s skill.
Henderson fights a very defensive style, and that countering attack has worked well for him. He’ll take some chances with kicks from those tree-trunk legs and even some combination punching.
But ultimately, this will be a tactical battle.
Beyond great technique in most every area, Henderson’s lower-body strength makes him so difficult to take down. Anthony Pettis gave Henderson a problem because of his quickness when they met in 2010.
But Melendez is not as quick as Showtime and I don’t see him out-striking Henderson. I think this bout will be a showcase of Henderson’s amalgamation of skills and more proof he’s the best 155-pound fighter in the world.
Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I’m out of control.
The fight night bonus for most spectacular knockout at UFC 159 should have a few candidates. Most of them will probably be seen on the main card.