UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones
Saturday, March 19th 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:
Preliminary Bouts (Spike TV): Saturday, March 19th 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:
Luiz Cane vs. Eliot Marshall (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: I once had a nice back and forth on twitter with Eliot Marshall. Hope he loses badly and @FireMarshallUFC calls it a career. Luiz Cane via TKO R2
Erik Jackson: Luiz Cane via TKO R1
Travis Crowe: Fuck Marshall, hes getting cut... again…Luiz Cane via TKO R2
Jon Gerow: Both of these guys cannot afford another loss, especially Luiz, who is coming off of a two fight losing streak. I see Marshall being the better man on Saturday night. Although Luiz will put up a good fight I don’t think he will be able to win this one on the judges’ score cards. Eliot Marshall via Unanimous Decision
Paul Curtis: Hard to predict. Marshall got pretty shafted in his first UFC stint and will most likely want to prove that he shouldn't have been cut. Plus Cane isn't that great anyways. Eliot Marshall via Unanimous Decision.
Patrick Weafer: I expect Marshall to wrestle his way to victory here and will give Cane his walking papers. Eliot Marshall via Unanimous Decision.
Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Njokuani (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: No way this fight doesn’t end in something vicious. Edson Barboza via KO R2
Erik Jackson: Edson Barboza via TKO R2
Travis Crowe: Ahah uhhhh I guess I’ll take the Nigerian…Anthony Njokuani via TKO R3
Jon Gerow: I’ll take the undefeated fighter with the black belt in Muay Thai. Edson Barboza via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Barboza is going to KO Njokuani real bad. Edson Barboza via KO R1.
Patrick Weafer: Barboza looked amazing in his last fight and appears to be among the elite strikers in the division. This fight should be wildly entertaining and Barboza will come out on top. Edson Barboza via TKO R2
Preliminary Bouts (Facebook):
Ricardo Almeida vs. Mike Pyle (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This is a pick ‘em fight. I would like to believe Pyle can keep this on the feet and avoid the dangerous ground game of Almeida but I think that would be wishful thinking. Mike Pyle via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Ricardo Almeida via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: This is another tough fight to call both men could easily finish this. As seen in the past Almeida is susceptible to unpredictable chokes luckily for him Pyle isn’t going to submit him. Mike Pyle via Split Decision
Jon Gerow: I believe Ricardo’s loss against Hughes was as simple as he made a mistake and got caught. I still see Almedia as one of the top welterweights in the division. Also, Pyle’s “grind it out” style will work right into Almedia’s strongest point, which is his jits. Ricardo Almedia via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R3
Paul Curtis: Suprised at how far down the card this fight is, both pretty well known fighters who have done well in the past few years. Although Almeida is a UFC 117 homie, he lost to Matt freaking Hughes, so I don’t think he'll fair any better against a better Mike Pyle, even though Almeida is favored. Mike Pyle via Unanimous Decision.
Patrick Weafer: I’m not really sure who to take in this one, flipped a coin and it ended up being Pyle. Mike Pyle via Unanimous Decision.
Kurt Pellegrino vs. Gleison Tibau (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Loser of this fight could be cut. Tibau will be too much for “Batman”. Gleison Tibau via Unanimous Decision
Erik Jackson: Kurt Pellegrino via Unanimous Decision
Travis Crowe: This is actually a very sick fight to start off the night. Can’t really decide what will happen but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Batman chokes out Tibau.
Kurt Pellegrino via Submission (RNC) R2
Jon Gerow: I don’t like Kurt’s chances in this one, Gleison proved in his last fight against Jim Miller that he is still a very game opponent even though he came out with the loss. I expect Kurt to try to take this one to the ground, once Gleison stuffs the first few attempts he will start to tee off on the American, heading towards a TKO victory. Gleison Tibau via TKO R2
Paul Curtis: Until the the third movie comes out after Batman Begins and the Dark Knight, Batman is simply unstoppable. Kurt Pellegrino via TKO R2.
Patrick Weafer: Tibau is huge. Last time I picked him to win and he let me down, hopefully this time he pulls through. I’m a fan of Batman, but I think Tibau will be too strong for Kurt in this fight. Gleison Tibau via Unanimous Decision.
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