Poll Questions In Wake of UFC 89

Cast your vote on several questions that arose from UFC 89…

UFC 89: Bisping vs. Leben Thoughts

• The Fight of the Night was no doubt the slugfest between Paul Taylor and Chris Lytle.  That was  ahard bout to judge.  The decision went to Lytle, but I probably would have given it to Taylor due to his aggressivness.  By the way, how did a judge score that fight 30-27 in favor of Lytle?  I am not mad that Lytle got the decision win, I just wish someone didn’t have to lose a fight that is so close
• Marcus Davis looked really good and Paul Kelly looked very uimpressive.  I think Marcus will be granted his plea to fight at UFC 93 in Ireland.  Looks like a Lytle vs. Davis match up is coming.
• Sokoudjou looked impressive to start, he throw hard punches and hard kicks.  However, if Sokoudjou wants to keep winning he needs to work on some cardio.  He wore out.  Cane knew this coming in and weatehred the storm.  Cane is for real folks.  He has some power and a chin.  He is a guy to watch out for in the light heavyweight divison.
• I thought Brandon Vera looked better than he did against Andy.  However, Jardine got the split decision win.  I probably would have given the decision to Vera, but that is the way it goes.
• The main event was solid.  Bispin was the clear crowd favorite.  He clearly won that fight.  No, not in typical Bisping fashion, but he handled himself well against Leben and proved he is a serious contender.  However, Leben looked solid.  He looked better than ever. 

My UFC 89 Predictions

Some of these are very tough picks.  This is a solid card, which is by far better than UFC 90.  I will probably stink up my picks because there are some tough fights here.  From top to bottom this is a good card.  Maybe not the big names that pay per view cards often carry, but to the serious MMA fan even fights on this undercard are appealing.

Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben

I think Bisping is a serious contender at 185 lbs.  He has looked impressive, but he has not fought anyone of Chris Leben’s calibur yet at 185.  He handily beat Jason Day and Charles McCarthy, but Leben is better than those guys.  Leben can strike and he has an iron chin.  I think when it comes down to it we will see that the difference is Bisping’s conditioning and his ability to take Leben down and work some ground and pound.  If Bisping tries to exchange with Leben it could be goodnight “Count”.  However, Bisping is hailed the best UK fighter, and is likely the TUF 8 coach.  I look for Bisping to win by ref stoppage in round 3. 

Brandon Vera vs. Keith Jardine

This is a very tough fight to pick and here is why.  Brandon Vera made the drop from heavyweight to light heavyweight, which I think is a good move.  He debuted at 205 and looked less than impressive ina  win over Reese Andy.  I do not know if Vera is struggling as a fighter right now or if the weight cut got to him that fight.  I would expect a much better Vera Saturday.  Jardine is a tough guy to figure.  He has at times looked like a top contender.  He has beaten Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin.  However, he got beat handily and quickly by Wanderlei Silva and Houston Alexander.  So is Jardine a top 5 fighter?  Or is he a “gatekeeper”?  My pick for this fight is not concrete, and I would not be shocked for it to go either way, however, I pick Brandon “The Truth” Vera by unanimous decision.  It would be great for Vera’s career if he finished quickly and in exciting fashion like the Vera of old. 

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Luiz Arthur Cane

Argghhh.  Another hard fight.  For the same reasons as above.  How good is Sokoudjou?  He has impressive KO wins over Arona and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, which put him on the MMA map.  He then lost in his UFC debut to Lyoto Machida.  There is no shame in that, Machida is a top guy.  Then he came and dismantled Nakamura, who was unable to answer the bell after round 1.  This fight will show how good Sokoudjou is.  Many people may look over this fight, but this may be the best match up on the card.  A lot of people do not know who Luiz Cane is, but he is a phenomenal striker.  He devestated Jason Lambert.  Anyways, I will go with Sokoudjou by 2nd round KO. 

Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly is tough. He has an iron chin, great wrestling and good ground and pound skills.  He isn’t afraid to trade blows either as he showed against Paul Taylor.  I think when it comes down to it Marcus Davis is way more experienced.  That will be the difference.  I pick Davis by late first round submission.

