- Rashad Evans is a better, more well rounded MMA fighter than Phil Davis. Admittedly, I thought Davis would find a way to take the fight to Rashad, get it to the ground, and grind out a victory. Turns out for five rounds, Rashad took control of the fight and defeated a fighter similar in stature and makeup as the current champion, Jon Jones. Granted, Jones is a more dynamic striker than Davis (who looked unsure of himself when trading with Rashad all night), Rashad is a former training partner of Jones and you would have to think has a good understanding of how to attack the champion. Coming into the Davis fight, I thought that Rashad would be too small and ineffective to defeat Davis, let alone the champion. After the fight, I have a higher appreciation of what Rashad Evans can do and he is a good challenger for the phenom Jon Jones (I still wouldnt pick Rashad over Jones, but I do think he'll give him a good fight).
- Chael Sonnen is more entertaining as a fighter than I would have admitted before. He is a fighter that doesnt take a step back - its just not in his vocabulary. For that, I respect him and appreciate that whomever he fights, his formula remains unchanged - boxing to close the distance to allow for a tie-up against the cage and eventually a takedown where he can grind and ground and pound. Sure, winning via decision fight after fight isnt the most ideal way to do things, but thats not to say he isnt trying to win and instead is just looking to survive in his fights. Hes aggressive and strikes with hammers in his fists. And I havent even started on his post-fight interviews which (although clearly inspired/ripped off from pro wrestlers of past and present) are still entertaining to watch if nothing else because no one else does it in MMA.
- Demian Maia is the new gatekeeper at MW. Great grappler, quality wins against established fighters, will never become THE guy though because of his lack of striking and athleticism to take him over the top.
- Chris Weidman may be a great prospect, but his standup will get exposed more and more as he progresses against the more polished and well rounded fighters of the division. May also want to improve his conditioning since he appear gassed and worn out towards the end of his fight with Maia. Granted, he wasnt training to fight Maia, but against quality competition, he cannot gas the way that he did on Saturday night.
- The production value of the entire event is something to be improved. They need to include the intros and production videos that are usually seen from the PPVs to help set up the fights. Setting up the fight via fighter analysts Q&A just doesnt work imo. If you want to introduce new viewers to the sport, you need to build up the intrigue and drama between the two fighters and thats not currently done with the format being used by the UFC. Showcase the fighters who are fighting and build up the drama and suspense leading up to the opening bell and you'll attract viewers much easier.
That be it for now, stayed tuned for a break down of Diaz-Condit sometime later this week. Until then, keep pointing to the stars and your legs crossed.
- Saxed
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Breaking Down UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis
On Saturday, the UFC presents its 2nd live event on the FOX network with 3 fights that have important title implications. Lets break them down and choose some winners:
Evans vs. Davis
In the main event for the night, former light-heavyweight champion, Rashad Evans steps into the cage to fight the up and coming prospect that is Phil Davis. With the winner of the fight likely next in line for a shot at the divisional title holder, Jon Jones, this is one very important fight.
On paper, Evans appears to be the more experienced and accomplished fighter having won the title before and an impressive list of victories over names such as Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Quentin Jackson. However, Davis' resume is just as impressive being a four-time All-American wrestler at Penn State, winning a national title in 2008. Coming off of quality wins against Tim Boetsch and Antonio Rogerio Noguiera, Davis is riding a wave of momentum heading into this fight.
The thing that Im focusing on in this fight is the size discrepancy between the two fighters. Going into the fight, Davis is considerably bigger compared to Evans, as he will enjoy a 3 inch height and a 4 inch reach advantage over the former light-heavyweight champion. As a result, I expect the fact to be decided by who is able to impose their will on their opponent.
For Evans, he will look to stay on the outside and possibly slip and counter the strikes that Davis throws. I'd look for Evans to work the overhand right-left hook combination then slip out of range from striking and grappling distance. Evans has a considerable speed and quickness advantage over his opponents on most nights and I expect it to be the same this Saturday night. Look for him to exploit this and if successful, a victory via KO/stoppage or decision for the Niagara Falls, NY product.
For Davis, I see him employing a strategy that will emphasize his size and wrestling ability (which I feel is better than Evans'). Expect Davis to use his strikes to close the distance and cause a lockup between him and Evans against the cage. From there, look for him to use knees to try and distract Evans enough to get the fight to the ground where he can look to ground and pound or submit Rashad.
In the end, I think Davis' wrestling ability and size are displayed in this fight and he stops Evans with strikes. Davis, like Jones, enjoys a considerable size advantage over most fighters in the LHW division. Like Jones, Davis has shown steady improvement in his fighting ability, both on the feet and on the ground. I think he wins in convincing fashion over Evans and Saturday becomes the night where the world takes notice that Phil Davis has arrived and is ready to take on the world champion.
Prediction? - Davis via stoppage in round 2
Sonnen vs Bisping
In what you would consider the co-main event for the night, the antithesis to Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen, faces off with Britain's finest, Michael Bisping. With a win, both fighters catapult into the number one contender spot for Anderson Silva's middleweight title. A win by Sonnen sets up arguably the most anticipated rematch in UFC history as Sonnen has been the only fighter in UFC history to make Silva look human and not god-like.
