Rosenthal League:
Daniel Galvan: 31-12, .721
Tim Hickey: 109-58, .653
Benjamin Kohn: 115-63, .646
Josh Hall: 133-76, .636
Nolan Howell: 156-91, .632
Winslow League:
Connor Dillon: 73-43, .629
Chris Groves: 30-19, .612
Earl Montclair: 49-32, .605
Lucas Bourdon: 27-20, .574
Luke Irwin: 161-120, .573
TC Engel: 53-42, .558
Last Event Winner: Luke Irwin/Nolan Howell (8-3)
UFC Welterweight Championship: Georges St. Pierre (c) (24-2) vs. Johny Hendricks (15-1)
Luke Irwin: The issue isn’t whether Hendricks can crack GSP. He can and probably will land a good one. But Georges St. Pierre has the best recovery time of any fighter in MMA. He’s gotten cracked, he’s gotten knocked down by blows that would have finished most other fighters. The difference is that he doesn’t stay down. He gets back up and attacks. Hendricks will crack him, he’ll probably win that round, but GSP and his Wolverine-esque regeneration skills will take it over. St. Pierre via UD.
Ben Kohn: First read my breakdown, after that you must choose between brain and heart. Brain says GSP by UD. Heart says Johny by KO Round 1. Soooo…Johny Hendricks by KO Round 1.
Tim Hickey: The latest in the line of “GSPs most difficult opponent ever!”, Hendricks does pose some serious threats to the champion. His high level wrestling, coupled with his fight ending power, make him a serious challenge to the long time welterweight kingpin. Hendricks will need to be at his absolute best tho, as he has looked lackluster in fights with Koscheck and Pierce in the past. Even with all the matchup problems he poses, I believe GSP can win this fight using footwork, avoiding the left, and landing his accurate jab over and over. It probably will not be super actioned packed, but I expect another 5 round victory for the champ. GSP via decision.
TC Engel: For all the hate GSP gets for his chin, as Luke, Josh, and I discussed one evening, his recovery is quite possibly the best in MMA. As such, Hendricks is going to have to put him clean out to win this fight. Is there a chance that happens? Absolutely. Hendricks has easily the best knockout power in the division. And I believe wholeheartedly that he can put a stamp on GSP’s chin. I’m just not entirely sure he can finish it before GSP recovers. I may be going out on a limb here, and I’ve gone back and forth on this a lot.. Hendricks by KO, round 2.
Josh Hall: Either one of two things will happen in this fight. Hendricks finds the chin of GSP early or he spends a lot of time on his back frustrated. Smart pick is GSP by unanimous decision, but I’m going with Hendricks, because beard power. Johnny Hendricks via 1st round KO.
Dan Galvan: I was thinking about pulling the trigger and taking Johny Hendricks, but then I watched the pre-fight press conference. And I saw a George St. Pierre. And it sunk in to me that he’s one of most dangerous human beings on the planet. GSP via UD.
Earl Montclair: Georges takes on yet another consensus #2 WW in the world for his 84,000th title defense. Johny Hendricks has a puncher’s chance but it is the best puncher’s chance in this or maybe any division. Georges looked phenomenal at the weigh in and really seems amped up for this fight. Mark my words: Georges St. Pierre will absolutely outwrestle Johny Hendricks and he will remain the P4P King. GSP, 50-45 across the cards.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Chael Sonnen (29-13-1) vs. Rashad Evans (20-3-1)
Luke Irwin: Two good friends, both world-class MMA wrestlers, one has exceptional submission defense and awful submission offense, one has awful submission defense and solid submission offense. What’s that mean? Sloppy boxing match. Evans via SD.
