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Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson |
Name: Chuck Liddell
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 204 lbs.
Record: 20-3-0
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"The Iceman" |
VS |
Name: Quinton Jackson
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Record: 26-6-0
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"Rampage" |
Prediction: Well, this match is slated as the main event of the night (in which it will be) and it is also the most anticipated rematch in recent UFC history. The competitive-feud between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (26-6) and Chuck Liddell (20-3) goes all the way back to November 2003 at PRIDE! Final Conflict when “Rampage” defeated Liddell in the second round via TKO (corner stoppage) during the Middleweight Grand Prix semifinals. Since, then both fighters moved on and up in there organizations respected rankings. Chuck went on a 7-match win streak and eventually became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and has successfully defended his title four times. While, “Rampage” has gone 7-3 only losing to Mauricio “Shogun” Sua and Wanderlei Silva (x2), whom are both arguably the toughest light heavyweight fighters in the world. But, that’s all the past in both fighters’ books. I think that this match will start out real strong with both fighters being aggressive and wanting to standup (after a brief “feeling-out” period of course). But I think “Rampage” will soon learn Liddell is not the same guy from back in 2003 and try to take the action to the ground. But, yet again “Rampage” will be surprised by Liddell’s great takedown defense. Really I don’t see any advantages for “Rampage” in this fight unless you consider age and “gut” size. Don’t get me wrong “Rampage” is one of my favorite fighters and is great for the sport but I think this time around Liddell will have a little too much for him to handle. So, I am going to go with Chuck Liddell via TKO in the second round.
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Terry Martin vs. Ivan Salaverry |
Name: Terry Martin
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Record: 17-2-0
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VS |
Name: Ivan Salaverry
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Record: 12-4-1
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Prediction: Ivan Salaverry (12-4-1) has gone 3-2 in his UFC career, which dates back to UFC 37. And he has beat some big names in the game but he hasn't fought since July of 2006 so some ring rust may come in to play in this match. Salaverry is a very rounded fighter who can finish a match in many ways so keep your eyes peeled. Trying to rain on Salaverry's return parade is Terry Martin (17-2) who sports a 1-2 in the octagon. Martin was last seen when he KO'ed Jorge Rivera at UFC 67 but might be more recognizable from when he was knocked out my the "highlight reel" style flying knee he received from James Irvin at UFC 54. I think Martin is in the best shape of his career currently since he looks a lot tougher and fit at 185 but I think Salaverry will just be too much for him. I have Ivan Salaverry by TKO in the 2nd round.
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Josh Burkman vs. Karo Parisyan |
Name: Josh Burkman
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Record: 19-3-0
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"The People's Warrior" |
VS |
Name: Karo Parisyan
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 169 lbs.
Record: 24-3-0
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"The Heat" |
Prediction: Karo Parisyan (16-4) looks to add another victory to his impressive career against TUF 2 contestant, Josh Burkman (8-3). I’m a true fan of Burkman and think he has great potential if he can put everything together. But at this time in his career I believe Parisyan is too much to handle and he will be greatly outmatched. The only blemishes on Parisyan’s record are to current UFC champions (and one lose to Diego “The Dirty” Sanchez). Parisyan’s judo and ground game is too much for Burkman in my opinion and unless Parisyan gasses (which quiet possibly could happen since he is known for his poor conditioning at times) he will come out on top. But, at the same time I think Burkman has a very good defense and at times can let his hands fly. I’m actually torn on this one but I have to say Karo Parisyan in three rounds by decision.
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Houston Alexander vs. Keith Jardine |
Name: Houston Alexander
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Record: 6-1-0
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"The Assassin" |
VS |
Name: Keith Jardine
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Record: 12-3-1
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"The Dean of Mean" |
Prediction: Well I’m really not going to get into any details on this fight because in my opinion, as well as many others, this fight sucks. Not to take anything away from Alexander (6-1), but this is his first fight in the UFC against a light heavyweight top contender. A person who just came off a KO victory over fan favorite Forrest Griffin. I know David Heath was originally slated to fight Jardine but was pushed up to UFC 70 to replace injured Forrest Griffin but come on, there had to be some other fighters lying around such Matt Hamill, Renato “Babalu” Sobral or Brandon Vera. But who knows, maybe Dana is giving Jardine a “bye” with Alexander until Stephan Bonnar (currently suspended until May for testing positive for steroid use) is able to fight in a much-anticipated rematch with “The Dean of Mean”. My pick is Keith Jardine by KO in the first round.
