Rosenthal League
Marta Gallo: 11-2, .846
Benjamin Kohn: 54-17, .761
Tim Bernier: 51-19, .729
Nolan Howell: 95-36, .725
Daniel Galvan: 19-8, .704
Tim Hickey: 73-31, .702
Winslow League
Josh Hall: 56-26, .683
Connor Dillon: 47-27, .635
Chris Groves: 30-19, .612
Lucas Bourdon: 7-5, .583
Luke Irwin: 85-66, .563
TC Engel: 20-20, .500
UFC Middleweight Championship: Anderson Silva (c) (33-4) vs. Chris Weidman (9-0)
Luke Irwin: I am an idiot. IT’LL HAPPEN ONE OF THESE DAYS. Weidman via R3 Submission.
Connor Dillon: Oh boy, here’s the big one. Do I go with the whole, ANDERSON SILVA VIA MATRIX or the styles make fights, and Weidman has the right style? Because that’s really how I see it. I feel Silva could drop Weidman as he enters to work the clinch, while I also believe that Weidman could take Silva down. Really, to me, for this pick, it comes down to two things: I hate Anderson Silva, and I don’t care for Weidman. Weidman by Split-Decision.
Ben Kohn: Read my breakdown!!!! Silva KO rd 2.
Josh Hall: I want to pick Weidman so badly here, but with him coming off a serious injury and Matt Serra being unavailable to corner him I just can’t. He has the perfect skill set to cause Silva tons of problems, but I think eventually The Spider hurts him in the stand up and scores the finish. Silva by TKO, round 3.
Nolan Howell: The main event of the evening sees the UFC middleweight strap on the line. Anderson Silva defends his belt against Chris Weidman in a clash of styles. Silva needs no introduction, bringing a lightning-quick boxing style with other vicious tools in his Thai clinch and flashy, yet effective kicks. Weidman has demonstrated a solid boxing attack that is successful due to his wrestling background. His strikes ultimately lead to a takedown, and once that occurs, it could get real ugly. Weidman blends his wrestling with a BJJ brown belt and vicious ground and pound, constantly working to finish his opponent in any manner of his choosing. Silva works mostly from his back, working to find his way back up. If you find yourself under Silva, you may find yourself rediscovering some religious teachings as you pray for mercy while he postures up to strike. Everything inside of me wants me to pick Weidman. Silva’s stalling game from his back can often catch his opponents by surprise, whether it be they get shucked away or submitted. If Weidman gets the fight to the mat, Silva might need to display a newly found sense of urgency or a vice grip coupled with mind control to get the referee to stand it up. I expect Silva to be in trouble for a bit in this fight. I even don’t see a Weidman victory being that shocking. That said, Silva has made a fool out of everyone at least once and it has been way too many times for me. Silva may go down a few rounds, but he will find a way to turn on his striking at the picture-perfect time, just like he has so many times before. Anderson Silva by second-round TKO.
Tim Hickey: Now, I know the prevailing trend for most people is to pick Weidman. He is the exciting young up and comer. My issue with this is the fact that he hasn’t fought in a year. While he put on an extremely impressive performance against Mark Munoz last July, a year off for a fighter is not necessarily a good thing. It is by far and away the longest layoff of his MMA career. Not really ideal situations to be coming into the biggest fight of your life. While Weidman has the wrestling credentials, I am going to go with Silva’s large body of work of destroying the best in the world for the last 7 years. Silva via 3rd Rd TKO.
Tim Bernier: Anderson Silva is a -220 favorite to win on Saturday. But when you talk to people about the fight, it seems like at least 50% of the people pick Weidman. This means that the people picking Weidman aren’t actually that confident in their pick. It’d still be an upset, and not enough people are willing to pit their money against The Greatest of All Time. I don’t blame them. Weidman has a chance to try and replicate the Sonnen gameplan+two more minutes. I don’t think he does. Anderson Silva is the greatest fighter in the history of our sport, and I believe he still has the ability land an unorthodox strike outta nowhere, and he will beat down on a fallen Chris Weidman. Anderson Silva by Technical Knockout, Round 2.
