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TUF Semi-finals Recap

Semi-finals are over, and now there are only two left. It’s no surprise that early favorite, Uriah Hall, would make it to the finals, but he’ll be facing the youngest TUF competitor ever, Kelvin Gastelum. Not only is Gastelum the youngest fighter in TUF history, but he was also team Sonnen’s last pick. This match up should make for one hell of a TUF finals bout, possibly better than the one most fans thought would happen, Uriah Hall vs. Josh Samman.

So I went 1-1 in my TUF semi-final predictions, but if I was going to get one wrong, I definitely would have been picking against Kelvin Gastelum. Even in his first fight, it was obvious that his picking order on the show didn’t reflect his true skills. The talented Josh Samman had finished all of his opponents via knockout, which was probably why it was widely believed that he would be moving to the finals. However, Gastelum had other plans, and he controlled Samman on the ground until he sunk in the finishing rear naked choke.

Dana White had already stated that Uriah Hall is the most dangerous fighter in tough history, and that was only further proven in his fight with Dylan Andrews. Hall picked Andrews apart for the better part of two rounds, but even when Andrews took him down, Hall overwhelmed Andrews with strikes from off his back. Andrews couldn’t amount any offense and was swept by Hall to finish the fight with a barrage of punches from the mount.

There’s a lot of hype and momentum surrounding Uriah Hall, but it’s foolish to count out Kelvin Gastelum. Even their coach, Chael Sonnen, stated that they’re closely contested in practice, so by no means will this be a walk in the park for either fighter. Ultimately, I like Hall’s chances of winning it all, and utilizing a similar game plan to the Dylan Andrews fight. The striking and footwork will prevent Gastelum from taking control with his wrestling, which will be his key to victory and a six figure contract with the UFC.

– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli

@FightFreek

UFC 17 Semi-final Predictions

The TUF 17 quarter-finals are now complete and certainly didn’t disappoint. MMAfix.com was successful in correctly predicting three of the four quarter-final bouts, and hopefully we can duplicate our success for the semi-finals. Now I.

Now I don’t want to get ahead of game, but I agree with Dana White’s decision to not match Josh Samman with Uriah Hall due to his belief that they will meet in the finals. That’s the fight that I’m sure most MMA fans are looking to see, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let’s breakdown the bouts in front of us.

Josh Samman vs. Kelvin Gastelum

Gastelum, team Sonnen’s last pick, has finished both his opponents, one by submission, and the other by knockout. Clearly he’s a well rounded fighter with knockout power, but he’ll be facing his biggest challenge yet in team Jones’ number two pick, Josh Samman. Samman has knocked out all three of his opponents, included his fight to get into the house. It goes without saying that he possess proficient striking skills and knockout power, but he is well versed in submissions as well. Even while on the ground with a Jiu-Jitsu wiz like Jimmy Quinlan, Samman kept his composure and even looked to lock up a submission of his own several times. After demonstrating his underrated ground skills, I doubt Gastelum will prove to be overwhelming on the ground, and there’s no way he will want to challege Samman to a striking battle. Gastelum will worked diligently to take Samman down, but even if he is successful, Samman will get back to his feet and unleash hell.

Pick : Josh Samman

Uriah Hall vs. Dylan Andrews

Hall was able to finish Bubba McDaniel much quicker than expected. This quick knockout prompted Dana White to say that Hall is the most dangerous fighter in TUF history. At this point, I don’t see Dylan Andrews competing with Hall on the feet, even with his improved Muay Thai striking. Andrews would be wise to try and take Andrews down, but Hall’s footwork and angles should be more than enough to avoid all of Andrews takedown attempts, allowing him to counter with everything in his arsenal. Two of the best knockouts have been at the hands of Hall. Unless he is foolishly susceptible to Andrews takedown, I don’t see any way that Hall doesn’t way away from this fight the victor.

Pick : Uriah Hall

Again, I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but if my picks are correct, everyone owes a great thanks to Dana White for setting up the best possible bout for the TUF 17 finals. This will make the TUF 17 finale much better.

– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli

@FightFreek

Frodo Khasbulaev is Coming for Pat Curran

International Master in Sambo, Frodo Khasbulaev, is fresh off an ass whooping performance over Mike Richman, bringing him to a nine fight win streak. Now he’s coming to dethrone the Bellator featherweight champion, Pat Curran,.

