UFC Fight Night 24 Staff Predictions

UFC Fight Night 24
Saturday, March 26^th at 6 pm on Spike TV
Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, USA

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Phil Davis (Light Heavyweight Bout)

Mike Bohn: Nogueira has struggled against wrestlers in his past two fights and it sure isn’t getting any easier for him in this one. Unless he has made some major adjustments in this training camp I see Davis controlling his way to a decision. Phil Davis via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: This is a great matchup; Phil Davis is an accomplished wrestler who has not really been tested yet in the octagon to date. This is by far his toughest test in Lil’ Nog and should help to determine if Phil is ready to challenge the upper portions of the division. If Phil Davis does not get careless with his submission defense he should be able to control Nogueira en route to a decision victory. Phil Davis via UD

Travis Crowe: Unfortunately for Nog I don’t see this night ending well. We all saw what happened last time he faced a wrestler in a UD loss to Bader. Should we really expect anything different come this Saturday? I foresee Phil imposing his will on the ground, that being said Nogueira is a highly trained black belt in BJJ so you never know what can happen ala Sonnen/Silva. Phil Davis via UD

Jon Gerow: Lil Nog faces another tough wrestler. I don’t like Nog’s chances in this one as his last two fights proved that he has a very tough time with wrestlers. Nog said he’s been training a lot of wrestling for the past year, but how much can that really do to stop a goliath like Phil Davis. Look for a 3 round grappling match with Davis on top. Phil Davis via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Davis is the man. Nog is sick too, but at this point in time "Mr.Wonderful" should be able to take Lil Nog fairly easily. Since everyone is going to pick Davis via UD I might as well pick something different. Phil Davis via TKO R2.

Patrick Weafer: Lil Nog has shown over his last two fights that he is susceptible to strong wrestlers who are able to nullify his highly touted Nogueira jiu-jitsu. Phil Davis is exactly the type of fighter who can give Nog problems, a four-time All-American at Penn State and NCAA champion with a No Gi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship under his belt. I believe Davis is a future star and will maintain his undefeated record in this one. Phil Davis via UD.

Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson (Welterweight Bout)

Mike Bohn: Dan Hardy got dominated by GSP then KTFO’d in his last fight. Anthony Johnson hasn’t fought since getting choked out by Josh Koscheck 16 months ago. Not sure where this puts either guy or how to pick a winner here. Dan Hardy via Submission R2

Erik Jackson: If both fighters keep to their words, this fight will end quickly and violently. I am worried what the long layoff will do to Johnson’s timing, as he has not been inside the cage for well over a year. Dan Hardy via TKO R2

Travis Crowe: Well this fight couldn’t be any sicker. I expect bombs to be thrown with one of those guys going out. Ima have to go with my homie Rumble, coming off the lose to Koscheck I think he will be extremely motivated not to mention a lot bigger then Hardy if these weight cutting issues are true. Anthony Johnson via KO (Headkick) R2

Jon Gerow: Don’t blink. Both fighters hold KO power and love to stand and bang. Hardy is game, but doesn’t hold as lethal finishing ability like Johnson does, as Hardy has only KO’d one opponent in his UFC career, that being former UFC fighter Rory Markham. Johnson’s speed and power will be too much for Hardy in this one. Anthony Johnson via KO R1

Paul Curtis: Hardy got KO'd bad by a worse striker then Anthony. Uh oh. Rumble via KO R1.

Patrick Weafer: If Johnson shows up in shape and with a mended knee he should take this one decisively. Hardy may end up being outclassed on the feet here as Johnson has the power in his strikes that Hardy lacks. Anthony Johnson via TKO R2


Amir Sadollah vs. DeMarques Johnson (Welterweight Bout)

Mike Bohn: Really wish the terrible Wilks didn’t get injured because I wanted to see Sadollah kick his ass. Oh well, the man terrible Wilks beat to win the Ultimate Fighter will due. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: I believe Amir will be too quick for DaMarques to handle and should be able to work his way to a decision. Amir Sadollah via UD

Travis Crowe: Ughh. Amir via boring UD

Jon Gerow: Haha, I’d love to see DaMarques pull this one off, but I foresee Amir being too much for Damarques on the feet with his technical Muay Thai. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: I dunnooo man. Demarques Johnson via KO R1.

Patrick Weafer: Not too excited about this one. Sadollah is better and should take this one after DaMarques stepped up on short notice. Amir Sadollah via UD.

Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung (Featherweight Bout)

Mike Bohn: I don’t even know. Leonard Garcia via Split Decision

Erik Jackson: The chances of this not being a good fight are in the negatives. If their first fight was any indication, there should be fireworks to start the night. I believe Chan Sung Jung should win this fight but knowing Leonard, he will somehow escapes with a weird decision. Leonard Garcia via Split Decision

Travis Crowe: I have a feeling this time someone is going to get finished. Korean Zombie is going to be resurrected!! Chan Sung Jung via devastating TKO R1

Jon Gerow: The rematch! Don’t expect the same fight you saw last time. Apparently, Chan is no longer the “zombie” after suffering a vicious head kick loss to Roop. He must have realized that fighting smart wins fights unless you’re Diego Sanchez of course. I’m not impressed whatsoever with Garcia, especially after the many robberies that went his way. Look for Chan to pick Lenard apart on the feet. Chan Sung Jung via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Probably won't be as sick as the first fight. Leonard Garcia via Split Decision.

Patrick Weafer: Tough one to call as Jung says he is going to adopt a new style after his KO loss and Garcia is…Garcia. Judges love Garcia’s style and that may prove to be the deciding factor in this bout. Jung has been training with team Alpha Male though, and I think that will help him adopt a new more conservative style. Chan Sung Jung via Unanimous Decision.

UFC 128 Staff Predictions

UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones
Saturday, March 19^th at 7 pm on PPV
Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, USA

Mauricio Shogun Rua vs. Jon Jones (Light Heavyweight Title)
Mike Bohn: M-A-U-R-I-C-I-O-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!-!. Mauricio Shogun Rua via KO R1

Erik Jackson: This fight could go any way. I see either jon being able to get the takedowns and finishing the fight on the ground or I see shogun battering Jones’ legs with kicks until they wear down. That said, I’m going to go out on a limb with my prediction. Mauricio Shogun Rua via Barred Knee R3

Travis Crowe: This is one of the toughest calls I think most of us have had to make. Jones is no doubt one of the most talented fighters to step foot in the octagon since I started watching MMA a few years ago. I will not be sad to see Jones win this fight, just upset to see Shogun lose. The key to this fight will be leg kicks. Can Shogun neutralize Jones with vicious leg kicks or will Bones be able to catch him and put Mauricio on his back and enforce the typical Jonny Bones Jones G&P. Regardless of what happens it is easy to say both of these men are and are going to be champions as the sport continues to grow. MAURICIO via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Look for Jones to land an early takedown and try to work for the crucifix in half guard. Although, If Bader can weather the early storm of Jones, so can Shogun. Shogun will use his superior jits to make his way back to his feet, either with a submission attempt or a reversal. Moreover, as soon as Mauricio has the confidence that he can survive on the ground with Jones, he will go back to his routes of aggressive Muay Thai and will finish this fight with a vicious KO. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via KO R2

Paul Curtis: Jon Jones gets his first attempt at the LHW title of the world. I expect his game-plan to be similar to what Rashad wanted to do, and that which others have had success with in the UFC, taking Mauricio down. Mark Coleman, Forrest Griffin and even Machida to a certain extent had success when Maurico was on his back. I think the escape/stand-up technique (I believe it's called the Helicopter?) Shogun used against Machida in the 2 takedowns he landed in round 1 wont be as easy against a big, long limbed guy in Jones. Shogun's standup is obviously miles ahead of Jones, but the question is whether or not he will be able to engage without getting taken down. The easy prediction is picking Shogun to KO Jones, but I'll take the second option which I believe is Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision.

Patrick Weafer: I cannot wait for this fight. Jones is emerging as a real star in the UFC with the help of the marketing team at Zuffa and I think he, like Faber, has the ability to become a crossover star. He has a style that is difficult to replicate, and I’m not sure if Shogun will have been able to adapt to it on short notice after preparing for a fighter like Rashad. Shogun has the power to end the fight whenever he connects but I think Jones will be able to dethrone the champion by the end of the night. Jon Jones via TKO R2.

Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland (Bantamweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: My upset pick. I’m digging Wineland’s steez. Eddie Wineland via KO R1

Erik Jackson: The UFC need Faber to win. This should be a fairly easy fight for him which will help with the integration of the lighter weight classes and should set up a title fight with Dominick Cruz afterwards. Urijah Faber via Guillotine R1

Travis Crowe: Urijah Faber via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Faber has looked very good since dropping to 135, and there is no doubt in my mind he will win this one. Look for Faber to expose Winelands ground game and finish this one via submission. Urijah Faber via Submission (RNC) R2

Paul Curtis: Urijah! Both looking for a shot at Cruz' title. Look for Faber to implement a typical Faber game-plan, using his quick striking and quick wrestling to his advantage. Urijah Faber via Submission R2.

