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
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Gegard Mousasi
No beating around the bush with this one, I got the Mauler. Gustafsson’s last win was over Shogun, while Mousasi’s was over Mike Kyle, who is no where near the top ten in the light heavyweight division. I applaued Mousasi for his wins over Ovince St. Preux and Hiroshi Izumi, but again, not as impressive as beating Thiago Silva or Shogun. Gustafsson is a giant light heavyweight, with excellent boxing. Now mix in superb takedown defense, and I don’t know how Mousasi can win this fight.
Pick : Alexander Gustafsson
Ben Alloway > Ryan LaFlare
Tor Troeng > Adam Cella
Reza Madadi < Michael Johnson
Chris Spang < Adlan Amagov
Marcus Brimage > Conor McGregor
Michael Kuiper < Tom Lawlor
Papy Abedi > Besam Yousef
– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli
@FightFreek