Well, its time for the UFC's second trip down under. This card sold out faster than Kimbo Slice's MMA career, and while i'm still trying to figure out why (well, its not that hard to figure out. They could have sold UFC 127 as a Kangaroo vs a Koala as a main event), The point is that its here and we're going to have a solid night at the fights. Now, onto my picks.
The main event will feature former welterweight and lightweight champ, BJ Penn take on perennial contender at 170, Jon Fitch. While people questioned BJ Penn's desire to continue on in his career (especially after his 2 consecutive losses to Frankie Edgar, the first of which resulted in the loss of his lightweight title), He turned heads with his 19 second KO of Matt Hughes in their 3rd encounter in Detroit as the co-main event of UFC 123 last November. His re-dedication to the craft has resulted in Penn bringing in the aformentioned Hughes to help him combat the positioning wrestling style of Fitch, who hasn't fought since he scored a unanimous decision win over Thiago Alves last August at UFC 117. For those who think Penn will be giving up too much weight to Fitch, Fitch has slimmed down do about 168 at the weigh-ins thanks to a new vegan diet he's been on. Penn has also brought in boxing trainer Freddie Roach to help him with his striking and stand up.
I can't see any chance Fitch will keep this fight standing. His "Lay N Pray" approach to the game heaps more scorn than praise from most fans, and while his run as a perennial contender is always without question, I think BJ will have enough tools in his arsenal to combat Fitch. Expect Penn to be deliberate, maintain composure on the ground after the takedown and look for the opening he needs to armbar Fitch late in round 2.
Michael Bisping vs. Jorge Rivera - I am still scratching my head as to how this got co-main event status (yawn), but that is how the cards go. Bisping is probably a win away from getting his long anticipated title shot, while Rivera has about the most unimpressive 19-7 record in MMA history, as all his losses have come against quality names (Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin and everybody's favourite MMA criminal, Lee Murray to name a few). Rivera's video trash talk, in which he went after Bisping's British heritage amongst other things has certainly gotten under Bisping's skin. Bisping says he's going to shut up Rivera once and for all, but I think the trash talk will make him fall right into Rivera's hand as Rivera will bob and weave, use counter striking and come out victorious in a split decision. Yes folks, I'm going with the upset here.
George Sotiropoulos vs Dennis Siver - Well, well looks like the UFC's main meal ticket in Australia has to be on this card. Real shock there. Anyway, despite all of the talk about Sotiropoulos' pedigree, to his boring style, to his choice of fight attire, nobody can deny the man is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace. He'll need all of that when he takes on the Dangerous German Siver, who's a great striker, but who's skills on the ground are certainly lacking (though he certainly has a few submission wins, including his last time out against Andre Winner). Though I can't see Sotiropoulos losing at home. I'd still love to see Sotiropoulos fight Canadian Marc Bocek (Bocek even called him out, but ultimately will get Ben Henderson in his hometown in Toronto in April).
Sotiropoulos by 3rd round Submission.
Chris Lytle vs Brian Ebersole - I hear Ebersole is making his octagon debut, although he has over 60+ fights everywhere else (he was the opponent for perennial punching bag Stephan Bonnar's debut). Ebersole is also taking this fight on a very short notice. It doesn't bode well for him, as I see Lytle taking this by decision.
Well those are my picks. Questions? Comments? want to get back to me? hit me up at mmarmaggeddon@gmail.com
Tune in next week where I'll have a full Bellator season 4 preview.
Until next time, Fight fans!
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