Patrick Weafer: You have to think the UFC is really pulling for Faber in this match up; he’s a potential crossover star with the charisma and image needed to bring MMA further into the mainstream. He’s also undefeated at 135 and has the skills to remain so after this fight. Urijah Faber via Submission R3.

Mirko Cro Cop vs. Brendan Schuab (Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Wah hopefully Cro Cop can pull it out but I’ve pretty much lost all faith. Brendan Schuab via TKO R3

Erik Jackson: This is the last stand for Mirko. If he can weather the early storm from Brendan and sticks around long enough he might might might have a shot. However I see Brendan being too strong and too quick for Mirko to handle. Brendan Schuab via Unanimous Decision

Travis Crowe: Don’t really know what to expect from this fight. I’m thinking that it is most likely going to be a stand up battle but it will be interesting to see if Cro Cop can utilize effective striking to keep Schaub at range or is Schaub’s size will be over powering.  Brendan Schaub via Submission (RNC) R3

Jon Gerow: Cro Cop should hang em up after this one if it goes the way I see it. Brendan Schaub via KO R1

Paul Curtis: Two fighters heading in opposite directions. My homie Schaub should be able to out strike an old, semi-washed up Crocop. I doubt this fight will hit the floor, and one of these guys is getting KO,'d unfortunately for Mirko, it's probably going to be him. Brendan Schaub via KO R1.

Patrick Weafer: As much as I’d love to see Cro Cop return to form here I just don’t think it is going to happen. Brendan Schaub via TKO R2

Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Personally I thought Shalorus lost his last two against Varner and Palaszewski. A loss is coming his way and I think Jim Miller is the man to give it to him. Jim Miller via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Jim has been on quite the tear recently and look for that to remain the same. Kamal will make this interesting by having the quickness but Jim is too experienced for him. Jim Miller via Submission (RNC) R3

Travis Crowe: It would be interesting to see why the UFC didn’t give Miller a tougher opponent, not taking away from Shalorus as he has been in some good fights. I think that Miller will outclass Kamal this entire fight and eventually get him to the ground and submit him with a vicious anaconda choke. Jim Miller via Submission (Anaconda Choke) R2

Jon Gerow: Jim Miller outclasses Kamal on the feet like easy. Kamal should look to take this one to the ground, but he proved in his fight against Jamie Varner that he’s looking to stand and bang. Unfortunately, Kamal will not be able to survive against Miller like he did against Varner. Jim Miller via TKO R2

Paul Curtis: Miller is becoming so "underrated" he's almost "overrated". Miller should win as usual and maybe get a step closer to a title shot..finally. Jim Miller via Submission R1.

Patrick Weafer: Jim Miller is among the elite in the UFC’s LW division while Shalorus is a newcomer who was moving his way up the rankings in the WEC’s LW division. While Shalorus has the wrestling to walk away with a victory here his propensity to stand and bang will leave Miller an opening to exploit his weaknesses. Jim Miller via Submission R2.

Nate Marquardt vs. Dan Miller (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Dan Miller has got guts stepping up for this fight, it’s a shame he won’t win. Nate will get back on track but will look lackluster in victory. Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Props to Dan for stepping up and taking this fight on such short notice, unfortunately I think he his over matched in this one. Nate should be able to pick Dan apart en route to the victory. Nate Marqurdt via Unanimous Decision

Travis Crowe: Obviously a bit of a mis-match, not much to say still stoked to see Nate. Nate Marquardt via TKO (Ground n Pound) R2

Jon Gerow: EX homie Marquardt looking to make his way back on my favorite list should have no problem taking this one to a one sided decision. I’d like to see Nate finish this one on the feet, but Dan is notoriously tough, and Nate has looked to be on the downside of his career as of late. Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Nate facing a late replacement in Dan Miller. Look for Nate to win the fight very easily standing, but Miller is tough and I don't see Nate finishing him. Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision.

Patrick Weafer: Miller has balls of steel for taking this match up on short notice. Then again, the only reason these two are matched up is because Akiyama pulled out. Miller is a lower-tier MW than Marquardt and would typically have been a few big wins away from fighting the perennial contender. Nate Marquardt via TKO

Preliminary Fights After the Jump:

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UFC on Versus 3 Staff Predictions

UFC on Versus 3
Saturday, March 3^rd, 2011
KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky

Diego Sanchez vs. Martin Kampmann (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This should be a great fight. Kampmann is certainly the more technical striker but he lacks knockout power and I think the wrestling/pace/cardio of Sanchez is going to be too much for Martin to handle. I also like Diego since he returned to Greg Jackson’s team. Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Diego “the dream” Sanchez has a new outlook on life it seems. He’s coming off an impressive victory against Paulo Thiago but is running into a tough opponent in Martin Kampmann. Martin Kampmann via Split Decision

