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 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