Lucas Bourdon: I definitely think Weodman’s got a shot and if he had maybe one or two more fights and wasn’t coming off of a pretty long layoff, I’d seriously consider picking him. But I’m not gonna pick against Silva until I see him lose or he shows some serious signs of having lost a step. Anderson by TKO round 2.
Featherweight Bout: Charles Oliveira (16-3) vs. Frankie Edgar (15-4-1)
Luke Irwin: Here are two truths. Oliveira has only lost to very, very high-level fighters. Donald Cerrone, Cub Swanson, Jim Miller. The other truth? He has no standout wins. None. Escudero and a lightweight Darren Elkins. Absolutely a bounceback fight for Edgar against a guy who can get caught in either a punch or a sub. Edgar via R2 TKO.
Connor Dillon: I don’t think that Oliveira is ready for someone of Frankie’s caliber. We saw what happened last time he went up too high, too quickly, and he was stopped by Jim Miller. Frankie on the other hand is probably seeing mileage that people twice his age haven’t had to face. I think this could go a couple ways, like Oliveira could throw leg kicks and take away Frankie’s mobility (a la Bendo) or Frankie can outpoint Oliveira if he doesn’t throw them leg kicks. I’m gonna go with the man who can only lose by decision. Frankie Edgar via Decision.
Ben Kohn: This is obviously a bounce back fight for Edgar and he will most likely do what he always does. Outpoint his opponent and take a decision win. Edgar by UD.
Josh Hall: As I went into in more depth in my breakdown, Edgar should be able to use his boxing much in the same fashion as Cub Swanson. Edgar via 2nd Round TKO.
Nolan Howell: Coming off three straight losses, Frankie Edgar looks to end his losing skid against the young prodigy Charles Oliveira. Oliveira brings a Muay Thai background to the table that serves him well in the right situations. That said, his true home is on the mat where he has a relentless, smooth BJJ attack. Edgar brings his quick, somewhat point-fighting inspired style of boxing to the cage with him, along with a tenacious wrestling game. This is another case where Edgar can dictate where this fight takes place with his wrestling. Oliveira seems to have some trouble on the feet, as shown against Jonathan Brookins, Donald Cerrone, and Cub Swanson. Edgar will move in and out, popping Oliveira at will. A finish is not out of the question, but a dominating performance seems to be a guarantee. Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision.
Tim Hickey: This fight is actually tougher to call then most think. While Oliveira has struggled each time he has taken a step up in competition during his UFC career, Frankie has shown himself to be a bit of a slow starter lately in his 5 round fights. He cannot afford to do so now that he is in his first 3 rounder since Dec of 2009 and where he is not a finisher, cannot afford to give away a round. That being said, I think Edgar is too much for Do Bronx to handle anywhere this fight goes and will get his first victory since October of 2011. Edgar via unanimous decision.
Tim Bernier: Oliveira is good. But Edgar is on another level. I don’t see how Oliveira beats Edgar. Frankie will outbox him. Frankie will outwrestle him if he has to. Oliveira won’t be able to take it to the floor. If he does, he won’t submit Edgar. Frankie Edgar by Unanimous Decision.
Lucas Bourdon: This should be pretty fun but the only question in my mind is whether or not Frankie finishes. I think he does. Edgar by TKO round 2.
Middleweight Bout: Roger Gracie (6-1) vs. Tim Kennedy (15-4)
Luke Irwin: I think Kennedy is savvy enough to avoid getting in a bad situation against Roger, but doesn’t have the power to turn his lights off. He will land some good shots and keep him at bay. Kennedy via UD.
Connor Dillon: Unlike many of my compatriots, I actually think Tim Kennedy is funny, and a very good fighter. In this fight he faces the scion of the Gracie family, Roger. Roger’s biggest issue is his not so good stand up or takedowns (not to say he isn’t good a getting you down in the clinch). For someone as talented as he is grappling wise, you’d also think it’d take him less time than it did against notoriously easy submission dummy Kevin Randleman. As it stands, I think Kennedy will use a similar gameplan as he did against Jacare, and probably outstrike Gracie for the majority of the fight. Tim Kennedy by TKO.
