Rosenthal League
Benjamin Kohn: 77-29, .726
Tim Bernier: 58-23, .716
Daniel Galvan: 19-8, .704
Nolan Howell: 116-50, .699
Josh Hall: 79-38, .675
Tim Hickey: 93-39, .674
Winslow League
Connor Dillon: 59-32, .648
Chris Groves: 30-19, .612
Luke Irwin: 109-80, .577
Lucas Bourdon: 13-10, .565
TC Engel: 20-20, .500
Light Heavyweight Bout: Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) vs. Mauricio Rua (21-7)
Luke Irwin: Five-round fight. That’s the difference here. Nobody’s finishing this fight. If Hendo can’t turn off Shogun’s lights, Chael sure as hell can, and Shogun won’t get tapped. Chael on the other hand has a very underrated chin, and while he can get submitted, Shogun will gas too quickly to have it be effective. This isn’t Silva in the fifth, Shogun in the fifth is barely a human. Chael, ESPECIALLY at Light Heavyweight where he won’t have to cut much weight at all, will still be trying to drive Shogun through the cage wall into the championship rounds, but he still won’t be able to finish him. Sonnen via UD.
Tim Hickey: A main event between two fighters who in their last 5 fights are a combined 4-6. While not super relevant to any titles, this could still be a fun fight. It really will depend on what Shogun shows up on fight night. If it is In-Shape Shogun, the Gangster from West Lin could be in for a long night. But if it is doughy Shogun, it could end poorly for the former LHW champion. We know what we will get with Chael, persistent takedowns and a grinding style. If Shogun’s cardio isn’t where it needs to be, he will be in trouble. Rua has never won a fight via decision in the UFC (0-3) and cannot let Chael drag him into deep water. I am a Shogun mark, but I have to go with my head and my wallet here. Chael via UD.
Connor Dillon: I think this is a great fight for the first Fox Sports 1 card, as I think “Shogun” isn’t getting anywhere near the 205 title again so he’s on the legends circuit, and Sonnen will be moving back down to middleweight after an almost successful stint as a 205 title challenger. The way I see it going is Sonnen getting “Shogun” down, moving to half guard, then side control. “Shogun” might attempt a sweep when they’re in half guard, as he favors that alot, but I feel Sonnen’s pressure and balance will leave him in a better position. Sonnen via Decision.
Josh Hall: Prime Shogun would have done terrible to things to Chael, but he sadly isn’t the fighter he once was. The longer this fight goes the better it is for Chael, and I think he is able to wear Shogun down badly over the course of 5 rounds. Sonnen via unanimous decision.
Lucas Bourdon: As much as I love Shogun, I don’t think he has enough left to beat Sonnen. As much as it pains me: Sonnen by decision.
Nolan Howell: Had we talked about this fight two or more years ago, it’d be a whole different discussion. These days, it is seems clear. While Shogun should have a good advantage standing, Sonnen’s wrestling allows him to competently strike and dictate where the fight takes place. On the mat, we know Shogun actively works for leg locks and sweeps to get on top. However, Sonnen is HEAVY on top and has seen some more competent and active grapplers than Shogun and has stifled them. Given that and Sonnen’s edge in the gas tank and this seems clear. Sonnen by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: Chael Sonnen all day every day. This fight goes as follows: blast double -> ground and pound -> leglock transistion to stand-up and repeat cycle. Chael is one of the best wrestlers in the game and he will absolutely shine in this fight. I just hope they budget their time properly so we get an epic heel promo from Chael post fight. Chael Sonnen via Unanimous Decision.
Heavyweight Bout: Alistair Overeem (36-12) vs. Travis Browne (14-1-1)
Luke Irwin: Oh, Travis. You’re going to have the bear the brunt of an embarrassed ‘Reem. He’s not overlooking you at all. Do you think Overeem wants to lose two in a row and be an utter heap of goo being screamed at by a gigantic man again? Overeem is probably going to be treating you like 1939 Joe Louis (who actually looked a lot like Bigfoot, strangely enough). Two guys that took Bigfoot lightly and two guys that got starched by the lovable oaf. We’re gonna see some violent Reem here. Overeem via R1 KO.