By no means and I undermining the champ, after all, it took him all of two and a half minutes to put Shahbulat Shamhalaev to sleep. Many thought that Shamhalaev wouldn’t not only be Curran’s greatest challenge, but the one to take his belt. The former champion in Muay Thai, kickboxing and Karate, is threat to any fighter in the featherweight division, but still not as deadly as Khasbulaev.

The Russian may be well known for his grappling, but he possesses proficient striking that has overcome fighters with a plethora of knockouts victories. This makes Khasbulaev a dangerous fighter regardless of where the fight goes, so Pat Curran won’t have the obvious advantage on the ground like he didn’t against Shahbulat Shamhalaev.

After watching both Curran and Khasbulaev disposed of their recent opponents with genuine ease, it will be interesting to see what game plans they will utilize on one another. I won’t say that one fighter has an edge over the other, but make no mistake, Khasbulaev will be the greatest threat to Curran’s title.

– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli

@FightFreek

UFC on Fuel TV 9 Staff Picks

Josh may have gotten the win in our little prediction war for UFC 158, but I’m sorry, Bobby Voelker absolutely should have won that fight against Patrick Cote. Had the judges scored that fight correctly, I would have come out on top that night 2-1 in our three fight dissension battle. Nonetheless, I still have one win on him. Unfortunately for this event, there’s only one bout we disagree on.

It’s dissension at its finest, the ongoing prediction battle between MMAfix.com writers, Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli and Josh Leduc.

Tor Troeng vs. Adam Cella

Fight Freek’s thoughts : Tor was clipped bad in his loss on the Ultimate Fighter, but his fight to get into the house was more impressive than that of Cella’s. Not to mention, he’s has five times the professional experience, and his only loss in twelve fights was to the former UFC middleweight title contender, Thales Leites. Too Many factors in Tor’s corner for me to side with Cella.

Pick : Tor Troeng

Josh’s thoughts : Cella lost to Uriah Hall, who may be the best fighter on this TUF season. Tor on the other hand, lost the fight that his own coach set up. In his four professional fights, Cella has stopped all four of his opponents. Two by submission, and two by KO. I’m going with Cella’s well rounded skills, and ability to finish.

Pick : Adam Cella

And for the record, here’s the rest of our picks that we agree on…

Papy Abedi > Besam Yousef

Michael Kuiper < Tom Lawlor

Marcus Brimage > Conor McGregor

Chris Spang < Adlan Amagov

Reza Madadi < Michael Johnson

Ben Alloway > Ryan LaFlare

Akira Corassani < Robbie Peralta

Diego Brandao > Pablo Garza

Brad Pickett > Mike Easton

Matt Mitrione > Phil De Fries

Ryan Couture < Ross Pearson

Gegard Mousasi > Ilis Latifi

– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli

@FightFreek

UFC on Fuel TV 9 Predictions

Akira Corassani vs. Robbie Peralta Corassani is a skilled fighter, but I dissagreed with the judges when he was awarded the decision win over Andy Ogle. On more than one occasion, Ogle landed a solid.

Akira Corassani vs. Robbie Peralta

Corassani is a skilled fighter, but I dissagreed with the judges when he was awarded the decision win over Andy Ogle. On more than one occasion, Ogle landed a solid strike that turned the fight in his favor. I guess the judges thought Corassani did enough to negate the damage, but Peralta will ring his bell a lot harder. When I think of Robbie Peralta, one thing comes to mind; knockout! After seeing the damage that Ogle did to Corassani, I’m betting on a first round knockout for Peralta.

Pick : Robbie Peralta

Diego Brandao vs. Pablo Garza

Close fight to call. Garza had a big win over Mark Hominick, but he was defeated by Dennis Bermudez; a fighter Brandao submitted. Garza striking has improved, but Brandao should have the striking advantage, and should be able to keep the fight standing. If Brandao had such a close fight with Darren Elkins, a strong wrestler, the less powerful takedowns of Garza shouldn’t pose much of a threat to the Brazilian. If his striking looks tip top, Bradao should be able to put a flurry together and finish the lanky Garza.

