Rosenthal League:
Nolan Howell: 3-1, .750
Chris Groves: 10-5, .667
Christian Diaz: 8-4, .667
Daniel Galvan: 10-6, .625
Josh Hall: 6-6, .500
Winslow League:
Connor Dillon: 9-11, .450
TC Engel: 7-9, .438
Tim Hickey: 6-10, .375
Luke Irwin: 9-16, .360
-Despite some minor jockeying for position after Bellator 90, the standings and leagues remain the same. Connor, despite a great showing for Bellator, still cannot fight his way out of the Winslow (NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!) League.
UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) (6-0) vs. Liz Carmouche (8-2)
Connor Dillon: Alright, lets hit this hard and fast. Rousey is the femine fatale, winner of the best Paul Harris limb ripping impersonation, six fights in a row. Carmouche is the first openly gay UFC fighter and former U.S. Marine, the second half of a very important match in the history of MMA. So what is gonna happen in this fight? Rousey’s bread and butter are trips and throws from the clinch. Liz has strength over most of her opponents and works well with her strikes from a distance and in ground and pound. The question is, is Carmouche gonna be able to keep her distance and out strike Rousey? I’m not sure. It’s come to light that a famed boxing trainer was greatly impressed by Rousey’s newfound standup, so there’s a possibility that Rousey will keep it standing. But, I feel Rousey will eventually go down to her favored position, the armbar. Rousey by hard back and forth Armbar.
Lucas Bourdon: I must say that the UFC did a pretty good job making me care about this fight and Liz came out very well on the Primetime show. Won’t change the end result though : Rousey by armbar round 1.
Tim Hickey: The first women’s fight in UFC history unfortunately doesn’t look like it will be overly competitive. Caramouche’s only chance is to defend Rousey’s takedowns and hope to keep the fight on the feet, where she can utilize her power and try and take advantage of Rousey’s redimentary striking game. Unless Caramouche has developed world class Judo over the past 8 months, I don’t see how she is able to do that. Rousey via 1st round sub.
Tim Bernier: Rickson- I mean, Rousey by Armbar. If you’re not picking this, you’re mental. And no amount of Carmouche war-wagoning is going to give her any sort of a chance, Luke.
Nolan Howell: This is one pick where I sincerely hope I am wrong. After Thursday night, there is a stark reminder that anything can happen inside the cage if a plan isn’t executed correctly. I hope Carmouche has trained against the armbar and I hope she smashes Rousey so hard that magazine covers and ESPN centerfolds are forever out of the question. Alas, it just seems academic. Rousey via armbar, first round.
TC Engel: Well, a normal prediction isn’t necessary. This will take 1:03.
Benjamin Kohn: Rousey by armbar rd 1, nuff said.
Christian Diaz: I’ve been doing my due diligence for this fight..I think that if Liz plays her cards right and peppers Rousey from a distance, then she could easily take this fight. Let’s not forget that according to my Moon Math, then there will be more visible moon on its right side..HENCE, Carmouche is cosmically destined to win. You heard it here first, Carmouche via decision.
Daniel Galvan: Thursday night was a reminder that anything can happen in Mixed Martial Arts. Will it also go down in history as some type of freaky foreshadowing from the MMA gods? I doubt it as this fight was just probably made by Luke to figure out which of us are addicted to hardcore drugs. I’ve failed many tests, especially recently, but I’ll be damned if I fail this one. Rousey via Sub, 1st Round.
Luke Irwin: Nope, nope, nope. Here’s the thing when it comes to Ronda; it comes down to fear. Miesha was scared, but still did her best, Kaufman was terrified and it showed in her piss-poor pathetic effort. The thing about Liz, Liz will not be scared. She has seen horrors the like of which Ronda Rousey can’t imagine, no matter how much she talks up her “tough” life. Will Liz get caught? Maybe. Probably. But she won’t be scared, and she’ll make Ronda earn her win. Liz will not lay down like Kaufman did. If Ronda wins this, she’s going to break a sweat doing it. That being said, I will never pick Ronda Rousey for anything, even if it’s an award for my least-favorite fighter named Ronda Rousey, just to give her the satisfaction. Liz plays things smart, Ronda panics after the first minute, Liz lands a strike and GnPs her way to a Carmouche R1 TKO.
