UFC 118 Edgar vs. Penn 2
Saturday, August 28th at 7 p.m on PPV
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Main Card:
Frankie Edgar vs. B.J Penn (Lightweight Title Bout)
Mike Bohn: B.J Penn has made it clear he is hungry to avenge his first loss at lightweight since 2002, as he rematches Frankie Edgar for the lightweight title on Saturday night. I anticipate Edgar to employ a similar strategy with lots of movement around the cage mixed with takedown attempts. Penn is going to come out very aggressive and may even attempt some takedowns of his own to work for a submission. This will be another close fight and I do not believe Penn will be able to catch or outlast Edgar this time around. Frankie Edgar via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: A motivated BJ Penn is a scary BJ Penn. He knows Frankie’s cardio is one of the best, so he’s going to have to finish it if he wants to win. Look for him to come out angry. BJ Penn via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: This is going to be a great rematch, although many people still favour BJ I think that Frankie will show in this fight that he is in the top 10 p4p in the world, that being said BJ is a favourite of mine and I think that he will eventually catch Frankie and end the fight in devastating fashion. BJ Penn via TKO (strikes) RD 4
Jon Gerow: On Saturday night we will see a motivated BJ walk into the cage and bring the fight to Frankie, to secure the win I believe BJ will have to mix up his game plan with some takedowns to keep Frankie guessing ala GSP. Frankie will be incredibly hard to finish, but I can`t see BJ letting this one go to the judges’ score cards again. Expect BJ to finish Frankie before the championship rounds because that is where Frankie becomes most dangerous. BJ Penn via RNC R3
Paul Curtis: What this fight comes down to in my eyes is who wants it more, and when looking at the big picture, a loss in this fight by BJ is far worse than a loss on Edgars side. Look for BJ to show more heart, determination and even desperation at times. I see BJ being more active on the feet and showing a better overall game and taking it to the mat on multiple occasions. Look for BJ to expose Frankie’s ground game. BJ Penn via Submission R4
Patrick Weafer: Foreign correspondent Patrick Weafer checking in from Juneau, Alaska. Anyone who saw the UFC 112 bout between then lightweight champ BJ Penn and top contender Frankie Edgar could see that something was wrong with the greatest lightweight champ in the history of the sport. He was even taken down, something that hadn’t been done at lightweight in years. This fight comes down to Frankie only having one route to victory, and although he was able to fight the perfect fight last time around I do not believe BJ will let it happen again; he simply has too many ways to finish this fight. BJ Penn via TKO R3
Randy Couture vs. James Toney (Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Simply put....clinch, takedown, side control, arm triangle. Randy Couture via Submission R1
Erik Jackson: “I am not gay. I’m not going out like that. Nobody is going to lay on top of me and just pound me like I’m a sissy.” -James Toney. Lights Out via KO R1
Travis Crowe: I truly hope that James gets manged this fight, looking for Randy to take him to the cage and throw some bombs, hoping to see Toney keep trying to knock Randy out for 3 rounds but never successfully then Randy breaking James spirit by landing some knees to his gut. Randy Couture via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: The first minute is going to be a nail bitter folks. Toney`s only chance of victory is realistically to catch Randy before he takes it to the ground, you can’t count Toney out because on the feet he has the skills to dismantle Randy with ease. I would love to see Toney win this fight just because he has talked so much trash, but I can`t see him making it out of the first round without getting submitted. Randy Couture via Submission (Arm Bar) R1
Paul Curtis: As much as my heart wants to see James KO Randy, my mind tells me differently. Under a year of training is most likely not enough for anyone, but that’s why we watch the sport, because anything is possible on any given night. Look for Randy to push Toney up against the cage and take him down early. This fight comes down to Randy having far more ways to win then Toney. I see Couture being able to submit James late in the 1st or in the early 2nd, but just so I can say I called it if the unthinkable actually does happen....Toney via KO R1Patrick Weafer: If I’m being realistic then I’d take the safe route and say Couture by utter domination and R1 submission, but James Toney has shot like a rocket up the list of my favourite fighters (even without having a MMA bout under his belt). Randy isn’t getting any younger, and has never really had a super explosive double leg, relying on Greco-roman takedowns that depend on controlling the upper body of your opponent. Toney has been referred to as a “savant” when it comes to the sweet science, and I’m hoping this seemingly unnatural ability and knowledge in pugilism is conducive to him learning the basics of MMA enough to set up his hands against Captain America. James Toney via LIGHTS OUT R1