Ben Kohn: The elite submission skills of Gracie will not come into play here sadly. As a BJJ mark, I love watching the grappling elite have a field day but Kennedy is too good a wrestler and too smart a fighter to play that game. Kennedy by UD.
Josh Hall: I’m sure I will be in the minority here, but I think Gracie has a great chance to win this fight. Despite Kennedy having much more MMA experience and having fought better competition, I think Gracie is a bad stylistic matchup for him. The 5 inch reach advantage could pose Kennedy problems in the standup, and taking the 10 time BJJ world champion to the mat would be opening Pandora’s Box. I’m going with Gracie via decision in an ugly, mainly standup affair.
Nolan Howell: Strikeforce never dies in this middleweight matchup between Tim Kennedy and world-class BJJ artist Roger Gracie. Given the name, you know that you can expect Gracie to want this fight on the mat, no matter where he is in terms of position. Gracie has more size at middleweight and also has improving standup that is still very much a liability. Kennedy is likely to exploit that and he will be able to keep the fight standing and dictate where it takes place. While Kennedy’s home is usually working a relentless top game, he’d be advised to do so with caution. Test the chin of Gracie with superior striking should give the US Army veteran a win on Independence Day weekend. Tim Kennedy by unanimous decision.
Tim Hickey: This fight is tough for me. I have no love for Tim Kennedy as a person, but I respect him as a fighter. Roger Gracie is arguably the best BJJ practitioner in the world today, and one of the few Gracie’s who actually can still compete at the highest levels of MMA in this modern era. I am hoping for a really fun grappling contest between two skilled grapplers, but I imagine Kennedy is going to do everything in his power to keep this on the feet. This could really either be one of the best MMA chess matches on the ground this year, or a sloppy ass kickboxing battle. I am hoping for the former, so with that in mind Gracie via submission Rd 2.
Tim Bernier: Many more people are giving Roger Gracie a chance than I thought. I’ve been thoroughly unimpressed. Bet your mortgage on Kennedy at -145. Tim Kennedy by Unanimous Decision.
Lucas Bourdon: I just can’t stand Tim Kennedy. Roger Gracie by submission round 2.
Middleweight Bout: Mark Munoz (12-3) vs. Tim Boetsch (16-5)
Luke Irwin: Here be your fight of the night here, folks. Two oxen just going after it. This could play out a few ways, but I think they grind each other into a fine powder and it’s a razor-thin decision. Munoz via SD.
Connor Dillon: Super-Filipino vs Redneck Judo. Look, I don’t even want to break this down. I just want to say one thing, WAR REDNECK! Tim Boetsch by Southern Comfort, aka Redneck Power.
Ben Kohn: Tim has the size and strength advantage over Munoz and has shown better overall MMA wrestling skills as well. He is extremely durable and gritty and will bully around the smaller Munoz en route to a UD victory. Boetsch via UD.
Josh Hall: This is the toughest fight to call on the card for me. Mark Muñoz has clearly rededicated himself in the fitness aspect of the game, while Boetsch has been a bit of an enigma since his move to MW. Some impressive wins, but he is coming off a tough loss to swallow against Phillippou. I’ll take Boetsch to win a very close decision here.
Nolan Howell: Two middleweights looking to get back on track square off here as the returning Mark Munoz battles gritty Tim Boetsch. On paper, this is a pretty tight matchup. Both men pack a pop on their punches, with Boetsch perhaps having the tighter technique. Munoz likely has the wrestling advantage, at least in terms of credentials. Boetsch likes to use his strength to utilize his brand of “redneck judo” to toss opponents around the cage. Munoz’s layoff will come into play here. Unless he can take Boetsch down and use his scary ground-and-pound attack, Boetsch can take advantage on the feet and make it ugly to wear Munoz down until a finish comes. Boetsch’s toughness will carry him to another win here. Tim Boetsch by third-round TKO.
