UFC 122: Marquardt vs. Okami
Saturday, November 13th at 5 p.m on Spike TV (Tape Delay)
Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany
Main Card:
Nate Marquardt vs. Yushin Okami (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I hate when the UFC publicly advertises that the winners of fights will get title shots before they happen, more often in not the fighters are much more tentative and the entertainment value suffers. Regardless, this is a huge fight for both men and the winner will get the title shot he has waited so long for. I give Marquardt the advantage in power on the feet, and Yushin the technical striking advantage. This fight is relatively even in terms of grappling ability but I believe Okami is slightly better. I think this is going to come down to who will let their hands go and score more points because I do not see either being able to finish. I have enough confidence in Okami that he can take 2 of 3 rounds from Nate. Yushin Okami via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: For the last couple weeks I’ve been thinking that Nate is going to win. That is until last night when I had a dream that he was viciously knocked out by Jorge Rivera. This might not be possible as Jorge is fighting in the co-main event but my dreams never lie. Yushin Okami via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Really the only fight that has any significance is going to be an explosive scrap. This is the only fight I can say I hope is not ended prematurely. Hopefully this will be 3 rounds of beating the shit out of each other. I am on the fence on this one as both fighters are so sick, I want Yushin to win but in the end I think Nate will pull through. Nate Marquardt via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: “The Great” holds the striking advantage here. If Okami chooses to stand it will be a short night for him as Nate can end any fight with one punch. Nate has learned from his fight against Sonnen, he will follow his game plan, stuff the takedowns, pick his shots, and finish Okami when the opportunity comes. Every fight starts standing. Nate Marquardt via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: Both are very well rounded fighters who can compete anywhere the fight goes. I see wrestling being a huge aspect, and will be the deciding factor of the fight. Look for Marquardt to win that battle and be very versatile in this fight, mixing things up on the feet while finding spots to land takedowns. Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: This fight is a toss-up in my mind; I believe Nate Marquardt to be the more well-rounded fighter, but Yushin will have superior wrestling. Okami looked particularly impressive in his performance against Lucio Linhares, but Nate is a much higher calibre fighter. I like both of these fighters, but I believe Jonathan Snowden when he says Nate will “do whatever it takes to win”. Nate Marquardt via TKO R3
Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This is my pick for fight of the night and it really is a coin toss. Both these guys have good striking, or according to the UFC’s commercial “world class striking”. Rivera has looked great his last couple of fights, but at 37 years old, age could catch up to him at any time. I am going to go out on a limb and say Rivera outworks Sakara and uses his superior conditioning and grappling to win this fight. Jorge Rivera via TKO R3
Erik Jackson: I like Jorge, he had an impressive knockout vs. Nate in my dream last night. Look for him to keep this going against Sakara on Saturday. Jorge Rivera via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: I expect this fight to be an all out technical brawl consisting of knees head kicks and bows. Both men have compiled impressive winning streaks and unfortunately for Jorge his is coming to a close. Alessio Sakara via TKO R3
Jon Gerow: This one will most definitely not go to the ground as both guys love to stand and bang, Rivera will hold the power advantage, but Sakara has professional boxing under his belt. Look for Sakara to fight a smart technical fight, taking it to the distance. Alessio Sakara via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Doubt this fight will need a scorecard. These two both have a hard time going to decision. I see Sakara being able to control the stand up and capitalize on his opportunities. Alessio Sakara via TKO R2
Patrick Weafer: Should be an exciting stand-up battle between these two lower-tier middleweights. Each of these fighters are riding a 3-fight win streak, and expect the winner of this to take a step up in competition after this one. Jorge Rivera via TKO R1
Dennis Siver vs. Andre Winner (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Two pieces of euro trash. Both have the potential to end this fight standing, but I foresee Siver using his superior grappling to control Winner both in the clinch and on the ground. Dennis Siver via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: In my opinion Andre Winner is vastly overrated. The only thing he has going for him is his so-called power, which even I question. The crowd will be behind Siver in Germany and I assume he will come out strong. Dennis Siver via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Anyone that loses to Nik Lentz doesn’t deserve much. Dennis Siver via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: Pretty even fight here, both guys like to stand and both hold lots of power. Winner has something to prove as he is coming off a disappointing loss to wall n’ stall practitioner Nik Lentz. My heart wants Siver, but my head sees Winner blasting Siver with overhand rights to a TKO victory. Andre Winner via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Dennis is going to get cocky and think he can strike with Andre, and we all know Andre can't be beat in the stand-up! Andre Winner via KO R1!!!!