Pick : Diego Brandao

Brad Pickett vs. Mike Easton

Striking, Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu; Brad Pickett does it all. Easton is a hell of a fighter, but Raphael Assuncao gave him more than a few problems on the feet, as well as the ground. Cardio shouldn’t be an issue for either fighter, but I see nothing stopping Pickett from taking Easton down. Seeing Easton is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, I don’t see him getting submitted, and probably KO’d either. In the end, Pickett will dictate where the fight goes, and win by whatever means necessary.

Pick : Brad Pickett

Matt Mitrione vs. Phil De Fries

De Fries has impressive Jiu-Jitsu and improved boxing skills, but Mitrione has already beaten Christian Morecraft and Time Hague; fighters who have similar skills on the same level. I agree that this is an appropriate match up, but Mitrione will just be a little more well rounded, and more skilled.

Pick : Matt Mitrione

Ryan Couture vs. Ross Pearson

As much as I like seeing Couture rise to new levels to defeats higher level opponents, I think this is where it stops. Like George Sotiropolous, Couture is more Jiu-Jitsu and not so much pure wrestling. Pearson defended the takedown well against Sotiropolous, and should be more than capable of doing the same against Couture. Now the fight is on the feet, giving Pearson a huge advantage. I’m hoping Couture’s chin can withstand three rounds with Pearson, but he’ll lose a decision.

Pick : Ross Pearson

Gegard Mousasi vs. Ilir Latifi

I won’t undermine Latifi’s skills, but let’s face it, he won’t overcome the skills of a fighter qho many believe is top ten in the world at light heavyweight. Mousasi has had trouble with wrestlers in the past, but they were fighters with much more crudentials than Latifi. I see no reason as to why the elite kickboxer shouldn’t be able to finish his opponent within the first two rounds.

Pick : Gegard Mousasi

Quick Picks

Ben Alloway > Ryan LaFlare

Tor Troeng > Adam Cella

Reza Madadi < Michael Johnson

Chris Spang < Adlan Amagov

Marcus Brimage > Conor McGregor

Michael Kuiper < Tom Lawlor

Besam Yousef < Papy Abedi

– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli

@FightFreek

TUF 17 Quarter-final Predictions Part 2

Unless you’re the casual MMA observer who probably thinks full guard is a deodorant, you know that Tuesday night will feature part two of the TUF quarter-finals. I went 1-1 for my part one quarter-final predictions, but I’m confident part two will be 2-0. So enough of the introduction formality, let’s get into these damn predictions.

Josh Samman vs. Jimmy Quinlan

Quinlan is one hell of a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, but he forgets he’s in an MMA fight, and gets in a strict grappling mode. This nearly cost him a spot in the quarter-finals when he fought team Jones’ number one pick, Clint Hester. Ultimately, Quinlan was able to submit Hester, but Samman is more well rounded and athletic than Hester. Quinlan has less than one third the MMA experience of Samman, and if he drops his hands for even a second, he could be going to sleep just like Tor Troeng. With the exception of grappling, Samman has the superior attributes, and as long as he doesn’t get caught in a submission, he should come out on top.

Pick : Josh Samman

Bubba McDaniel vs. Uriah Hall

Unlike his first two fights, Bubba won’t have to worry about being taken down in this fight. Both Uriah and Bubba prefer to keep the fight standing, but I don’t see it going well for Bubba. Being one of the more experienced fighters in the competition, it was almost as if everyone expected Bubba to walk through his first opponent. As we know that didn’t happen, but got another chance in the wildcard fight against Kevin Casey. He was dominated in the first round, but came back in the second, causing Casey to quit. During his time on the show, it seems that Bubba has really been second guessing himself. Jon Jones even shed made comment to that, telling him he needs to start believing in his skills. Uriah is at least as skilled a striker as Bubba, if not more, and has had more success in the octagon without taking damage. There’s a great deal of hype behind this middleweight prospect, and I’m pick him to a least win a decision, if not KO this opponent.

Pick : Uriah Hall

I’d like to see both my picks get a win not only for the sake of my prediction percentage, but because a fight between Uriah Hall and Josh Samman would be an epic fight, and one I think most every MMA fan would like to see. The only thing that would make that fight better, is if it was the bout to determine the TUF winner. But I’m getting ahead of myself. We’ll come back to that fight if my predictions end up being correct.

-Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli

@FightFreek