Tim Hickey: I hope they bring a blanket and a pillow to the Octagon, cause someone is going to need to be tucked in at the end of this fight. Both fighters have blistering power and can flick off the others’ lights at any time. Overeem is obviously the more decorated striker, but Browne is no slouch, as he is extremely athletic for a guy his size. If Reem has learned anything, it is that he has to fight smart, and not get ahead of himself if he is landing early and often. Look for a controlled Overeem to pick his spots and land a fight ending shot halfway through the fight. Overeem via 2nd Rd KO.
Connor Dillon: After Browne’s attempt at becoming the next heavyweight capoeira champion against “Bigfoot” Silva, he came back to viciously destroy Gabriel “Manbearpig” Gonzaga (with what could’ve been illegal elbows…). He’s now being moved back up against another fighter who lost to the mysterious “Bigfoot”, Alistair Overeem. Declared the “next-big-thing” after a successful stint in organizations like DREAM and Strikeforce, he looked to be the one after absolutely mauling the body that was Brock Lesnar. However, he failed a surprise drug test and then lost after gassing and getting knocked out in the third round by “Bigfoot” Silva. Honestly, this one comes down to whether or not he comes in on a horse meat diet or changed it up with beef and pork. I’m gonna lean towards the former in this fight, as his striking acumen and ‘special’ diet come into play. Overeem via TKO.
Josh Hall: This fight all comes down to whether Reem learned from his KO loss to Bigfoot Silva or not. Travis Browne is a solid HW, but if Overeem is on his game he is just better in my eyes. I think he will fight with the desperation he lacked in his last fight and find the finish within the first 2 rounds. Overeem via KO.
Lucas Bourdon: I think Overeem realized that showboating and keeping your hands down against a huge heavyweight isn’t the smartest idea, especially when you’re not exactly known for your iron chin. If he learned his lesson (and if he didn’t Mike Passenier will be right there to slap some sense into him): Overeem by KO.
Nolan Howell: Browne brings length to this fight and perhaps a speed advantage. Unfortunately for him, Overeem bests or equals him where the fight goes. Striking? Overeem. Clinch? Overeem. Grappling? Wash, but Overeem is likely much stronger and has a solid ground game. Sorry, Hapa happens to have nada. Overeem by first-round TKO.
Earl Montclair: I’m going with the upset here. Browne has much better stand up than Antonio Silva (not that the results of their fight showed that) and Overeem is still the cocky guy with the suspect chin. I think Alistair will come in completely full of himself, as per usual, and Hapa will catch him with a heater and put him down. Unless of course, Travis comes in gun shy. If he does, he is toast. I don’t think he will. Travis Browne, KO, Rd2.
Bantamweight Bout: Urijah Faber (28-6) vs. Iuri Alcantara (28-4)
Luke Irwin: Iuri Alcantara is a terrific fighter. He has two fights at bantamweight and both against Brazilian regional fighters. Alcantara can and will be a player, but this is too much too soon. Everyone craps on Faber because of the stream of title shots, but what’s lost in those complaints is that he is a really, REALLY good fighter. Faber via R3 Submission.
Tim Hickey: Faber is looking to win three fights in a row since he was the featherweight champion back in the days of the WEC. He has a tough test when facing a killer in Alcantara. While most casual fans aren’t overly aware of Alcantara, he has proved himself to be a dangerous opponent for anyone who steps into the cage with him. Alcantara is well rounded, but hasn’t submitted anyone since coming stateside back in 2010, so look for Faber to try and use his wrestling to control the Brazilian and grind out a victory. Faber via UD.
Connor Dillon: The “Chin” himself, Urijah Faber comes into action against an interesting opponent in Iuri Alcantara. Faber is consistently voted as the #3 best Bantamweight currently out there, behind champions Dominick Cruz and Renan Barao. Alcantara, while vicious in his last victory over Iliarde Santos, doesn’t have the tools yet to compete with one of the best scramblers and wrestlers at 135. Faber via Decision.
