Yoshihiro Akiyama vs Chris Leben
I’m a fan of Akiyama. If you have been reading this site for any length of time you know I back the Judokas. As a former Judoka I feel Judo is a skill in the cage that not many fighters are prepared to face. When you get Judokas of the quality of Akiyama its something that not many can train for. I just picked Leben to beat Simpson a few weeks ago, but I think in this fight, despite my favoritism towards Judo fighters, Leben will lose. For one thing, Leben is not a point fighter. If he doesn’t finish the fight, I don’t recall him winning many decisions. Akiyama on the other hand is a multi-qualified fighter who can go the distance, submit, or TKO guys. The fact that Akiyama beat Alan Belcher in a technical standup fight is incredible in its own right. Some say the fight was closer, but he got a few takedowns as well as doing more damage.
Its completely possible Akiyama gets caught and the fight is over, but in this one I’m picking Akiyama to win.
Chris Lytle vs Matt Brown
Two of the most aggressive fighters who throw caution to the wind.
Standup edge: Matt Brown – Just a better technical striker that can outpoint Lytle due to faster feet and hands.
Ground edge: Chris Lytle – Has fought some pro boxing and has KO power, however, he really wings some punches in such a sloppy manner. He likes to brawl and usually takes 4 punches to land his 1. Lytle has some of the sickest ground submissions winning sub of the night honors several times.
This is guaranteed to be a great fight. I’d pick Chris Lytle here with more ways to win.
Krzysztof Soszynski vs Stephan Bonnar
I like the way Bonnar fights and I dislike the way Soszynski fights. Does Bonnar have enough to beat Soszynski? I don’t see it. Soszynski is like a tank and Bonnar has a slingshot for an arsenal. Bonnar is a grinder and that type of fighter who can’t do detrimental damage to Soszynski plays into his game plan.
I don’t like it, but Soszynski is probably winning this match.
George Sotiropoulos vs Kurt Pellegrino
This is a ground war although Pellegrino is probably the better stand up fighter. However, Sotiropoulos is the lengthier fighter and will have reach if wants to use it.
Excited for this match up and will avoid picking a winner. Its going to a decision imo.
Prelims Show On Spike TV
Brendan Schaub vs Chris Tuchscherer
Schaub
Seth Petruzelli vs Ricardo Romero
Romero will be fighting in the UFC for the first after owning people in the ROC. Petruzelli is a much better striker than Romero is and in past fights of Romero he was the better striker. Romero has a very lazy takedown game that worked on ROC fighters, however, Petruzelli has never been known has a takedown defense wizards. This is a good match up though and should prove to be a very close fight. Likely going to the cards where Petruzelli takes a win on points due to striking.
Kendall Grove vs Goran Reljic
Too much power from the Gorilla (Goran). However, Grove always has a shot on the ground and could land that triangle.
Goran is slightly favored in this match and I’m picking him to win.
No picks on these remaining fights
Gerald Harris vs Dave Branch
Daniel Roberts vs Forrest Petz
Jon Madsen vs Karlos Vemola