The Official MMA Discussion Thread

[Capelli King]

I personally am not too keen on the lower weight classes, i can just about absorb seeing 155lbs fighters, anything lower than that is almost 3x smaller than me and is similar to watching super lightweights. Then again i have rarely seen any WEC fights so far, maybe i should do that before opening my big mouth:p

[TheKenwyne]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Capelli King" data-cite="Capelli King" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I personally am not too keen on the lower weight classes, i can just about absorb seeing 155lbs fighters, anything lower than that is almost 3x smaller than me and is similar to watching super lightweights. Then again i have rarely seen any WEC fights so far, maybe i should do that before opening my big mouth:p</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Check out some WEC fights. Especially Chan Sung Jung vs. Leonard Garcia. Anything involving Urijah Faber, Miguel Torres, Mike Brown and Jose Aldo. Henderson-Cerrone I. All are epic fights coming from the WEC and if you have not seen them I heartily advise that you do.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Self" data-cite="Self" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm not saying they won't do it. I'm not saying it's a bad idea. However, I wouldn't introduce the 125lb weight class. <p> </p><p> First, the more weight classes you have, the worse off you are in my opinion. It makes it harder to keep track of as a casual fan. I'm struggling to get my head around this WEC merger as it is.</p><p> </p><p> Second, how small is too small? You've already got 3 weight classes for folks I'd consider 'small dudes'. Another one? I'm a small guy, growing up I was the smallest boy in my class, and even now I tend to be smaller than everyone at work and at the gym. I'm 5'8, and 150-odd points. I'd probably weigh into the 145lbs division. That there's one division below that is understandable, there are freakishly small dudes out there. Another division? I just... I can't quite get that. Besides, are fights at 125lbs any better than at 145lbs? So unless there are some major stars ready to come out of the woodwork (that you know exist) I wouldn't do it.</p><p> </p><p> Ah, ramblings.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Shooto in Japan runs an equivalent 125lbs division and there is a lot of talent there. Jussier 'Formiga' da Silva is a multi-titlist within the Shooto system (he's got belts in Brazil and Japan) who is making his North American debut for Taichi Palace Fights early next month. He's 5'5" and ranked by Sherdog as the #1 125lbs fighter in the world, and could be the big breakout star in that weight class. The majority of the talent admitedly hails from Japan and Shooto, with only 3 fighters on Sherdog's list with roots outside that country/company. One of these is probably the man most likely to make a statement to the west and become the divisional leader - a former Olympic Bronze Medalist in wrestling by the name of Alexis Vila who holds an 8-0 record and is 5'4". I don't really follow the 125lbs guys because at this time it is very hard to. UWC (Ultimate Warrior Challenge) has a flyweight title (held by Pat Runez) and is the best source of Flyweight MMA in the states at this time.</p>

[Daffanka]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Self" data-cite="Self" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm not saying they won't do it. I'm not saying it's a bad idea. However, I wouldn't introduce the 125lb weight class. <p> </p><p> First, the more weight classes you have, the worse off you are in my opinion. It makes it harder to keep track of as a casual fan. I'm struggling to get my head around this WEC merger as it is.</p><p> </p><p> Second, how small is too small? You've already got 3 weight classes for folks I'd consider 'small dudes'. Another one? I'm a small guy, growing up I was the smallest boy in my class, and even now I tend to be smaller than everyone at work and at the gym. I'm 5'8, and 150-odd points. I'd probably weigh into the 145lbs division. That there's one division below that is understandable, there are freakishly small dudes out there. Another division? I just... I can't quite get that. Besides, are fights at 125lbs any better than at 145lbs? So unless there are some major stars ready to come out of the woodwork (that you know exist) I wouldn't do it.</p><p> </p><p> Ah, ramblings.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> 125lbs is an incredibly undeveloped weight class at the moment because unless you feel like earning pennies fighting in Shooto or regional promotions you're gonna do something else. Formiga, the #1 flyweight, had to resort to going on a donation drive on Sherdog to afford plane tickets to his Shooto title defense.</p><p> </p><p> I always love the smaller weight classes because even with guys that aren't top of the heap you get very fast scraps that rarely feature heavyweight levels of hilarious and awful gassing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Capelli King" data-cite="Capelli King" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I personally am not too keen on the lower weight classes, i can just about absorb seeing 155lbs fighters, anything lower than that is almost 3x smaller than me and is similar to watching super lightweights. Then again i have rarely seen any WEC fights so far, maybe i should do that before opening my big mouth:p</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You're really, really missing out. Check out the last event which was top to bottom great fights. Or check out the last WEC ever on December 16th (which is looking to be absolute dynamite) and curse yourself for not starting to watch sooner.</p>