Tim Hickey: Two top 10 middleweights coming off of devastating losses, this should be a rather fun matchup all together. We haven’t seen Munoz since the Weidman fight, and apparently he pulled a Rampage during his time off and ballooned up to heavyweight while injured. Pics online have shown that he has lost all the weight and looks absolutely shredded. Boetsch meanwhile got his memories rearranged and his wallet stolen by Costa Philippou and looks to get back some of the momentum he gained when he ran off 4 straight wins. I think Munoz’s wrestling will be too much for The Barbarian, and he will utilize vicious GnP to get the victory. Munoz via UD.
Tim Bernier: This fight can be difficult to gauge. Munoz’s career has largely consisted of beating the guys he is supposed to beat, and then losing to the guys who you can tell are just straight up better than him. It’s all a question of which tier Boetsch falls in. I’m going to go with the ever so slight upset here. Munoz is punchable and Boetsch can pack a punch. Tim Boetsch by Knockout, Round 1.
Lucas Bourdon: This is a pretty tough one to call. I don’t think either one manages to take the other down consisitently and on the feet, while Munoz is probably the more powerful puncher, Boetsch is slightly more refined. Tim Boetsch by decision.
Featherweight Bout: Cub Swanson (19-5) vs. Dennis Siver (21-8)
Luke Irwin: I’m seeing somebody getting rather bloody, but I’m willing to bet dollars to donuts that it will be Dennis Siver. Swanson via UD.
Connor Dillon: Here’s my main event. I don’t know if it’s my everlasting love for Dennis Siver or my “I-don’t-really-care” attitude towards majority of this card, but I am more excited for this than any other fight on here. Swanson, most famous for an 8 Second Double Flying Knee KO loss to Jose Aldo has significantly improved from his WEC days. Three of his last four victories have been won with (T)KO stoppages, and only one by decision. He’s a strong boxer and defensive wrestler with power in his hands. Dennis Siver is the German-Russian kick boxer who is probably best known as a spinning back kick machine. Since dropping to Featherweight following a disastrous loss to Donald Cerrone, he’s 2-0, both victories by decision against Diego Nunes and Nam Phan. If you look at his record though, you see a hint of what might be to come. Siver has lost to Ross Pearson (strong striking, excellent boxing for MMA, and good Muay Thai), Melvin Guillard (excellent striker, poor fight IQ, and BOMB dropper), and Donald Cerrone (excellent Muay Thai). While they were all losses in the UFC’s Lightweight division, I think this is a sign of how high Siver can truly reach. Swanson on the other hand has beaten established names, and barring that loss to Featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo and #1 Contender Ricardo Lamas, he’s been riding pretty high lately. Factor in Siver’s last fight night (December 2012) and you will probably be looking at a long night. Fuck it, I’m picking with my heart, Dennis Siver via Spinning Back-kick Glory.
Ben Kohn: Cub has been on a tear and Siver has looked ok at best since dropping to FW beating who he should be. Here though he is fighting a faster fighter with better hands and a better ground game. Siver’s kicks are deadly but Cub will beat him up in the first finishing him in the second. Cub by KO rd 2.
Josh Hall: Cub Swanson is on one hell of a roll right now, and I think he is too well rounded for Siver here. It is feasible that Siver is able to work volume striking to outpoint Cub, but I think the impressive violence we have seen from Cub in the standup will continue here. Swanson via 2nd round KO.
Nolan Howell: Featherweight contenders clash in what is sure to be a unique striking contest. Cub Swanson and Dennis Siver put their winning streaks on the line, along with potential title hopes. Swanson likes to use a variety of attacks on the feet, sticking to a slick boxing attack that incorporates capoeira kicks and everything but the kitchen sink. Siver maintains a karate style, complete with lead leg kicks and spinning attacks. While Siver packs tremendous power, Swanson can take that and give it right back with more speed. Additionally, Swanson’s judo and submission grappling are sneaky enough that he should be in control wherever this fight takes place. Cub Swanson by unanimous decision.