Ben Kohn: I personally love this fight and hope it plays out into an excellent wrestling/grappling oriented fight. Chael and Rashad both have among the best takedowns in MMA, Rashad has the better striking and athletic ability while Chael is better in the clinch. Chael can win this by using the clinch to dirty box and control Evans, who is smaller, and Rashad can win this by blending his striking into his wrestling and I think he can get Chael down through his seamless transitions. With that being said, it does depend if Rashad looks as lethargic as he has in some of his recent fights. However, I think he will look very good and will want to make a statement. Rashad Evans by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Hickey: This is a tough fight to call. Rashad holds the speed and striking advantage, but I think Chael is the superior wrestler. Evans will need to keep the fight standing to win, as he has never shown an active guard really in any of his previous fights. I think we see Senor Chael grind this fight out with takedowns and clinch work to negate Evans’ speed. Chael via decision.
TC Engel: If this fight stays on the feet, Evans wins easily. I don’t think it’s going to stay there. I think Sonnen is a much better wrestler, and is going to get the three takedowns he needs to win. Sonnen by UD.
Josh Hall: I think this is a terrible matchup for Chael. I don’t think he can outstrike Rashad and I actually don’t think he can outwrestle him either. Evans via unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: Fighting Rashad Evans is one of the seventeen things Chael Sonnen has to do on Saturday. I’ll take Rashad. Evans via UD.
Earl Montclair: Rashad is clearly on the downslope of his career and for him to face a pressure fighter like the Gangster From West Linn is a recipe for disaster. Chael (amazingly) continues his push towards another title fight with a stunningly dominant performance. Chael Sonnen, Unanimous Decision.
Welterweight Bout: Robbie Lawler (21-9) vs. Rory MacDonald (15-1)
Luke Irwin: This will be interesting and/or awesome. Since his loss to Condit, RoryMac has (probably not coincidentally, based on who his teammate is) turned into one of the smartest fighters in the UFC. He’s seldom seen trouble since then, but what the hell is he going to throw at Robbie Lawler that he hasn’t seen before? Guy has seen everything everywhere by everybody. I don’t think Lawler just accepts whatever MacDonald’s gameplan is like Penn and Ellenberger did, forces the issue, drags MacDonald back into a firefight, and they go straight at it. MacDonald via SD.
Ben Kohn: This fight will accomplish one of two things. Either Robbie will have made an incredible comeback to become relevant again and finally realize the potential everyone thought he had back in his UFC debut a decade ago OR Rory will continue to clean up what’s left of the division that GSP hasn’t gotten around to yet. Rory’s standup was very jab centric in his last fight and that really won’t work against Lawler. He is too savvy a veteran and too dangerous on the feet to try that approach with because, despite the comparisons, he isn’t GSP yet. Rory will definitely look to take this fight down and Robbie’s improved TDD may give him some problems. Robbie has looked fantastic and disposed of Koscheck rather quickly and displayed a cool composure when he was taken down, remained calm, and got back up before showing excellent killed instinct to finish the fight after hurting Kos. I want this division to move and this time I’m picking with both with my brain and heart this time. Robbie Lawler by KO Round 1.
Tim Hickey: The career resurgence of Robbie Lawler has been fun to watch. I have been a fan of his for a long time, as he is rarely in a boring fight. He has bitten off more than he can chew with Rory tho, as Rory has the tools to take this fight wherever he wants. Lawler has the ability to shut anyone’s lights off, but I don’t think he can get inside of Rory’s length to land that fight ending punch. MacDonald via 2nd Rd TKO.
TC Engel: MacDonald is worse than AIDS. I hope to any deity listening that Lawler breaks his face. MacDonald by coma inducing decision.
Josh Hall: I want to believe in the new Robbie Lawler. I will be very upset if we see three rounds of Rory jabbing Lawler, but I don’t think Robbie will sit back and let it happen. I’m going with my heart here. Lawler via 2nd round KO.
Dan Galvan: Nothing would be more enjoyable than seeing Lawler continue his run with another knockout, but Rory MacDonald is one of the best welterweights on the planet. MacDoanld via UD.