[Dustin]

I've been hearing a lot of this lately but I don't understand what's not to like about the smaller weight classes? There's more skill and technique being displayed, better stamina, generally MUCH more action, etc. Every WEC card is a great card and it's no coincidence that the fighters are 155 and under. Light weight classes > heavy weight classes for sure and this is coming from a 6'0" 176 pound guy.

[brashleyholland]

<p>Not MMA, but awesome <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

 

</p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/d90eSZsfreY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="GREEN MAN! - FIGHTING in Jiu Jitsu Tournament"></iframe></div></div>

[jesterx7769]

<p>I was just looking up the 124 card for the date to request off work and the card is kinda disappointing to me, I guess thats what they do when they have GSP as the main event. </p><p> </p><p>

-Struve vs. McCorkle is the Co and while I think its interesting to see its so far off from Hughes/Penn or even being a main event on a free Spike card which I think is a good definition of a co main event ATLEAST(that it could headline on free tv) </p><p> </p><p>

- Miller vs. Olivera, once again, its interesting as I want to see Olivera submit someone but nothing super special.</p><p> </p><p>

- Stephenson vs. Danzig, will probably be entertaining but both coming off losses so it doesnt have alot of steam.</p><p> </p><p>

- Alves vs. Howard, which is actually the second most match I want to see on the card and is just fine.</p><p> </p><p>

Prelims are pretty decent, hopefully Bocek/Hazelett makes it to the main card</p><p> </p><p>

However what really got me going was how AWESOME 125 looks.</p><p> </p><p>

- Edgar vs. Maynard, I know these two aren't popular but it will most likely be a war, I don't see Maynard just sitting back like he did against Diaz and Edgar has been aggressive anyways. You know Maynard wants to show him beating Edgar before wasn't a fluke</p><p> </p><p>

- Aldo vs. Grispi, had me at Aldo, hope he just destroys him like he did Faber's leg.</p><p> </p><p>

- Guida vs. Gomi, umm awesome?</p><p> </p><p>

- Diaz vs. Kim, umm awesome? (like Nate Diaz)</p><p> </p><p>

- Leben vs. Stann, umm awesome? (for being the opener) I watched Stann back when he was in the WEC and he is a guy that brings it and we know Leben is aggressive so this should be great.</p><p> </p><p>

BUT look at the undercard as well!</p><p> </p><p>

- Vera vs. Silva- why is this an undercard! put it on 124 I love Thiago!</p><p>

-Davis vs. Stephens- once again two guys who always bring it, awesome and could be a main card fight</p><p>

- then Mike Brown! WTF!? He's on the undercard come on! </p><p> </p><p>

UFC 125 is total kick ass card</p>

[brashleyholland]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="jesterx7769" data-cite="jesterx7769" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> - Vera vs. Silva- why is this an undercard! put it on 124 I love Thiago!</p><p> -Davis vs. Stephens- once again two guys who always bring it, awesome and could be a main card fight</p><p> - then Mike Brown! WTF!? He's on the undercard come on! </p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Nothing has been confirmed yet, but they want to renew the contract for 'UFC Prelims Live' next year - it runs on a calender year basis with an agreed number of shows (ten in 2010). </p><p> </p><p> Expect to hear something soon, because the want 125 to be the first event of 2010 to have a 'Prelims Live' lead in. With Edgar/Maynard and Aldo/Grispi as the headliners, they'll need all the help they can get selling it.</p>

[Daffanka]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="jesterx7769" data-cite="jesterx7769" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> - Miller vs. Olivera, once again, its interesting as I want to see Olivera submit someone but nothing super special.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Miller is a real good fighter and he's closer than you'd think to a title shot. Oliveira hasn't convinced me and I just think Miller's going to put his fist through Oliveira's face for three rounds.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>- Diaz vs. Kim, umm awesome? (like Nate Diaz)</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Unless you like Diaz for the specific reason that he's terrible at wrestling and you enjoy watching him and his brother get laid on for three rounds you are probably not going to like this fight very much!</p>

