UFC 120: Bisping vs. Akiyama
Saturday, October 16th at 5 p.m on Spike TV (Tape Delay)
O2 Arena in London, England
Main Card:
Michael Bisping vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Michael Bisping is near the top of my hated list, and deservingly so. I hope he gets Hendo’d badly and his weak chin fails him. I hope Akiyama can finish what Denis Kang couldn’t and put Bisping out cold. Unfortunately I think Akiyama’s history of poor game planning and over aggression is going to fail him again in this fight. Bisping will circle and try to box his way to a decision victory and I don’t know if Akiyama will be able to stop him. I can see myself being very rattled at the end of this fight and as much as it pains me to say.....Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: As much as I would love to see Michael Bisping lose in devastating fashion I don’t see it happening. Although they’ve been entertaining, Akiyama’s two fights in the UFC have not impressed me. As much as I dislike Michael Bisping I think he will be able to take this one. Michael Bisping via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: Look for an early storm from Akiyama, but Bisping will fight through it and will ultimately come away with a huge TKO victory putting him once again in title contention. Simply put, Bisping > Leben > Akiyama therefore Bisping > Akiyama. Michael Bisping via TKO R3
Jon Gerow: The longer this fight goes, the worse it is for Akiyama. Look for Bisping to slightly edge Akiyama out on the feet especially in the later rounds. I expect this one to go the distance unless Akiyama lands a Denis Kang type punch to Bisping’s jaw. Michael Bisping via Split Decision
Paul Curtis: After a tough loss to Chris Leben, hopefully Akiyama will have motivation to bounce back and climb his way back up the latter, while attempting to put on another great fight for the fans. I do think Bispings stand up is far more technical, and he also has a very good and underrated ground game. He will be able to avoid Akiyama's overly telegraphed bombs, and pick him apart in the process. Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: After Akiyama’s war with Chris Leben I have doubts that there are many in the middleweight division who could knock out Sexyama, especially someone with as little power has Michael Bisping. Akiyama’s sole career (T)KO loss is to Jerome LeBanner and there is no one in the division who packs as much power as that behemoth of a man. I think Akiyama possesses the power to potentially put out Michael Bisping, although his gas tank could lead to problems later in the fight. Yoshihiro Akiyama via Unanimous Decision
Dan Hardy vs. Carlos Condit (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Could be fight of the night here, both guys with a lot to prove. Hardy looks to rebound from the first loss of his UFC career and Condit looks to keep his momentum going by winning his 3rd straight inside the octagon. Neither man has been knocked out in their careers, I don’t see Saturday night being a first for either. I believe Condit is the more well rounded fighter here and I think he will be able to avoid a Dan Hardy counter-punch for 15 minutes and work his way to a victory. Carlos Condit via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: I don’t think Condit has what it takes to win against Dan Hardy. Look for Hardy to come out determined as he looks to work his way back up to a title shot and a possible rematch against GSP. Dan Hardy via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: This will be Hardy’s first fight after getting humiliated by GSP, it will be interesting to see if he himself has any humility or if he is going to be the aggressor. Condit is coming off of a subpar performance in which BC kid Rory MacDonald almost beat him, regardless I think Condit will put on a much better show and pull out the victory. Carlos Condit via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: I am not fully convinced with Carlos because of his tendency to have a slow start in the octagon. Look for Hardy to take advantage of his hometown crowd and catch Carlos in the second round with a hook and finish him on the ground with a TKO victory. Dan Hardy via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Very well could win FOTN. Both fighters have been involved in some great fights in the past, and both can brawl. I think if Hardy can avoid getting put on his back he most likely has the more powerful standup, and I believe he'd win the exchanges on his feet. But Condit does train with Greg Jackson, and being involved in that camp, I'd assume part of his game plan will be to take Hardy down, similar to how GSP did. I think Hardy will be the hungrier fighter here, and I feel as though he will be ready to defend the takedowns. Dan Hardy