Breaking down this fight, it just seems the cards are stacked against Bisping. Bisping is going to be the smaller fighter and will need to catch Sonnen with a strike on the feet or a submission on the ground to beat Sonnen. In contrast, Chael Sonnen will likely look to impose his size and wrestling, take the fight to the ground and start to pound out a victory.
I just dont see Sonnen losing this fight outside of getting caught by Bisping. I see Bisping trying to keep distance and pick and pop from the outside. But once Bisping throws a strike, Sonnen will rush and close distance, get the fight against the cage, and eventually to the ground. Once on the ground, Sonnen's ground and pound should prove too overwhelming for the British fighter to try and attempt any submission off the ground.
Prediction? - Sonnen via 3rd round TKO/Stoppage with ground and pound
Rest of the Card Predictions
Maia vs. Weidman - I like Weidman to continue his undefeated record and win via decision. Look for him to keep the fight standing and against the cage when he can smother and use his size and wrestling ability to keep the fight in control. Maia certainly can catch outstanding wrestlers off guard (hes subbed Sonnen before), but I think Weidman strikes and uses his size to win a decision.
There be the picks, enjoy the night of fights!
-Saxed
Evans vs. Davis
In the main event for the night, former light-heavyweight champion, Rashad Evans steps into the cage to fight the up and coming prospect that is Phil Davis. With the winner of the fight likely next in line for a shot at the divisional title holder, Jon Jones, this is one very important fight.
On paper, Evans appears to be the more experienced and accomplished fighter having won the title before and an impressive list of victories over names such as Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Quentin Jackson. However, Davis' resume is just as impressive being a four-time All-American wrestler at Penn State, winning a national title in 2008. Coming off of quality wins against Tim Boetsch and Antonio Rogerio Noguiera, Davis is riding a wave of momentum heading into this fight.
The thing that Im focusing on in this fight is the size discrepancy between the two fighters. Going into the fight, Davis is considerably bigger compared to Evans, as he will enjoy a 3 inch height and a 4 inch reach advantage over the former light-heavyweight champion. As a result, I expect the fact to be decided by who is able to impose their will on their opponent.
For Evans, he will look to stay on the outside and possibly slip and counter the strikes that Davis throws. I'd look for Evans to work the overhand right-left hook combination then slip out of range from striking and grappling distance. Evans has a considerable speed and quickness advantage over his opponents on most nights and I expect it to be the same this Saturday night. Look for him to exploit this and if successful, a victory via KO/stoppage or decision for the Niagara Falls, NY product.
For Davis, I see him employing a strategy that will emphasize his size and wrestling ability (which I feel is better than Evans'). Expect Davis to use his strikes to close the distance and cause a lockup between him and Evans against the cage. From there, look for him to use knees to try and distract Evans enough to get the fight to the ground where he can look to ground and pound or submit Rashad.
In the end, I think Davis' wrestling ability and size are displayed in this fight and he stops Evans with strikes. Davis, like Jones, enjoys a considerable size advantage over most fighters in the LHW division. Like Jones, Davis has shown steady improvement in his fighting ability, both on the feet and on the ground. I think he wins in convincing fashion over Evans and Saturday becomes the night where the world takes notice that Phil Davis has arrived and is ready to take on the world champion.
Prediction? - Davis via stoppage in round 2
Sonnen vs Bisping
In what you would consider the co-main event for the night, the antithesis to Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen, faces off with Britain's finest, Michael Bisping. With a win, both fighters catapult into the number one contender spot for Anderson Silva's middleweight title. A win by Sonnen sets up arguably the most anticipated rematch in UFC history as Sonnen has been the only fighter in UFC history to make Silva look human and not god-like.
Breaking down this fight, it just seems the cards are stacked against Bisping. Bisping is going to be the smaller fighter and will need to catch Sonnen with a strike on the feet or a submission on the ground to beat Sonnen. In contrast, Chael Sonnen will likely look to impose his size and wrestling, take the fight to the ground and start to pound out a victory.
I just dont see Sonnen losing this fight outside of getting caught by Bisping. I see Bisping trying to keep distance and pick and pop from the outside. But once Bisping throws a strike, Sonnen will rush and close distance, get the fight against the cage, and eventually to the ground. Once on the ground, Sonnen's ground and pound should prove too overwhelming for the British fighter to try and attempt any submission off the ground.
Prediction? - Sonnen via 3rd round TKO/Stoppage with ground and pound
Rest of the Card Predictions
Maia vs. Weidman - I like Weidman to continue his undefeated record and win via decision. Look for him to keep the fight standing and against the cage when he can smother and use his size and wrestling ability to keep the fight in control. Maia certainly can catch outstanding wrestlers off guard (hes subbed Sonnen before), but I think Weidman strikes and uses his size to win a decision.
There be the picks, enjoy the night of fights!
-Saxed
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