[ampulator]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Daffanka" data-cite="Daffanka" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>125lbs is an incredibly undeveloped weight class at the moment because unless you feel like earning pennies fighting in Shooto or regional promotions you're gonna do something else. Formiga, the #1 flyweight, had to resort to going on a donation drive on Sherdog to afford plane tickets to his Shooto title defense.<p> </p><p> I always love the smaller weight classes because even with guys that aren't top of the heap you get very fast scraps that rarely feature heavyweight levels of hilarious and awful gassing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> You're really, really missing out. Check out the last event which was top to bottom great fights. Or check out the last WEC ever on December 16th (which is looking to be absolute dynamite) and curse yourself for not starting to watch sooner.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I agree with Daffanka, Self. </p><p> </p><p> But here's the thing. People don't want to see "godzillas collide into each" anymore. Why? Because we've seen for the 1000th time. And in the Heavyweights, if these guys don't finish each other off in the first round, the fights tend to drag because fighters end up getting gassed after that. </p><p> </p><p> With smaller guys, they can often go full blash for five straight rounds. You might have less finishes, but the fights are at least interesting into the third or fifth rounds. You can't say that about heavyweight. </p><p> </p><p> However, I do believe UFC should hold off on the flyweight class. What they should do is, they should do to the featherweight division what they did with lightweight division.... develop it. And once they develop it, people that can't make it in the featherweight division will slowly trinkle into the bantamweight. Then develop the bantamweight division.... after that.... flyweight, and much, much later, maybe even strawweight. </p><p> </p><p> Of course, Self, you should take a look at the Featherweight division, at the very least.</p>

[Self]

<p>Smaller guys are awesome. I just don't see the need for 4 divisions of them. It's too much for me, and I don't see 125lb guys as being any more entertaining than their 145lb counterparts. Especially as the 145lb weight class is shiny and new to me. Maybe in a few years, once the WEC weight classes are fully integrated into the shows, and we're familiar with all of those guys, and if their fights get lazier and more counter-punchy. Maybe then you add a new division of hungry dudes who really want to impress.</p><p> </p><p>

I won't be looking up 125lb'ers any time soon. Truth be told, I'm completely burnt out on MMA. I like watching a show every 3-4 weeks, but there have been far too many shows recently. I don't find the sport <em>that</em> fun to watch.</p>

[Mr_Tricky]

<p>In boxing, there's a lot of talent in those divisions. Rising star, and one of the pound for pound hardest hitters in the sport, Juan Manuel Lopez, is a 125lbs fighter. Him and Rafael Marquez put on a contender for fight of the year a few weeks ago.</p><p> </p><p>

Even lower than that, the flyweight divisions have superb talent as well with guys like Nonito Donaire, Vic Darchinyan, Khaosai Galaxy, and Johnny Tapia.</p><p> </p><p>

The sooner we get to see guys like them in MMA, the better.</p>

[Daffanka]

I like watching a show every 3-4 weeks, but there have been far too many shows recently. I don't find the sport that fun to watch.

 

That's fine really but you're in a thread populated by journalists and guys who sit up at 4 AM local time with their buddies to yell at grown men in tights hugging each other. In my mind there's really not enough MMA and the addition of another weight class and some of the great fighters it brings is awesome.

 

I'm not going to get mad (UGH HOW DARE YOU NOT APPRECIATE MMA PHILISTINE!!!!) about a, and I don't mean this in an offensive way, relatively casual fan not appreciating the lighter guys like the rest of us nerds here would but trust me when I say it's not a bad thing. Even if you're not particularly excited about the weight class itself adding all these top level 135-145lbs guys means they can cut some of the worse guys from the other divisions.

 

I'm assuming you saw UFC 122, a card packed with bottom of the UFC barrel fighters on the verge of getting cut. There's going to be less of that. And more good fights between good fighters.

[ampulator]

I always thought Manny Pacquiao was proof that people were starting to switch gears from bigger guys to smaller ones.

 

The thing is, Football is always likely to get the top talent when it comes to Heavyweights. That's just the way it is. With lighter weight classes, Boxing and/or MMA can recruit a lot easier.

