Tiequan Zhang vs. Jon Tuck
Tuck is coming off two first round knockouts and I’m predicting a third. Zhang is far from impressive in his fights, and a powerful striker is his kryptonite. Zhang will be unable to clinch with Tuck and he is no match for him on the feet. Tuck will pick Zhang apart until he lands that one clean shot that will put Zhang out.
Alex Caceres vs. Motonobu Tezuka
Caceres got lucky when Kyung Ho Kang pulled out due to injury because I predicted that he’d defeat Caceres. Tezuka on the other hand, won’t pose as much of a threat, and the now greater reach advantage that Caceres has over Tezuka will make his gameplan a pure striking one. Caceres will use his length and superior striking to outpoint Tezuka, he should avoid the ground game at all costs. Caceres will take unanimous decision.
Takanori Gomi vs. Mac Danzig
Gomi isn’t the same fighter he was in his pride days, other than his knockout of Tyson Griffin, Gomi has had zero success in the octagon. Danzig hasn’t had the greatest career in the octagon, but he has shown well rounded skills that will be enough to defeat Gomi. Gomi constantly leaves his hands low, and will get caught over and over with Danzig’s snapping jab. Danzig’s technical boxing is superior to Gomi’s and Danzig can also out wrestling Gomi and press him up against the cage. Gomi’s only chance to win is to put Danzig to sleep with his heavy hands, and Danzig will avoid it easily. Look for Danzig to suck the will out of Gomi and finish him just like Kenny Florian did with a rear naked choke.
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Paulo Thiago
Both fighters are well experienced on the ground with skills in judo and jiu-jitsu. Kim and Thiago have improved on their striking, but Kim was more impressive with his striking in his fight with Sean Pierson. Thiago did outclass David Mitchell on the feet, but Mitchell had less than novice striking so I’m not too impressed. The ground skills of Kim and Thiago will cancel out, and Kim striking and reach advantage will be the differnce in this fight and will get him the unanimous decision win.
Thiago Silva vs. Stanislav Nedkov
Although Silva was completely outclasses in his fight with Alexander Gustafsson, I don’t see him having any problem getting a victory in China. Nedkov has power in his hands, but he displayed very predictable, one dimensional striking in his fight with Luiz Cane. In fact, Cane was clearly getting the better of Nedkov until he was on the receiving end of a punch that put him on wobbly legs, and Nedkov took advantage of the opportunity to finish him off. Nedkov may have been able to catch Cane, but I don’t see him having such luck against Silva. Silva is very well rounded and should have the advantage no matter where the fight goes and he will do to Nedkov the same thing he did to Brandon Vera. Silva will take Nedkov to the ground and land heavy strikes that will absolutely destroy Nedkov’s face, only this time, Silva will get the stoppage.
Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le
This is a much bigger opportunity for Le than it is for Franklin. Nearly everyone thought Le would get knocked out by Patrick Cote, although he proved everyone wrong, I have zero confidence that he can beat Franklin. Le’s creative kicks won’t be enough to fluster Franklin and he will most likely tire after the first round. Franklin’s superior cardio will allow him to push the pace and he will start to take over the in the striking. If Franklin doesn’t Knockout Le on the feet, he can just as easily look for a takedown and submit Le. Either way, Franklin will end the fight in the second round.
Written by : Ryan Poli
@Fight Freek