UFC 80: Rapid Rundown
Here’s my rundown of a card I’ve been looking forward to for months. too many good fights to mention but Marcus Davis, Jason Lambert, Kendall Grove along with a title fight and what right now might end up a number 1 contenders fight.
PENN vs STEVENSON
Legendary fighter BJ Penn is returning to where his career began, 155, and Stevenson since the UFC recreated the division has been its hottest new competitor. Stevenson has become known for extreme power in his takedowns and his chokes. BJ is known for his flexibility and the level of competition he has beaten. At lightweight BJ has 1 loss that he avenged in his last fight. The main question is whether BJ has put behind him his old reputation of not taking certain fighters seriously. If he is in shape he is going to be in a fight that he can win. Stevenson hasn’t fought an A level fighter in the UFC and in fact have beaten very beatable fighters (save for pelligrino who won the first round of their fight) i think Stevenson is a very good fighter that has swam into the area of the pool that he may not be able to swim. BJ Penn wins by sub in the 2nd round
GONZAGA vs WERDUM
two consensus top ten fighters. two black belts known for their ability to submit anyone. Both hungry after losses. This fight in a division right now that has no consensus top dog after Couture leaving and Arlovski sitting on the bench. Its possible that the winner might be looking at a title shot by the end of the year. Werdum has submitted his share of good PRIDE heavyweights. Gonzaga KOed Crocop and after kicking through Couture’s arm had he not broken his nose he could be the fighter fighting Sylvia or Noguiera in February. This even if it may not be the most exciting fight and it will not be if it doesn’t end before the second round. Gonzaga is one of the most explosive Heavyweights in the UFC, he finished Marrerro by choke quickly, his kicks are lightning and hes never had a fight go to decision. Gonzaga has more ways to end the fight and wants to avenge a loss from early in his career. Gonzaga by KO rd 1.
DAVIS vs LIAUDIN
Maybe one of the Hottest fighters in MMA today Davis is coming off of 11 straight wins and is fighting his 3rd european in a row for his third fight in England. Liaudin is undefeated in the UFC against less than steller competition. Davis once known as a boxer is now known for his well roundedness. Liaudin who started his career off with strings off losses is now as hot as ever. This fight will come down to Davis’ ability to recover from takedowns from Liaudin and fend them off. If Davis can winn the stand up and put Liaudin on his back, he could win by KO or UD.
LAMBERT vs GOUVIEA
This fight has implications for the premier divsion in MMA. Lambert is going up against a guy who has 1 loss in the UFC against Jardine and in that fight Gouviea gassed after a first round that he dominated. Lambert is coming off of a KO of the great Babalu. Though Lambert’s wins are more recognizable and devastating, Gouviea should not be overlooked. Lambert’s ground game was tested and passed against Babalu, he needs to do the same thing again. If he can take the smaller fighter down and hold him down unleashing his agressive violent ground and pound he will win by stoppage in the 3rd round.
GROVE vs RIVERA
In an attempt to turn Grove back into a real title contender he is fighting dangerous vetran Jorge Rivera. Had Rivera not been KOed in record time by Terry Martin we would see this as a very even fight. Other than the Belcher victory Grove has not handled strikers with much confidence. Grove seemed like a constantly improving fighter, like a giant middleweight version of Forrest Griffen. The Cote fight could be the KO that refocuses Grove into a title contender or it could be a sign of a permanent weakness in his game. Either way Jorge is on the wrong side of 30 and will lose a close UD to Kendall Grove.
HARDONK vs ROBINSON
This will be two big strikers going at it. Hardonk has proven sadly that he is not a top flight heavyweight and Robinson is beginning his career alittle late (hes nearly 40) HArdonk is the better Kickboxer but Robinson has very heavy hands and nearly KOed Sanchez in his last fight. In all likelyhood this will be a relatively exciting first round. If Hardonk wants to have a future in the UFC he needs to take Robinson down and submit him to prove he has improved his bad ground game. But he won’t Hardonk by TKO in round 1.
KELLY vs TAYLOR
Taylor could be the most dynamic striker at 170 in the UFC, Kelly the UFC newcomer is known for training with the Wolflair an academy that boasts the well rounded Michael Bisping. Kelly has also won 2 of his fights by submission at a higher weight class. If Taylor hasn’t been training takedown defense he will get subbed but my guess is Kelly will try to standup just long enough to allow taylor to kick his head off. Taylor by KO early rd 2
LEE vs SAKARA
Sakara’s last stand at 205 before he drops down to 185 is against 1 fight PRIDE vet James Lee. Lee was not only good in the smaller shows but dominant. He could either be the next Diego Sanchez or the next Jason Rienhart. Lee is known as a well rounded fighter but in actuallity has won almost all his fights by submission, Sakara is exactly the opposite and is known for his KO power and good standup. Many would see the ground as a weakness in Sakara’s game but that might not be so, he’s only been subbed once recently by the relentless Dean Lister. So the real question is who is the more well rounded fighter. I’m going to say Sakara wins the first round then Lee changes his strategy and starts going for take downs and wins the UD.
STOUT vs EKLUND
Two accomplished kickboxers both striving to be relavent in a crowded division. Don’t expect a repeat of Fisher Stout. Eklund is a real mma fighter and has won many fights by submission. Stout if he loses this fight might be back in the smaller shows in Canada. The winner will be the fighter with the improved ground game. And that Fighter is Per Eklund. Eklund by Choke 3rd round.
these are my picks and if you look at my picks for ufc 79 im doing pretty well. Enjoy and comment.
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