Raphael Assuncao vs. Vaughan Lee
I’ve always talked about Lee’s underrated Jiu-Jitsu, but it’s no match for the Jiu-jitsu of Assuncao. Lee has showcased his hands in the octagon, but again, the newly showcased striking of Assuncao shocked everyone when it was used to chop down Mike Easton. This is the perfect opportunity for Lee to jump ranks, but I don’t see the fight playing out in his favor regardless of where the fight goes.
Pick : Raphael Assuncao
Rony Jason vs. Mike Wilkinson
Why isn’t this TUF winner fighting a more worthy TUF fighter? How is Wilkinson supposed to draw attention to this bout when the Brazilian outworked “Pepey” Castro and knocked out Sam Sacilia? A bout with Norman Parke would’ve made sense, but Wilkinson will be lucky to see the final bell.
Pick : Rony Jason
Erick Silva vs. Jason High
Silva was looking to break into the UFC’s top ten list, and it took an elite fighter like Jon Fitch to derail his win streak. High is no where near the level of Jon Fitch, and probably not even as skilled as Charlie Brenneman. High will be looking to make a statement, but he will come up short.
Pick : Erick Silva
Daniel Sarafian vs. Eddie Mendez
Sarafian is well rounded and aggressive, which is a deadly combo for any opponent. I was surprised that C.B. Dolloway’s chin withstood and avoid getting knocked out, but that’s pretty rare. I don’t think Mendez will be so lucky, and Sarafian will be looking to test his opponents chin.
Pick : Daniel Sarafian
Thiago Silva vs. Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante
This fight could go either way on paper, but when it comes to raw talent, I have to go with Feijao. Anyone who can finish King Mo and stalemate Dan Henderson in a grappling fight, should have the edge in this fight. While raw power and striking skill is also up for debate, but I would give a slight edge to Feijao as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if either of the two go the win, but the big question is… Who’s going to fail their drug test?
Pick : Feijao Cavalcante
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum
I’m not sold on the hype surrounding Werdum. I keep hearing about his ever improving striking, but after seeing Big Nog’s striking against Brendan Schaub, Frank Mir, and Dave Herman, I think he’ll rock Werdum just as Fedor Emelianenko did. And speaking of Fedor, he could come out of retirement tomorrow and beat Werdum in a rematch. People wouldn’t be talking about how Werdum is one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world if it hadn’t been for his lucky triangle. I’ll be more than fair to Werdum by saying the ground game is a wash, but as for the striking, I’m siding with the fighter who has been out striking the strikers.
Pick : Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
TUF Brazil Semi Final Winner Predictions
Viscardi Andrade defeats William Macario
Santiago Ponzinibbio defeats Leonardo Santos
– I predict that Santiago Ponziibbio will win in the finals regardless of his opponent, if he is defeated by Leonarod Santos, I will pick Santos to win.
* Quick Picks *
Godofredo Pepey defeats Felipe Arantes
Ronny Markes defeats Derek Brunson
Ildemar Alcantara defeats Leandro Silva
Rodrigo Damm defeats Mizuto Hirota
Karlos Vemola defeats Caio Magalhaes
Antonio Braga Neto defeats Anthony Smith
– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli
@FightFreek