UFC on FUEL TV 6: Franklin vs. Le

UFC on FUEL TV 6: Franklin vs. Le

Date: Nov 10, 2012

Location: Macau

Venue: CotaiArena, Venetian Macau Resort Hotel

Broadcast: FUEL TV and Facebook 

MAIN CARD (FUEL TV, 9 a.m. ET)

Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le-

Originally I thought Cung was a good play as an underdog here because it is a fight that would normally be tailored to Cung's skill set. But after hearing the interview with Ariel Helwani it appears that Cung is not coming into this fight 100%. A foot injury like the one Cung has takes away some of the dynamic striking that is the norm for him. This leave the door open for Franklin to take control and finish Cung in round 2.

Franklin TKO round 2

Stanislav Nedkov vs. Thiago Silva-

This should be a good fight in which Silva will likely try to get this fight to the ground where he holds the biggest advantage. Nedkov will try to turn this fight into a brawl. Silva should be technical enough to avoid Nedkov's big looping haymakers and exploit Nedkov's weaknesses in route to a TKO finish.

Silva via TKO round 2

Dong Hyum Kim vs. Paulo Thiago-

Kim should be able to take the upper hand in the ground game and do enough in the stand up to edge out a decision victory in the contest.

Kim via UD

Mac Danzig vs. Takanori Gomi-

Gomi will likely be looking to try to land a big bomb from the opening bell. Danzig will most likely clinch up and force Gomi to use his minimal cardio to muscle around grappling. After a round of doing so Gomi will start to wear out and Danzig will lock in a submission early in round 2

Danzig via sub round 2

Jon Tuck vs. Tiequan Zhang-

Most casual fans have not heard of Jon Tuck but after Saturday he will be on a lot of people's radar. The crowd should be going crazy for Zhang since he is the only homeland fighter but Tuck holds an advantage everywhere in this fight I can see Zhang holding on enough to have this fight go the distance but I think Tuck winning via KO is more likely, either way Tuck wins.

Tuck via KO round 1

Jeff Hougland vs. Takeya Mizugaki-

As long as Mizugaki can stay out of trouble on the ground he should have no problem earning a decision victory here.

Mizugaki via Dec

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook, 7:15 a.m. ET)

Alex Caceres vs. Motonobu Tezuka-

This is a fight that I'm not confident on partly because there are so many question marks surrounding each fighters recently faced competition. I personally am going to side with Tezuka based off the fact that I am not convinced Caceres is a good fight.

Tezuka via Dec

John Lineker vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani-

Lineker is by far the heavier puncher so he will be looking to land the big blow from the opening bell while Urushitani will be using a more technical approach. Lineker should eventually catch him and put Urushitani away late in round 2 or early round 3

Lineker via KO early round 3

Tom DeBlass vs. Riki Fukuda-

DeBlass is a pretty good grappler but he lacks the cardio to deal with the likes of Fukuda. Fukuda should push the pace and wear out DeBlass en route to a decision victory.

Fukada via Dec

David Mitchell vs. Hyun Gyu Lim-

Lim is the far superior striker and should be able to put this fight away early. I look for Lim to earn the KO victory within the first few minutes.

Lim via KO round 1

UFC 153 Breakdown

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

Anderson Silva vs. Stephan Bonnar - non-title light-heavyweight fight-

Silva has every advantage in this fight; he hits harder, is faster and is better on the ground. One interesting thing of note is that Bonnar is a former Golden Gloves boxer, I don't think that will matter much in this fight but it will be intriguing to see how effective his boxing can be against Silva.

Silva via KO round 1

Dave Herman vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira-

This fight is one that has a lot of question marks around it. On paper Bog Nog should have big advantage here but he has been off for 10 months after Mir broke his arm. You have to wonder if age, a traumatic injury and time away will effect a fighter that has been through the amount of wars that Nog has. I think the power puncher Herman catches him early and puts away Nogueira.