Tim Hickey: While Siver has looked really solid since dropping down to 45, Cub Swanson has been on an absolute tear. Of his last 4 victories, 3 of them have been via (T)KO. Siver has only ever been KOed once in his long career, but Cub has the firepower to do it. Swanson brings a much more diversified game to the table than Siver does, which I think will be his key to victory in what could be fight of the night. Swanson via TKO.
Tim Bernier: ALL ABOARD THE SWANSON HYPE TRAIN. IF YOU’RE NOT ON, YOU’RE NO FRIEND OF MINE. Cubs Swanson by Knockout, Round 1.
Lucas Bourdon: This should be an awesome fight. Siver is a bit more technical on the feet but Cub has some serious power and Sevir’s chin is a bit suspect. If it goes to the ground Cub is the better grappler. Swanson by TKO.
Middleweight Bout: Andrew Craig (8-1) vs. Chris Leben (22-9)
Luke Irwin: I like Andrew Craig, I think he’s a good story, but he was dead-to-rights against Rafael Natal, but because Natal fights like he has fetal alcohol syndrome, Craig got the best of him. Leben has 10x the power Natal has, and I don’t think Craig will be so lucky. Leben via R1 KO.
Ben Kohn: Leben has looked slow and listless but damn it I love me some cat smasher!!! Leben by KO rd 1.
Josh Hall: This fight is probably going to come down to what version of Chris Leben shows up. Andrew Craig is certainly a serviceable MW, but Leben has been far more touted guys than him when he was on his game. Until I see a different Leben than the one that looked like he was in quicksand against Derek Brunson, I can’t pick him. Craig via 2nd round KO.
Nolan Howell: In what might be one of the more emotional fights of the night, Chris Leben looks to return to the win column against Andrew Craig. Both men have glaring defensive holes and love to trade, along with being sneaky good grapplers. What worries me about Leben is that his timing and speed last fight looked unbearably bad, moving slower than even a gassed heavyweight. That said, Craig finds a way to get hit each fight and this won’t be one he can afford to take a few from to land one. Not my most confident pick, but you can never count Leben out. Chris Leben by first-round KO.
Tim Hickey: This could be the last time we ever see The Crippler in the Octagon. After a year suspension, and basically shitting in everyone’s mouth with a terrible fight against Derek Brunson, Leben needs to be out to make a statement. Craig is a solid prospect but has shown a perchance for getting hit during his UFC run. That is not a good combination against a brawler with power. That being said, Leben looks done, and that perhaps too many wars have been fought by this flat footed bomber. Craig via UD.
Tim Bernier: Leben looked like a shell of his former self at UFC 155. He also lost me some money (grumble grumble). He claims he’s in a better place now and more motivated. For 99% of MMA fighters, I tune out that BS. But this is Chris Leben, a man that has battled many problems. A man with his fair share of skeletons in the closet. I believe he’s in a good place right now. I’m not confident in this at all, but Chris Leben by epic-wading-forward-through-punches zombie Knockout, Round 3.
Lucas Bourdon: I don’t think Craig is anything special and I like Chris Leben but the Crippler looked like a shot fighter in his last fight. Craig by decision.
Lightweight Bout: Kazuki Tokudome (12-3-1) vs. Norman Parke (17-2)
Luke Irwin: Those of us who keep waiting for a Japanese fighter not named Okami to really break through in the UFC…will have to wait a bit longer. Parke via R2 Submission.
Ben Kohn: Parke is a much better fighter, specifically on the ground and he will tap him out. Parke by Sub rd 2.
Josh Hall: After starting his career with a loss, “Stormin” Norman Parke has gone 17-1, and is on a current 7 fight winning streak. Tokudome won his UFC debut earlier this year, but it could not be described as much more than a lackluster one at best. I think Parke is the more well rounded, better fighter here, and as Tokudome has been stopped in all 3 of his losses, I’ll take Parke to finish this one.