Chris Groves: Carmouche is without a doubt talented, but I think everyone knows the tune to this song. Rousey via Armbar, round 1.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Dan Henderson (29-8) vs. Lyoto Machida (18-3)
Connor Dillon: The legendary UFC hall of fame worthy fighter, Dan Henderson, is fighting the Dragon, Lyoto Machida. Hendo has massive power in his right hand, which has led to probably the best knockout of his career against Bisping. Lyoto is extremely elusive, though he has finishing ability, ending both Ryan Bader and Rashad Evans’ nights with knockouts. This one will be Hendo’s in the first round, or a decision by Lyoto. I don’t think Hendo has the movement or speed to catch Lyoto, therefore he will lose. Lyoto by decision.
Lucas Bourdon: Well, Hendo has a clear path to victory : landind a huge right hand. I’m a Hendo fan and I’d really love it if he pulled it off because I’d really like to live in a world where he knocks out Jon Jones and retires the UFC LHW champion. In that world however, Genki Sudo wouldn’t have retired more than six years ago would be the UFC LW champion, title fights would be seven rounds and Teddy Riner would have retired from Judo after winning gold in London and would be on his way to become the UFC HW champion in Paris around 2015 or so. In the real world : Machida by decision.
Tim Hickey: The winner of this fight supposedly will face the winner of Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen. This is a horrible stylistic matchup for Hendo, as Machida will utilize his elusiveness to ensure he doesn’t end up on the receiving end of Henderson’s monsterous right hand. Hendo has a perchance of fading as the fight goes on, and unless he plans to use his wrestling and try to press Machida against the change and work for takedowns, this is a tough fight for him to win. Machida via decision.
Tim Bernier: Machida by decision- Machida is too fast to get hit by Hendo. Hendo’s chin will prevent him from getting knocked out. His submission defense will keep him in the fight if it hits the floor. Machida styles on him, but it goes the distance. Easy call.
Nolan Howell: This fight is the true main event for many and I can’t say I blame them. The complexion of this fight can change with a looping right or a lighting straight left. While Hendo definitely has better potential to finish this fight, it will be a matter of him catching up to Machida, who will make Hendo take some laps around the cage all night if he has to. “The Dragon” moves much too fast. Machida via TKO, third round.
TC Engel: I’d love to see Hendo get the win here. But he’s bound to fall off a cliff sooner or later, with his age, and after a 15 month layoff sounds like a good time to me. I don’t see him getting KO’d by Machida, so the pick is Machida by UD.
Benjamin Kohn: A really intriguing matchup that I think will really boil down not to striking styles, but simply speed. In a 3 round fight, cardio will not play nearly as big a factor for Hendo. However Machida really is just too damn quick for Hendo to catch with an H-bomb. Machida by UD.
Christian Diaz: As much as I’d like for Hendo to hit his H bomb, I think Machida will prove to be too elusive to hit. Plus I don’t think that Hendo can trick his way into a victory like Rampage did..so yeah, Machida via decision.
Daniel Galvan: Unless he gets uncharactaricstically careless with his striking defense or out-wrestled, Lyoto Machida should be able to beat Dan Henderson convincingly. Striking-wise, the dragon has youth, speed, and technique on his side. This fight may look a lot like Machida’s previous encounter with Ryan Bader as Bader fits into the Hendo mold of a power puncher who doesn’t always use his top notch wrestling. I believe this fight will end in similar fashion with Machida being the first person to ever knockout Henderson. Machida via KO, Round 2.
Luke Irwin: First off, let’s get rid of the notion that Machida will KO Dan Henderson. No, not going to happen. Fedor, Rampage, Wanderlei, Anderson, etc… couldn’t. Machida won’t. Machida can be starched, however, and it doesn’t take much to do so if you’re able to get in range. I think Dan takes in a round or two to try and get a bead on Machida’s footwork, and lands one to send it home. Henderson R3 KO.
Chris Groves: Machida is elusive, a great counter-striker, and has excellent takedown defense. Dan Henderson has a nuclear weapon for a right hand, but is 42 and coming back from an injury and well over a year long layoff. Machida via late submission or UD.
Bantamweight Bout: Ivan Menjivar (25-9) vs. Urijah Faber (26-6)
Connor Dillon: A rematch that ended with an illegal blow to Faber, both fighters have gone through much since that fight. Faber was ended as a featherweight and began a bantamweight career that already includes two championship fight losses. Menjivar has been exciting as ever, even though he was recently beat by one of my least favorite fighters, Mike Easton. Personally, I liked Menjivar in this fight. He has things to prove and Faber just seems a tad bit too used up at this point. I think we’ll see something similar to Barao’s and Aldo’s gameplans, with a big focus on legs kicks and defensive wrestling. Menjivar by decision.