 

That's fine really but you're in a thread populated by journalists and guys who sit up at 4 AM local time with their buddies to yell at grown men in tights hugging each other. In my mind there's really not enough MMA and the addition of another weight class and some of the great fighters it brings is awesome.

 

I'm not going to get mad (UGH HOW DARE YOU NOT APPRECIATE MMA PHILISTINE!!!!) about a, and I don't mean this in an offensive way, relatively casual fan not appreciating the lighter guys like the rest of us nerds here would but trust me when I say it's not a bad thing. Even if you're not particularly excited about the weight class itself adding all these top level 135-145lbs guys means they can cut some of the worse guys from the other divisions.

 

I'm assuming you saw UFC 122, a card packed with bottom of the UFC barrel fighters on the verge of getting cut. There's going to be less of that. And more good fights between good fighters.

 

I actually think it's too early for a flyweight division in the UFC. I would like to see it, but realistically, it has about much chance as a women's division right now. What I would like to do is, focus on the Featherweight division, and develop it.

[Daffanka]

I actually think it's too early for a flyweight division in the UFC. I would like to see it, but realistically, it has about much chance as a women's division right now. What I would like to do is, focus on the Featherweight division, and develop it.

 

I was referring to the feather-and-bantamweights though I might've just lost track of the conversation!

[brashleyholland]

...like the rest of us nerds here...

 

I'm not a nerd. I'm a geek.

 

 

I'm assuming you saw UFC 122, a card packed with bottom of the UFC barrel fighters on the verge of getting cut. There's going to be less of that. And more good fights between good fighters.

 

This is the long and short of it. Slightly swelled roster, less filler, more thriller. A-hem.

 

I won't be looking up 125lb'ers any time soon.

 

I wouldn't either if I were you. Wait till the UFC gets on board with it; that way you'll only be seeing the best, and it'll be presented in a way that makes it appealing. Right now you're looking at scouring the net for badly filmed, badly produced clips of tiny shows. As a casual fan, I'd let it run it's course for fear of being turned off by an inferior product.

 

Truth be told, I'm completely burnt out on MMA. I like watching a show every 3-4 weeks, but there have been far too many shows recently. I don't find the sport that fun to watch.

 

Try and catch 123 this weekend. Rampage and Machida could be fun, plus there is the conclusion to one of the sport's great trilogies between BJ Penn and Matt Hughes and a quality lightweight bout between two guys who are knocking on the door of a title opportunity. Two good prelims that will be aired on the pre-show too.

 

There is Koscheck vs St Pierre next month, the TUF Finale, the final WEC, Strikeforce: Henderson vs Babalu...WEC will likely be the most exciting show to watch in terms of fights, but as a casual fan who is getting burned out, I'd suggest this weekend's UFC 123 or the St. Pierre vs Kos fight if you want to see the Fraggle get his ass kicked.

[brashleyholland]

 

But here's the thing. People don't want to see "godzillas collide into each" anymore.

 

 

PPV buyrates, television ratings and ticket sales (both in the US and Japan) say differently though.

 

Amongst MMA purists, yes, that's the popular opinion (it's certainly mine). But in terms of the people who buy the events, tickets and merchandise - the people who keep the sport ticking over - it's just not the case.

 

I'm hopeful that the UFC will change that over the next couple of years.

[brashleyholland]

If you like K-1, specifically K-1 MAX, they you'll be thrilled to know that the S-Cup is about to go down in Japan.

 

The S-Cup is the 'world cup' of Shootboxing. If you aren't familiar with the term, another definition is 'standing Vale Tudo'. Punches, kicks, knees, elbows, throws, suplexes, takedowns, clinches and standing submissions. If a fighter is thrown, knocked or taken down, the actions stops. Lots of the top MAX fighters, as well as many Japanese MMA fighters, have competed in Shootboxing

 

Notable names competing this year are Andy Souwer (one of the 'big 3' MAX fighters of all time along with Buakaw and Masato, former multiple time MAX and Shootboxing champion) and Buakaw Por. Pramuk (legendary Thai boxer who was so good that they changed the K-1 rules to stifle him, multi-time MAX champion and too many Muay Thai titles to note).

 

Charles 'Krazy Horse/Kid Khaos' Bennett was supposed to compete, but pulled out. In his place is Bellator mainstay Toby Imada (the guy who landed the sick inverted triangle in season 1).

 

The event is on the 23rd and wont be televised out of Japan. If any youtube vids pop up I'll post them here.