Earl Montclair: This fantastic run for Lawler has got to suffer a setback at some point, right? Rory is just a monster and Robbie is going to have a hell of a time getting inside that jab. I would really like to see Rory get a late finish but I’m going to say Rory MacDonald, Unanimous Decision.
Welterweight Bout: Josh Koscheck (17-7) vs. Tyron Woodley (10-2)
Luke Irwin: I like Tabasco, he was one of my favorite Strikeforce fighters, but when he runs up against someone who can control his wrestling, he runs into a stop sign. Woodley won’t do anything to Koscheck that Josh hasn’t already seen or done. He certainly doesn’t have the power to wilt him like Lawler did. Combine that with a couple of Koscheck Specials to the cornea, and that should be enough to cruise to an easy win. Koscheck via UD.
Ben Kohn: Another fight that could turn into a fantastic wrestling match although it’s less likely too in my opinion. Kos is smaller, weaker, and probably will have a very hard time getting Woodley down. I think Koscheck will try and use his experience to try and get the KO on the feet. Can he do it? I don’t know because Woodley clearly has some KO power himself. Koscheck’s eye is always a problem now and if Woodley clocks him on it, how will he react? Especially after being finished by Lawler in his last fight? Lots of what ifs on this fight to be honest but I will pick in favor of the young gun over the old guard. Tyron Woodley by TKO Round 2.
Tim Hickey: This is a big make or break fight for Kos, as a loss would give him 3 in a row and could cost him his job in the UFC. He has a hell of a fight with Woodley, as on paper he is the superior wrestler, and had fight ending power. A classic old school vs new school fight. New school wins. Woodley via decision.
TC Engel: Is this going to be worse or worse than Shields vs. Woodley? Woodley by UD.
Josh Hall: I’m not falling into the trap of believing Woodley is a top WW again. Koscheck via unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: Koscheck’s wrestling should keep the fight on the feet where he has a significant advantage. Koscheck via UD.
Earl Montclair: Kos looked he wanted to be anywhere else under the sun at the weigh in. Tyron is hungry and Josh is collecting paychecks. This may be the last one from Zuffa. Tyron Woodley, KO, Round 1.
Flyweight Bout: Ali Bagautinov (11-2) vs. Tim Elliott (10-3-1)
Luke Irwin: Tough fight to call. Elliott has faced John Dodson, probably the hardest hitting flyweight in the world, and stayed upright for three rounds, so I doubt Bagautinov can put him down, and he beat Jared Papazian, who is full-tilt 1000% when he fights, so I doubt Bagautinov’s pressure will get to him, but I just can’t help but think that Elliott will try something drastic, slip up, and Ali will catch him in something. Call it a hunch. Bagautinov via R3 submission.
Ben Kohn: Ali is one of the young Russian fighters who are making waves in the various divisions throughout MMA. Tim Elliot is a hairy man from Missouri. Tim Elliot has also beaten better competition than Ali has despite his impressive performance against Marcos Vinicius. Elliot’s punishing beatdown of Gaudinot in his last fight was really awesome and amazing to watch. Experience and a proven set of skills will triumph in this fight. Tim Elliot by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Hickey: Bagautinov looks to break into the top ten when he meets up with #7 ranked Elliott in what could be a candidate for fight of the night. Both have shown the ability to finish fights, but Russian fighters have seemingly been on a tear the last little while, so I am going with Bagautinov via decision.
TC Engel: I like that tiny little hobbit dude. I think he’s gonna win this fight. Oh, Nolan isn’t in the UFC? Nevermind. Bagautinov by UD.
Josh Hall: This fight could steal the show, and I think the winner could be on the fast track to title contention. Elliot gave John Dodson a battle, and I don’t think Baugatinov is quite at that level yet. Elliot via unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: Tim Elliot fought a close fight against John Dodson. Ali has a lot of wins over questionable competition. Ali is going to have to win a fight like this for me to pick him against quality flyweights like Eliot. Elliot by UD.