Lucas Bourdon: I love Menjivar but this isn’t a title fight so : Faber by decision.
Tim Hickey: A rematch of a 2006 fight which Faber won via DQ, this should be a fun and energetic fight between two top 10 bantamweights. Menjivar tends to struggle against upper echlon competition, and I see Faber using his wrestling to negate Menjivar’s speed. Faber via UD.
Tim Bernier: Urijah Faber by decision– Faber is an incredible fighter when he’s not fighting the best in the weight class. I fully expect a performance like he had against Bowles, Wineland, or Mizugaki in between all of his title shots. Menjivar will be letting El Salvador down in this one.
Nolan Howell: While Menjivar is a solid fighter, this screams showcase fight for Faber. Menjivar is a solid name enough to bolster Faber’s chances for his millionth title shot and he doesn’t really present too much of a problem anywhere for Faber. Whether or not Faber gets the finish is up for question. Faber via UD.
TC Engel: I really do love Ivan Menjivar. I hope he goes out and snatches an arm on Saturday. It’s not going to happen. Faber by UD
Benjamin Kohn: Faber is just better than Menjivar in the striking and wrestling department. He seems to beat everyone when there is no title involved and it’ll be no different here. Faber by UD.
Christian Diaz: Faber’s wrestling is too good. Ivan will always be a dynamic upper-mid echelon fighter but he doesn’t have the skill set to compete with Faber. California Kid via decision.
Daniel Galvan: Don’t sleep on Ivan Menjivar. Although Urijah Faber should have little trouble taking down the “Pride of El Salvador”, he will have trouble being comfortable from the top position. Off of his back, Menjivar is a hyper active grappler who constantly throws up his legs for submission attempt after submission attempt. If Faber gets lazy, he’ll end up being forced to submit. With that being said, Faber has never lost back-to-back fights in his career, and he should be able to control Mennivar in what looks to be a fun three rounder. Faber via Decision.
Chris Groves: Faber is joking about retirement? That’s never a good sign. Do I think he is still the fighter he used to be, still in his prime? No I do not. Do I think that Menjivar is actually good enough to beat a depleted Faber? I THINK so. It might be a risky call but Menjivar via late (T)KO or UD.
Luke Irwin: Menjivar is skilled and crafty enough that he can catch just about anybody in the world with a submission at any time. Faber is one of the few alive that he cannot. Too experienced, wrestling still too good. Faber SD.
Welterweight Bout: Court McGee (13-3) vs. Josh Neer (33-12-1)
Connor Dillon: Court McGee reminds me of a cross between an orangutan and an Amish person. Neer makes me think of Chris Lytle, without the personality. McGee has been making plenty of advancement with his technique, but has suffered a couple losses in a row. Neer has been beaten a couple times in a row as well, and been through plenty of wars. McGee by TKO.
Lucas Bourdon: I see McGee grinding this out and taking a decision.
Tim Hickey: Ugh, I cannot believe this is a main card fight. Both fighters are on 2 fight losing streaks, and McGee makes 15K to show up to the arena. Look for McGee to try and grind Neer against the cage and work dirty boxing and takedowns for 3 rounds. McGee via UD.
Tim Bernier: Neer beats McGee by decision because (pretend I had something intelligent to say here. I hate that this is a main card matchup on a PPV)
Nolan Howell: I love watching Josh Neer fight, but if you had any sense, you would not put a cent on this man. While the tools are there, he may well top Melvin Guillard in the competition for worst fight IQ. Even when Neer has a chance to win, I find myself thinking there is a much bigger opportunity to lose. Court McGee is solid enough to dictate where this fight goes and I think his standup is solid enough to get the nod here. Count on Neer gassing and doing something stupid. McGee via submission, second round.
TC Engel: This is a PPV fight? Seriously, UFC? This fight sucks. McGee by UD.
Benjamin Kohn: Mcgee is dropping from MW and he was not undersized at that weight. He will be massive and with his great cardio and grinding wrestling, I don’t see Neer being able to do much to stop a pretty boring UD in favor of McGee.