via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: Two strikers who have never been (T)KO’d in their careers, this should be a barn burner. Many may still be holding on to the last remnants of hype regarding the skill set of Dan Hardy from the UFC after propelling him to top contender status last March. Although his submission defence looked good in his title fight and he showcased his warrior spirit there was little else one could take away as a positive. That being said, Carlos Condit was being handled easily by Canadian prospect Rory Macdonald before Rory’s inexperience was showcased as he fell victim to a late third round TKO and I expect Dan Hardy to follow in Rory’s footsteps but the difference being that his experience will allow him to last until the end of the fight. Dan Hardy via Unanimous Decision
John Hathaway vs. Mike Pyle (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Pyle looks to win 2 straight in the UFC for the first time since joining the company in early 2009. He faces a daunting task in undefeated fighter John Hathaway; the Brit will likely have the edge everywhere in this fight except maybe for the submission game. I anticipate Hathaway to use his sprawl to keep this fight on the feet and outpoint Pyle en route to his 5th UFC win. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Mike Pyle is one of a number of 115 homies on this card, and is always looking to finish fights. Then there is John Hathaway, who has fought his way to 3 straight decisions. Hathaway however has been the one looking most impressive and I expect this prospect to win Saturday night. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: This is plain and simple; Pyle’s only chance to win is with a submission, except he is going to fail because John has superior wrestling. Not to mention Hathaway is sick however it is going to be a gruelling 3 rounds to watch. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Experience building fight, Hathaway easy. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: John Hathaway has quickly labelled himself as one of the rising stars in the UFC's welterweight division. He looked unbelievable against Diego Sanchez, and still hasn't faced defeat in his MMA career. Look for him to control the fight wherever it goes. John Hathaway via TKO R1
Patrick Weafer: Hathaway should run away with this one, as the UFC needs him to be the next British star on the MMA scene. After an impressive performance against Diego Sanchez, I would have liked to see Hathaway against his original opponent Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 120, but this fight will have to do. Barring a flurry TKO I doubt Hathaway has the power to put him away, so expect an exciting 3 round decision win for the Brit. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Cheick Kongo vs. Travis Browne (Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I have never been overly impressed by Cheick Kongo....Mirko Cro Cop is the only fighter still remaining in the UFC that Kongo has a win over, the rest of the men he has defeated went a combined 7-22 inside the octagon. Not impressive in my opinion. Travis Browne is the bigger, younger, and more athletic fighter who is on the way up. Kongo has asserted his role as the gatekeeper at heavyweight and at 35 years old he may only have a handful of fights left. This is a big fight for both men as Browne will try to make a name for himself at Kongo’s expense, and Cheick will attempt to make one final climb up the heavyweight latter. Travis Browne via TKO R2
Erik Jackson: Cheick Kongo is a homie who has had a couple questionable fights in recent memory. For Travis, this is too much too soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cheick takes him down. Cheick Kongo via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: Considering Kongo has only lost to notable fighters in the past 2 years I don’t expect anything to change. Although Browne has heavy hands, he presents minimal threat to Cheick on the ground, which is evidently his weak point. I expect this fight to be a brawl, which could easily see Browne winning with a vicious KO however I have to support Cheick. Cheick Kongo via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: Travis Browne has no chance what so ever. Cheick will tag him early on the feet, take him down, and finish him via ground n pound. Cheick Kongo via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: This could be the upset of the card if there is one. Browne may get underestimated by Kongo, and is dangerous on his feet. Although he hasn't really faced someone like Super Cheick Kongo before, the step up may be good for him. I actually like Browne to win this fight. Travis Browne via TKO R2