Herman via Ko round 1

Fabio Maldonado vs. Glover Teixeira-

This fight is merely a question of how will Teixeira will win and how long it will take him. Tex holds a distinct advantage everywhere in this fight and Maldonado will see his short stint with the UFC come to a close as Teixeira taps him in the first round.

Teixeira via Sub round 1

Jon Fitch vs. Erick Silva-

Silva is an explosive fighter and I would love to see him win here to set up some intriguing matches at the top of this division but unfortunately it will not happen. Fitch will fight a normal fitch fight and take silva down an control him in route to a dec victory.

Fitch via Dec

Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado-

The fact that Prado looked competitive in the 90 secs of the previous fight will have some people siding with Prado but that just means better odds for the smart money. Davis will use his far superior wrestling to take Prado down and eventually lock in a choke that will end Prado's night.

Davis via Sub round 2

Demian Maia vs. Rick Story-

This is a fight that I am not really sure what to make of and one that can truly go either way depending on how the fight plays out. Im leaning towards Maia based off the fact that this fight will likely go to the mat at some point and Maia holds a big advantage there.

Maia via Dec

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

Rony "Jason" Mariano Bezerra vs. Sam Sicilia-

This is a fight of two fighters that are true up and comers. Both fighters have sure fire ways to end this fight with Sicilia's coming in stand up and Rony's coming via submission. I think Sicilia's wrestling is good enough to keep the fight standing and he scores the TKO in round 1.

Sicilia TKO round 1

Gleison Tibau vs. Francisco Trinaldo-

Tibau has a big time strength advantage and will be able to out-muscle Trinaldo in the clinch, this will be the deciding factor in this fight as Tibau will be able to execute his game plan better.

Tibau via Dec

Diego Brandao vs. Joey Gambino-

Diego will come out firing from the opening bell and catch Gambino early to score a quick KO victory.

Brandao via KO round 1

Renee Forte vs. Sergio Moraes-

This should be a good fight as Moraes holds a big advantage on the ground and Forte has a solid stand up game. Forte should do enough on his feet to earn a decision victory.

Forte via Dec

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook, 7 p.m. ET)

Chris Camozzi vs. Luiz Cane-

Cane has been off his game lately but I think fighting in front of his home crowd in Brazil should be all the motivation he needs to get things back on track. 

Cane via TKO round 2

Reza Madadi vs. Cristiano Marcello-

In this fight between 2 great grapplers I will lean towards who I think is the better of the 2 and pick Marcello to win via sub in round 2

Marcello Sub round 2

UFC on FX 5 breakdown

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

Travis Browne vs. Antonio Silva-

If silva can get this fight down to the ground he has a good chance to end it there. However I think the Browne's speed and cardio will pull this fight into deeper waters and he will end up finishing this fight in the 4th.

Browne via TKO round 4

Jake Ellenberger vs. Jay Hieron-

In this fight my mind is saying go with Ellenberger but my heart is saying go with Hieron. I am going to have to side with Hieron to pull the upset here. Hieron has looked to be in great form here and is hungry to finally get to the top, I think he pulls out the dec victory

Hieron via Dec

John Dodson vs. Jussier Formiga-

This should be fight of the night and can really go either way. I am a big fan of both fighters and do not really feel that either holds a big advantage here. Dodson is the faster of the fighters but his scrappy style will make it easier for da silva (jussier) to get it to the ground. I will go with jussier da silva to pull out the close decision victory here in a fight that can go either way.

jussier da silva via dec

Josh Neer vs. Justin Edwards-

This should be a war from the start with both men swinging for the fences from the opening bell. The problem with that for Edwards is that he is not as good with his punches as Neer is. Neer will connect early and put Edwards to sleep.

Neer via KO round 1

PRELIMINARY CARD (FUEL TV, 5 p.m. ET)

Yves Edwards vs. Jeremy Stephens-

Stephens has taking his striking game to a new level lately and that will give him the edge in this fight as he lands a big punch in round 2 to earn the victory.

