I decided to create this because we have a handful of MMA fans on this board, and since the old thread got shut down because it got too big, there hasn't been much MMA talk, an event thread here or there, but nothing major. All UFC, DREAM, Bellator or other events will be discussed here. This thread will start off with a HUGE fight, literally more so than figuratively, with UFC 141. Here is a pretty good preview: [video=youtube;APJylegQLZM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APJylegQLZM[/video] My take on this one just as same as everybody else's. UberReem by TKO. Ever since he started juicing (Him, and the entire Golden Glory gym juices, and if you want to I will argue for hours) he became unstoppable. I never cared for him as a fighter, but his fights, going back to his PRIDE days are always fun to watch. I mean, a big *** dude knocking other dudes around, whats not to like? Brock can't stand with him (or anybody for that matter) and Reem is too experienced of a fighter (Over 50 career bouts I believe) not to be drilling take down D the past few months. IF, however Brock does get on top, he might have a chance with those cinder blocks that he has for hist fists. Imo this won't get past 2 round, TKO, Reem. As for the other relative fight is Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone fight. Diaz has been talking **** (No surprises here) for a while now, and this is going to be a great fight. Both dudes are very technical fighters, and both love to throw down, if this fight goes the distance, history is not on Nate's side (6 or 5 out of 7 career loses are by decisions). Cerrone is not pushover though, winner of 6 straight, and 4 in a row since crossing over from WEC, he has been on a tear, with last two fights being finishes within the first 3 minutes of the fight. He is not one trick pony either, he can throw with the best of them, and roll if he needs to. Those last two finishes have earned him KO and Submission of the Night awards respectively, not to mention that he has 4 Fight of the Night awards. You get the picture, the guy shows up to fight. The rest of the fights can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFC_141 Discuss.
Pretty easy to call this one. Either Brock by GnP or Reem by TKO. I will be shocked if this goes any other way, or the distance. If Reem can stay up and beat Brock standing, the UFC will enjoy building up that title fight with JDS. I don't think he beats JDS though. Reem may be K-1 and all, but speed is speed and JDS has the faster hands. I think Junior beats Brock standing as well. I'm really excited about Cerrone and Diaz. I think Cowboy is the more skilled and better fighter and it will show. Plus, who doesn't root against the Diaz brothers? Cerrone also doesn't struggle to make the weight like Diaz, who initially missed weight yesterday (later made the cut). Diaz probably fits best at a non-existent 160-pound class. I really respect John Fitch. Still the #2 welterweight in the world. But that fight could put you to sleep. Fitch hasn't finished a fight since Cam Cameron traded for Trent Green.
I personally love the Diaz brothers. I love both of their styles. I do think Cowboy will beat Nate, he isnt as proficient at bjj, or striking like his brother, and he probably doesnt have the chin that he will need. I think Overeem destroys Brock, but would love for Brock to win. Overeems strength is Brocks weakness, hopefully Brock can take him down. As for Fitch BOILER UP! Im sure he will win in a snoozer, I just wish he had a killer instinct to go with his heart.
For the record, I like Nick Diaz the fighter. I think he is an incredible athlete, and if he concentrate on fighting 100% he can do ALOT of damage. They say this alot, but I truly believe he has best hands in MMA period. Dude has incredible cardio, he is a phenominal BJJ artist. All the stupid out of ring stuff is upsetting, because his potential is through the roof.
Hits to the body was too much. I doubt Lesnar returns to the WWE. The reason he got out of it was he wanted to spend time with his family. At least in UFC he could train at home where as he was always out on the road. Dos Santos vs Reem should be a fun one.
Money talks though, Brock himself said during the week if the money was good he might go back. I could see him working out a deal with the WWE where he only works limited dates like only RAW/Smackdown, select houseshows and the PPVs. I'd actually be surprised if Brock didn't return to the WWE now, especially since he's on good terms with him recently.
Dana said last night Brock is retiring "under contract". That could mean they'll keep him from doing other things, or simply that they're not pushing him out and he's welcome back. I would lean towards the latter. As far as Cerrone-Diaz, I was really surprised at that fight. Cerrone has shown himself to be so much more skilled than that in 2011. He seemed content to just stand there and get punched in the face. No movement, no risks, no changing tactics, nothing. Perhaps if they were competing in a sweeping contest he'd have won. But he didn't once try to dive in on those either. Really disappointing performance out of Cerrone. And even more puzzling was Dana giving them fight of the night. An extra $75K to Cowboy for being thoroughly uncompetitive. And how about Johnny Hendricks doing everyone a favor and putting down Jon Fitch in 12 seconds?
The WWE fan in me is making me a Chael Sonnen fan. What to do? [video=youtube;BF5BIBh-mSM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF5BIBh-mSM&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Any guesses who wins tonight in Jackson vs. Bader? I think Rampage is cashing in and wouldn't be surprised to see Bader pull this one out.
I wish the old rampage would show up, but I am kind of in the same mind frame as you, that rampage is just cruising. I would bet Bader does pull it out.
A good friend of mine is the father of Mike Rio on Team Cruz... Check him out if you want. Dude is a badass like his dad was. http://www.facebook.com/mikeriomma