Earl Montclair: I really enjoy Tim Elliot and his persona of the brawling Amish fellow. Ali might Sambo the bejesus out of him here but I think Elliot has enough tricks up his beard to handle this. Tim Elliot, Unanimous Decision.
Lightweight Bout: Donald Cerrone (20-6) vs. Evan Dunham (14-4)
Luke Irwin: Dunham has had one weird, weird UFC career. To me, at least, it seems like he’s had two years between all his fights, but his longest layoff has been less than nine months. Anyway, I can’t discredit just how AWFUL Cerrone looked in his last fight. Ironically, they’re both coming off losses to Rafael dos Anjos, but at least Dunham came to play in his. Cerrone looked entirely tired, bored, listless, and helpless against RDA and I can’t get that out of my head. Dunham via UD.
Ben Kohn: The battle of the notoriously slow starters. Cerrone is a rhythm fighter and needs to be the one pressuring in order to get his blistering Thai attack working. Cerrone is a competent puncher who can give and take plenty of punishment. Cerrone is incredibly slick on the mat and Dunham has some great sub skills as well. Dunham has the better wrestling but Cerrone is no slouch there either. Very even matchup and my pick for FOTN. Donald Cerrone by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Hickey: Dunham’s best chance of winning this fight is to come out quickly, as Cerrone has been a notorious slow starter in his past fights. If he doesn’t, I expect Cerrone to win this fight standing in what should be an entertaining battle. Cerrone via decision.
TC Engel: WHO IS THE MOST OVERRATED LIGHTWEIGHT IN THE UFC! TUNE IN THIS SATURDAY ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW TO FIND OUT! Cerrone by UD.
Josh Hall: This is a battle of two of the most frustrating talents ats LW, as neither man has been able to put all their tools together and reach the the top tier. If Dunham pressures Cerrone, we will be reminded again how bad “Cowboy” is when he cannot dictate the action. Dunham via unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: Dunham fights pretty much anyone close, but I like Cerrone to take a decision by implenting his range and winning the stand-up portion of this one. Cerrone via Dec.
Earl Montclair: Cowboy is better at everything with the exception of post fight victory dances. Sadly, we will not see Evan boogie at the end of this one. Donald CERR OH NAY! Unanimous Decision.
Middleweight Bout: Ed Herman (21-9) vs. Thales Leites (21-4)
Luke Irwin: To the horror of everyone watching, we’ve seen what happens when Leites faces someone who’s unwilling to engage him on the ground. To the pleasure of people who’ve watched, when he does encounter someone who will engage him, they see a great fight. Ed Herman has the grappling chops to hit the floor with Leites, but after his utter destruction at the hands of Jacare, I think he gets a little gunshy and keeps it standing, where we see a clinchfest between the two. Leites via SD.
Ben Kohn: Thales showed off much improved striking in his fight with Tom Watson who is a good striker and quicker than Herman too. Herman is a tough SOB and despite being slow on the feet, he can crack his opponents hard and put them out. While Thales is known for his great BJJ skills on the mat, Herman is a very good blackbelt in his own right and this could prove to be a fun grappling match. Thales Leitas by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Hickey: I have never been super impressed with Herman, but he is a tough, durable veteran who has carved himself out a long career with the biggest promotion in the sport. Leites has been on a nice run the last couple of years, and I think he continues it here. Leites via 2nd Rd submission.
TC Engel: Boy, this sure is a fight that’s going to happen, hey guys? Herman by UD.
Josh Hall: Ed Herman seems to be fading as a fighter, and Leites is desperately hanging on with his second chance in the UFC. Leites via dull unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: Mixed Martial Arts wanted to write Thales Leites off after basically taking a crap in the octagon against Anderson Silva, but he’s back. And honestly, he’s better than ever. We know he’s got the ground game, but his standup has improved technically. Now, if Leites decides to stand and bang, well he’ll probably end up on unconscious. Leites via 1st Sub.