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Kalib Starnes vs. Chris Leben |
Name: Kalib Starnes
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Record: 9-2-1
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VS |
Name: Chris Leben
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Record: 16-3-0
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"The Crippler" |
Prediction: Chris Leben (16-3) looks to rebound again after a UFC 66 loss to Jason MacDonald, but this time he took sometime to himself and apparently has even laid off the “sauce”. But, it wont be easy for him as he steps in the octagon against Kalib Starnes (9-1-1) who has impressed me thus far in his UFC career. I really like Leben’s attitude and his “balls to the wall” style and would love to see him get another stunning KO victory. But at times he can push the fight too much and just get purely dominated. But, I don’t think that will happen in this fight yet I still think for some reason Kalib will pull this one out. Mainly, because in the few fights of his I’ve seen he’s looked pretty damn good. I think if it weren’t for his ribs cracking he would have defeated Kendall Grove on TUF 3 and even though he lost recently against Yushin Okami, he still looked good through two rounds but eventually looked “gassed”. So I’m going with my “Longshot of the Night” and saying Kalib Starnes by submission in the second round.
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Thiago Silva vs. James Irvin |
Name: Thiago Silva
Height: n/a
Weight: 204 lbs.
Record: 9-0-0
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VS |
Name: James Irvin
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Record: 11-3-0
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"Sandman" |
Prediction: Thiago Silva (9-0) will make his UFC debut in this match bringing his undefeated record into the Octagon against James "The Sandman" Irvin (12-3). Irvin who already has four fights under his belt in the UFC (2-2) is coming off of an impressive stoppage over Hector Ramirez even though he might be more remembered for his flying knee KO at UFC 54. But Silva, even though this is his UFC debut, is looking to prove himself as a light heavyweight contender by making an example of Irvin. Silva, who is known for finishing matches early, trains with fighters such as Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. And he has finished 7 of his 9 fights via KO and is very heavy handed. I will have to say this match won’t last that long knowing the knockout power of both competitors and I’m going to give the edge to Silva. I have it as Thiago Silva via KO in the first round.
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Jeremy Stephens vs. Din Thomas |
Name: Jeremy Stephens
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 155 lbs.
Record: 8-1-0
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"Lil' Heathen" |
VS |
Name: Din Thomas
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 155 lbs.
Record: 22-7-0
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"DinYero" |
Prediction: Jeremy Stephens (8-1) will be fulfilling his childhood dream against Din Thomas (19-6) by making his UFC debut in the octagon. But that dream will be short and painful, as I see UFC veteran Thomas taking control of the match early and never looking back especially after an impressive performance on TUF 4 and with his most recent victory over Clay Guida at UFN 8. I think Stephens is a great up and coming fighter though and will put on a great show but Thomas has too much for him to control. I have Din Thomas by submission in the second round.
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Sean Salmon vs. Eric Schafer |
Name: Sean Salmon
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Record: 9-2-0
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VS |
Name: Eric Schafer
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Record: 9-2-2
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"Ravishing Red" |
Prediction: Many of you might remember Sean Salmon (9-2) from UFN 8, where he was knocked out by Rashad Evans. But, the KO isn't what still stands out from that match, even though impressive. It was the "crane kick" he tried to use on Evans 30 seconds into the first round, Karate Kid style. But anyways, enough with his hilarious background. Salmon will try to earn his first victory in the octagon against a fellow TUF alum knockout victim. Eric Schafer (9-2-2) is looking to rebound from his first round KO loss against Micheal Bisping at UFC 66. Both fighters have very good ground games while still having knockout power standing and will be looking to further their careers in the UFC, so I thinking this will be a very entertaining match for any "hardcore" MMA fan. I have Sean Salmon by submission in the second round.
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