Nolan Howell: TUF Smashes winner Norman Parke will look to prove himself against Pancrase and Sengoku vet Kazuki Tokudome. Parke looked impressive on the mat against the lanky Colin Fletcher, able to do whatever he wanted despite his opponent’s unusual height advantage. Tokudome put in a winning effort against Cristiano Marcello last time out, although he looked rather uninspired. Parke’s grappling prowess makes me like him here, Norman Parke by unanimous decision.
Tim Hickey: The winner of TUF Smashes takes on former Pancrase title competitor Tokudome in what could turn into a pretty fun fight. Parke is a good grappler with 12 submission victories to his credit, and looks to make a big splash in his first bout post TUF. Parke via 2nd Rd Sub.
Tim Bernier: What the hell is a Norman Parke? Is he even a real guy? Norman Parke by Decision, I guess.
Lucas Bourdon: Parke by decision.
Heavyweight Bout: Dave Herman (21-5) vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (14-7)
Luke Irwin: Depends if striking Gonzaga comes to play or if he seriously wants to commit to his jiu jitsu. Gonzaga is like a drug addict. He’ll stay clean and on the up-and-up, working his jitz like a madman, and then he’ll be reminded of the buzz of his first KO, or how he felt after the Cro Cop fight, and them boom, he’s hitting the knockout pipe. Herman via R2 KO.
Ben Kohn: Ahhhh gotta go with ManBearPig on this one. I want to see Napao submit low level HW fighters and this Herman has a low enough fight IQ for that to happen. Gonzaga Sub rd 1.
Josh Hall: Pee Wee is already a winner for managing to score another UFC fight and pass the on the spot drug test to get licensed, and that is good for him because I don’t think he is likely to get a win in this fight. Gonzaga is not the fighter he once was, but I think he still has enough in the tank to show once again the BJJ does work on Dave Herman. Gonzaga via 1st round submission.
Nolan Howell: This is a battle of two of the most inconsistent big men in the UFC. Gabriel Gonzaga worked his way to a UFC heavyweight title shot, only to be turned into Randy Couture’s personal grappling dummy. Dave Herman has showed some flashes of brilliance on the mat and standing, but has never quite demonstrated that in the UFC. To me, it seems like Herman has the takedown defense to stifle Gonzaga’s best opportunity at winning. However, if he is lethargic on the feet, it could take one knockdown into a submission. That said, Herman hits hard and Gonzaga doesn’t hold up too well to hard strikes. Pressure and power seals the deal. Dave Herman by first-round TKO.
Tim Hickey: Man, I remember there was a time that Dave Herman looked like he could be a fun, fringe top 10 heavyweight. Then he spent the entirety of 2012 getting his ass kicked. He now has a chance to redeem himself against the he-beast known as Napao. Herman was famous with saying that BJJ doesn’t work on him before Big Nog tried to rip his arm off, and I think Gonzaga will look to do the same thing. This could be the last we see of Pee Wee in the UFC. Gonzaga via 2nd round sub.
Tim Bernier: “Jiu Jitsu doesn’t work in MMA.” The real winner will be the BJJ community and fans everywhere when Herman gets cut. Gonzaga by Submission, Round 1.
Lucas Bourdon: I hate having to pick either one to win a fight. I think Herman’s kind of a bad match up for Napao though. Herman by KO.
Lightweight Bout: Edson Barboza (11-1) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (15-5)
Luke Irwin: This is going to go like the Yves Edwards fight. Oliveira will try to slow it down, and he gon’ get got. Barboza via R1 TKO.
Ben Kohn: The UFC is hell-bent on building Barboza and giving him an easy fight like this is one way to give him highlight reel KO’s. Barboza KO rd 1.
Josh Hall: Oliveira is in a tough spot here with a 2-4 UFC record and one of the best strikers at LW in front of him. The speed of Barboza in the standup will likely be way to much for “The Tractor”, and I think it is not a matter of if, but when the finish happens. Barboza via 2nd round KO.