Earl Montclair: Ed Herman was dumb enough to fight Jake Shields like a big old dummy and could very easily fall into the same situation here against Thales. For entertainment purposes, I would prefer Herman got the nod here but I just think that…..you know what? Screw it. Using my heart pick here. Ed Herman, TKO, Round 2.
Welterweight Bout: Brian Ebersole (50-15-1) vs. Rick Story (15-7)
Luke Irwin: Ebersole hasn’t fought in a year and a half and he’s facing a guy who can do some serious damage if you’re rusty. Story via R1 TKO.
Ben Kohn: Interesting matchup here. Story has excellent takedowns and his boxing has come along very nicely. He is an excellent dirty boxer as well and has carved out a niche for himself as a high level fighter who isn’t top 10. Ebersole’s wrestling looked bad against James Head and that doesn’t bode well for him considering Story is a much better wrestler than Head. Ebersole’s quirky striking will be the key to his victory and he should stick and move and stay on the outside. I don’t think he could do that though. Rick Story by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Hickey: Ebersole is a cagey veteran who has all the tools to be Rick Story. He has a great chin and a good grappling game, and unorthodox fighting style which should allow be able to take home a decision in this one. Ebersole via decision.
TC Engel: Ebersole has a good chin and ground game, which should mean he wins this, BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: He isn’t very good at mixed martial arts! Story by UD.
Josh Hall: I hope I’m wrong, but I think Story should be able to use his strength and wrestling to grind out an ugly decision. Story via unanimous decision.
Dan Galvan: I’ve gone back and forth with this one, but I ended up coming up with Rick Story for this pick. He has enough pieces in every area of the game, it’s just a matter of exhibiting them consistently. Story via UD.
Earl Montclair: I just really hope Ebersole and The Hairrow cartwheel kick Rick Story straight out of the UFC. Brian Ebersole, Unanimous Decision.
Bantamweight Bout: Edwin Figueroa (9-3) vs. Erik Perez (13-5)
Luke Irwin: Pretty clearly a bounceback fight to Goyito, as the UFC wants him to be a contender after a controversial split-decision to Takeya Mizugaki. Figueroa has lost twice in a row and Perez will show him the door here. Perez via R1 submission.
Ben Kohn: This is a bounce back fight for one of the better prospects in the Featherweight division in Perez. Edwin is a tough guy with lots of power but Erik will be able to win a decision easily I think. Erik Perez by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Hickey: This is a showcase fight for Perez, as he does everything better than Figueroa. El Goyito via 1st round TKO.
TC Engel: I WONDER WHO THE UFC WANTS TO WIN THIS COMPELLING MATCH UP OF COMPETITORS THAT ARE CERTAINLY EQUALLY MATCHED. Perez by KO, round 1.
Josh Hall: After the first big step up for Erik Perez didn’t go so well, he has taken a return to the level where he destroys bottom tier fighters. Perez via 1st round KO.
Dan Galvan: If Figueroa puts Erik Perez in any danger, the lights will shut off and flip back on to Figueroa laid out with the Undertaker doing the throat slash. Brock Lesnar would then come out, and the long-awaited Taker/Lesnar feud would culminate with a 25-year UFC anniversary tag team match between Erik Perez and The Undertaker against Brock Lesnar and Edwin Figueroa. Perez via UD.
Earl Montclair: Duh. Erik Perez, Beatdown, Round 1.
Welterweight Bout: Anthony Lapsley (22-5) vs. Jason High (17-4)
Luke Irwin: Lapsley is the definition of a journeyman, fighting whomever and wherever he can. However, any time he’s tried to take a step up in competition, he’s gotten owned pretty ferociously. History will repeat itself. High via R2 submission.
Ben Kohn: High is going to submit Lapsley and he’s going to do it fast too. Jason High by Submission Round 1.