Patrick Weafer: Two heavyweight strikers battling it out in this one; while neither of these men are likely to reach a title shot in their respective careers, Kongo has thus far been a more battle proven warrior. Amassing an 8-4 record in the UFC, Kongo has shown he is a mid-level fighter who will put on a show, as I believe he will do here with undefeated heavyweight Travis Browne. I expect Kongo to get the better of Browne here and hand him his first professional loss. Cheick Kongo via TKO R2
James Wilks vs. Claude Patrick (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I will never cheer for Wilks, he made me lose 5 dollars to Jon when he beat DeMarcus Johnson. While I won that 5 back in a humiliating loss to Matt Brown, I feel that Wilks is one of the less impressive Ultimate Fighter winners and ruggish Canadian and 115 homie Claude should be able to dominant 115 unhomie Wilks everywhere and finish this fight in aggressive fashion. Claude Patrick via Submission R2
Erik Jackson: Two UFC 115 homies in this one. Claude looked very impressive in his UFC debut over Ricardo Funch and I expect him to keep on his winning ways. Look for Claude to take down Wilks and working for the submission. Claude Patrick via RNC R2
Travis Crowe: UFC 115 homies clash in what should be a dynamic fight. It will be interesting to see if the BJJ cancels out and this fight turns into a lay and pray. I am hoping to see Claude sink in a signature guillotine choke however I think that it will be a vicious right that ends Wilks’ night. The Prince via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: This one will go the distance and it will be close, I’ll have to go with my fellow Canuck and UFC 115 homie Claude, sorry Wilks. Claude Patrick via Split Decision
Paul Curtis: James Wilks has continued to improve since winning TUF a few seasons back, even with his loss to Matt Brown last November. He beat Peter Sobotta via decision at UFC 115 in Vancouver, and looked better than we've ever seen him. However, Claude Patrick is Canadian and half his victories have been won via Guillotine, and I could see Wilks getting slower and more susceptible to a submission the longer the fight goes on. Claude Patrick via Submission R2
Patrick Weafer: While Claude Patrick may have a slightly weaker strength of schedule compared to his opponent James Wilks I believe he has the skills to take this one to the ground and finish it there. Claude Patrick via Submission R2
Saturday, October 16th at 5 p.m on Spike TV (Tape Delay)
O2 Arena in London, England
Main Card:
Michael Bisping vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Michael Bisping is near the top of my hated list, and deservingly so. I hope he gets Hendo’d badly and his weak chin fails him. I hope Akiyama can finish what Denis Kang couldn’t and put Bisping out cold. Unfortunately I think Akiyama’s history of poor game planning and over aggression is going to fail him again in this fight. Bisping will circle and try to box his way to a decision victory and I don’t know if Akiyama will be able to stop him. I can see myself being very rattled at the end of this fight and as much as it pains me to say.....Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: As much as I would love to see Michael Bisping lose in devastating fashion I don’t see it happening. Although they’ve been entertaining, Akiyama’s two fights in the UFC have not impressed me. As much as I dislike Michael Bisping I think he will be able to take this one. Michael Bisping via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: Look for an early storm from Akiyama, but Bisping will fight through it and will ultimately come away with a huge TKO victory putting him once again in title contention. Simply put, Bisping > Leben > Akiyama therefore Bisping > Akiyama. Michael Bisping via TKO R3
Jon Gerow: The longer this fight goes, the worse it is for Akiyama. Look for Bisping to slightly edge Akiyama out on the feet especially in the later rounds. I expect this one to go the distance unless Akiyama lands a Denis Kang type punch to Bisping’s jaw. Michael Bisping via Split Decision
Paul Curtis: After a tough loss to Chris Leben, hopefully Akiyama will have motivation to bounce back and climb his way back up the latter, while attempting to put on another great fight for the fans. I do think Bispings stand up is far more technical, and he also has a very good and underrated ground game. He will be able to avoid Akiyama's overly telegraphed bombs, and pick him apart in the process. Michael Bisping via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: After Akiyama’s war with Chris Leben I have doubts that there are many in the middleweight division who could knock out Sexyama, especially someone with as little power has Michael Bisping. Akiyama’s sole career (T)KO loss is to Jerome LeBanner and there is no one in the division who packs as much power as that behemoth of a man. I think Akiyama possesses the power to potentially put out Michael Bisping, although his gas tank could lead to problems later in the fight. Yoshihiro Akiyama via Unanimous Decision
