It’s been a long time since UFC President Dana White sent out his obligitory tweet proclamiming it to be “Fight week” but it is approaching at a rapid pace — And they’re not coming back lightly with a triple header and two shiny championship belts up for grabs.
I sent out the call to the MMASucka nation requesting their selections for this Saturday’s festivities, some sent me violent E-Mails spitting ten shades of venom in my direction while others were gracious enough to give me their time.
Enough jibber jabber, let’s get to the point shall we? Here is what our crew of MMASucka’s are predicting.
UFC Light-Heavyweight Championship bout: Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort
Justin Faux: This is a fight that shouldn’t cause a lot of dissention among keyboard warriors and media oficionado’s. Really this would be a lot more fun of a discussion were about what acts of violence he will do to put the nail in the Brazilian Phenom’s coffin.
Not only do I expect Jones to absolutely Donkey Kong the former UFC titlist, I expect him to do so in violence, never-before-seen, fresh out of Mortal Kombat fashion.
JP Lasaleta: Vitor by KO! I’m calling the severe underdog so I’ll look like I know something if he pulls out the puncher’s chance. And if he doesn’t, I maintain the status quo of being the quirky one.Thinesh John: This is an intriguing match-up, but in my humble opinion, I can’t see Vitor walking away with the strap. The Brazilian may pose problems for Jones should the fight stay on its feet, however, I still see Jones picking him apart with a decision.
Jeremy Brand: Well, everyone is predicting the same thing. Jon Jones absolutely obliterating Vitor Belfort. It starts on the feet folks, and everyone has a punchers chance…. YEAH RIGHT! Jones is going to come out and use his reach to dictate where the fight will go. I believe Jones will finish this fight in the first.Henry Lai: This fight matches the “old” phenom against the “new” phenom. Most betting lines have Jones as the heavy favourite and while I don’t completely disagree, I give Belfort more of a chance than they do. Belfort’s strength is that he has dynamite in his hands and his punches are “lightning” quick. However, Jones has the tools to counter those strengths.
I see Jones using his reach and craftiness to avoid damage from Belfort’s blitzes while picking him apart. Eventually, Jones will use his superior wrestling and take it to the ground and rain down the elbows.
Carlin Bardsley: Based on physical tools, it’s hard to bet against Jones. Belfort’s best chance seems to be if he comes out blitzing and throwing lightning-fast combos, like the “old Vitor” we’re reminded of by the UFC commentary team every time he fights. Jones’ reach will prove to be the difference and he may even try to repeat Anderson Silva’s face-kicking of “The Phenom”.
Shawn Smith: Sorry Vitor, you’re not winning this fight. On every level, this should go to Jones. He’s younger, more dynamic and larger. His reach advantage will negate Belfort’s speed and his wrestling offers another option if Belfort can land on the feet. Here’s hoping this fight is more competitive than it should be.
Sucka’s picking Jon Jones: 6
Sucka’s picking Vitor Belfort: 1UFC Flyweight Championship bout: Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez
Justin Faux: It might not be receiving the top billing or grabbing the lions share of the headlines but this is my main event on Saturday night. I think these two will be dance partners on more than one occasion in this virgining 125-pound division.When I look at this fight I can’t help but favor Beavidez, in a tit-for-tat fast-paced striking match it’s pretty evely matched, maybe even an edge for Johnson. But when the Alpha Male star’s wrestling is introduced he can take this wherever he wants, especially after DJ was taken down at will by Ian McCall.
I’m backing Benavidez to win a highly competitive, 25-minute affair that will have me jumping out of my seat in excitement from time to time.
JP Lasaleta: Sure, Demetrious Johnson is fast, but “Jobiwan Kenobi” will use his size and strength to feed some KO power that dj has never tasted.
Thinesh John: I see ‘Fight of the Night’ written all over this one, and Benavidez scooping a decision here. Demetrious is, undeniably, the fastest fighter in the UFC, but his win over Ian McCall wasn’t impressive in my eyes.Jeremy Brand: This is a tough one for me to call. My gut tells me Benavidez, my heart is telling me Johnson (no homo.) I think it’s going to be a fun fight to watch. We saw Jobo with the heavy hands in his last fight and Mighty Mouse go to a decision twice. Who knows what’s going to happen in this one, but don’t worry fans are in for a treat.
