Preview to UFC 108
OK, I know this is a bit late, but I am getting all excited about UFC 108, so felt I'd let out a bit of steam.
Its my dad whose mostly got me into it, tbh. I know that there is all this talk of it being crap, due to a bit of an injury crisis. I love watching any type of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) because it is so much more entertaining than that televised soap opera, known as WWE. So I do think, people saying its gonna be a let down, are just a tad over the top. As UFC themselves say, the cannot have the same fighters fighting at every event, because it would just get stale. So new fighters are introduced and help break things up.
So being me, I decided to give a wee run down on how I think it'll go
Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva
The main event. This looks like a pretty even match, though Evans form has been slightly worse than Silva when it come to form in the last 10 or so matches. With both men losing one out of 10 and Evans also drawing once. Whether that is telling or not remains to be seen. Overall, they are pretty evenly matched, but I think that Silva's slight height advantage may be all he needs to win, so that's who I'm rooting for, Silva.
Dustin Hazelett vs. Paul Daley
To be honest I saw Paul Daley's only UFC fight a few nights ago, when he won on a technical knock out against Kampmann at UFC 103. I'm trying not to be biased as I want to support Daley because he's British. Hazelett is slightly taller, but from what I have seen of Daley, I do think he may use that as an advantage as getting some well-angled hits in. Hazelett is more experienced in UFC fights, wereas Daley has more overall MMA experience. So this could be another close one, but I'm routing on Daley, on the hopes he wins his second UFC fight.
Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout
These guys have different styles. Lauzen is good at submissions, and most of his fights last under the 3 rounds of a UFC match. Where as Stout is very good at rapid shots. So my guess would be that Lauzen will try and get the match done as quick as he can, so he can try and avoid the damage that Stout can deliver, bearing in mind that Stout, has had a lot of his victories due to unanimous decision from the judges. So I'm going to back Stout, because I do feel he has such a good punch.
Jim Miller vs. Duane Ludwig
Although these guys are the same weight, I do feel that Miller is more sturdy, though Ludwig is quick with the punches. My head is telling me that Miller may allow Ludwig to tire himself out, before pulling him into submission. Though Ludwig does have hella force behind his punches. I think that if the match goes full length Miller will have it in the bag. So I am backing Miller, because I do think his build will be to his advantage.
Junior Dos Santos vs. Gilberg Yvel
Yvel is a very experienced fighter, compared to Dos Santos, having 6 times as many fights as the Brazillian. Both these guys are quite big, with Dos Santos having a slight wieght advantage. Dos Santos prefers boxing stylings, whereas Yvel does a lot of kicking, and lower body attacks. I do think that this may be a close match, but I do think that Yvel's experience is going to be very telling, and I expect him to win.
Martin Kampmann vs. Jacob Volkmann
Volkmann has said it himself, if he wants to stay in UFC, he must win this fight. Volkmann does have a very good wrestling style, and is good at getting his apponent down. Krampmann, on the other hand, makes very powerful hits, which may floor Volkmann if he can't keep steady on his feet. Kampmann is slightly taller and younger than his apponent. I do feel that Volkmann may panic himself and may push early on, leading the more experienced fighter to win. I'm stuck here, because Kampmann is the stronger fighter, but I kinda don't want it all to end for Volkmann. I'm gonna send my wishes behind Volkmann, and hope he keeps his cool.
Cole Miller vs. Dan Lauzon
This is only Lauzon's second UFC fight, after losing against Fisher at UFC 64 in 2005, he is back for a second attempt. Miller on the other hand is more experienced and has a slight height advantage. Again I do think that Miller has more experience, and I beleive that will be telling in the fight. But Lauzen has been putting in a lot of work, so only time will tell. So I do back Miller.
Mark Munoz vs. Ryan Jensen
Munoz is still early in his MMA career, but other than that, these two seem pretty evenly matched. Munoz uses upper body strength, whereas Jensen is pretty much an all-rounder. Munoz weakness is around the leg area, so if Jensen gets a couple of good kicks in, it could win it. I feel this could be another close one, but feel that Jenson may edge to victory.
Mike Pyle vs. Jake Ellenberger
Pyle is a very experienced, well-rounded fighter, where as Ellenberger is very fast with the punches. Both mens' stats come up the same, so its just going to come down to who has the better plan. Ellenberger could attempt to take Pyle by surprise and just attack him, and try and beat him as soon as possible. But my head is telling me that Pyle's more varied style may lead him to victory.
Rafaello Oliveira vs. John Gunderson
These guys are pretty close. I would say that Gunderson has a lot more experience. Although I am just guessing at this point, having seen neither guy fight, I'm betting on Gunderson.
Nows the point where I realise all the fighting already started I am posting this unedited, in the hope that I get a few predictions right. Which I won't because well its me. lol Thanks to Sky for giving me ESPN free of charge, due to me being an employee. The US has this as pay per view, and I pay nothing. That makes me happy.