Main card for Lesnar vs Overeem UFC 141
Heavyweight bout: Brock Lesnar vs Alistair Overeem
First thoughts are Overeem – EASILY. Lesnar has shown to have a rather large glass jaw when it comes to heavyweight punchers – but who doesn’t really? One clip from anyone that big and its over. Lesnar’s best chance is obviously getting this fight to the ground. Utilize the wrestling skills to tire Overeem out. The problem is Overeem’s take down defense is better than decent as it was displayed against Fabricio Werdum, Lesnar would be a fool to stand with Overeem and there is no chance that strategy is going to happen. Lesnar gets Overeem to the ground and this fight could go Lesnar’s way really quick, but Lesnar better not go for the double as Alistair has a ridiculously strong guillotine. Lesnar needs to take single shots and drag Overeem down or trip him.
Once in full or half guard, Brock on top is a problem for any heavyweight.
I think you have to decide will Overeem catch Lesnar coming in, or will Lesnar be able to drag Overeem down and keep him there for each round – maybe even getting the TKO.
5 rounds gives Overeem ample opportunity, in his UFC debut, to catch Lesnar somewhere with a K-1 level strike via elbow against the cage maybe? That cracks the glass of Lesnar.
My prediction Round 2 TKO Overeem. As long as the odds don’t go Jon Jones or Anderson Silvaish.
Lightweight bout: Nate Diaz vs Donald Cerrone
Love the Diaz brothers, but in this one I think Cerrone brings too much firepower and speed. If this fight goes to the ground its going to look like an instructional video. Cerrone.
Welterweight bout: Jon Fitch vs Johny Hendricks
Guessing the odds are close for this fight. Fitch doesn’t posess the power that Hendricks has and I think the wrestling is probably going to be pretty nulled between the two of them. Fitch has MUCH more experience in big fights though and cardio has always been of Kenyan marathoner quality. Hendricks carries more muscle and could tire quicker giving Fitch the late rounds submission.
Light Heavyweight bout: Vladimir Matyushenko vs Alexander Gustafsson
Tough call as I want to root for the old dog The Janitor Matyushenko, but Gustafsson is one of the best unknowns in the division. Taking Gustafsson because he is great with submissions – long legs – and Vladi is going to want to take Alex to the ground. Alex is also way better on the feet. Odds probably favor Alex here, haven’t seen them yet.
Featherweight bout: Nam Phan vs Jimy Hettes
Can’t go against Nam Phan – he’s awesome.
UFC 141 Preliminary card (televised)
Featherweight bout: Ross Pearson vs Junior Assunção
Ross Pearson – too much standup skills. Assuncao though on the ground will have big advantage, but he likes to standup – weird.
Lightweight bout: Anthony Njokuani vs Danny Castillo
Njokuani
UFC 141 Preliminary card untelevised
Welterweight bout: Dong Hyun Kim vs Sean Pierson
I can’t go against Dong Hyun Kim.
Lightweight bout: Jacob Volkmann vs Efrain Escudero
Volkmann is much better than he looks. Escudero is going to come out furious though to try and get back in the UFC.
Welterweight bout: Matt Riddle vs Luis Ramos
pass
Featherweight bout: Manvel Gamburyan vs Diego Nunes
Interesting fight. Nunes is pretty damn good fighter and hasn’t really had a chance to display it since his loss to Kenny Florian. I think Nunes here will win decision. If not Manny is always good for a surprise KO victory. However, I’m going smart and picking Nunes.