Henry Lai: This is going to be a fun fight. The first ever UFC flyweight championship is on the line so I expect both fighters to absolutely bring it! I give the wrestling advantage to Benavidez but I give the standup aspect to Johnson. Benavidez has shown he has the punching power with 4 TKO’s in his record but Johnson is one of the fastest fighters in the world. His footwork, quickness, and scramble ability make it tough for any opponent. However, I predict Benavidez mixing up his standup and wrestling to squeak out a close decision to become the first UFC flyweight champ.
Carlin Bardsley: These two will look to prove to UFC fans that the flyweight division is for real. I like Benavidez’s power and wrestling game and believe that even if he isn’t able to finish “Mighty Mouse”, his style will pile up the points for him.
Shawn Smith: It’s speed versus power as Demetrious Johnson takes on Joseph Benavidez for the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship. Unfortunately for “Mighty Mouse”, I think Benavidez should take this one. His power, size and boxing advantage combined with excellent wrestling should be able to thwart any attack Johnson can put forward.
Sucka’s picking Joseph Benavidez: 7
Sucka’s picking Demetrious Johnson: 0
Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs. Brian StannJustin Faux: Another really interesting fight, I definitely favor the Brit to get his hand raised here but there is a clear element of danger. While many are anticipating Bisping to force this to the floor I don’t expect that, he is a great boxer with superb footwork so he can get in and out and cause damage.
There is a chance that if Stann hits him on the button that he could crumble to the floor in highlight-reel fashion like he did at the hands of Dan Henderson but I don’t expect that.
JP Lasaleta: As good as Brian Stann is, Michael Bisping has a knack for making good fighters look terrible. Watch Bisping look to out point Stann and win a decision.
Thinesh John: I won’t be surprised if Michael Bisping decides to take the fight to the ground. Stann has that KO ability in his hands, but he has to keep this fight standing if he wants to finish the Brit.Jeremy Brand: Another tough fight. Brian Stann has not fought since April where he defeated Alessio Sakari by brutal KO. Bisping has been out of action even longer, he has not fought since January, where he lost to Chael Sonnen. He was expcted to fight Tim Boetsch at UFC 149 however got injured. I think this could go one of two ways.
1. It could be an all out war, with both men standing and banging
2. It could be a lay and pray fight for Stann and a clinch game for Bisping
I can’t choose which of the two I believe it’s going to be, but I will choose Michael Bisping as the winner.
Henry Lai: There is no question what Stann wants to do in this matchup. He wants to keep the fight standing and use his KO power to put Bisping to sleep. It is no secret that Stann’s weakness is the ground game and this is where I see Bisping taking an advantage. While he is no slouch on his feet, his KO power is not in Stann’s league. Bisping is a smart fighter so I think he takes it to the ground and score a TKO victory.
Carlin Bardsley: The Brit everyone loves to hate vs. the Yankee everyone loves to love. While Stann’s power is a definite threat to “The Count”, Bisping has underrated takedown defence and his style of kickboxing ought to keep Stann on the outside and weathering blows.
Shawn Smith: When people are picking you based almost solely on your punching power, I don’t think that’s a good sign. Bisping is the better grappler, better boxer, and more well-rounded fighter. Stann has the punching power edge, but he will not be able to land.
Sucka’s picking Michael Bisping: 6
Sucka’s picking Brian Stann: 1Light-Heavyweight bout: Matt Hamill vs. Roger Hollett
Justin Faux: The only real fight that leaves me a little underwhelmed on the main card. As for the fight, I think Hammill should take this if he’s returning in form. Wrestling remains his bread-and-butter and I don’t expect him to have many hassles taking the Canadian down and doing work to earn a pretty one-sided decision.
JP Lasaleta: If the hammer is back in form, look for him to finish the fight by TKO via ground and pound.
