Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (30-7) vs Rashad Evans (14-1-1)
Both of these guys are two of my favorite fighters. You have the comedian that will slam you through the mat in Rampage Jackson vs the smooth and elusive Rashad Evans who has the speed, KO power, and wrestling ability to match up with anybody. Both of them are former champions in arguably the most contested division in all of MMA (UFC light heavyweight).
Strengths for Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson: Size, wrestling, power
Strengths for ‘Sugar’ Rashad Evans: Speed, wrestling, cardio, power
I think Rashad is going to have issues taking the bigger, maybe stronger, Jackson down. Will he have to though. Rashad’s hands and head movement are better than what Jackson has shown in the cage. However, how much better can Rashad get? He has already shown over his last 4 fights pretty much the same skillset (which is great), where Rampage has been improving from that raw fighter back in Pride, to the guy who has KO’d Wand and Chuck. Moreover, Quinton Jackson has had some lame fights recently, going to decision against Keith Jardine, decision with Dan Henderson, and losing to Forrest Griffin.
With the fight at a pick em, I like Rashad Evans to win here due to the better skillset, much better head movement, equal or better wrestling to nullify Jackson’s 2nd best advantage, and training camp.
Michael Bisping (18-3) vs. Dan Miller (11-3)
You have Bisping who is a good striker against Dan Miller is more of the jiu jitsu guy rather than a great striker. If Miller locks up on Bisping it can be over quickly as Miller has submitted people inside the 1st round more than 8 times. Bisping no doubt if he can avoid tangling with Miller in the wrestling range, should be able to outpoint or TKO Miller, I lean towards Bisping taking the decision.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3) vs. Jason Brilz (18-2-1)
Nogueira definitely.
Todd Duffee (6-0) vs Mike Russow (12-1)
Russow is a tough guy, a big guy, and I think hes a cop if I remember correctly. Duffee holds the record for fastest or tied for fastest KO in the UFC. 7 seconds. Yep 7 friggin seconds. Russow has power, but his cardio if I remember correctly wasn’t up to snuff against a dude that could be the best contender to take on Brock Lesnar, in Todd Duffee. I think Todd Duffee takes this via TKO.
Diego Sanchez (21-3) vs John Hathaway (12-0)
This is a great matchup two very gritty fighters who have great striking. Hathaway’s standup is pretty sick (good). Diego has the better ground game I’m sure. I haven’t seen Hathaway on the ground (not that I can remember anyways).
I’m picking Diego “Yes” Sanchez as I think the ground game will be the difference.
These Prelims Will Be Televised On SpikeTV
Amir Sadollah (3-1) vs Dong Hyun Kim (12-0-1)
The Stun Gun is back! Too bad he is going against a superior striker and someone with more cardio than he has. Kim is a zombie that keeps walking forward, but doesn’t have the variety of strikes that Sadollah can win with. As much as a fan I am of Dong Hyun Kim, I think Amir Sadollah is going to win this one via decision.
Efrain Escudero (12-1) vs Dan Lauzon (12-3)
This is a great matchup. Two guys who are great on the ground, but that like to stand up and punch. You know the type. Not win fights with their best skill. I’m going to avoid making a pick here. I think its really close.