Overarching theme for 114: Wrestling (real, not fake)
We saw from the first fight of the night (Dan Lauzon vs Effy Escudero) that marginal wrestling won't get you anywhere and it also will set even further apart from your fellow fighter brethren. Dan Lauzon, desperate for offense took bad shots on Effy only to be shook off and beat up again on the feet. Luiz Cane took Diabate down but not maintain proper top control and Diabate got up. When Cane tried again he was shook off and later finished with a jab and short right hook. Amir Sadollah had to deal with being hulked by Stun Gun for 15 minutes. Diego and his state wrestling was dismissed easily by John Hathaway who decided to use his reach to beat DIego up on the feet. Jason Brilz and his ability to get Lil Nog and throw him off enough to be afraid to throw hands on feet. While Todd Duffee shook off his takedown attempts, Mike Russow found a way to land a crisp jab on the temple and win his 13th fight. Finally, Rashad was too quick and powerful with his double for Rampage who admittingly has great takedown defense. Basically, having marginal wrestling isn't going to cut it anymore. Guys are evolving and leaving other veterans behind. People better start going to wrestling rooms instead of practicing wrestling from a submission grappling background. (Tip of the hat to Jason High for this perspective)
Thoughts I managed to have while semi-sober and the next day
I agree with what Joe Lauzon did. He had to send a message to Dan and it had to be harsh. Did that make watching Dan Lauzon fight even more depressing? Yes. I can't tell Dan how to live his life but if you are going to be in the top promotion in this sport, you gotta start taking shit seriously or else you will be come just Joe Lauzon's brother.
Possible opponents for Escudero
Melvin Guillard
Aaron Riley
Mac Danzig
I think Effy has a tough time with all three of these guys, but his most realistic chance at a win I think is Mac Danzig.
Stun Gun has one of the best single leg takedowns in the game. He had beautiful technique throughout the fight and when he was controlling Amir on the ground he utilized a great ankle pick to keep him on his back. It was a joy to watch. He's a hidden gem in the WW division.
Possible opponents for Stun Gun
Mike Pierce
Mike Swick
Jake Ellenberger
I want to see all three of these fights, well now that I think about this Mike Swick wouldn't be a joy to watch but Jake Ellenberger? Sign me up right fucking now.
+100 for Diabate for stopping the takedown and getting back up. Also, I really like how quick and stiff his jab was. Muscle memory ftw.
Possible opponents for Diabate
Phil Davis
Ryan Bader
Jason Brilz
I don't actually mind the Phil Davis fight because Davis would have to deal with that reach.
John Hathaway used his 3.5 inch reach to beat up Diego Sanchez on the feet. I hope from now on the state wrestling champion line disappears from Diego's three strengths graphic. Diego had a horrible shot and wasn't effective in actually getting John down while they were up against the cage. On the feet, he lacked head movement and was consisently dropping his right hand and ate way too many punches. I don't think Diego had a gameplan. He was just going to come in and be aggressiveness and make John Hathaway quit. Honestly, if any fighter can withstand the initial onslaught, you are on your way to a win. Hathaway has to work on his counterpunching and seeing angles but he did show a good jab.
Possible Opponents for Hathaway
Stun Gun
Johnny Hendricks
Mike Swick
Right now, I feel like they are both on the same path, but Hathaway is a little quicker than Hendricks.
I had Brilz winning the fight with the first two rounds to him 10-9 and Lil Nog with the last round 10-9. Brilz 29-28.
The decision going to Lil Nog was disappointing and even worse disheartening. It's not the robbery of the year, but it is a screw-up from another sanctioned judge in Las Vegas. It's time to starting out these people and their scorecards each and every PPV.
Possible opponent for Lil Nog
Thiago Silva
If Thiago wants to get back on track, beat Lil Nog.
Congrats to Mike Russow who I had losing 20-16 going into the 3rd round.
Possible opponents for Russow
Frank Mir
Gabriel Gonzaga
Frank Mir needs to go to the back of the line and since he doesn't want Roy Nelson, then go down another level and beat Mike Russow. I mean, that 25 extra pounds should help him right?
Melvin Guillard adds another vicious body KO to his record. Move over Gabe Rudiger
Cut List
Jesse Forbes
Joe Brammer
Dan Lauzon
I do think Brammer has gotten a raw deal with two tough opponents in Mark Bocek and Aaron Riley. It's tough being 155 right now. And yes we will see Jesse Forbes back in the UFC again. RAGE IN THE CAGE ftw
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
What UFC 114 will look like
So when I thought about how to actually spice up my picks for 114, I thought I would find videos and links that go along with my thinking of how the fight is going to turn out. In all of the videos, the winner of the fight is who I think will win. Unfortunately no video for the Rampage/Suga Rashad fight. Oh well.
Enjoy the videos and the links!
Enjoy the videos and the links!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