Christian Diaz: I really don’t like this fight. At all. I think McGee makes this an ugly affair and grinds his way to a decision victory. Mcgee via UD.
Daniel Galvan: How is this fighting happening on a main card of a UFC PPV while Jon Fitch is looking for employment? MMA can be frustrating. McGee via Decision.
Chris Groves: Neer has seemed seriously less than his best in his last two fights. McGee always has amazing cardio and keeps a good pace, and I believe that will follow him down to 170. McGee is also quite durable. The bearded one outlasts the dentist in en route to McGee via UD.
Luke Irwin: This fight on a PPV is dogshit. Regardless, if Neer can’t put someone to sleep, he doesn’t fight smartly. Court might be limited, but he doesn’t get KO’d. Neer swings for the fences in the first, can’t put Court away, then Court easily cruises to a 29-28. McGee via UD.
Welterweight Bout: Josh Koscheck (17-6) vs. Robbie Lawler (19-9)
Connor Dillon: Both are wrestle-boxers with strong belief in their punching power. Lawler has been through a few more wars than Kos though, and I think that will be the important factor here. That and Kos is a much better wrestler. Koscheck by TKO.
Lucas Bourdon: Koscheck is smart and will wrestle poor Robbie to death : Kos by decision.
Tim Hickey: This is really a squash match in the making. Lawler hasn’t fought at 170 lbs since 2004, and outside of a washed up Matt Lindland, he has struggled with wrestler/grapplers the last few years. Not a chance Kos wants to see how his striking looks against Lawler, and will probably look to grind Ruthless down and wear him out. Koscheck via UD.
Tim Bernier: Koscheck by decision– Josh Koscheck is old and has been fighting for a really long time. He’s obviously declining as a fighter. Eventually he’s going to have a much sharper decline on his way out of MMA. We’ve not reached that point, and Lawler isn’t the fighter to exploit that. Koscheck is better almost everywhere.
Nolan Howell: Koscheck has really not been the same type of fighter since having his eye damn well near jabbed out by Georges St. Pierre. However, is he so bad that he can’t compete with Robbie Lawler? I wouldn’t think so. There’s always that opportunity for Lawler to land something ridiculous and shut the lights out, but given his chin compared to Koscheck’s, I’ll be sticking with the fraggled one. Koscheck via KO, first round.
TC Engel: Wow, what an even fight. Koscheck by UD.
Benjamin Kohn: Horrible macthup for Lawler, Kos by dominating UD.
Christian Diaz: Koscheck is just a better version of Robbie Lawler in every regard. Enough said. Koscheck via decision.
Daniel Galvan: If Josh Koscheck fights intelligently by utilizing his vastly superior wrestling then he should cruise to a victory. If not, he will probably cruise to the World Series of Fighting with his former AKA teammate Jon Fitch. Robbie Lawler just doesn’t have the takedown and grappling defense to stop Josh Koscheck from doing whatever he wants. Koscheck via Sub, 1st Round.
Chris Groves: For better or worse, Lawler is on a downslide and is making the cut back down to 170. Koscheck has the wrestling, and unless he fights like an idiot, that’s all he’ll really need. Koscheck via Sub or UD.
Luke Irwin: Lawler will give it the ol’ college try, but he just doesn’t have the stuff to defend against monster wrestlers like he did when he was younger. Koscheck via UD.
Heavyweight Bout: Brendan Schaub (8-3) vs. Lavar Johnson (17-6)
Connor Dillon: Lavar Johnson via murderdeathkill. No ifs ands or buts.
Lucas Bourdon: Schaub’s body reacts poorly to being punched. Johnson punches very hard. Johnson by KO.
Tim Hickey: I would love for this to turn into a Kongo/Barry type brawl, as both fighters have big power. But with Schaub having a suspect chin, I can’t see him wanting to test it against the granite hands of Johnson. Schaub via wrestlefuck UD.
Tim Bernier: Johnson by KO– I’ve already sacrificed three virgins to MMA gods in hopes of this result. Schaub’s chin is hilariously easy to hit. Lavar has power. Schaub had Rothwell essentially knocked out on the feet when Rothwell kinda threw his fists up and rocked Schaub himself. There’s almost no greater experience of schadenfreude in MMA than watching Schaub get KO’d. I definitely think he might just outbox Lavar, but I’d rather pick with my heart here.
Nolan Howell: Not much to say here. Let’s pour one out for Brendan Schaub and send him some really nice blankets and pillows. Johnson via KO, first round.