Stephens via TKO round 2

Danny Castillo vs. Michael Johnson-

I like Castillo better as a fighter in this fight but it is a bad match up for him. Johnson should be able to keep the fight standing and use his speed to out point Castillo to earn the dec victory

Johnson via Dec

Dennis Hallman vs. Thiago Tavares-

This is an interesting fight because both men are highly skilled on the ground. If the fight stays standing it will sway in the direction of Tavares but if it goes to the ground its anyones guess who holds the advantage. I personally hope to see a great grappling match here but I feel Tavares will be able to land enough to out point Hallman before it gets to the ground.

Tavares via Dec

Shane Roller vs. Jacob Volkmann-

This is an interesting fight between 2 high level wrestlers. All signs in this fight are pointing to Roller winning it; he was the better college wrestler, he has the better stand-up but for some reason I think Volkmann will end up getting the decision victory. It should be a close one but Volkmann always seems to end up on the right side of scrambles.

Volkmann via Dec

Diego Nunes vs. Bart Palaszewski-

Nunes should take this fight to the ground from the start and not even mix it up with Bart on his feet. If he does this it will be a boring grind it out fight but will ultimately earn Nunes the dec victory. If Bart has his way it will be an exciting slugfest and Bart should be able to win. I have to side with Nunes fighting the smarter fight and winning in a snoozefest.

Nunes via Dec

Phil Harris vs. Darren Uyenoyama-

I have to preface this fight by saying that I do not know much about Phil Harris so I can only go off his record and what I know about Uyenoyama. I think Uyenoyama will use his great wrestling skills to get this fight to the ground and grind out a dec victory.

Uyenoyama via dec

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook, 4 p.m. ET)

Marcus LeVesseur vs. Carlo Prater-

Prater has struggled lately with aggressive power punchers and he will be facing another one here. LeVesseur should pour the pace on from the start and not allow Prater to get comfortable. If he does this he should be able to finish him off late in round 1.

LeVesseur via TKO round 1

Mike Pierce vs. Aaron Simpson-

I am a big fan of both of these fighters an hate to pick either one over the other. Being that they are very similar fighters I think Simpson will pull out a dec victory here because Pierce has problems facing wrestlers that are as good or better than himself.

Simpson via Dec

UFC on Fuel TV 5 breakdown

UFC on FUEL TV 5: Struve vs. Miocic

Date: Sep 29, 2012

Location: Nottingham, England

Venue: Capital FM Arena

Broadcast: FUEL TV and Facebook 

MAIN CARD (FUEL TV, 4 p.m. ET)

Stipe Miocic vs. Stefan Struve-

Although Struve has the size advantage Miocic has a big edge in punching power and he will show that here as he knocks Struve out late in round 1

Miocic via KO round 1

Dan Hardy vs. Amir Sadollah-

Amir should be able to keep his distance and stay away from the only real threat that Hardy possesses in this fight, his left hook.

Amir via Dec

Yves Jabouin vs. Brad Pickett-

This is not a fight i am that excited for but it could turn out being a great fight. Jabouin is fast and powerful and Pickett has a great chin. I think Jabouin gets the better of him but doesn't do enough to earn the KO.

Jabouin via dec

Paul Sass vs. Matt Wiman-

This is the fight i am looking forward to most on the card. Paul Sass will pull guard early int he fight and submit Wiman via Triangle in round 1

Sass via Sub round 1

John Hathaway vs. John Maguire-

Maguire is a good fighter but Hathaway is more well rounded and will do enough to earn the decision victory.

Hathaway via dec

Duane Ludwig vs. Che Mills-

This fight is a toss up in my opinion. Either one of these guys can steal the fight, I believe Mills will do that with the home crowd behind him. The best route to victory is to take ludwig down and grind out the dec. but mills will probably stand with him, so he needs to avoid the power.