Travis Crowe: Everyone knows how good Diego looked in his last fight against Paulo, and that Kampmann essentially lost his fight against Shields because his main asset is striking. I don’t expect anything less than a gritty brawl but ultimately I have to go against 115 homie and pick THE DREAM! Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: My prediction for FOTN here. I expect this one to be a war in both the stand up and on the ground. Sanchez is training with one of the best camps in MMA right now, and has had a change of heart recently as he dropped his infamous "Nightmare" nickname. Diego surprised us all when he man handled Paulo Thiago, and I see him implementing that same game plan on Kampmann this Thursday. Although Kampmann was able to survive against a more superior grappler in Jake Shields, Diego is a different animal, with a style that will frustrate Kampmann over 3 rounds. Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Martin Kampmann via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: This should be an entertaining fight against two fighters on the verge of the elite in the WW division. I’m not sure that I’m a believer in The Dream anymore though, as I think he may have some psychological issues to work out before he returns to peak form. Should be a closely contested fight but I believe Kampmann will walk away with the win. Martin Kampmann via Unanimous Decision.

C.B. Dollaway vs. Mark Munoz (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Can’t stand C.B. Dollaway, I hope Munoz lands a power shot and wrecks him. Mark Munoz via TKO R2

Erik Jackson: Despite having great training partners C.B has never really impressed me, loosing to the likes of Amir Sadollah and Tom Lawler. I think Munoz should be able to take it tomorrow night. Mark Munoz via Unanimous Decision

Travis Crowe: Nothing to it this fight will probably be boring. Don’t know why I had to read an article headline the other day saying can Dolloway become a top 10 Middleweight…he beat Goran and Doerkson…Mark Munoz via Unanimous Decision

Jon Gerow: Munoz no longer impresses me, especially with his lackluster takedowns that he showcased against Okami. I have a hunch that Munoz will look for the takedown over and over again, and eventually CB will catch him with a submission. CB Dollaway via Submission (Guillotine) R1

Paul Curtis: C.B Dollaway via TKO R2

Patrick Weafer: I hate CB Dollaway. I don’t know why, there’s no real reason for it, but I know I want to punch his face. Since I can’t I hope Munoz does; I hope Munoz hits him hard and often. Mark Munoz via Unanimous Decision.

Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Weidman (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Don’t know much about Weidman, except he’s a NCAA wrestling champion and a highly touted prospect. Good enough for me to take him over the 11-fight UFC vet in this one. Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: This is a tough first test for Chris in the UFC against the Veteran Sakara. Although undefeated, I think this is too much too soon. Alessio Sakara via TKO R1

Travis Crowe: Never seen this Weidman guy so it is hard to say how I think he will do. All I know is that Sakara has been out for what seems like a very long time now after numerous injuries. Hopefully he will quickly get rid of the rust and finish this fight in devastating fashion. Alessio Sakara via TKO R3

Jon Gerow: UFC is all about the upsets these days. Weidman decision! Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision

Paul Curtis: Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: I expect Weidman to showcase his skills in this one on the always-game Sakara. This will be the 6th time that Sakara will face a UFC newcomer and is stuck in limbo as a low-tier gatekeeper while Weidman is a top MW prospect making his debut in the organization. I expect Weidman’s NCAA wrestling credentials and power will overwhelm the European and Weidman to TKO Sakara early. Chris Weidman via TKO R1.

Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page (Bantamweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Bowles looks to come back after breaking his hands and losing his bantamweight belt in his fight with Cruz. Damacio Page is a game fighter but the wrestling/power of Bowles will win him this fight. Brian Bowles via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: I don’t see this fight being much different then the first fight between these two. Damacio hasn’t improved enough to win the rematch. Brian Bowles via Submission (Guillotine) R2

Travis Crowe: I think that this fight is Brian Bowles to lose, coming off of his lose to Cruz it will be interesting to see if he can rebound and perhaps return to the former champion that upset Miguel Torres. Brian Bowles via Submission (RNC) R2

Jon Gerow: Brian Bowles via TKO R2

Paul Curtis: Brian Bowles via Submission R1

Patrick Weafer: Bowles is only one fight removed from his reign as WEC Bantamweight champion and has only lost to current champion Dominick Cruz. The fact that Page is coming off of a loss via the same submission that Brian originally caught him with in their first fight leads me to believe Bowles will again walk away with the win in this match up. Brian Bowles via Submission R2.