Shane Carwin vs. Neil Wain

Quite honestly, I know very little about Neil Wain.  However, I do know that Shane Carwin is one of the top heavyweight prospects.  I do know he has knockout power.  I do know that he reportedly has some of the best ground and pound skills.  I think we will see it on display.  I pick Carwin by ref stoppage in round 1.

Dan Hardy vs. Akihiro Gono

Dan Hardy is the British newcomer who is highly touted by many.  He will make his debut against a tough Akihiro Gono.  I have no idea how to predict this fight.  Hardy is touted, but looking at his record, I don’t know what there is to tout.  Gono has tons of experience, but he too has struggled at times.  I believe that home octagon advantage could play a factor and help Hardy who will be a sure crowd favorite.  The winner of this fight will be thrust right into the top ten of the stacked welterweight divison.  I think that Gono wins a tough decision victory.

David Baron vs. Jim Miller

I don’t like this match up.  These are two good signings being placed opposite one another in their debuts.  I wouldn’t mind the fight, but I’d like to see both guys have a chance to win one first.  Only one will win.  David Baron gained fame with his win over Hayato “Mach” Sakurai.  He also boasts wins over Dan Hardy and another UFC recent signee in Abdul Mohammed.  Jim Miller is a former IFL fighter, whose lone career loss came to Frank Edgar.  This should be a tough match between two well rounded fighters.  In the end I think David Baron will win by decision.

Chris Lytle vs. Paul Taylor

Both these guys are tough as nails.  Paul Taylor may be under the radar.  He has a 2-2 record in the UFC, but that is deceiving.  His losses came to Paul Kelly and Marcus Davis.  He was very competitive in both fights, in fact Davis’ submission was seen as a come from behind victory.  Chris Lytle is a very tough dude.  I honestly do not know if he will be able to handle Paul Taylor’s pace.  Both guys like to stand and strike.  Chris Lytle’s nickname is “lights out”.  Lytle has fought some top names in the game such as Koscheck, Alves, Hughes, Serra, Parisyan, Lawler, Nick Diaz, Shonie Carter, and Joe Riggs.  The problem is he has lost to all those dudes.  The point is this, Lytle is a good fighter, but he is not a great fighter.  Don’t get mad at me, that is what his record says.  He has not beaten a top notch fighter except an early win in his career over Kazuo Misaki.  He has some solid wins over guys like Matt Brown, Savant Young, Pat Healy, Tiki Ghosn and Pete Spratt, but those guys are not top guys.  The question as I pick this fight is which group Paul Taylor fits into.  I think Taylor is good and could win this, but Chris Lytle is the prototypical UFC gatekeeper, the top guys beat him and the second tier guys don’t.  I think Taylor has a future in the UFC still, but I think this fight ends with a Lytle KO is round 2.

Jess Liaudin vs. David Bielkheden

Poor David Bielkheden.  He made his UFC debut against a Diego Sanchez with something to prove and he could beat up at UFC 82. Now he drops to lightweight against another welterweight who has dropped to lightweight.  I think it could be an exciting match as the loser may be out of the UFC.  I think that Liaudin will pull out a win here in a unaimous decision. 

Terry Etim vs. Sam Stout

Terry Etim was very hyped coming into the UFC.  He hasn’t lived up to it at all.  He won his debut, but scored losses to Gleison Tibau and Rich Clementi following.  Sam Stout is tough as his fights with Spencer Fisher indicate.  I would not be surprised if he wins this fight that we see the rubber match of those fights.  Terry Etim has great submissions.  If he losses he is out of the UFC.  I suspect Etim will win by submission, even though it does not seem that Stout is very suseptable to submissions.  Etim by submission, round 1.  If it stands though Stout wins. 

Per Eklund vs. Samy Schiavo

This could be a good fight.  Schiavo may be underrated.  He lost to Clay Guida badly, but Schiavo has excellent strikes and solid submissions.  I think Schiavo will be too much for Eklund and will finish the fight by TKO in round 2.

