Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez
Melendez may be the best lightweight when compared to all Strikeforce, Bellator, and probably every other organization, except for the UFC. If he were to actually fight the top ten of the UFC’s lightweight division, he might beat half. Bendo is at the top of the list and for good reason. His wrestling is on par with Melendez’s, but his striking, Jiu-Jitsu, and cardio are superior. Quite frankly, Melendez is rather one dimensional, and I’d put money on the fact that he can out wrestle the champ for even three of five rounds to squeeze out a decision. I don’t know how it’ll happen, but Henderson will retain his title.
Pick : Benson Henderson
Frank Mir vs. Daniel Cormier
I have all the respect in the world for Mir, but his striking skills haven’t developed enough to threaten his opponent, and his only chance is to lock up a submission. As great of a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner as Mir is, the wrestling of Cormier will smother Mir and stifle any submission attempt he may have. Cormier has been described as a black Fedor, and it seems quick accurate. I wouldn’t pick Mir to beat Fedor, and I’m not picking him to beat Cormier.
Pick : Daniel Cormier
Nate Diaz vs. Josh Thomson
Many people believe that Thomson should be fighting Ben Henderson as the Strikeforce champ. The fight between him and Gilbert Melendez was close, but I think the judges got it right. Still, Thomson is a great fighter with good kicks, but Diaz should still have the boxing advantage, as well as and edge on the ground. Thomson could take Diaz down with his wrestling, but that probably wouldn’t be a great idea, as a submission would always be just a moment away. Like his fight with Gilbert Melendez, Thomson will make it a close fight, but Diaz will come out on top.
Pick : Nate Diaz
Matt Brown vs. Jordan Mein
Tough fight to call, and there are multiple reasons to go with either one of these fighters. What concerns me is the striking of Brown, not the fact that it’s better than Mein’s, but better than Dan Miller’s. Mein had a bit of trouble with Miller’s grappling, but easily won the fight on the feet. Now Brown’s Jiu-Jitsu isn’t as good as Miller’s but the combo of solid grappling and striking skills will have Mein thinking about more than one form of offense. Seeing Mein is such a talented striker, has faced grapplers of all sorts, and has proficient submission defense; I’m taking Mein to once again showcase he belongs in the UFC.
Pick : Jordan Mein
Chad Mendes vs. Darren Elkins
Elkins has really made a name for himself with wins over Diego Brandao, Steven Siler, and Antonio Carvalho; but now he’s fighting an opponent who does what Elkins does best, only better. It’s been his wrestling that aided Elkins in the majority of his victories, and now he doesn’t even have that advantage. Mendes’ wrestling can overwhelm even the best grappler, such as Rani Yahya, and has wins over excellent strikers Erik Koch and Cub Swanson. Not a lot of facts to back Elkins in this fight.
Pick : Chad Mendes
Francis Carmont vs. Lorenz Larkin
Unlike his fight with Robbie Lawler, Larkin will have to be acknowledge that he may have to fight on the ground. Carmont will look to take this fight out of his opponent’s comfort zone, where there is a strong possibility of locking up a submission. Even on the feet, the height and reach of Carmont will play a significant factor, that could make the striking fairly even. Although I wouldn’t be terribly surprised is Larkin landed a finishing blow, Carmont has more tools, and therefore, more ways to win.
Pick : Francis Carmont
Ransey Nijem vs. Myles Jury
I predicted fellow TUF Live competitor, Joe Proctor, to defeat Nijem, but that fight didn’t go my way. I was more disappointed in Joe Proctor‘s failure to capitalize on opportunities, rather than be impressed with Nijem’s overall performance, so I think Jury will be able to get the job done. Quick frankly, Jury has impressed me. He was on the losing end of a split decision to TUF Live runner up and Urijah Faber‘s number one pick, Al Iaquinta, which is an honorable way to be eliminated from competition. His submission win over Chris Saunders, and three round domination of Michael Johnson are more than enough proof that he can handle the likes of Nijem.
Pick : Myles Jury
Joseph Benavidez vs. Darren Uyenoyama
I won’t say that Uyenoyama doesn’t have a chance, but Benavidez is the second best flyweight in the world. His last win was over the third best flyweight in the world, and now he will face a rather one dimensional fighter. And if Benavidez had no ground game, then that would make for an interesting fight, but he’s an outstanding wrestler with proficient submissions. The chances of Uyenoyama submitting Benavidez aren’t too good, and that’s the only chance he has of pulling out a win. Benavidez wrestles his way to another win.
Pick : Joseph Benavidez
Tim Means vs. Jorge Masvidal
Before his injury, Means was on a tear, dominating Bernardo Magalhaes and Justin Salas. Now he’ll be rewarded will a step up in competition, and this could put him right up there with some of the big names in the UFC’s lightweight division. Masvidal is one of the best lightweights to come out of Strikeforce, but I predicted Means to be the next big thing in the UFC. He’s beaten fighters of all backgrounds, and his size and reach will help him get this win, further advancing his career.
Pick : Tim Means
Quick Picks
T.J. Dillashaw over Hugo Viana
Anthony Njokunai over Hugo Viana
Clifford Starks over Yoel Romero
– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli
@FightFreek