by Adam Lawman
Crack open a Samuel Adams and crank up the Dropkick Murphys because the UFC is in Boston and it’s a badass card!
Dana White is returning to his old stomping grounds on Saturday to deliver a loaded card that will be sure to knock your socks (Red Sox?) off!
Let’s get to the picks…
Frankie Edgar (C) vs BJ Penn (for the UFC lightweight championship)
People can say what they want about the legitimacy of Frankie Edgar’s status as the current lightweight champion, however you can’t deny the facts. The fight at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi was a very closely contested chess match between two highly skilled and intelligent fighters and by no means did any one competitor win decisively. The judges decided that Edgar was the better man back in April and so he is the gentleman you’ll see with the ridiculously large belt buckle with the UFC logo upon it. Edgar’s game of quick in and out interactions worked to his advantage, throwing off Penn’s rhythm which made BJ look a little out of touch in the fight. Edgar was even successful at taking Penn down twice, something no other lightweight in the UFC had EVER done. It’s these things I’ve discussed plus something else I can’t put my finger on but for lack of better words I’ll call it a gut feeling, that makes me believe lightning will strike twice. I don’t see Edgar stopping Penn before 25 minutes is up, however I see him once again disrupting Penn and controlling the five rounds to retain the title and hopefully start getting some real recognition. EDGAR VIA DECISION
Randy Couture vs James Toney
I will be holding my breath for the first few minutes of this one because Randy Couture will have to close the distance to clinch or take Toney down and if he’s within the boxing champion’s reach it could be lights out pretty quickly. Other than that, every other aspect of the game favors Couture. Still it should be a very intriguing fight to watch. So unless, Toney lands a bomb right off the bat I’m going to call a TKO due to referee stoppage in the opening frame. COUTURE VIA TKO, RD 1
Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard
The winner of this match up is supposed to be the next contender for whoever is victorious in the main event. Florian has had the chance twice before, losing to Sean Sherk and BJ Penn but every time the guy steps in the Octagon he looks like he’s gotten ten times better. Maynard is undefeated himself and this will be the biggest fight to date in his young career. While both fighters have won their last 2 bouts, Florian has looked much better in his outings than Maynard has. Clay Guida and Takanori Gomi both felt the wrath of Florian’s rear naked choke. Maynard though, has not won via stoppage but twice in his career, the last one happening 3 years ago. If Maynard wants to box like he has as of late, then it’s over. However, if he sticks to his wrestling then Florian could see flashbacks of his fight against Sherk which he lost via decision. I think that Florian is the better mixed martial artist and so I’m calling Florian to win with some “hell-bows” in the 3rd. FLORIAN VIA TKO, RD 3
Demian Maia vs Mario Miranda
This will be awesome. With two black belts in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu taking each other on I almost expect some wicked human pretzels. Maia is one of the best grapplers in the UFC, quite possibly the best at 185lbs and Miranda is a new star looking to prove he is up there as well. Both fighters also possess decent striking with Miranda getting the edge, however Maia’s stand up has improved quite a bit which even allowed him to catch Anderson Silva a couple times during their fight. Miranda is 1-1 in the UFC, losing to Gerald Harris and defeating David Loiseau. While I think Miranda could be a star soon, I just don’t see him taking advantage of Maia. Demian Maia has seen some of the UFC’s best at middleweight and has scored a record of 6-2 in the Octagon only losing to Nate Marquardt and the afforementioned Silva. Look for a close decision to be awarded to Maia. DEMIAN MAIA VIA DECISION
Nate Diaz vs Marcus Davis
This one will start exciting and end the same way, except the entire duration of the fight will probably only last 5 minutes. I see Davis catching Diaz early which will boost the confidence of “The Irish Hand Grenade.” Davis will get too amped though and leave himself open for Diaz to daze him. Diaz will capitalize on the opportunity by taking down the Boston native and submitting him via rear naked choke. NATE DIAZ VIA SUBMISSION, RD 1
And now some quick picks for the Spike Prelims and undercard:
- Joe Lauzon to def Gabe Ruediger via TKO, Rd 1
- Andre Winner to def Nik Lentz via Decision
- Dan Miller to def John Salter via Decision
- Nick Osipczak to def Greg Soto via TKO, Rd 2
- Amilcar Alves to def Mike Pierce via Submission, Rd 3
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A bit fun that there was no knockout of the night at UFC 118. Would have thought that either James Toney should have done a knockout, but no not that night. All the best for all the fighters at UFC 118 may they heal up nice and quick.