Nolan Howell: Rafaello Oliveira likely steps in biting off more than he can chew here. While he holds a black belt in BJJ, it seems that it will be unlikely to go to the mat for a long period of time. Edson Barboza’s grappling is oriented around getting back to the feet, where he uses a blend of stiff Muay Thai and flashy taekwondo to quite literally lull his opponents. Look for that to happen here. Edson Barboza by first-round KO.
Tim Hickey: Barboza looks to continue getting back on track with this fight with veteran Oliveira. Everything Oliveira does, Barboza does better. I think this could end up being the best fight on the undercard, with some solid back and forth action, but I think Barboza is just too much for Rafaello to handle. Barboza via 3rd Rd TKO.
Tim Bernier: I’m surprised more people don’t follow a gameplan of bullrushing Barboza and not allowing him to set up his strikes. Varner executed it to a T. This night will not be good for Oliveira’s. Edson Barboza by knockout, Round 2.
Lucas Bourdon: Barboza by KO round 1.
Welterweight Bout: Brian Melancon (6-2) vs. Seth Baczynski (18-9)
Luke Irwin: Most of you may have forgotten this, because I know I did, but Baczynski handed Matt Brown his last loss. Sure, he lost his last fight to Mike Pierce, but fighting Mike Pierce is a badge of honor, as it seems like a miserable, painful, deflating experience. Baczynski via R2 TKO.
Ben Kohn: Seth has a massive size and strength advantage over the short and compact brawler and he will show it. Bacyznski KO rd 1.
Josh Hall: Seth Baczynski has quietly gone 4-1 in the UFC with his lone loss coming against ultra tough Mike Pierce, while Melancon has not fought since a Strikeforce Challengers event in September of 2011. This is going to likely be a bad return to the cage for him. Baczynski via 1st round submission.
Nolan Howell: This is another matchup that features a guy who many sleep on. While Seth Baczynski isn’t a world beater, he possesses some capable striking and slick grappling that is all augmented by his 6’3″ height. Brian Melancon will have too much on his hands here. Seth Baczynski by unanimous decision.
Tim Hickey: Baczynski via UD.
Tim Bernier: I’m not going to put the effort into correctly spelling these guys’ names. Seth is just straight up better than Brian. Seth by Unanimous Decision.
Lucas Bourdon: Melancon hasn’t fought in 2 years and Seth dwarfs him. Seth by some sort of finish.
Welterweight Bout: David Mitchell (12-2) vs. Mike Pierce (16-5)
Luke Irwin: This is an insult to Pierce. Pierce via UD.
Ben Kohn: Pierce is one of the most underrated fighters at WW and will absolutely paste Mitchell. KO rd 2.
Josh Hall: No disrespect to David Mitchell, but this matchup should not be happening. Pierce has fought and beaten far better competition, and is on a 3 fight winning streak while Mitchell has lost 2 of his last 3. He wasn’t finished in either, and Pierce has never been great at that aspect, so… Pierce by dominant unanimous decision.
Nolan Howell: Mike Pierce is one of the most underrated treasures at welterweight. While David Mitchell does have some solid submission skills, Pierce can dictate where this fight takes place and has seen and defeated more competent grapplers before. Mike Pierce by second-round TKO.
Tim Hickey: Mitchell has a great submission game, but Pierce is just a tough bastard. He is like the lite version of Jon Fitch. I don’t think Mitchell can get this to the ground, where he needs to be to win this fight. Expect a classic Pierce grindfest of putting Mitchell against the cage and dirty boxing the shit out of him. Pierce via UD.
Tim Bernier: Poor David Mitchell. He has a weird UFC career. Started off with a loss to TJ Waldburger. His next fight came a year later and he got a step up in competition against Paulo Thiago of all people. His next fight is a year and a half later against he beatable Simeon Thoreson. And his reward his fighting Mike Pierce? Brutal. Mike Pierce by Knockout, Round 1.
Lucas Bourdon: Mike Pierce by UD.
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