Josh Hall: If Alcantara was unable to handle the grappling of Hacran Dias I cannot pick him to beat Faber, who is still a clear top 3 BW. Faber via unanimous decision.
Lucas Bourdon: I am really high on Yuri Alcantara and really considered picking him but it’s hard to go against Faber’s experience at the elite level. Faber by decision.
Nolan Howell: This should be a good one. Alcantara has shown to be superb in all aspects of the games, as evidenced by his 12 submission and 12 KO wins. Unfortunately, history favors Faber. His competence in all areas combined with athleticism and speed propels him above everyone else not named Dominick Cruz. There could be an upset here as Faber is aging, but Faber usually thrives on defeating these type of contenders. Faber by third-round TKO.
Earl Montclair: I think this is a moderate risk/low reward fight for Faber. Alcantara is not exactly a well known commodity and if he lets this one get away it will be devastating for his goal of yet another title shot. Faber should take this but Alcantara is good and getting better every time out. I just think Urijah is too much for him right now. Urijah Faber via submission, Rd 2.
Welterweight Bout: Matt Brown (17-11) vs. Mike Pyle (25-8-1)
Luke Irwin: Both of these guys are on the “They Must Be Miserable To Fight Against” Team captained by Mike Pierce. These two are on a combined nine-fight winning streak and are both great stories. Unfortunately, there must be a winner and a loser, and I just think Brown is bringing a little more thunder at this point and he keeps on his miracle run. Brown via SD.
Tim Hickey: I like to call Matt Brown “The Conductor”, cause that dude loves to derail hype trains. In the midst of a career renaissance, Brown has won 5 in a row, including victories over hyped prospects Stephen Thompson and Jordan Mein. While originally suppose to fight constantly injured welterweight Thiago Alves, this is still an interesting fight. Pyle has rung off 4 victories in a row, and has finished 3 of those 4 fights via (T)KO. I expect this to be a war between two guys in the midst of a career resurgence, and I don’t think this sees the judges. Pyle via 3rd round stoppage.
Connor Dillon: Count me in the corner of the Immortal One, Matt Brown. Ever since his run on TUF where he knocked the fuck out of some guy for putting a little special sauce in his chewing tobacco, he’s entertained me greatly. Now on a five fight win streak against some of the best up and comers at welterweight, Brown has the potential to shoot for a chance against Top-10 opponents with one more win. Pyle is another veteran, though very crafty on the ground and dangerous standing up. This is a lot more dangerous for Matt Brown than some think, as his Achilles’ Heel (get it? Immortal? Achilles’? Weak spot that is the only way to kill him? Ha-ha) has always been the ground game. That said, I feel Brown’s improvements in the clinch and standing will be enough to keep Pyle away and lead him to a close victory. Matt Brown via Decision.
Josh Hall: This has FOTN potential written all over it. Matt Brown is in the midst of one of the most improbable career turnarounds ever in the UFC, and Mike Pyle has won 7 of 8 defeating solid competition. The majority of Pyle’s wins are by submission and that is Brown’s Achilles heel, but on paper Brown should have lost every fight in his 5 fight winning streak. Brown via 2nd round TKO.
Lucas Bourdon: I like both these guys and this should be an awesome fight. It’s a pretty tough one to call, either Brown knocks Pyle out or gets submitted. !i’ll flip a coin and go with Pyle by submission.
Nolan Howell: Another interesting matchup here between two men inching into contendership. Brown looks to make this fight a technical brawl in the clinch, where he roughs his opponents up with nasty elbows. Pyle is more than willing to engage on the feet, but where he wants this fight is on the mat where Brown’s submission defense is somewhat suspect. Pyle will be able to hang on the feet and take a few to get it to the mat, where it will end. Pyle by second-round submission.