Dan Hardy vs. Carlos Condit (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Could be fight of the night here, both guys with a lot to prove. Hardy looks to rebound from the first loss of his UFC career and Condit looks to keep his momentum going by winning his 3rd straight inside the octagon. Neither man has been knocked out in their careers, I don’t see Saturday night being a first for either. I believe Condit is the more well rounded fighter here and I think he will be able to avoid a Dan Hardy counter-punch for 15 minutes and work his way to a victory. Carlos Condit via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: I don’t think Condit has what it takes to win against Dan Hardy. Look for Hardy to come out determined as he looks to work his way back up to a title shot and a possible rematch against GSP. Dan Hardy via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: This will be Hardy’s first fight after getting humiliated by GSP, it will be interesting to see if he himself has any humility or if he is going to be the aggressor. Condit is coming off of a subpar performance in which BC kid Rory MacDonald almost beat him, regardless I think Condit will put on a much better show and pull out the victory. Carlos Condit via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: I am not fully convinced with Carlos because of his tendency to have a slow start in the octagon. Look for Hardy to take advantage of his hometown crowd and catch Carlos in the second round with a hook and finish him on the ground with a TKO victory. Dan Hardy via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Very well could win FOTN. Both fighters have been involved in some great fights in the past, and both can brawl. I think if Hardy can avoid getting put on his back he most likely has the more powerful standup, and I believe he'd win the exchanges on his feet. But Condit does train with Greg Jackson, and being involved in that camp, I'd assume part of his game plan will be to take Hardy down, similar to how GSP did. I think Hardy will be the hungrier fighter here, and I feel as though he will be ready to defend the takedowns. Dan Hardy via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: Two strikers who have never been (T)KO’d in their careers, this should be a barn burner. Many may still be holding on to the last remnants of hype regarding the skill set of Dan Hardy from the UFC after propelling him to top contender status last March. Although his submission defence looked good in his title fight and he showcased his warrior spirit there was little else one could take away as a positive. That being said, Carlos Condit was being handled easily by Canadian prospect Rory Macdonald before Rory’s inexperience was showcased as he fell victim to a late third round TKO and I expect Dan Hardy to follow in Rory’s footsteps but the difference being that his experience will allow him to last until the end of the fight. Dan Hardy via Unanimous Decision
John Hathaway vs. Mike Pyle (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Pyle looks to win 2 straight in the UFC for the first time since joining the company in early 2009. He faces a daunting task in undefeated fighter John Hathaway; the Brit will likely have the edge everywhere in this fight except maybe for the submission game. I anticipate Hathaway to use his sprawl to keep this fight on the feet and outpoint Pyle en route to his 5th UFC win. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Mike Pyle is one of a number of 115 homies on this card, and is always looking to finish fights. Then there is John Hathaway, who has fought his way to 3 straight decisions. Hathaway however has been the one looking most impressive and I expect this prospect to win Saturday night. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: This is plain and simple; Pyle’s only chance to win is with a submission, except he is going to fail because John has superior wrestling. Not to mention Hathaway is sick however it is going to be a gruelling 3 rounds to watch. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Experience building fight, Hathaway easy. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: John Hathaway has quickly labelled himself as one of the rising stars in the UFC's welterweight division. He looked unbelievable against Diego Sanchez, and still hasn't faced defeat in his MMA career. Look for him to control the fight wherever it goes. John Hathaway via TKO R1
