Fight: Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
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| Jason Reynolds |
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Mecca of MMA |
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Winner: Machida
Why: There will be explosive action from the start. Machida is taking a big step up in competition by fighting Rua. Machida feasts on aggressive fighters with his counter-attack style and is so elusive (on average he gets hit only once every two and a half rounds). If Machida can survive an initial Rua onslaught, he will frustrate his opponent and wear him down. Machida wins by KO in the third round.
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Winner: Machida – 1st round KO
Why: No PRIDE rules equals no chance for Shogun. The second chapter of "The Machida Era" reads much like the first, with Shogun suffering his first career KO (just like Sugar Rashad).
Can Machida vs. Anderson Silva happen, for the right price?
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Fight: Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell
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| Jason Reynolds |
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Mecca of MMA |
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Winner: Rothwell
Why: Ben Rothwell is making his UFC debut and will be in the best shape of his career – a career in which he's fought against top-level talent all around the world. Velasquez is as good as advertised though, and he only gets better with every fight. Velasquez's brutal offensive wrestling and improved stand-up will lead him to a unanimous decision win.
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Winner: Rothwell – 3rd Round KO
Why: Have to pick at least one PPV card upset. Was leaning towards Rothwell's experience, and the Countdown show put me over the top. Velasquez proved he has a solid chin vs. Kongo, but Rothwell's figures to land more consistently.
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Fight: Gleison Tibau vs. Josh Neer
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| Jason Reynolds |
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Mecca of MMA |
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Winner: Neer
Why: Neer will take control of the Octagon from the start and fend off Tibau with strikes. Tibau will be looking to take Neer down, where the advantage he may hold is only slight. Neer will catch Tibau and end the fight via KO or TKO in the second round.
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Winner: Tibau – Unanimous Decision
Why: Tibau is huge for 155, and although Neer has proven that he is tough and resilient he won't be able to mount enough offense.
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Fight: Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher
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| Jason Reynolds |
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Mecca of MMA |
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Winner: Fisher
Why: Both UFC veterans are extremely tough. Fisher has better stand up and Stevenson is better on the ground. Stevenson often falls in love with standing though when he should be looking to take the fight to the mat. Fisher should wear Stevenson down with constant pressure on the fight on his way to a split-decision victory.
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Winner: Stevenson – Unanimous Decision
Why: "Daddy" saved his career with an impressive win over BJJ whiz Nate Diaz, and I look for his wrestling to grind out a decision of "The King".
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Fight: Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
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| Jason Reynolds |
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Mecca of MMA |
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Winner: Johnson
Why: This fight could end up being the "fight of the night". It's going to be a stand-up war. Both fighters are very skilled and incredibly explosive. Yoshida is the more experienced fighter, but that may be negated by Johnson's amazing athleticism. Johnson wins by KO or TKO in the first round.
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Winner: Johnson – 1st Round KO
Why: Lock of the Century. Rumble combination of speed and power is too much for Yoshida. KO of the night bonus to a future challenger to GSP's Welterweight thrown.
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