Mills via Dec

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook, 1 p.m. ET)

Kyle Kingsbury vs. Jimi Manuwa-

Manuwa is a beast!!! He is a vicious Ko Artist that has looked impressive vs competition in England. Now he has stepped up to the UFC but Kingsbury isn't exactly top caliber. I think Manuwa rocks him early and puts him away.

Manuwa via KO round 1

Akira Corassani vs. Andy Ogle-

This fight should be a good fight. I am leaning towards Ogle based off his heart. This guy proved me wrong every time i wrote him off in the reality show and i feel it will be no different here.

Ogle via Dec

Brad Tavares vs. Tom Watson-

If Watson can keep this fight on the feet he has a good chance here but Tavares has decent wrestling skills that may pose a problem. I think Watson can keep it standing long enough to do damage.

Watson via TKO round 2

DaMarques Johnson vs. Gunnar Nelson-

Once again another bad match up for johnson, Gunnar will take johnson down and from there it is only a matter of time before he locks in a submission.

Nelson via sub round 1

Robert Peralta vs. Jason Young-

Peralta should take this fight no problem.He has looked talented in his strikeforce/ufc stint whereas young has not been impressive in the slightest.

Peralta via Dec

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

Strikeforce: Rousey vs Kaufman

MAIN CARD (Showtime)

Champ Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Kaufman (for women's bantamweight title)-

Kaufman will have a very lopsided edge on the feet but it will be only a matter of time until Ronda uses he olympic level judo to get the fight to the ground. From there an arm bar should be coming within a minute of them grappling.

Rousey via Sub round 1

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Derek Brunson-

Brunson comes in with an impressive 9-1 record but that is insignificant when faced with a top level talent such as jacare. Brunson lost his last fight vs Kendall Grove and should pose minimal threat in this one. Look for Jacare to use his boxing to set up the takedown. While there he will use his world class grappling to finish the fight in round 2.

Jacare via Sub round 2

Roger Bowling vs. Tarec Saffiedine-

This fight should be an exciting one. Bowling likes to come forward and push the pace, this should play right intone the hands of Saffiedine who will be more than happy for this fight to remain standing. Saffiedine's only real challenges in his career have come against wrestlers, fortunately for him this fight will not go to the ground. Saffiedine will outpoint bowling to earn a decision victory.

Saffiedine via Decision

Lumumba Sayers vs. Anthony Smith-

Even though Smith has seemingly turned the corner in his career I still think he lacks the submission game to compete with the likes of Sayers. I see Sayers taking him down early in the first and finishing it soon after.

Sayers via Sub round 1

T.J. Cook vs. Ovince St. Preux-

This fight should be interest because OSP is a up and coming fighter that has a ton of skill. I have not seen many of Cook's fights but from what I have seen he seems to be a Knockout artists that lacks a submission game. OSP should be able to use his jab to keep the distance and outpoint Cook in what could be a war.

OSP via Dec

PRELIMINARY CARD (Showtime Extreme)

Julie Kedzie vs. Miesha Tate-

This fight should be a war and its a shame it won't be showcased on the main card. Both fighters won't hesitate to thrown down on their feet and both have an exciting grappling. I think Tate will end up getting the upper hand in this fight and win an exciting decision. 

Tate via Dec

Bobby Green vs. Matt Ricehouse-

I am really looking forward to this fight! Bobby Green is a good up and coming talent that has mixed it up with some of the more noted guys in the 155lb division outside of the UFC. Ricehouse is also an up and comer that has beaten Randy Couture's son and Jiu Jitsu ace Bill Cooper. I think Green controls the majority of this fight by taking it to the ground but Ricehouse will have a good enough grappling came to stay out of trouble. Green should eek out a very close decision.

Green via Dec

Adlan Amagov vs. Keith Berry-

This should be a showcase fight for Amagov. Both men are knockout artists that will be swinging for the fences early and often. I think Amagov connects with a big blow and ends this one early in round 1.