Patrick Weafer: Hathaway should run away with this one, as the UFC needs him to be the next British star on the MMA scene. After an impressive performance against Diego Sanchez, I would have liked to see Hathaway against his original opponent Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 120, but this fight will have to do. Barring a flurry TKO I doubt Hathaway has the power to put him away, so expect an exciting 3 round decision win for the Brit. John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Cheick Kongo vs. Travis Browne (Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I have never been overly impressed by Cheick Kongo....Mirko Cro Cop is the only fighter still remaining in the UFC that Kongo has a win over, the rest of the men he has defeated went a combined 7-22 inside the octagon. Not impressive in my opinion. Travis Browne is the bigger, younger, and more athletic fighter who is on the way up. Kongo has asserted his role as the gatekeeper at heavyweight and at 35 years old he may only have a handful of fights left. This is a big fight for both men as Browne will try to make a name for himself at Kongo’s expense, and Cheick will attempt to make one final climb up the heavyweight latter. Travis Browne via TKO R2
Erik Jackson: Cheick Kongo is a homie who has had a couple questionable fights in recent memory. For Travis, this is too much too soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cheick takes him down. Cheick Kongo via TKO R3
Travis Crowe: Considering Kongo has only lost to notable fighters in the past 2 years I don’t expect anything to change. Although Browne has heavy hands, he presents minimal threat to Cheick on the ground, which is evidently his weak point. I expect this fight to be a brawl, which could easily see Browne winning with a vicious KO however I have to support Cheick. Cheick Kongo via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: Travis Browne has no chance what so ever. Cheick will tag him early on the feet, take him down, and finish him via ground n pound. Cheick Kongo via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: This could be the upset of the card if there is one. Browne may get underestimated by Kongo, and is dangerous on his feet. Although he hasn't really faced someone like Super Cheick Kongo before, the step up may be good for him. I actually like Browne to win this fight. Travis Browne via TKO R2
Patrick Weafer: Two heavyweight strikers battling it out in this one; while neither of these men are likely to reach a title shot in their respective careers, Kongo has thus far been a more battle proven warrior. Amassing an 8-4 record in the UFC, Kongo has shown he is a mid-level fighter who will put on a show, as I believe he will do here with undefeated heavyweight Travis Browne. I expect Kongo to get the better of Browne here and hand him his first professional loss. Cheick Kongo via TKO R2
James Wilks vs. Claude Patrick (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I will never cheer for Wilks, he made me lose 5 dollars to Jon when he beat DeMarcus Johnson. While I won that 5 back in a humiliating loss to Matt Brown, I feel that Wilks is one of the less impressive Ultimate Fighter winners and ruggish Canadian and 115 homie Claude should be able to dominant 115 unhomie Wilks everywhere and finish this fight in aggressive fashion. Claude Patrick via Submission R2
Erik Jackson: Two UFC 115 homies in this one. Claude looked very impressive in his UFC debut over Ricardo Funch and I expect him to keep on his winning ways. Look for Claude to take down Wilks and working for the submission. Claude Patrick via RNC R2
Travis Crowe: UFC 115 homies clash in what should be a dynamic fight. It will be interesting to see if the BJJ cancels out and this fight turns into a lay and pray. I am hoping to see Claude sink in a signature guillotine choke however I think that it will be a vicious right that ends Wilks’ night. The Prince via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: This one will go the distance and it will be close, I’ll have to go with my fellow Canuck and UFC 115 homie Claude, sorry Wilks. Claude Patrick via Split Decision
Paul Curtis: James Wilks has continued to improve since winning TUF a few seasons back, even with his loss to Matt Brown last November. He beat Peter Sobotta via decision at UFC 115 in Vancouver, and looked better than we've ever seen him. However, Claude Patrick is Canadian and half his victories have been won via Guillotine, and I could see Wilks getting slower and more susceptible to a submission the longer the fight goes on. Claude Patrick via Submission R2
Patrick Weafer: While Claude Patrick may have a slightly weaker strength of schedule compared to his opponent James Wilks I believe he has the skills to take this one to the ground and finish it there. Claude Patrick via Submission R2
claude patrick via 2nd round submission fur sureeee
ReplyDeletepatrick weafer predictions are sub par
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