TC Engel: Schaub really should win this. But I have less than zero faith in his fight IQ, and not much more in his chin. If he Schaubs, which I think he will, it’s going to be an ugly night for him. Johnson by first round KO.
Benjamin Kohn: Worst fight IQ and chin vs. worst ground game. Big Penis has devastating power even for a Hw and can put Schaub out really easily. Schaub has an awful chin and possibly less fight IQ which makes this matchup really hard to pick. Schaub has better wrestling and grappling and is quicker/more athletic. I still am gonna pick Johnson because Schaub really is that dumb to try and box with Johnson. Johnson rd 1 KO.
Christian Diaz: Ugh. I am convinced that Schaub knows he needs to take this to the ground. HE HAS TO KNOW. If Schaub doesn’t take this to the ground immediately, then he is literally too stupid to be alive and evolution will shortly handle that issue on its own. Schaub via TKO from the mount, round 1.
Daniel Galvan: Excluding power strikes, Brendan Schaub has the advantage in every facet of the MMA game. I feel guility for trusting his chin and gameplan, but Schaub has all the tools to put away Lavar Johnson. Schaub via Sub, 1st Round.
Chris Groves: Both of these guys hit hard, one hits harder. Johnson is terrible on the ground, but he hits too hard and Schaub has a particularly bad chin for a heavyweight. Johnson via KO, round 1.
Luke Irwin: Methinks Schaub is going to climbing his stairway to heaven again. Johnson R1 KO.
Lightweight Bout: Anton Kuivanen (17-5) vs. Michael Chiesa (8-0)
Connor Dillon: Hmmm Chiesa was a nice guy underdog winner of the TUF season he was on, but injury kept him from making an immediate UFC introduction. That said, I think he can beat Kuivanen. Chiesa by submission.
Lucas Bourdon: Oh, this one actually won TUF ! Chiesa by decision.
Tim Hickey: Chiesa looked like a good fighter on the live season of TUF, finishing 4 of the 5 fights he had. I think he continues this trend. Chiesa via 1st Rd TKO.
Tim Bernier: Chiesa by decision– giving the TUF guy an opponent to beat.
Nolan Howell: Chiesa is really awful. Hell, he trains with Cody McKenzie, so that should tell you all you need to know. I don’t think the UFC would really match him up with someone that will be too threatening though. Chiesa via UD.
TC Engel: I know very little about either fighter. I just doubt the UFC gives a likeable (from what I know) TUF winner a loseable matchup in his first fight. Chiesa by whatever he’s good at.
Benjamin Kohn: Chiesa is a grinding wrestler with a very good sub grappling game as well. Kuivanen has failed to impress me in his UFC run and this fight is Chiesa’s to lose. Chiesa by rd 2 sub.
Christian Diaz: Chiesa is a TUF winner. Kuivanen lost to Justin Salas. This is a gimme match for Maverick. Chiesa via submission, round 2.
Daniel Galvan: Michael Chiesa’s takedowns is story of the fight. In all likelihood, Chiesa will take Anton Kuivanen with relative ease. Kuivanen is the better striker of two, but it’s doubtful that the
fight will play out on the feet. Look for Chiesa to get a 10-8 round or two with his ground and pound and submission attempts. Chiesa via Decision.
Chris Groves: Chiesa has a solid wrestling/grappling game, and is a TUF winner…they’ve provided him with more or less a ‘gimme’ fight here. Chiesa via Sub, round 1.
Luke Irwin: I had such high hopes for Kuivanen. Was a big fan of his when he fought in Finland, but he’s been so underwhelming. This fight is going to be awful, but Chiesa is going to do just enough to win. Chiesa SD.
Featherweight Bout: Dennis Bermudez (9-3) vs. Matt Grice (15-4)
Connor Dillon: Grice is so-so to me. Bermudez on the other hand, was almost the victor of his TUF season and I really believe that he’s got a positive future in the UFC. Bermudez by TKO.
Lucas Bourdon: Grice isn’t very good. neither is Bermudez but he should still win this. Bermudez by decision.
Tim Hickey: Bermudez was one of my favorite competitors from the season he was on TUF, and Grice is a good test as to where his development is. Grice is a solid veteran with a good chin, but I think Bermudez is to good for him. Bermudez via 2nd Rd sub.