Thinesh John: Hamill will be looking to mark his UFC return with a win, following back-to-back losses in the octagon. Hollett is on a 5-fight win streak, but those opponents weren’t UFC material. Hamill wins by TKO.
Jeremy Brand: This is a fun fight. Matt Hamill is making his return and Roger Hollett is making his UFC debut. Hollett has not fought since November 2011, where he qualified for the Bellator Light Heavyweight tournament. He is on a 5 fight win streak and might be a tough test for Hamill’s return fight. Matt Hamill by Unanimous Decision.
Henry Lai: Both fighters are coming into this fight with interesting back stories. This will be Hamill’s first fight back from retirement and his last fight was over a year ago so ring rust can be a factor. Hollett will be making his UFC debut after resolving his contractual issues with Bellator and will be fighting on the main card so there could be octagon jitters. Also, Hollett hasn’t fought since last November and Hamill has faced higher caliber fighters before so I’ll take him to grind out a win.
Carlin Bardsley: “The Hammer” returns after an abrupt, year-long retirement. Ring rust won’t be an issue, as Hamill is used to competing against a higher level of talent than Hollett can match. Look for some vintage Hamill GNP.
Shawn Smith: When a fighter is returning from a “retirement” or a long time off, it’s always hard to judge what kind of condition they will come in. That being said, I expect Hamill will out point Hollett in this one. The Canadian prospect has put together an impressive string of victories, but he’s never been to this level.
Sucka’s picking Matt Hammil: 7
Sucka’s picking Roger Hollet: 0Featherweight bout: Cub Swanson vs. Charles Oliveira
Justin Faux: Cub Swanson is a tough fighter to pick for or against, either he shows up and pastes fighters like George Roop and Ross Pearson, other times he gets his brain shattered by Jose Aldo or tapped by Jens Pulver.
When I look at this styler-versus-style I don’t favor him here though, in a striking match this is all his game but if this fight hits the floor he will be stretched in thirty different directions like he is playing a bizarre game of twister.
JP Lasaleta: I ‘ll give it to Charles Oliveira by round 1 submission. As he is great at using his long limbs to secure submissions, especially against a shorter featherweight.
Thinesh John: Exciting match-up. Swanson looked great in his TKO win over Ross Pearson, showing how flamboyant he was with his strikes. I can’t see Oliveira trading blows with Swanson here, so I guess the Brazilian will be hitting the showers early in this one.
Jeremy Brand: Cub Swanson has been throwing bombs recently, picking up TKO wins in his last two fights. While Oliveira has been making people tap, picking up Submission victories in his last two. This one will be another fun one to watch. Swanson is looking to prove he has what it takes to get to that next step in the featherweight division. A win for either one of these guys possibly puts them “in the mix.” Charles Oliveira by first round submission.
Henry Lai: This should be an exciting fight. Both fighters will look to finish the fight and can do it via KO/TKO or submission. Both fighters have been impressive in their last two fights. Oliveira has gotten two submission wins since moving down in weight class and Swanson has looked strong with TKO victories in his last two fights. However, I really like Oliveira’s submission game and I think he’ll find a way to get the tap out.
Carlin Bardsley: A definite contender for fight of the night. Swanson’s got a great resume and will keep it interesting, but I can’t in good conscience pick against a guy who brought the “calf slicer” to the UFC.
Shawn Smith: In a division running thin on title challengers, every win is crucial. Both Charles Oliveira and Cub Swanson are in positions to propel themselves towards world title opportunities is they can pick up a victory on Saturday night.
Oliveira is the much better grappler, and I think it will serve him well in this one. Swanson is the better striker, but he won’t be able to keep this one on the feet. I expect Oliveira to put it on the mat and pull of a fantastic submission.
Sucka’s picking Charles Oliveira: 6
Sucka’s picking Cub Swanson: 1
Well, that wraps up another MMASucka fight prediction roundtable, well, not exactly round, I guess it’s a heptagonal table? Either way, you get the point.
Have a varying opinion? Want to tell Justin Faux he’s your idol? Hit up the comment section below and weigh in folks.
