Alright, there is finally another meaningful card in MMA this weekend, and the best part of it is that it's on free television (for those who actually have cable). Before we get into the picks, I have to admit that this doesn't look like the most entertaining card on paper, but there are a lot of meaningful fights for guys trying to take the steps towards title contention. Plus, even if a card looks like shit on paper, it still has the chance to produce some awesome fights.
Rob Kimmons vs. Steve Steinbeiss - I honestly don't know much about either of these fighters, but Steinbeiss is only 4-3 overall, so I'll go with Kimmons since he has a better record and has actually won in the UFC. This is most likely a loser gets cut from the UFC match, so that's always exciting. Rob Kimmons by 2nd Round TKO.
Darren Elkins vs. Charles Oliveira - Another fight I don't know shit about outside of their records. Oliveira is undefeated and Elkins has one loss. Still, I think Elkins has faced superior competition, so I'll go with Elkins to win the fight. Darren Elkins by 3rd Round Submission.
Mike Massenzio vs. Brian Stann - Brian Stann is making his debut at middleweight, coming down from light heavyweight where he had mixed results. Massenzio is coming off a 20 month layoff. If Stann can make the weight without any major problems, I think his size will be able to keep the fight standing, and he'll be able to win a decision. Brian Stann by Unanimous Decision.
James Irvin vs. Igor Pokrajac - Irvin wants to keep this fight standing while Igor wants to get this fight to the ground so he can avoid strikes as much as possible. I don't think Pokrajac has shown anything to say that he can take a guy and beat on him for three straight rounds, so eventually, I think Irvin will find his opening and finish the fight. James Irvin by 2nd Round TKO.
DaMarques Johnson vs. Matthew Riddle - After losing The Ultimate Fighter Finale against James Wilks, Johnson has looked far more impressive. His striking has provided a lot of problems for opponents. Still, Riddle is a big guy for the weight class, and I think he'll be able to use his wrestling to grind out Johnson for the win. Matthew Riddle by Unanimous Decision.
Paul Kelly vs. Jacob Volkmann - Paul Kelly is surprising in that he's from England, and you don't automatically hate him. His fights always bring a lot of pace, and he's a fun guy to watch. Volkmann moved down to lightweight in his last fight and won a tough fight against Ronys Torres. I think Volkmann's wrestling will help him control the fight and get him the victory. Jacob Volkmann by Unanimous Decision.
Takanori Gomi vs. Tyson Griffin - Takanori Gomi is a really talented fighter, but his game stopped progressing in 2006. He got outmatched by Kenny Florian in his first fight in the UFC, which isn't a terrible thing, because KenFlo is kind of awesome. Still, I think Tyson Griffin will be able to control this fight, and as long as he doesn't get sucked into a striking war with Gomi, Griffin should be able to cruise to a victory. Tyson Griffin by Unanimous Decision.
John Howard vs. Jake Ellenberger - John Howard is 4-0 in the UFC, and Ellenberger is 1-1. To be fair, Howard has had some friendly matchmaking so far in his UFC career, but that ends when he faces Ellenberger. If Howard keeps the fight standing, it's his to lose, but I think Ellenberger will be able to take him down and ground and pound to a victory. Jake Ellenberger by 2nd Round TKO.
Mark Munoz vs. Yushin Okami - People love Mark Munoz. And really, a Division I National Champion wrestler is always easy to root for and expect big things from. The problem is, he hasn't looked all that impressive in his fights. He did finish Ryan Jensen which was impressive, but he got his ass handed to him by Kendall Grove before turning it around in the second round. He also took a split decision against Nick Catone before those fights. Meanwhile, Okami is a tough dude. He's not flashy, but he's big, strong, and tough to take down. Chael Sonnen said that Okami was the toughest guy he ever fought, and Chael Sonnen doesn't lie. Hence, I got to go with Okami. Yushin Okami by Unanimous Decision.
Jon Jones vs. Vladimir Matyushenko - Matyushenko is a tough guy, but he wasn't able to outwrestle Tito Ortiz when he was in his prime. Now he's about 40 years old. Jon Jones looks like an athletic freak, but apparently he isn't. I'm not sure where I heard this (I think it was Josh Gross from si.com), but Jon Jones can't dunk a basketball. I can't confirm that story, but if he can't, that's awesome. The dude was literally just made to fight, because when he fights, he is a freak of nature. I think he is going to steamroll Matyushenko, and I'll be very curious as to who the UFC puts up against him next, because he's definitely ready for top level competition. Jon Jones by 1st Round TKO.
-Joe
P.S. I haven't had a chance to watch Jersey Shore yet, but don't be surprised to see a rundown of the first episode this weekend or on Monday.
P.P.S. Jose Canseco isn't in a very chipper mood today; apparently somebody just told him that he's not immortal.
JoseCanseco We will all be dead one day
JoseCanseco You won't even know when your dead its like never living,same ass before you where ever born
JoseCanseco How many of you think you will live for ever
I really hope I never have the same ass before I was born.
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