Earl Montclair: Matt Brown is on a logic defying run right now that has resurrected his career. He is on a gravy train with biscuit wheels. Mike Pyle and his mullet will attempt to be the man that derails this freight train and I think he will do it. This is definitely not the same Matt Brown that got worked over by Chris Lytle or Seth Baczynski, but I think Pyle will catch him off balance, drag him to the mat and strangle him. Mike Pyle, Submission, Rd1.
Middleweight Bout: John Howard (20-8) vs. Uriah Hall (7-3)
Luke Irwin: The fact that this is on the main card over Mayday/Pickett is disgusting. Although, they’re on the same channel, but I digress. After John Howard was released, he moved back up to middleweight, which he fought at previously, and went about knocking silly everyone in Rhode Island. In a combined 38 fights, they’ve only been TKO’d once each (Howard has one doctor’s stoppage). Howard’s was very early in his career, and Hall’s was by Chris Weidman. So suffice it so say I doubt either man gets his chin cracked. It goes the distance, but Hall will have a huuuuge size advantage over Howard. Brace for a controversial decision. Hall via SD.
Tim Hickey: Hall looks to bounce back after a disappointing showing on the TUF 17 finale, and faces off against the returning Doomsday Howard. Howard has been on a 6-1 run since his release from the UFC, although none have come against any named opposition. Hall will hold a 7 inch reach advantage, and is significantly taller than the 5’7 Howard, which could cause some issues for Doomsday. I expect Hall will look to strike from range and keep out of the clinch, but not do enough to put himself in a dangerous position. Hall via UD.
Connor Dillon: I spoke on the Supercast and put my weight behind Howard there. Yeah. I think if he can pull a Kelvin Gastelum (another soon to be Welterweight) against Hall he could take it, otherwise he’s going to lose horribly and I might drop in the standings. As such, underdog don’t fail me. Howard via Split-Decision.
Josh Hall: I’m glad Howard is getting another shot in the UFC, but this is an awful matchup for him. Hall needs a statement win, and I think he uses his length to punish Howard at range. Howard is a tough guy to finish, but he has no business at MW and this fight is going to show why that is. Hall via KO.
Lucas Bourdon: I think Hall is ridiculously overhyped and I’m picking Howard for the upset. He has a good left hook (Hall has shown aq tendency to circle into them) is smart enough to clinch or go for the takedown if it’s there and he is defensive discipline is good enough to not get lit up on the outside. The size disadvantage was worrying me at first but if Kelvin Gastelum was able to pressure Hall and get past his reach I’m pretty sure Howard can too. Doomsday by decision.
Nolan Howell: Size kills here. I’d pick Howard at a smaller weight, but will be too much here. Hall by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: I’m glad that John Howard worked his way back into the big leagues but this is just mean. Uriah Hall, Highlight Reel KO, Rd1.
Lightweight Bout: Joe Lauzon (22-8) vs. Michael Johnson (12-8)
Luke Irwin: Did you know Joe Lauzon is 3-0 in August fights? WELL FUCKING DID YOU?? Alright, this is so transparent. In 20 fights, Johnson has gotten submitted FIVE DIFFERENT WAYS. Not five submission losses, FIVE DIFFERENT SUBMISSIONS. Since Joe Lauzon knows all the submissions, this doesn’t bode well for him. Lauzon via R1 submission.
Tim Hickey: This almost seems like a gimme fight for J-Lau. Johnson hasn’t looked overly impressive as of late (with the exception of that big head kick he landed in his last fight) and may have the worst takedown D of any wrestling based fighter in the UFC. Lauzon has been up and down the last couple of fights, but is talented enough to not lose to a guy like Johnson. Expect Johnson to get his walking papers after this fight. J-Lau via 2nd round submission.
Connor Dillon: Blackzillian? TUF’er? Losing Streak? Boston? Do you even need to figure out who I’m picking? Lauzon via Submission.