Damian Maia vs. Mario Miranda (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Most are choosing Maia to win this fight and I will not pick any differently, he showed tremendous heart in defeat against Anderson Silva at UFC 112. Maia will keep the fight standing up early on but will eventually win the fight with his bread and butter. Damian Maia via Submission (RNC) R2
Erik Jackson: I think Mario is out of his league in this one. He looked impressive in his last fight at UFC 115 but that was against a washed up David Loiseau. Look for Demian to show off his improved striking abilities. Demian Maia via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Coming off the destruction of ‘the crow’, UFC 115 homie Miranda is going to have a very difficult time against Maia, look for Maia to finish either standing or taking it to the ground and out classing the up and comer. Damian Maia via Submission R1
Jon Gerow: Demian has looked impressive since his loss to Nate Marquardt at UFC 102. Demian is improving his stand up with every fight and says he is not scared to keep it standing with Miranda. Miranda will NOT out grapple Demian Maia like he did to David Louseau. Look for Demian to get his first TKO in his UFC career. Demian Maia via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: This fight could go either way, but I see Maia executing a better game plan and ending the fight early by submission. Damian Maia via Submission R1Patrick Weafer: “Where’s your jiu-jitsu now, playboy?!” – Anderson Silva. I expect Maia to answer this question with a resounding victory over up and comer Mario Miranda. Maia via submission R2
Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This is a tough test for both fighters, the wrestling ability of Gray Maynard is a handful for any fighter and Kenny Florian has been one of the best lightweights in the world for years. The technical striking skill of Florian is leaps and bounds above anything Maynard has shown thus far in his career. I anticipate Florian to use his movement and improved boxing to pick apart Gray, get a takedown of his own, and finish with a submission on the ground. The winner of this fight gets a title shot against the winner of Penn/Edgar and I expect Florian to rise to the occasion and win this fight in his hometown. Kenny Florian via Submission (RNC) R3
Erik Jackson: Ken Flo always impresses, except when the title is on the line. This should be no different as I expect him to come in and execute another great game plan. He will be looking to finish which should make this an exciting fight.Ken Flo via Submission (RNC) R3
Travis Crowe: Both men have a lot on the line here; with the chance to win a shot at the belt this will be a guaranteed war, Ken Flo will lose the first round as the bully will ultimately take down Florian and inflict some ground and pound however round 2 Kenny will catch Gray and eventually submit him with the typical Ken Flo RNC. Ken Flo via Submission R2
Jon Gerow: Since Kenny’s loss to BJ Penn and change of camps to the tri star gym with GSP he has looked like an unstoppable force. Gray is a big strong wrestler for 155 with solid boxing but, Kenny proved in the Clay Guida fight that wrestlers are no problem for him anymore. Look for Kenny to pick gray apart the whole fight with his Muay Thai to win a unanimous decision. Kenny Florian via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Florian has looked like a new man almost since the BJ fight, finishing both Clay Guida and Takanori Gomi in pretty lopsided fights. For Gray this is by far his toughest test, and he’ll look to take the fight to the ground and put Kenny on his back. I see Kenny being able to defend the takedowns and picking Gray apart on the feet. Kenny Florian via Unanimous Decision.Patrick Weafer: Florian has looked outstanding in his last two fights, there’s no other way to put it. He is, in my mind, the second best lightweight in the world. His boxing looked spectacular against the Fireball Kid, and I expect it will look even better in this fight. Florian will use his jab to keep the distance against the wrestler, and even if it comes to a wrestling match I expect Florian to hold his own due to his training with GSP at Tri-Star. As good as his striking may be, expect this fight to hit the floor sometime within the 3 rounds. Kenny Florian via RNC R3