Tim Hickey: Did you know Lapsley was part of a double KO back in KOTC? That might be his only shot at not taking a L in this fight, as High is a better fighter. High via 1st Rd sub.
TC Engel: There isn’t much to say here. High by RNC, round 1.
Josh Hall: High is by far the better fighter here, and his biggest strength is Lapsley’s biggest weakness. High via first round submission.
Dan Galvan: High’s wrestling should be the defining factor in this fight leading to a decision victory for High.
Earl Montclair: Squash match for the KC Bandit. Jason High, Submission, Round 1.
Bantamweight Bout: Sergio Pettis (9-0) vs. Will Campuzano (13-4)
Luke Irwin: I know everyone is high on Sergio, and rightly so, he’s fantastic, but man, Campuzano is a tough, tough test. After his first UFC stint, he’s been on fire, dominating on different continents. I think Sergio will get by him, but it won’t be easy at all. Pettis via SD.
Ben Kohn: The younger brother of Anthony Pettis makes his long awaited debut, undefeated, at 9-0. While I doubt he will be as impressive as Anthony, especially since his best skillset is his grappling, I do think he will look pretty good and get the win. Sergio Pettis by Submission Round 2.
Tim Hickey: Pettis is as bright a prospect as you can get, and carrying around a famous last night doesn’t hurt either. I am hoping he will put on a show. Pettis via 2nd Rd KO.
TC Engel: I really really really really really really really really really really hope this isn’t too soon for Pettis. Campuzano isn’t the pushover people seem to think he is, he’s been cleaning house since he was cut from the UFC in 2011. Risky, risky pick, but here goes. Campuzano by TKO, round 2.
Josh Hall: Campuzano is a game fighter and is clearly very excited to make his UFC return. I think Pettis is far enough along to win this, but it has a good possibility to turn into a dogfight. Pettis via split decision.
Dan Galvan: Will Campuzano is a hard fighter to beat that is skilled standing on the feet, especially when he has an erect posture. Despite being dangerous, Campuzano is a tad bit stiff. Campuzano has a lot of experience and his guard is harder to crack than wood. But, Sergio Pettis didn’t pop a boner during the weigh-ins. Pettis via UD.
Earl Montclair: Sergio Pettis, who sports the same exact uber-douche facial hair as his brother makes his UFC debut here at Bantamweight instead of Flyweight for some reason and draws a very tough out in Will Campuzano. I am glad to see that Sergio is not made of glass like Anthony and hopefully he makes a nice debut for himself. See, I went the whole section on this fight without mentioning Campuzano’s half mast boner at the weigh in! Sergio Pettis, TKO, Round 2.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Cody Donovan (8-3) vs. Gian Villante (10-4)
Luke Irwin: After Villante’s last bullshit loss, I think he rebounds and grabs the win here. Villante via R2 TKO.
Ben Kohn: The UFC is giving Villante a perceived comeback fight from the stupid eye poke thing with OSP. Villante knows he needs a win and I think he will use this chance to impress to his advantage. Gian Villante by KO Round 1.
Tim Hickey: Cody Donovan’s nickname is Donnybrook. Aside from The Barn Cat, it is now officially the third best nickname in the sport. Villante via TKO.
TC Engel: Meh. Villante or Donovan by KO, submission, or decision. Or maybe it’ll be a no contest or draw.
Josh Hall: Villante was once a top prospect at 205 until he was run over by Chad Griggs. This alone should be reason enough to pick Donovan, but I think Villant is going to be just too athletic for him and will swarm him early. Villante via 1st round KO.
Dan Galvan: When life gives you a fight between Cody Donovan and Gian Villante, you pick Gian Villante. Then, you eat cake, lots of cake. Villante via 1st TKO.
Earl Montclair: Seeing as this is a Vegas event, only about 200 people will be there in the crowd for this fight. That seems appropriate. Cody Donovan via something because sure.
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