Josh Hall: Joe Lauzon is very good at submissions and Michael Johnson is not. This fight is a gift to the Boston crowd as the hometown Lauzon should look very good in this fight. He has fought a murder’s row in his last 4 fights, and the UFC is throwing him a big step down in competition here. Lauzon via sub.
Lucas Bourdon: A guy known for getting submitted fighting Lauzon in Boston? Easy: Lauzon by first round sub. The real question is: What sub will Lauzon use?
Nolan Howell: I won’t be spending a lot of time on this one because, really, what point is there? Johnson has shown the ever cliched athleticism, but he can’t put it together. He gets rocked, he gets tapped, he gets outwrestled. No chance he beats Lauzon. Lauzon by first-round submission.
Earl Montclair: Michael Johnson gets submitted. Joe Lauzon submits people. 1+1=Joe Lauzon, RNC, Rd1.
Bantamweight Bout: Brad Pickett (23-7) vs. Michael McDonald (15-2)
Luke Irwin: FOTN right here, lads and lasses! These are both fantastic strikers. Pickett tends to struggle against strong wrestlers, of which McDonald isn’t really one. So expect some lightning fast exchanges. Both will land, both will use good movement, and this will be a firefight. McDonald via SD.
Tim Hickey: Cut to image of Willam Defoe screaming “THERE WAS A FIREFIGHT!!!”. This should be a barnburner, as both fighters love to bring it, and should keep a high pace the entire time. McDonald definitely holds the power advantage, but I think that Pickett has better footwork of the two. I expect a lot of in and out from Pickett as he tries to avoid McDonald’s power punches. Pickett via Split decision.
Connor Dillon: McDonald is coming in as the youngest challenger for a title in UFC history. He’s got bombs in his hands (insert MMARoasted joke here) and is a dangerous fighter for plenty of people. Just ask Miguel Torres or Alex Soto. That said, Brad Pickett is one of the best fighters to come out of the U.K. I’d even rank him above Michael Bisping, as he actually holds victories over top names like Demetrious Johnson (current 125 pound champ and former 135 challenger), Ivan Menjivar (135 mainstay) and Mike Easton (Lloyd Irvin cultist). He’s also fought current champion Renan Barao, and former champions Scott Jorgensen and Eddie Wineland. For his overall experience, fantastic ground game, and great stand-up, I’m going with the Englishman. Pickett via Decision.
Josh Hall: This also has FOTN potential all over it, and is the toughest fight to call on the card for me. Pickett has the tools to exploit some of the holes in Mayday’s game, but I think he has taken a lot away from his recent loss to Renan Barao. McDonald via split decision.
Lucas Bourdon: This is gonna be such a fun fight, Mayday by decision.
Nolan Howell: Tough call here. Pickett is certainly the more well-rounded fighter, but he does eat a few every fight and McDonald is not the guy to do that against. Still, I’ll take my chances here. Pickett by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: Goddamn this is such a wonderful fight. I am kind of surprised they gave Mayday such a tough return fight after his championship scrap with Barao. Pickett is just a little bit better in every area except McDonald’s clear power advantage. I’m so torn on this fight but I will go with Brad Pickett via Unanimous Decision.
Featherweight Bout: Conor McGregor (13-2) vs. Max Holloway (7-2)
Luke Irwin: I like Holloway, he’s a nice striker, but McGregor is an absolute animal. Holloway is very crisp, very technical, love his technique and his body shots, but McGregor will eat a couple to come at you with everything he’s allowed to throw. Holloway will try and make it a boxing match, McGregor will make it a fight. McGregor via R2 TKO.
Tim Hickey: An exciting fight between two highly regarded prospects, I expect nothing short of excitement in this one. McGregor has shown to have absolute nuclear weapons in his hands, with 12 of his 13 victories coming via (T)KO. Both guys like to strike, but Holloway will need to do a good job of not letting Notorious touch his chin, or it could be all she wrote. I am higher on McGregor than I am on Holloway tho, so I am going with my heart here. McGregor via 2nd round KO.