UFC News: Jim Miller vs. David Baron at UFC 89

It had been long rumored that David Baron would make his UFC debut at UFC 89 in England.  David Baron is an impressive fighter who turned heads with a victory over Hayato “Mach” Sakurai in May.  Baron then signe d aUFC contract and has been awaiting his debut.  Recently, the UFC signed upcoming lightweight star and former IFL fighter Jim Miller, who did very well in the now defunct organization.  It seems that Baron and Miller will square off making their octagon debuts at UFC 89.  This should be a good fight and very well could complete the UFC 89 card headlined by Michael Bisping and Chris Leben.

UFC News: Brandon Vera vs. Keith Jardine at UFC 89

It appears that a light hevayweight bout between Keith Jardine and Brandon Vera is in the works for UFC 89.  Brandon Vera is coming off a win in his debut in the light heavyweight divison against Reese Andy.  Keith Jardine is coming off of a quick knockout loss to Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84.  Vera, the former heavyweight standout struggled with energy after cutting weight for his July 19th bout.  This fight should catapolt the winner into contention for the title.  UFC 89 is shaping up to be a fantastic card.  It is slated to be headlined by middleweights Chris Leben vs. Michael Bisping.  Also on the card is a bout between cotnenders Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva as well as a bout between Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Luis Cane.  Additionaly, it is believed that Anderson Silva could defend his title on this card.

UFC News: Diego Sanchez vs. Thiago Alves at UFC 90

It was first reported that Diego Sanchez and Thiago Alves would fight at UFC 89 on October 19th in Birmingham, England.  That is the free SPIKE fight and will feature a main event of Chris Leben vs. Michael Bisping. However, it was never made official.  Then we learned of a pay per view event the next week on October 25, possibly in Chicago.  It looks like the welterweight clash between Sanchez and Alves will take place at UFC 90, certainly not as a main event, but probably as a second or third fight.  The fight is not yet offficial, but is in the works and should be made official soon.

UFC News: Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva at UFC 89

For a free SPIKE UFC show this is shaping up nicely.  UFC is confirming that Lyoto Machida will fight UFC up and comer Thiago Silva at UFC 89. 

Unbeaten light heavyweight sensation Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida (13-0) will look to keep the momentum going from his May victory over Tito Ortiz when he returns to the Octagon to face fellow unbeaten (and fellow Brazilian) Thiago Silva (13-0) in what should be an explosive clash on October 18th’s UFC 89 card at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England

The winner of this fight should be in serious title contention.  If Lyoto wins the UFC cannot avoid giving him a title shot.  If Thiago wins it throws the divison into more turmoil.  This should be an interesting fight to say the least.  I have to wonder though who does this leave for Wanderlei Silva?  The rumor was the Wanderlei was asked to choose between Thiago Silva and Lyoto Machida as to who he wanted to fight.  That may have been true, but he won’t get either yet.  That leaves one fight: Rampage Jackson.  Jackson’s legal troubles may throw a wrench into that idea now, but I have a feeling that was the idea.

UFC News: Shane Carwin vs. Neil Wain at UFC 89

Another bout is confirmed for the free UFC 89 on October 18.  It is a heavyweight clash between Shane Carwin and Neil Wain.  Shane Carwin is a much talked about up and comer in the UFC heavyweight divison and he looked impressive in the first round KO of Christian Wellish at his UFC debut.  However, many say that striking is not his strong suit, but that ground and pound is, which he did not display yet.  We could see it displayed against Neil Wain at UFC 89. it was his ninth consecutive victory via first-round stoppage. UFC UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik said:

British fans will get a chance to see one of the most exciting heavyweight talents in the world, Shane Carwin, lock horns with Neil Wain, who brings his own unbeaten record to the UFC,”  

Neil Wain was scheduled to fight at UFC 85 with Antoni Hardonk, but witdrew due to injury, and he will be back for UFC 89 barring another injury.  This may be a tough fight for the newcomer.

UFC News: Sokoudjou vs. Cane at UFC 89

More UFC 89 bouts are being confirmed.  One being a light heavyweight bout between contenders Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Luiz Arthur Cane.  The winner of that fight will clearly be bolstered to the top of a heavy and stacked divison. 