 

If you like lots of stand-up action without all the rule restrictions of K-1 MAX and with added submissions and sick throws/slams/suplexes...check it out!

[Daffanka]

For the record, the brackets are set up so that Buakaw and Souwer meet in the finals. They are the second and third best 70kg fighters in the world and their fights are always really good.

 

I think the only potential upset is in the rematch between Buakaw and Hiroki Shishido. The first fight under K-1 in 2006 rules lasted for about ten seconds before Buakaw won by KO but Shishido is sneaky good at using the shoot boxing rules to his advantage and I think this is the first time Buakaw's fighting under them. Other than that one fight you're gonna have Souwer vs. Buakaw 4 in the finals.

[Self]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Daffanka" data-cite="Daffanka" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That's fine really but you're in a thread populated by journalists and guys who sit up at 4 AM local time with their buddies to yell at grown men in tights hugging each other. In my mind there's really not enough MMA and the addition of another weight class and some of the great fighters it brings is awesome.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I thought this was a thread for fans of the GDS games to talk about MMA, not some exclusive club for Journalists and MMA nightowls <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I appreciate MMA in my own way. I just like it to feel special, and a big part of that comes from it not being on every weekend. It gives me time to get psyched up about things. </p><p> </p><p> I love MMA. I love the lighter fighters. I just subscribe to a less-is-more philosophy. </p><p> </p><p> Despite my groan at hearing it's this weekend, I will be watching UFC 123.</p>

[ampulator]

<p>I just want to point out a not-so-obvious fact about weight classes and weight. </p><p> </p><p>

The difference between a 145er and 155 is bigger than a 200er versus a 230er. a 155er can be tall as 5'11" with much bigger reach advantage than 145er. They can also pack more weight back in and more muscle. 230er is not that much taller, does not usually have that much bigger of a reach advantage, and usually does not have more muscle. </p><p> </p><p>

In other words, 230er's weight advantage against 200er wouldn't mean that much, but 155's advantage will mean a lot. </p><p> </p><p>

That's why you see Fedor kicking Tim Sylvia, but BJ Penn losing to GSP. At the lower weights, weight actually matters MORE. At heavier weights, weight actually matters less. </p><p> </p><p>

It's ironic, but it's true. How often do you see a 155er beat a 170er? Not often. But it's not so rare to see a 230er beating people that are 290.</p>

[Daffanka]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Self" data-cite="Self" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I thought this was a thread for fans of the GDS games to talk about MMA, not some exclusive club for Journalists and MMA nightowls <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I appreciate MMA in my own way. I just like it to feel special, and a big part of that comes from it not being on every weekend. It gives me time to get psyched up about things. <p> </p><p> I love MMA. I love the lighter fighters. I just subscribe to a less-is-more philosophy. </p><p> </p><p> Despite my groan at hearing it's this weekend, I will be watching UFC 123.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm genuinely not trying to be snarky or dismissive (although I probably came off that way, sorry!) all I'm saying is that your point of view, valid as it may be, probably can't be emphasized with by that many people in this here thread.</p><p> </p><p> And to be perfectly honest I imagine the less-is-more folks make up a far larger slice of the UFC's demographic so anything I'm saying is in context to my own little bubble where Jon Fitch is a fun fighter to watch and Rich Franklin is the most popular guy in the UFC.</p>

[RingofHonorGuard]

<p>Well, this season's TUF is almost in the books. I have to say I really didn't give a crap about St. Pierre vs. Koscheck 2 until I just got done watching this week's episode. I think Koscheck has a chance in this fight, although I still lean more toward St. Pierre. </p><p> </p><p>

Koscheck isn't going to be caught off guard by the element of surprise of St. Pierre's wrestling anymore... So he has that going for him plus the somewhat improved stand-up he brings to the table. I'd say he and St. Pierre are probably on par in the striking at this point. The wrestling is where this fight is going to make it or break it for Koscheck... Plus anytime Koscheck seems to have a personal vendetta against someone he just straight up embarrasses them. Completely shut down Diego Sanchez offensively and then confuddled Paul Daley to the point that Daley punched him post-fight. Koscheck motivated is dangerous. I'm looking forward to this fight, though I realize the chances of a five round control fest from St. Pierre is extremely possible.</p><p> </p><p>

