Yoshihira Akiyama v. Alan Belcher BBallCoach - Alan Belcher takes on newcomer to the UFC Akiyama. Akiyama is a judo expert and has made a name for himself over in Japan and has a reputation for being a bad boy. Belcher beat Denis Kang in his last fight which was considered an upset and Im banking on the fact that he is still improving and I think he will get by Akiyama by decision.
Result: Belcher by Decision
Bestever - Asian Games Judo Gold Medalist Akiyama has a 12-1 MMA record. I believe Judo to be both beautiful and effective inside the octagon. Belcher last fought Denis Kang as mentioned above and fought via submission. Akiyama has a first round K1 knockout over Kang. I see him getting a submission possibly an armbar here.
Result: Akiyama by Submission (Rd 2)
Jon Fitch v. Paulo Thiago BBC: Thiago stunned Fitchs teammate Josh Koscheck in his last fight which was his debut in the UFC. Fitch will ground and pound Thiago to gain revenge for his teammate. Fitch TKO in round 1
BE: I see this going much the same way as Thiago looked sluggish and lacking in standup until he caught J KOS. Look for Fitch to use his superior takedowns to control the action. Fitch by Decision
Dan Henderson v. Michael Bisping
The coaches from the last season of the Ultimate Fighter square off with the winner becoming the #1 contender in the middleweight division. Henderson is a world class wrestler and comes off a close decision victory over Rich Franklin. He had a deadly overhand right that could put anybody to sleep. Bisping may be the more complete fighter at this time. Since dropping down to 185 he has looked unbeatable but hasnt faced the level of competiton as Henderson. Henderson will come in a gameplan to stifle the Brit. Henderson by decision
BE: I have nothing to add, except for the fact that I believe that overhand right will end it sooner than expected in Henderson favor. Hendo by TKO (RD 2)
Georges St. Pierre v. Thiago Alves BBC: GSP is one of the most well rounded fighters in the world however Alves is stronger than GSP. GSP is coming off of the most impressive victory of his career by dominating BJ Penn. Alves has not fought in nearly a year and he didnt make weight fighting Matt Hughes. He is a monster striker but not sure his ground game is up to par with St. Pierre. GSP by submission in round 4.
BE; I swear we were not in the same room when these picks were made! I see GSP as being the more well rounded of the two and see him grinding out a submission here. Interesting sidenotes being whether or not the stronger Alves can get GSP on his back for an prolonged period of time as great wrestlers like Fitch and Koscheck have failed to do. Hope the weight cut goes better for Thiago this time. GSP Sub RD 4
Brock Lesnar v. Frank Mir BBC: The last time these two met was Lesnars first fight in the UFC and only his 2nd MMA Fight. Lesnar has grown leaps and bounds since their last meeting and has beat seasoned veterans Heath Herring and Randy Couture to setup this rematch. Frank Mir became the 1st person to stop Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera in his last fight. Mir known for his excellent ju-jitsu skills has become better on his feet. I personally would love to see Frank Mir get destroyed in this fight and Lesnar is out for revenge. I think Lesnar will win by TKO in round 2.
BE: I wish we could not have a winner in this fight as I hate both guys and their attitudes towards the sport. Lesnar's only plausible gameplans would be to stand with Mir or lay on him for 5 rounds. With Mir's offensive guard and submission abilities he is much much better than either Herring or Couture off his back and he will be there for the majority of the bout. I see Mir pulling off a first round submission again, but either way this fight I am 100% positive will not make it to the Championship 4th and 5th rounds. Mir Sub RD 1
Thanks everyone Post your own picks below!
-- Edited by bestever on Thursday 9th of July 2009 07:14:56 PM