Nate Diaz vs. Marcus Davis (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This fight should be a back and forth battle as I believe both men will try to stand and trade, Marcus Davis has the better boxing of the two, but has had troubles with taller fighters in the past. I believe Diaz will get into some trouble striking early on but the fight will hit the ground and Diaz will be more skilled there. I don’t believe Davis will get submitted but he will get controlled on the ground and lose a decision. Nate Diaz via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Being from the 209 I know how tough Nate is. Marcus Davis will not win this fight, my homie Nate will handle him. Nate’s reach and ability to keep the distance will play a big role. After picking him apart, I think Nate will secure a choke for the win. Nate Diaz via Submission (Guillotine)R2
Travis Crowe: No question Nate is winning this one, Marcus is going to have a bloody face and no soul left, look for Diaz to throw some vicious lefts and then secure a triangle choke later in the round. Nate Diaz via Submission R2
Jon Gerow: My guess for fight of the night is here, Marcus will hold the advantages in strength and boxing, Diaz is going to have to use his reach and maybe even look to take this one to the ground for a submission. Nate usually has slow starts but I expect him to edge out Davis on the judges’ score cards. This one is going to be close. Nate Diaz via Split Decision
Paul Curtis: While Davis comes from a boxing background, I still think with Diaz’s longer reach he won’t fair too well in the stand-up. Look for Diaz to push the pace forcing Davis to make a mistake. Nate Diaz via (T)KO R2Patrick Weafer: Agree with my colleague Jon Gerow on this one, this is an early frontrunner for FOTN. Nate Diaz looked good in his bout with Gray Maynard, some say he even looked good enough to take the decision. Marcus Davis with have the better technical striking of the two, but the Diaz pitter-patter style of boxing has frustrated opponents in the past. Eventually this fight will hit the ground and there is where Diaz will shine and control Davis to a unanimous decision. Diaz via UD
Spike TV Prelims:
Joe Lauzon vs. Gabe Ruediger (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This is the first fight for Joe Lauzon in 8 months and only his second since February of 2009...will the inactivity hurt him? Gabe Ruediger will look to make waves with a win in his return to the UFC as he takes this fight on short notice. This is a fairly even fight between the two Ultimate Fighter 5 teammates but I believe the wrestling ability of Lauzon will be the difference maker. Joe Lauzon via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Gabe is making his return to the UFC and is on a solid win streak but I think that with the crowd being behind Joe as the hometown favorite he should be able to get the win. Joe Lauzon via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: This will be a technical fight as both fighters are equally superior at finishing fights via submission; look for potential rnc from Gabe or a vicious arm bar from J-Lau. Joe Lauzon via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Gabe has talked some good trash about Joe saying he`s never beat anyone significant, but Gabe hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2006. Look for a motivated Joe to send Gabe a message and his walking papers on Saturday Night. Joe Lauzon via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Ruediger will get it to the ground early and take the upset victory. Gabe Ruediger via Submission R1Patrick Weafer: Which is more detrimental to a fighter, taking a bout on short notice or ring rust? I guess we’ll find out on Saturday night. Since I follow J-Lau on twitter he has to be a better fighter. I don’t have high expectations for this fight, and expect this one to be somewhat of a snoozer even with Gabe’s attempts at trash talking (note to Gabe: when Lights Out is fighting on the same card as you any trash talking looks weak in comparison). J-Lau via UD
Andre Winner vs. Nik Lentz (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Meh. Nik Lentz via TKO R2
Erik Jackson: Look for Nik’s experience to play a factor as he grinds out the decision. Nik Lentz via Split Decision
Travis Crowe: Both men looking to put together a winning streak and get themselves in the upper tier of fighters, look for Lentz with a submission and Andre to be prepared for a gruelling 3 round war, hopefully not a draw... Andre Winner via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Lentz is a NCAA division 1 wrestler who trains with Brock Lesnar and Sean Sherk. Expect Lentz to continuously take Winner to the ground. Since the Brits are known for their lack of wrestling I’m sure Lentz is prepared to expose that. Nik Lentz via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: After Winner's stint on the Ultimate fighter he's become one of my favourite fighters, with a deathly knock out over Rolando Delgado and a decision over Rafaello Oliveira, look for Winner to take this over a wrestler in Nik Lentz. Andre Winner via KO R2Patrick Weafer: Since I’m up north this week and have very limited access to the Internet for research I’ll go with the wrestler over the Brit. Lentz via UD
No comments:
Post a Comment