UFC 152 Breakdown

UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort
Date: Sep 22, 2012
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venue: Air Canada Centre
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, FX and Facebook 


MAIN CARD (Pay per view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort - for light-heavyweight title-
I would love for Belfort to KO Jones but the fact is that Belfort is not nearly the same threat at 205lbs as he is at 185lbs. Jones will use his size advantage to keep the distance, throw awkward shots and put Belfort away in round 1. However, Belfort catching him is not out of the question.
Jones via TKO round 1 


Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious Johnson - for inaugural flyweight title-
Joey B all day in this fight. Benavidez will fight this fight similar to all of his in the past and use his relentless takedowns en route to a decision victory and claim the first flyweight title.
Benavidez via Dec


Michael Bisping vs. Brian Stann-
At first I thought that this was a clear cut victory for Bisping but after much research and watching fight film I now think this fight sets up perfectly for Stann. Stann has struggled against fighters that are good wrestlers, this is not the case here. Bisping although the more technical fighter will want to stand and box it out. I think this give Stann many opportunities to land the big shot that ends Bisping's night.
Stann via TKO round 2


Matt Hamill vs. Roger Hollett-
Both fighters have been off for nearly a year and while I question the heart of Hamill I am leaning towards him in this fight slightly. This is the type of match that plays into the hands of Hamill because in my opinion he holds the advantage on the feet and in the wrestling aspect of this fight. Those 2 things combined should allow him to edge out a decision.
Hamill via Dec


Charles Oliveira vs. Cub Swanson-
This is an interesting fight and one that I am really excited for, Swanson has a more well-rounded game and holds a huge advantage on his feet where as Oliveira is somewhat lacking on his feet but is a beast on the ground. I think the difference in this fight will be Swanson's speed and takedown defense. This fight will stay standing and Swanson will win via TKO round 2.
Swanson TKO round 2




PRELIMINARY CARD (FX, 8 p.m. ET)


Vinny Magalhaes vs. Igor Pokrajac-
I want to pick Vinny in this match but I cannot come to terms with the idea that he has turned the corner in his career. If he has any of the same fighter he was in the ultimate fighter house in him he will get KO'd vs Pokrajac. And that is exactly what I think will happen, I think this fight stays standing and will be a 1st round KO.
Pokrajac via KO round 1




Evan Dunham vs. T.J. Grant-
This is a match up of 2 guys that I feel are highly over rated, Grant is good in the grappling game but has lost to all mid/upper level talent that he has faced. Dunham on the other hand is on the comeback trail since being brought back to reality by Sherk and Guillard. I think Dunham has a rather easy time in this fight winning by TKO in round 1.
Dunham TKO round 1


Lance Benoist vs. Sean Pierson-
The records indicate that this fight should be very one sided however I think Pierson has a good chance here. I see Pierson keeping the fight standing and out pointing Benoist to a decisive decision victory.
Pierson via Dec


Marcus Brimage vs. Jim Hettes-
Hettes is a stud, he will get this fight to the ground and from there it will be a matter of time before he submits Brimage. Brimage holds a big advantage on his feet but he won't have long to exploit that before he is taken down.
Hettes via Sub round 1




PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook, 6:30 p.m. ET)


Seth Baczynski vs. Simeon Thoresen-
This is fight that could be a play for the underdog fans. I am not sure of the odds because they are not out yet but I am assuming Seth to be the favorite here based off the fact that he is more popular to the mainstream fans. Thoresen comes into this fight holding a 17-2 record and is a beast on the ground. He trains with a top camp in Norway and I believe is poised here to insert his name into the potential contenders list in the Welterweight division.
Thoresen via Sub round 2


Mitch Gagnon vs. Walel Watson-
Watson was impressive in his 1st UFC match but has been rather lackluster since in his next 2 fights. Gagnon is a good fighter that was impressive in a losing effort to highly ranked Bryan Caraway. I think Gagnon controls this fight and has a chance to submit Watson but will most likely win via Decision.
Gagnon via Dec


Charlie Brenneman vs. Kyle Noke-
On paper this fight looks to be a rather close one and one that could go either way. I see Brenneman shooting in to take this fight to the ground early where he will control Noke for the entirety of the next 3 rounds. Brenneman will get the nod in an uneventful fight.
Brenneman via Dec