Connor Dillon: One of the fights I’m most looking forward to on this card, Irishman Conor McGregor fights the Hawaiian Max Holloway. McGregor is hot off the presses after beating Marcus Brimage with a TKO in Sweden and Holloway is coming in as a dangerous fighter who’s fought some big names like Dustin Poirer and Leonard Garcia. I think this’ll be a brilliant stand-up fight, as McGregor will look to take angles and use his above-average boxing while Holloway will try to offset him with kicks and possibly some takedowns. I think that McGregor might finish him, but Holloway is a tough fighter and he’ll wind up holding out until the very end. McGregor via Decision.
Josh Hall: On paper McGregor should be able to win this fight wherever it takes place, but Holloway is improving by leaps and bounds with each UFC fight. I think he is a future star in the division, but McGregor is a bit further along right now. McGregor via KO.
Lucas Bourdon: This is a way better fight than the original McGregor vs Andy Ogle fight. I think McGregor is a bit better on the feet and the short notice won’t help Holloway. McGregor by TKO.
Nolan Howell: Fuck McGregor. Holloway by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: Max Holloway seriously has to stop with these short notice fights. He is stunting his own growth as a fighter and could very well end up getting cut in the future on account of it. I know he had 5 or 6 weeks to prep for this fight but I still don’t like it. He pays for it here. Conor McGregor, Submission, Rd2.
Featherweight Bout: Mike Brown (26-8) vs. Steven Siler (22-10)
Luke Irwin: Mike Brown! Been a damned minute, son! Nice matchup here, but only two fights ago, Siler lost to Darren Elkins. Brown isn’t that dissimilar to Elkins. Both hard, tough, grinders. Since it seems like Brown gets hurt after every single damned fight he has, I’ll assume this time off has done more to heal him than give him a good amount of ring rust. I think Brown is rejuvinated and Elkins’s his way to a W. Brown via UD.
Tim Hickey: The former WEC featherweight champion makes his return to the Octagon for the first time in over a year, and I expect him to wrestle the shit right out of Siler. Brown via UD.
Connor Dillon: Who should I pick here? Honestly, unless Mike Brown comes in with some kind of medical issue again, I think he’ll win. This is his fight to lose, as Siler hasn’t really impressed me with much of anything. Mike Brown via Decision.
Josh Hall: We haven’t seen Matt Brown in the cage in over a year, and at 37 you have to wonder how much he has left in the tank. Siler has a knack for beating guys that he shouldn’t on paper, but he has always struggled with wrestlers. I will take Brown via unanimous decision but this has upset potential.
Lucas Bourdon: Brown by decision.
Nolan Howell: Brown should still be good enough here. Brown by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: MTB is back from retirement. I think Siler takes this and makes me sad. Steven Siler, Split Decision.
Featherweight Bout: Daniel Pineda (18-9) vs. Diego Brandao (17-8)
Luke Irwin: Brandao is a favorite of mine and I feel he gets overlooked. His only loss was to Darren Elkins, who was a buzzsaw before Chad Mendes, who just might be the best Featherweight in the world right now, put a stop to that. He has wins over Dennis Bermudez, Joey Gambino, and Pablo Garza, who shouldn’t have been released. Pineda is a tough fighter but pretty limited. I think Brandao can get him down and find a way to finish. Brandao via R2 submission.
Tim Hickey: Pineda’s best chance to victory is to survive early, as Brandao has shown some tendency to slow down as the fight progresses. With 33 finishes between these two fighters, I can’t see it going to a decision. Brandao via 1st round KO.
Connor Dillon: Brandão has been quite impressive, even in defeat. Pineda is coming in with a 3-2 Octagon record. I’m putting my money in the man with the “I-Almost-Tore-Off-Dennis-Bermudez’s-Arm” award. Brandão via KO.
Josh Hall: Speaking of upset potential, this fight has some too. Brandao could potentially get himself in trouble here if he over commits, but if he fights a smart fight Pineda doesn’t have a ton of paths to victory. With Brandao you just don’t know what you’re going to get though. Still, Brandao via KO.
