Date: Jul 07, 2012
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, FX and Facebook
MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view)
Champ Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (for middleweight title)-
I have been going back and forth on this fight, every time I think about it I see a different outcome happening in my head. This can really only go one of two way; either Sonnen will come out, control the fight and win a decision or Silva will come out firing looking for the KO and finish the fight relatively early. I had almost come to the decision that Silva would finish this fight by KO but I am now thinking this fight will go in Sonnen's favor. Sonnen will be able to close the distance and take Silva down but while on the ground he needs to get into half guard to avoid Silva's slick submission game so he can grind out a decision victory.
Sonnen via Decision
Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz-
For nostalgia purposes I want to see Tito win this one and ride into the sunset, however that will be easier said than done. Both of their first 2 fights went to split decision and this one has a good shot at doing the same. Forest has been off for almost a year, so he will be fighting off ring rust as well as a hungry fighter who will be looking to put a stamp on his hall of fame career. If Tito wants to win he will try to put Forest on his back after a minute or two of feeling out the stand up. Forest does not have the greatest takedown defense and if Tito can impose his will I see him getting the nod from the judges
Tito via Decision
Patrick Cote vs. Cung Le-
Cung Le has a great and exciting stand up game but often leaves himself open for big shots from his opponent and lacks the chin to handle that flaw effectively. Cote is the type of fighter that waits for those holes and picks his spot to attack. Cote will try to cut off the ring, close the distance and push Cung agaist the cage. Cung will try to keep his distance use his kicks and try to stay away showing a superior standing skill set. I think this type of match will favor Cung and he will be able to outpoint Cote to earn his first victory in the UFC.
Cung via Decision
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Demian Maia-
Maia dropped weight for this fight and cuts down to welterweight for the first time in his career. The UFC in turn rewarded him with a hard uphill battle that will either put Maia immediately in the title picture or make him into the division's gatekeeper. Maia has not been in good form lately and this fight should end up being a long night for him. Kim has the skills to take advantage of this fight on the feet and negative most of Maia's offense on the ground. Look for Kim to keep the fight standing where he will dominate for 15 minutes.
Kim via Decision
Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie-
I do not know why the UFC would put these 2 men together at this point in their career. McKenzie is a fan favorite who looks to be a prospect for the future whereas Mendes just fought for the title in his last fight. This fight should be easy for Mendes, all he really has to do is stay away from the guillotine choke because he outclasses McKenzie in every aspect of this fight. This seems like the type of fight in which Mendes would be able to finish the fight early but I see a lopsided decision victory for him.
Mendes via Decision
Mike Easton vs. Ivan Menjivar-
This fight should be action packed and can really go either way. Easton is taking this fight on semi-short notice but he has had enough time to prepare so that should not be an issue. Easton will likely come out throwing bombs while looking to clinch up, use his knees and take the fight down to impose his will. Menjivar will likely be looking for the same thing. I see Menjivar imposing his will on the fight more effectively and pulling out a decision here in a fast paced scrap.
Menjivar via Decision
PRELIMINARY CARD (FX)
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Gleison Tibau-
Despite a 17-0 record Khabib has not really faced true competition, even his last fight with Shalorus he fought a fighter who seemed to be in there more for a paycheck than a desire to win. He will not get such easy competition with Tibau. Tibau will be able to win the war of strength in the clinches and be able to take Khabib down and submit him in round 2
Tibau via sub round 2
Fabricio Camoes vs. Melvin Guillard-
Melvin claims that he is a more patient fight but that is something I will have to see before I can believe it. Somewhat lucky for him he is facing a ground specialist that Melvin will be able to pick apart of the feet. That could be a good thing for Melvin or not depending on how aggressive he is in closing in for the kill. Melvin has had a problem in the past rushing in and gutting caught in a submission. So the key to this fight is all Melvin, it is his fight to win or lose. I think he will KO Camoes in round 1.
Guillard via KO round 1
Riki Fukuda vs. Constantinos Philippou-
Philippou should be able to keep this fight standing where he will use his far superior boxing skills to out point Fukuda. I think he might be able to get the KO but Fukuda has shown to be tough so I think it will go the distance.
Philippou via Decision
John Alessio vs. Shane Roller-
I don't know what has been going on with Roller lately but he hasn't been the same type of fighter he was in the WEC. Knowing that this is a must-win fight for him I look for him to bring some of that thunder back and really look to put a stamp on this one to show he belongs. Alessio is a seasoned vet but has many holes in his game that Roller should be able to exploit.
Roller via Sub round 2
PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
Yoislandy Izquierdo vs. Rafaello Oliveira-
I do not see this fight lasting past the 1st round, Izquierdo will come out hungry and look to finish Oliveira early. Unfortunately for Oliveira he will not be able to handle the early onslaught. He will find him knocked out of this fight and the UFC by the time the first round's bell rings.
Izquierdo Via KO round 1
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