Amagov via KO round 1

Germaine de Randamie vs. Hiroko Yamanaka-

I am not sure the odds in this fight but I am pretty sure Yamanaka is a big favorite in this one. In order to win this fight Yamanaka needs to get Randamie to the ground in order to get the upper hand in this fight. I think she will struggle with that as Randamie uses her far superior dutch kickboxing skills to land some big blows and knock out Yamanaka to score the huge upset.

Randamie via KO round 2

UFC 150 Breakdown

UFC 150

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

Champ Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar (for lightweight title)-

The fight will be a close one. Henderson took the first one in a great fight but look for Edgar to come in with a better game plan here. This fight can truly go either way but for the purpose of this breakdown I lean slightly towards the way of Frankie Edgar.

Edgar via close dec

Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard-

This fight should be an easy one. I am a fan of both fighters but from what I heard Cerrone shouldn't have a problem here. Apparently during the time of these two men training together at Jackson's camp Cerrone would guillotine Melvin the majority of time during their sparring sessions. While Melvin's sub defense has gotten extremely better, I do not think it has improved enough to deal with Cerrone.

Cerrone via Sub round 1

Jake Shields vs. Ed Herman-

Sheilds holds a huge advantage in this fight in the wrestling and grappling aspect. I look for Shields to put Herman on his back early where he will control him throughout. While it is possible to get a submission for Shields I think he grinds out a decision.

Shields via Dec

Yushin Okami vs. Buddy Roberts-

This fight will be a lot closer than the odds suggest. Okami should win this fight by taking Roberts down to the ground and closing the distance in the clinch. Roberts key to victory is keeping away from Okami and not allowing him Okami to get a hold of him. I am going to go against my original pick ad go with Roberts in this one. I think he will land the jab more effectively and out point Okami in what could be a close decision.

Roberts via Dec 

Justin Lawrence vs. Max Holloway-

I was not impressed at all be Lawrence in the ultimate fighter house and I thought he looked overrated in his first fight out of the house. Holloway was impressive in his fight vs Schilling. I understand the Schilling is not by any means a good fighter but Holloway's stand up was very impressive. Lawrence needs to go back to his wrestling roots, fight smart and take this fight to the ground. I am not confident in him doing this and that will allow Holloway to pick him apart and take a decision victory.

Halloway via Dec

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

Dennis Bermudez vs. Tom Hayden-

Bermudez will use his takedowns to control the fight. While on the ground Bermudez will do enough to earn a lopsided decision but I do not think he will be able to finish the fight.

Bermudez via Decision

Jared Hamman vs. Michael Kuiper-

This fight will be fireworks!!! Both men love to brawl it out and both have a ton of power. I believe the difference in this fight is Kuiper has the better chin. When it comes to a slugfest the man with the better chin usually has the advantage. I believe this is the case here as Kuiper blasts Hamman early in round 1.

Kuiper via KO round 1

Ken Stone vs. Erik Perez-

This should be a pretty good fight but I think that Perez holds the slight advantage. Perez has great submission defense as well as a polished grappling game himself. Stone has turned a corner in his career and has looked good in his last few contests. I think Perez will do enough to stay out of trouble and pull out the decision.

Perez vía Decision

Nik Lentz vs. Eiji Mitsuoka-

This fight should be all Lentz. Mitsuoka has an impressive resume but he is in the twilight of his career facing a much larger opponent in Lentz who is cutting down to make his debut at 145lbs. Lentz should take him to get ground, out muscle him and ground and pound his way to a decision.

Lentz via Decision

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Dustin Pague vs. Chico Camus-

Many experts are leaning towards Pague in this one, however I have not been impressed with Pague and feel that Camus will pull the upset. If Camus can keep the fight standing he should find himself holding a clear cut advantage on the feet where he can pull out a decision victory.

Camus via Decision