UFC 100 thoughts and predictions

Here we are once again, just a few days away from a UFC event. Not just any event but one to be considered a milestone: UFC 100. A company that started a little bit as a freak show and a total infomercial for Gracie Jiu Jitsu, went through its fair share of thunderstorms and 16 years later, reigns supreme as the king of paper view. How beneficial it is for one's career it is to be on this fight card. Speaking of fights, I have no shortage of opinions about this one. I actually love the card and for the most part, I think everybody on it deserves to be there, except for Lesnar. I understand he is a huge superstar but the man does not have a record that lands him on this card. He doesn't have a record that puts him against Couture just a few months ago, but the UFC realizes Brock draws a lot of attention and perhaps many new viewers because of his popularity as a pro wrestler. It is a great business decision and who am I to second guess the guys who pretty much developed the fastest growing sport in the United States? Since I started with Lesnar, let's talk about him first:

Mir X Lesnar: Mir is going to sub him again. Plain and simple. My guess is that Lesnar will over protect his legs and leave Mir an omoplata or something. Maybe even a choke. We'll see. Moving on we have...

Bisping X Henderson: This is a tough one to call. I want Hendo to win, not because I'm a big fan or anything, but because it is so much fun to hate on Bisping. Having said that, I think it will be a little bit of a truncated fight, with a pinch of a fun brawl at moments and the Brit will yank a decision in the end.

Tiago Alves X George Saint Pierre: This is actually my favorite fight of the night. At first, I thought GSP would have no problems walking through Alves but as I thought more about it, I ended up changing my mind on it. I think that, if Tiago is able to stuff GSP's take downs, he'll win the stand up battle.I realize that's a big "if", but I think The Pit bull will actually pull it off. I think he's better on his feet and even if GSP tries a little dirty boxing, Alves should be ok. On the other hand, the longer this thing goes, the better it is for GSP. Here is my prediction on record: Alves via KO probably end of 2nd or beginning of 3rd. That's bold, I know. That's what I see though. Gotta go with it.
A couple more things: Really, really looking forward to see Jon Jones working. Also, the UFC is expected to come up with 2 more hall of famers and there has been a lot of speculation on who they are. Many have said that "Mask" should be one of them. I agree that "Mask" should be in the hall of fame but if we're bringing in non UFC fighters, Mr. Helio Gracie should lead that line. The other two names I can think of at the moment are "The Iceman", and I'd love to see it happening, and Matt Hughes. If that is what Dana is doing, I would hope they both are retiring. They have been great champions and have absolutely nothing to prove.I understand they'll be inducted during the Fan expo on Friday but I'm hoping there will be some kind of tribute paid to them during the PPV event. It should be an action packed event and I can't wait to see it. Till then, fight on.

The Dragon

A lot has happenned since I posted on the MMA world last. Busy few days around here.

There was UFC 96, Mir injured, UFC 100 announcement, Rampage earning a title shot just to postpone it the day after, the great decision to have Lyoto vs Rashad and, of course, the tragic loss of Mask.

Let's go one at the time.



UFC 96: I don't think it was a great event. Not necessarily UFC's fault but the action just never took off in my opinion. Gonzaga got carried away trying to exchange punches with a man who has hands that are bigger than Lesnar's. That's insane. Why a BJJ Mundial champion would do that, remains a mistery to me. The main event was potentially great but the boys were a bit too cautious. I think that if one of them had really dominated a round, someone would be more desperate and that's how we could have seen an old fashioned slug fest. Oh well, can't always get what you want. I want to acknowledge my boy Gray Maynard for a good fight and the great improvement of his boxing. Also Brown put on a great performance but, in my opinion, the once promissing Sell isn't exactly top competition right now.



Mir injured: I don't want to hyper spiritualize it but there might be a curse over the heavy weight division. Randy out forever on that lawsuit thing, Big Nog performing like an amateur, Fedor x Randy doomed to never happenning and now Mir x Lesnar postponed. What's next? Wish Mir all the best and hope he can come back soon.



UFC 100: Can't wait to see that card finalized. GSP x Alves is a good start but, come on.... it's the UFC 100 guys.



Rampage: I'm a Rampage fan but I think Lyoto deserved it more so I'm not TOO bummed out. Quinton will be back better than never.



Lyoto Machida really deserved a title shot after the devastation of one of my favorites, Tiago Silva. One way or another, he got it. Can't wait to see him defeating Sugar. (or not)



Mask: Heartbreaking news. The MMA community lost one of the most recognizable faces in the game. Mask will truly be missed. I hope God will show His grace and goodness and comfort in this time of tremendous pain to all the Tapout crew.