CUNG LE (6-0) vs SCOTT SMITH (17-6)
One of the most dynamic strikers in MMA is Cung Le. I’ve mentioned previously about the way Le uses momentum of the opponent against themselves when talking about Jon Jones, Cung probably does it the best. Then you combine the ability to deliver huge devastating kicks, like mule kicks, windmill kicks, and actually land them, gives Cung a huge striking advantage over Scott Smith. I’m a huge fan of Scott Smith because he has been in some of the most exciting finishes of all time. Being a martial artist myself, I used to watch almost anything on ESPN that was martial arts related. Cung Le used to be in the Sanda tournaments and always won – 17-0 in fact. San Shou martial art has an emphasis on throws and putting taking the opponent down, however, not the traditional way such as a wrestler’s takedown. The way they do it is trips, sweeps, and striking an opponent when they are at off balance points. Fighters don’t have someone like this to train with and is why MMA fighters have trouble with Cung Le. Smith will have trouble as well.
Cung is too much in the striking department in terms of variety, too much cardio, too much in the judo/sansho department. Smith doesn’t take anyone down. So in terms of how a fighter can score points Cung Le wins that possibility hands down. If you incorporate KO ability they both have it, but Smith is likely to have more one punch KO power.
Bottomline: Cung Le will win.
JOSH THOMSON (16-2) VS GILBERT MELENDEZ (16-2) – LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
These buddies meet again after they have each won one fight with Thomson winning the last meeting. It actually wasn’t even close the last time they fought. Thomson has been out with another injury. I lean towards Thomson again, but this one is very close, because you never know if Thomson’s injury is fully healed.
I would avoid.
RONALDO “JACARE” SOUZA (10-2) VS MATT “THE LAW” LINDLAND (21-6)
Should be a good match. Souza is a great grappler and so is Lindland. Neither is a particularly good striker on the feet. Expecting this to go to a decision.
As far as grappling matches go, I would lean towards Souza to win.
MUHAMMED “KING MO” LAWAL (5-0) VS “IRON” MIKE WHITEHEAD
Whitehead has improved tremendously in his last few fights that I’ve seen, however, Lawal will be way too dynamic.
I like “King Mo” to win
“RUTHLESS” ROBBIE LAWLER (16-5) VS TREVOR PRANGLEY Undetermined Opponent
This will be updated as soon as we know who the opponent is.
Under Card
ANTWAIN “THE JUGGERNAUT” BRITT (9-3) VS SCOTT LIGHTY (5-0)
Scott Lighty is a beast. I’m picking Lighty.
BRYAN TRAVERS (13-1) VS DAISUKE NAKAMURA (20-11)
If you ever want to see a fighter who is an armbar and kumura specialist, its Nakamura. Many American fighters haven’t fought against someone like this yet. Good to see Nakamura state side. There is a chance Nakamura could lose this on points since submission attempts aren’t scored like they are in Japan. However, I think Travers hasn’t faced someone of Nakamura’s ability and therefore Nakamura will be able to catch Travers in one of his patented subs.
Nakamura via submission in the second.