Sokoudjou gained fame for knocking out top light heavyweights Ricardo Arona and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in PRIDE.  He entered the UFC and lost his debut to Lyoto Machida.  His last fight was a convincing win over Kazuhiro Nakamura, who was unable to answer the bell for the second round.  Following the win Sokoudjou called out Shogun, and has numerous times tried to hype that fight saying Shogun was dodging him.  Shogun will be ready to go by year’s end and a bout between the two may be inevitable, but Sokoudjou has to prove himself against Cane. 

Cane was disqualified from his UFC debut, but he clearly was dominating James Irvin in that fight.  His last fight was at UFC 85, where he destroyed Jason Lambert.  Cane looks to have a well rounded game with great stand up and striking skills.  This should be a great fight, especially for the price.

UFC News: Dan Hardy vs. Akihiro Gono at UFC 89

UFC 89 is set to air free on SPIKE TV on October 18th out of Birmingham, England.  It was pretty common knowledge that Hardy would be appearing in this card and making his UFC debut.  The rumors swirled as to who his opponent would be.  Many said it would be Mike Swick, but he denied those rumors and reportedly just underwent surgery.   Hardy’s opponent will be Akihiro Gono.  Gono recently pulled out of a UFC 82 fight with number one contender Jon Fitch due to injury.  Gono vs. Hardy should be a good fight.  Here is what Dan Hardy had to say:

I’m excited to be fighting such a tough, well-respected fighter for my debut as Gono,” Hardy said. “It shows that the UFC knows I am capable of dealing with the top-tier guys, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to go in at this kind of level. Gono has been in there with some of the best fighters in the world and always put on a good show, he comes to fight and has very good counter-strikes and some interesting submissions. He is a perfect opponent for me to prove my place in the UFC welterweight division and give the fans a great show. Fighting so close to home will be good because all of the people that have supported me through my career will be able to be there for my debut in the UFC.

This is a great weltwerweight match that should indicate where these guys fit into this divison.  Most people have thought that an injury free Gono can be near the top of the divison.

UFC News: Sam Stout vs. Terry Etim at UFC 89

Previously it was rumored that Sam Stout would be facing Paul Kelly at UFC 89.  It does appear that both of them will fight at UFC 89 just not each other.  Stout appears to be headed for a lightweight clash with British Fighter Terry Etim. 

It is very interesting to note that both Etim and Stout are coming off of loses to Rich Clementi at UFC 83 and 84 respectivley.

UFC News: Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly at UFC 89

A welterweight match between Marcus Davis and Paul Kelly is in the works.  UFC 89 will take place in England and Davis is a popular guy to bring in on UK cards.  He calls himself the “Irish Hand Grenade” even though he is not Irish.  Usually you can count on Davis to appear on UFC UK cards.  Marcus had a very impressive 2007, but is now coming off of a loss to Mike Swick at UFC 85.  Davis is looking to climb back into contention against Kelly.  MMAJunkie reported that Davis was hurt in his fight against Swick, but refused to back out last second…

Three weeks before the Swick fight, I had torn the connective tissue between my triceps and my rear [deltoid],” Davis said. “I had Cortisone shots for that. Two days before the Swick fight, I couldn’t move my arm. So, the UFC was cool enough to send me to an orthopedic doctor in the U.K., and they did an ultrasound on my arm. I had an impingement in the front bursa sac that was like 100 times the size it was supposed to be, and then still that tear in the rear connective tissue. [The doctor] did a guided needle with the ultrasound into the bursa, and drained the bursa. And that lasted for about three-and-a-half hours, and then I couldn’t move my arm again.

“The day of the weigh-ins, [the UFC] excused me early. After I weighed in, they let me leave and brought me back [to the doctor] and checked me out. It had swollen right back up again because the needle had aggravated it.”

Davis said the UFC asked if he wanted to withdraw from the bout with Swick.

“When we were [at the doctor], there’s me, the doctor, (UFC president) Dana White and (UFC owner) Lorenzo Fertitta,” Davis said. “And the doctor says, ‘I’m worried. I don’t think you should fight because you’re not going to be able to protect yourself.’

“Dana White looked at me and he said, ‘What do you want to do? What are you going to do?’