Tim Bernier: Bermudez by decision- I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Bermudez since he lost to Brandao. I think he takes this one fairly easily.
Nolan Howell: This is a fight I’ll stay away from. With a gun to my head, I’ll say Bermudez, as the guy has some Lenny from Of Mice and Men strength and Grice’s best win is Leonard Garcia. Bermudez via submission, second round.
TC Engel: Really fun fight between two very similar fighters. I think Grice has a small advantage on the feet, while Bermudez has small advantages wrestling and in power. It’s really a toss up for me, but I’ll say Bermudez by second round armbar.
Benjamin Kohn: Bermudez has looked pretty good so far in the UFC and I expect it to continue with a UD win over Grice.
Christian Diaz: I like Bermudez and think that he has a respectable future ahead of him. Grice lost to Matt Veach. So..after hours of computations, I’ve decided that Bermudez will win a moderately entertaining decision.
Chris Groves: Bermudez is developing into a fairly solid prospect, Matt Grice defeating Leonard Garcia isn’t all that impressive…smells like a Bermudez via Sub or UD, to me.
Luke Irwin: Bermudez is too athletic, too fast, too explosive for a ham-and-egger like Grice. Grice has absolutely nothing for Bermudez. 30-26. Bermudez via UD.
Lightweight Bout: Caros Fodor (7-2) vs. Sam Stout (18-8-1)
Connor Dillon: I think Stout is mentally beaten as a fighter. Without his brother-in-law, Shawn Tompkins, in his corner, I think his mind and emotions won’t be in a good place for fighting ever again. Fodor is on an upswing in my mind. Fodor by decision.
Lucas Bourdon: All the Thompkins guys have looked pretty bad since his passing, and Stout in particular looked terrible in his last fight, swinging a lot, not landing much (a style of fighting also known as Riddling). Fodor by decision.
Tim Hickey: Stout might be getting nervous if the UFC is slashing payroll. His last reported salary I could find was $19,000 to show. That is a lot of money for a guy opening the undercard. Fodor does like to bang, which would be right up Stout’s alley. Stout is more techincal on the feet, but I would go with Fodor having more power. Tough fight to call. Fodor via decision.
Tim Bernier: Fodor by decision simply because Stout is eventually going to stop alternating wins and losses against mediocre opponents and just have losses.
Nolan Howell: Stout usually loses to pretty decent gatekeepers and I don’t think Fodor is at that level. Stout via UD.
TC Engel: I think Stout is close to a shot fighter, and Fodor has no quit. I think Fodor clinches for the entirety of the feet, scoring points with elbows and knees against the cage. Fodor by UD.
Benjamin Kohn: Stout hasn’t looked to great recently but I will still pick him over a UFC newcomer coming off a loss. Stout by UD.
Christian Diaz: I hate Sam Stout fights with a passion. I have no idea who Caros Fodor is. I guess Sam Stout wins a UD via not coming from Strikeforce.
Chris Groves: Stout just has not looked good in his last few fights, while Fodor has been out for nearly a year…it’s tough, but I think Fodor via UD.
Luke Irwin: Stout is just about done. The cavalcade of ’06-’08 Lightweights that were on seemingly every UFC card (Fisher, Stout, Florian, Stevenson, Sherk, etc…) are coming to an end and it’s a tad upsetting. Alas, Fodor keeps the Strikeforce invasion going strong. Fodor UD.
Welterweight Bout: Brock Jardine (9-2) vs. Kenny Robertson (11-2)
Connor Dillon: Everytime I see “Jardine”, I think of the Dean of Mean. Unfortunately, he isn’t fighting right now. I see whoever loses this, gets cut from the UFC. Even though I dig his last name, I think Jardine isn’t gonna win it. Robertson by decision.
Lucas Bourdon: Am I supposed to care ? The only thing even remotely interesting about this fight is Brock Jardine’s name and once you’ve heard that joke once (maybe you were bored and chuckled for a brief second, I’m not judging), it’s not really all that interesting anymore. Brock Jardine by decision.
Tim Hickey: In his last fight, Rick Story proved to be too much for Brock Jardine, where for Kenny Robertson he got handled by Aaron Simpson. Not a whole lot of job security in this one, unless they put on a show Jardine via decision.