----</p><p> </p><p>

Moving on;</p><p> </p><p>

Picks for this weekend's show</p><p> </p><p>

Machida over Rampage - Think Machida will tag Rampage on the counter for 3 rounds to a U. Decision. I guess it all depends on just how much power Machida has, and if he's at all willing to commit to anything he throws. Rampage could easily score a split-decision victory, but I don't think he'll be able to win every round. </p><p> </p><p>

Hughes over BJ - Nothing has really changed much in-between their last bout and now skill-wise, at least from my perspective. Sure Hughes has aged a bit, but he's still good enough to keep an undersized and probably-bored BJ Penn down for a unanimous or stoppage like last outing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

The rest of the card is pretty exciting too. I got Harris over Falcão, Davis over Boetsch, and in a very tough fight to pick; Sotiropolous over Lauzon.</p><p> </p><p>

I'm hoping Karo wins, and that Tyson Griffin brings down some much needed punishment on Nik Lentz' soul.</p>

[brashleyholland]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="RingofHonorGuard" data-cite="RingofHonorGuard" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26660" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> Picks for this weekend's show</p><p> </p><p> Machida over Rampage - Think Machida will tag Rampage on the counter for 3 rounds to a U. Decision. I guess it all depends on just how much power Machida has, and if he's at all willing to commit to anything he throws. Rampage could easily score a split-decision victory, but I don't think he'll be able to win every round. </p><p> </p><p> Hughes over BJ - Nothing has really changed much in-between their last bout and now skill-wise, at least from my perspective. Sure Hughes has aged a bit, but he's still good enough to keep an undersized and probably-bored BJ Penn down for a unanimous or stoppage like last outing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The rest of the card is pretty exciting too. I got Harris over Falcão, Davis over Boetsch, and in a very tough fight to pick; Sotiropolous over Lauzon.</p><p> </p><p> I'm hoping Karo wins, and that Tyson Griffin brings down some much needed punishment on Nik Lentz' soul.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think you've got it pretty much spot on there.....buuuuuuut......</p><p> </p><p> I'm going with BJ over Hughes. Penn gets bored, yes. Edgar had his number, yes. But I think he does his best work when the you-know-what is about to hit the fan and that's the position it's in right now. He's lost twice to the champions of both divisions he fights in, and with every year that passes the chances of him making 145 are getting slimmer. This is the all or nothing fight. </p><p> </p><p> Fairytale reasoning aside, I'm thinking that the big difference between the Penn that fought Hughes before and the Penn that will fight him on Saturday is maturity. I don't believe the 'busted rib' excuse for a second; BJ gassed his legs and got tired by overworking himself in the second and not getting the finish. I think we'll see a more measured performance, one that looks similar to the Sherk fight, but ending in a submission rather than a KO. </p><p> </p><p> I've also got Matt Brown winning on the prelims, because that guy is awesome. Mark Munoz will smash Aaron Simpson when he gasses and Mile Lullo and Paul Kelly will get decision victories.</p>

[brashleyholland]

Shannon Ritch channels the spirit of Shawn Michaels! :-D

 

[ampulator]

I think you've got it pretty much spot on there.....buuuuuuut......

 

I'm going with BJ over Hughes. Penn gets bored, yes. Edgar had his number, yes. But I think he does his best work when the you-know-what is about to hit the fan and that's the position it's in right now. He's lost twice to the champions of both divisions he fights in, and with every year that passes the chances of him making 145 are getting slimmer. This is the all or nothing fight.

 

Fairytale reasoning aside, I'm thinking that the big difference between the Penn that fought Hughes before and the Penn that will fight him on Saturday is maturity. I don't believe the 'busted rib' excuse for a second; BJ gassed his legs and got tired by overworking himself in the second and not getting the finish. I think we'll see a more measured performance, one that looks similar to the Sherk fight, but ending in a submission rather than a KO.

 

I've also got Matt Brown winning on the prelims, because that guy is awesome. Mark Munoz will smash Aaron Simpson when he gasses and Mile Lullo and Paul Kelly will get decision victories.

I think Maynard is giong to beat Edgar. If he does, BJ Penn can beat Maynard.

 

The nightmare scenario for the UFC, though, is they have consistently changing championship.... from Penn to Edgar, to Maynard, then back to Penn.... you see the pattern.

 

Styles make fights.