“I said, ‘I just flew 3,000 freaking miles to get in a fight. I’m fighting tomorrow night, regardless.'” Davis said he suffered the injury during overly intensive weightlifting sessions. The 34-year-old also said it was a mistake he will not make again. “I got it into my head that I needed to be this big, strong, powerful guy,” Davis said. “I went a little too heavy with that weightlifting. I went a little crazy with it. That was my mistake, and that’s how I got that injury. I was throwing up ridiculous amounts of weight and ended up just hurting myself. I’m not going to make that mistake that time with this fight.

 Kelly is also an impressive up and coming welterweight and this should be an interesting fight.  You would assume Kelly would be an underdog in this fight, but it will be a war.

UFC 89 to Air on Spike

This taken from MMAmania

UFC 89: “Leben vs. Bisping” at The NIA in Birmingham, England, on October 18 will be televised for free on Spike TV, according to Dave Meltzer at WrestlingObserver.com.

The event so far features two great match ups, including a middleweight slugfest between Michael Bisping and Chris Leben, as well as a tentative welterweight war that pits Thiago Alves against Diego Sanchez.

Meltzer indicates that the UFC will likely stage a major pay-per-view (PPV) event one week later on Saturday, October 25. It has not been announced at this time nor is a location or venue known, but we will assume that it will be dubbed UFC 90.

This is good news.  Free MMA is always good news.  A UFC 90 also in October is good news as there are countless fights I am anticipating and many guys I am waiting to see return to the octagon, including Wanderlei Silva, Thiago Silva, Shane Carwin, etc.

UFC News: Diego Sanchez vs. Thiago Alves At UFC 89

UFC 89 is starting to fall together.  The show will for sure air on SPIKE and not on Pay Per view.  The fight will be headlined by a bout between middleweights Chris Leben and Michael Bisping.  In addition to that the card will also feature a welterweight match between Diego Sanchez and Thiago Alves.  It would seem from this match that a number one contender will be determined.

Thiago Alves dismanted UFC star Matt Hughes at UFC 85 in England in June.  Diego Sanchez look exceptional at the Ultimate Fight 7 Finale against Luigi Fiorvanti.  Dana did not say, but I would guess this would have huge implications for the title down the road.  B.J. Penn could throw a wrench in this as he said he gets the winner of St. Pierre vs. Fitch in December or January.  Also, you have to throw Josh Koscheck into the mix as well.  This should be a good match up though.

Anderson Silva To Fight 3 or 4 More Times in ’08

This from Dana White per MMAweekly

Anderson Silva, being the monster that he is, you all know is going to move up to 205 on July 19. He’s going to fight at 205. If everything goes well, he wants to move back to 185 and fight Sept. 6 in Atlanta, probably against Yushin Okami, then he wants to fight again two months later…. When I talk about real fighter, this is the kind of guy I’m talking about. This guy sat down in a meeting with us, literally, two months ago and said you’re not fighting me enough, I want to fight more. And he wants to keep proving himself. He’s one of these guys that said my window is this big and I want to get everything in before this window closes. He wants to fight (July) 19. He wants to fight again Sept. 6 (at UFC 88), back down to 185 (pounds); he wants to defend his title, then again two months later. Anderson Silva might fight three or four more times this year. He might fight three or four more times this year and it’s almost August!”

I suspect for sure we will see Anderson Silva fight at UFC 88 or 89 against Yushin Okami and I suspect that fight will be announced shortly after the James Irvin fight on July 19th.  Also, we could see Anderson another time by year end! That is incredible. Dana is known for exagerating slightly. I do believe Anderson could fight a few more times this year, but I don’t know about 3 or 4 more times.   I would bet that we will see Anderson July 19 and one more time.  Then I suspect he will fight again in early 2009.  Dana White told MMAweekly:

“He wants to hold both the 185 and the 205 pound belt and he wants to defend them both. Normally I won’t let guys do stuff like that because it’s just… stupid. I’ll let Anderson Silva do it,”

I hope he does well at Light Heavyweight and alternates between middleweight and light heavyweight.  I am sure he’d love to get the light heavyweight belt, but I’d say he must win 2 or 3 before he gets the title shot.