Patrick Weafer: Dennis Siver is a strong, technical striker that will be at a height disadvantage. Between two strikers this may give the upper hand to Winner, but I think Siver takes this over an entertaining 3 rounds. Dennis Siver via Unanimous Decision
Amir Sadollah vs. Peter Sobotta (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: These guys have a 5 decisions in a combined 7 UFC fights. I believe Amir is the better overall fighter and even though Sobotta fought at 115....he’s not a homie, plus he lost to the terrible Wilks. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: This is a crucial fight for both of these fighters. Peter is likely fighting for his job on Saturday after being winless in his 2 fights in the UFC and Amir is looking to get back on track. I think Amir should be able to work his way to a decision victory and upset the hometown crowd. Amir Sodollah via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Anyone else think this will be Sobotta’s last fight in the UFC? Coming off of 2 straight losses I can’t imagine UFC 115 unhomie to be getting past Amir. However, much like his previous fights he will get to a decision in which he will end up losing by split because Amir can’t finish. Amir Sadollah via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: Sobbota lost to Wilks. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Sobotta is on the verge of being cut, and I think Sadollah is the superior fighter at this point in time and will end his current UFC run. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: Sadollah is probably slightly better than 0-2 Peter Sobotta. Sadollah takes this in a decision and Sobotta gets his walking papers. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Goran Reljic (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Important fight for Goran Reljic as his job with the UFC is likely on the line. Look for 102 homie Krzysztof to put heavy pressure early on and possibly hurt Reljic on the feet; but I believe Goran will survive the early attack and use his striking to outwork Krzysztof and earn a TKO, possibly from top position. Goran Reljic via TKO R2
Erik Jackson: Battle of the hard to spell names. I really hope “The Polish Experiment” can get the huge win here. Either way it should be a good battle to start off the night. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: It will be interesting to see how Goran can fair at a heavier weight class, I expect this to be a technically performed, yet weak fight in which Krzysztof will walk away with a UD. Krzysztof Soszynski via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Krzysztof Soszynski is coming off a tough loss to Stephan Bonner, I expect him to put Reljic away early in this one with his vicious stand up. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: Reljic returns for his first fight at LHW in over 2 years. Look for him to struggle with the move against a bigger Soszynski. Krzysztof Soszynski via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: It will be interesting to see the size difference in the cage between these two as I have doubts that Reljic will have regained the proper mass to compete against the bigger guys in the LHW division after dropping back-to-back decisions at middleweight. Even if he has, he may not be used to the regained weight. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO R3
Saturday, November 13th at 5 p.m on Spike TV (Tape Delay)
Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany
Main Card:
Nate Marquardt vs. Yushin Okami (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I hate when the UFC publicly advertises that the winners of fights will get title shots before they happen, more often in not the fighters are much more tentative and the entertainment value suffers. Regardless, this is a huge fight for both men and the winner will get the title shot he has waited so long for. I give Marquardt the advantage in power on the feet, and Yushin the technical striking advantage. This fight is relatively even in terms of grappling ability but I believe Okami is slightly better. I think this is going to come down to who will let their hands go and score more points because I do not see either being able to finish. I have enough confidence in Okami that he can take 2 of 3 rounds from Nate. Yushin Okami via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: For the last couple weeks I’ve been thinking that Nate is going to win. That is until last night when I had a dream that he was viciously knocked out by Jorge Rivera. This might not be possible as Jorge is fighting in the co-main event but my dreams never lie. Yushin Okami via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Really the only fight that has any significance is going to be an explosive scrap. This is the only fight I can say I hope is not ended prematurely. Hopefully this will be 3 rounds of beating the shit out of each other. I am on the fence on this one as both fighters are so sick, I want Yushin to win but in the end I think Nate will pull through. Nate Marquardt via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: “The Great” holds the striking advantage here. If Okami chooses to stand it will be a short night for him as Nate can end any fight with one punch. Nate has learned from his fight against Sonnen, he will follow his game plan, stuff the takedowns, pick his shots, and finish Okami when the opportunity comes. Every fight starts standing. Nate Marquardt via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: Both are very well rounded fighters who can compete anywhere the fight goes. I see wrestling being a huge aspect, and will be the deciding factor of the fight. Look for Marquardt to win that battle and be very versatile in this fight, mixing things up on the feet while finding spots to land takedowns. Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: This fight is a toss-up in my mind; I believe Nate Marquardt to be the more well-rounded fighter, but Yushin will have superior wrestling. Okami looked particularly impressive in his performance against Lucio Linhares, but Nate is a much higher calibre fighter. I like both of these fighters, but I believe Jonathan Snowden when he says Nate will “do whatever it takes to win”. Nate Marquardt via TKO R3
Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This is my pick for fight of the night and it really is a coin toss. Both these guys have good striking, or according to the UFC’s commercial “world class striking”. Rivera has looked great his last couple of fights, but at 37 years old, age could catch up to him at any time. I am going to go out on a limb and say Rivera outworks Sakara and uses his superior conditioning and grappling to win this fight. Jorge Rivera via TKO R3
Erik Jackson: I like Jorge, he had an impressive knockout vs. Nate in my dream last night. Look for him to keep this going against Sakara on Saturday. Jorge Rivera via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: I expect this fight to be an all out technical brawl consisting of knees head kicks and bows. Both men have compiled impressive winning streaks and unfortunately for Jorge his is coming to a close. Alessio Sakara via TKO R3
Jon Gerow: This one will most definitely not go to the ground as both guys love to stand and bang, Rivera will hold the power advantage, but Sakara has professional boxing under his belt. Look for Sakara to fight a smart technical fight, taking it to the distance. Alessio Sakara via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Doubt this fight will need a scorecard. These two both have a hard time going to decision. I see Sakara being able to control the stand up and capitalize on his opportunities. Alessio Sakara via TKO R2
Patrick Weafer: Should be an exciting stand-up battle between these two lower-tier middleweights. Each of these fighters are riding a 3-fight win streak, and expect the winner of this to take a step up in competition after this one. Jorge Rivera via TKO R1
Dennis Siver vs. Andre Winner (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Two pieces of euro trash. Both have the potential to end this fight standing, but I foresee Siver using his superior grappling to control Winner both in the clinch and on the ground. Dennis Siver via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: In my opinion Andre Winner is vastly overrated. The only thing he has going for him is his so-called power, which even I question. The crowd will be behind Siver in Germany and I assume he will come out strong. Dennis Siver via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Anyone that loses to Nik Lentz doesn’t deserve much. Dennis Siver via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: Pretty even fight here, both guys like to stand and both hold lots of power. Winner has something to prove as he is coming off a disappointing loss to wall n’ stall practitioner Nik Lentz. My heart wants Siver, but my head sees Winner blasting Siver with overhand rights to a TKO victory. Andre Winner via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Dennis is going to get cocky and think he can strike with Andre, and we all know Andre can't be beat in the stand-up! Andre Winner via KO R1!!!!
Patrick Weafer: Dennis Siver is a strong, technical striker that will be at a height disadvantage. Between two strikers this may give the upper hand to Winner, but I think Siver takes this over an entertaining 3 rounds. Dennis Siver via Unanimous Decision
Amir Sadollah vs. Peter Sobotta (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: These guys have a 5 decisions in a combined 7 UFC fights. I believe Amir is the better overall fighter and even though Sobotta fought at 115....he’s not a homie, plus he lost to the terrible Wilks. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: This is a crucial fight for both of these fighters. Peter is likely fighting for his job on Saturday after being winless in his 2 fights in the UFC and Amir is looking to get back on track. I think Amir should be able to work his way to a decision victory and upset the hometown crowd. Amir Sodollah via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: Anyone else think this will be Sobotta’s last fight in the UFC? Coming off of 2 straight losses I can’t imagine UFC 115 unhomie to be getting past Amir. However, much like his previous fights he will get to a decision in which he will end up losing by split because Amir can’t finish. Amir Sadollah via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: Sobbota lost to Wilks. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Sobotta is on the verge of being cut, and I think Sadollah is the superior fighter at this point in time and will end his current UFC run. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: Sadollah is probably slightly better than 0-2 Peter Sobotta. Sadollah takes this in a decision and Sobotta gets his walking papers. Amir Sadollah via Unanimous Decision
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Goran Reljic (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Important fight for Goran Reljic as his job with the UFC is likely on the line. Look for 102 homie Krzysztof to put heavy pressure early on and possibly hurt Reljic on the feet; but I believe Goran will survive the early attack and use his striking to outwork Krzysztof and earn a TKO, possibly from top position. Goran Reljic via TKO R2
Erik Jackson: Battle of the hard to spell names. I really hope “The Polish Experiment” can get the huge win here. Either way it should be a good battle to start off the night. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: It will be interesting to see how Goran can fair at a heavier weight class, I expect this to be a technically performed, yet weak fight in which Krzysztof will walk away with a UD. Krzysztof Soszynski via Unanimous Decision
Jon Gerow: Krzysztof Soszynski is coming off a tough loss to Stephan Bonner, I expect him to put Reljic away early in this one with his vicious stand up. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO R1
Paul Curtis: Reljic returns for his first fight at LHW in over 2 years. Look for him to struggle with the move against a bigger Soszynski. Krzysztof Soszynski via Unanimous Decision
Patrick Weafer: It will be interesting to see the size difference in the cage between these two as I have doubts that Reljic will have regained the proper mass to compete against the bigger guys in the LHW division after dropping back-to-back decisions at middleweight. Even if he has, he may not be used to the regained weight. Krzysztof Soszynski via TKO R3
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