Tim Bernier: Robertson by decision. Time for my weekly Chicago plug. During a Bears game, Jay Cutler was sitting on the bench. I think he had just thrown a pick. The Offensive Coordinator came over to talk to him and sat down. As he was talking, Cutler looked up to the sky and said “DON’T CAAAARE” and then got up and walked away. The fact that everyone hates Cutler when he should be the most loved person makes me love him even more. And it’s even better because he just doesn’t give a shit about his fans, haters, media, or coaches. That’s the way I feel about the rest of these fights. I’ll watch it because MMA, but I may not even enjoy it. There are some bad fighters incoming. Jardine is 3-2 in his last five with losses to Story and Tony Ferguson. But the wins are over shitty regional opponents: 7-7, 5-5, 12-9, 7-6. Sign of a bad fighter. (Ed. Note: I’ve literally heard the Jay Cutler “DON’T CAAAAAARE” story no less than five seperate times in five seperate situations. At a bar urinal, at a club, at the mall, on the street, and now actually on the bench.)
Nolan Howell: Coin flip goes to Robertson. He likes knocking dudes out the most, so we’ll go with that. Robertson via TKO, second round.
TC Engel: I am basing this pick entirely off of the fact that Brock Jardine was in smoogy and Leland Roling’s Scouting Report. Jardine by UD.
Benjamin Kohn: The bastard child of Brock Lesnar and Keith Jardine will always have me in his corner, Jardine by UD.
Christian Diaz: Kenny Robertson has pretty much two first names..and that’s creepy. Brock Jardine is the love child of a Jimmy Johns sponsored gopher assassin and a B-Level Hollywood Henchman #3. The answer should be obvious, Brock Jardine via plate tectonic creating decision.
Chris Groves: My ability to care is sincerely being pushed here. Jardine via UD.
Luke Irwin: Robertson gave Aaron Simpson a fight, something I sincerely doubt Brock Jardine, who sounds like a computer-generated fighter you fight in WFA in UFC Undisputed coming up in your career, could do the same. Robertson R2 TKO.
Welterweight Bout: Jon Manley (7-2) vs. Neil Magny (7-2)
Connor Dillon: Neil Magny vs Jon Manly: Is there any question? Manly by doing manly things.
Lucas Bourdon: Oh, TUF guys. Whatever, Magny by decision I guess.
Tim Hickey: Two TUF semi-finalists from a season I paid no attention to. I am so far out of touch? No….no it is the children who are wrong. Magny via decision.
Tim Bernier: Manley and Magny are two more regional fighters making UFC debuts. They both have faced (and lost to) shitty fighters. Manley by submission.
Nolan Howell: I might be the only person who still watches TUF. Magny impressed me more. Magny by UD.
TC Engel: So, TUF guys, hey? Magny by first round TKO.
Benjamin Kohn: I am picking Magny just because, Magny by UD.
Christian Diaz: Guuuuhhhh. Manley doesn’t like to punch..he just kinda clinches and positionally dominates. Magny seems to enjoy punching…but not so much be positionally dominated. THIS IS HARD. Magny via decision?? Sure, that sounds fine. Magny via decision.
Chris Groves: I’ll flip a coin. Manley TKO, round 2.
Luke Irwin: Magny R1 TKO.
Welterweight Bout: Nah-Shon Burrell (8-2) vs. Yuri Villefort (6-1)
Lucas Bourdon: Villefort by UD.
Tim Hickey: I’ll admit I don’t know a ton about either of these guys outside of them being for Strikeforce Challengers card. Quick look on Sherdog shows they both like to finish, so I am just hoping for a fun fight. Villefort via submisson.
Nolan Howell: I guess Villefort. Villefort by submission, first round.
TC Engel: I know some people are picking against Villefort because the Blackzillians have lost a ton lately. However, I personally tend to pick the better fighter to win, and in this case, that means Villefort by second round TKO.
Benjamin Kohn: I think this is a close fight but I am picking Burrel, don’t have anything else to add on that one.
Christian Diaz: This is a battle of the names that I try to use while playing words with friends in hopes that I can hit a hail mary triple letter/triple word score. I have pretty much no idea who either are..so umm..let’s go with my Moon Math again. Yuri Villefort via TKO 2!
Chris Groves: Pretty sure Villefort trains with the cursed Blackzilians….so Burrell via UD.
Luke Irwin: I always thought Nah-Shon was a hidden gem on many a Strikeforce undercard and put together fun and complete fights. Really interested to find out what he can do on this level, but I think the dude actually has a pretty bright future. Burrell UD.
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