You see, folks, this is why I don't post a preview until the day of the event. The UFC comes to Pittsburgh for the very first time on Sunday, but 24 hours before it, UFC president Dana White dropped a proverbial bombshell that left most MMA fans speechless : Former Middleweight challenger Nate Marquardt, who was supposed to headline the card versus Rick Story, failed a medical clearance and in doing so, has been dropped from the promotion. Though this puts a huge dent in the card, there is an age old analogy that the "show must go on", with Barry and Kongo being pushed up to main event status.
Though there should be more fallout coming from Marquardt's release in the coming days, there's more to be discussed. Like my picks :
Pat Barry vs Chieck Kongo - This will be a kickboxing heavy contest. Expect Kongo, who's tough as nails but lacks a real ground game, to shoot early and often and expect Barry to have worked on his rather soft grappling skills. Both men's strength is stand up, so it will be a matter of time before one of them falls. I plan on the skills favoring the Frenchman.
The Pick : Kongo by TKO.
Matt Mitrione vs. Christian Morecraft - Heavyweight prospect and noted "Kimbo Slayer" Matt Mitirone fights on the first fight of the main card, taking on 7-1 Christian Morecraft, who's known for taking out Sean McCorkle. Expect Mitrione to show his ever improving stand up skills, avoiding takedowns, and cruising to a victory.
The Pick : Mitrione by decision.
I'm only picking 2 fights on this card. With Story having to move on to face Charlie Brennerman due to Marquardt's release, it will be interesting to see how he does regardless.
Tune in tonight at 7 pm for the preliminary fights airing on Facebook, with the main card starting on TV at 9.
Until next time, fight fans.
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