Lucas Bourdon: If Pineda survives the first half of the fight he might have a shot. I don’t think he does: Brandao by KO.
Nolan Howell: Brandao has the edge nearly everywhere here. Brandao by first-round TKO.
Earl Montclair: Brandao is going to do hideous, awful things to Pineda. Diego Brandao via slaughter, Rd1.
Featherweight Bout: Cole Miller (19-7) vs. Manvel Gamburyan (12-7)
Luke Irwin: Manny’s been out of the cage for a year, and Cole has lost two out of the three. So, ya know, prelims. This can break down rather easily. Manny is a striker, Cole is a submission fighter. Manny’s never been submitted and Cole’s only been knocked out once. So, couple those facts with Gamburyan’s ring rust, and boy this fight is going to suck. Gamburyan via UD.
Tim Hickey: Man, I forgot Manny was even on the roster until this fight was announced. The oft injured fighter is making just his 4th appearance in the Octagon in the last 3 years, and is coming off a 12 month layoff. Miller’s game hinges on his ability to try and get this to the ground, and with Gamburyan’s excellent judo, I think he will struggle to do so. Gamburyan via UD.
Connor Dillon: If Manny stays healthy going in and doesn’t get disrupted by the Scarecrow’s awkward stand-up, he should win with top game and takedowns. Gamburyan via Decision.
Josh Hall: I don’t think Miller has the takedown defense to keep the fight standing where he has the advantage. I expect Manny to spend a lot of time in top position here, but Miller is very tough to finish. Gamburyan via unanimous decision.
Lucas Bourdon: Gamburyan by decision.
Nolan Howell: Miller by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: I love watching Cole Miller fight. He is always intense and looking for the kill. Better get that fist bump ready, Bruce Buffer. Cole is coming for another win. Cole Miller, Submission Rd1.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Cody Donovan (8-2) vs. Ovince St. Preux (13-5)
Luke Irwin: O-S-P! O-S-P!! O-S-P! Man, I miss Strikeforce. St. Preux via UD.
Tim Hickey: Should be a pretty solid fight really. OSP has fought tougher fighters in his career, and I would like to think that he may bring more to the table than Donovan does. OSP via late finish.
Connor Dillon: Being raised in Tennessee leaves me little choice. OSP via TKO.
Josh Hall: Donovan is decent but lacks the athletic ability to keep up with OSP here. He has also been TKO’ed in both of his losses which doesn’t bode well for him against a hard hitter such as St. Preux. OSP via KO.
Lucas Bourdon: Now this is a fight I really don’t care about. OSP by whatever.
Nolan Howell: OSP by unanimous decision.
Earl Montclair: I’ll take OSP in this one. Blah. Ovince Saint Preux, Decision
Lightweight Bout: James Vick (4-0) vs. Ramsey Nijem (7-3)
Luke Irwin: Vick’s record isn’t much at all, but he did beat Dakota Cochrane, Joe Proctor, and Daron Cruickshank in the TUF season. That’s legit, but Nijem has actual UFC experience, going 3-2 in the big show, however he did get starched twice in violent fashion. There is something to having been there before, and maybe ten fights in a neutral location, Vick takes eight of them by TKO/KO against Nijem, the first actual UFC bout for TUF guys tends not to go very well. Nijem via UD.
Tim Hickey: Nijem via UD.
Connor Dillon: Anyone who comes out to Matisyahu while being from a member of a culture that has strong opposition to his faith is good in my book. Nijem via Decision.
Josh Hall: Nijem has big advantages in experience and wrestling, and I expect him to use both to control Vick for the duration of the fight. Nijem via unanimous decision.
Lucas Bourdon: Nijem by decision.
Nolan Howell: Vick by first-round TKO.
Earl Montclair: I’m glad to see that Ramsey is still alive and in control of his bodily functions after Myles Jury flatlined him in San Jose. It would be nice to see him rebound from that with a hard fought victory here. Ramsey Nijem, Decision.
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