Not every fight card matters. In this case, I don’t see anyone knocking at the doors of title contention no matter who walks away with the fight, knockout, or submission of the night honors. Yet sometimes that’s exactly what great fights are made of.
I doubt Brandon “The Truth” Vera or Maricio “Shogun” Rua will be challenging Jonny “Bones” Jones anytime soon but rest assured, neither are thinking about playing it safe in this one. Both need a win and in a rough streak of subpar fight cards in the UFC, so do the fans.
Brandon Vera always says he’s reborn and ready to bring everything he has this time and I refuse to doubt him every time. Unfortunately fighters in the top of the division have been able to nullify his once brutal Muy Thai strikes, and find ways to stifle his rangy, aggressive style, with strong wrestling and cage control. I think Shogun does what Vera does just a little bit better honestly. I believe this fight is going to be worth your money but will not end well for Vera.
Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida vs. Ryan “Darth” Bader is very interesting. Bader is clearly looking to work his way back in to title contention and with both fighters having dropped decisive losses to the current champ, they both need to make a statement on Sunday night to remain relevant. Lyoto will try to keep Bader guessing on the outside while Bader will must be determined to press forward and remove Lyoto from his technical striking base. I believe Lyoto will win by knockout in the later rounds. Not to discount Bader’s abilities.
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I believe this fight has the greatest potential for fight of the night. Watch the highlight video below to fully understand what I’m talking about.
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VIDEO COURTESY OF THE UFC..
Joe “J-Lo” Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner seems predictable to me. I believe Lauzon will attempt to take Varner down and Varner will vicariously prefer to keep the fight standing. I don’t think Lauzon will be able to get Varner down and I believe Varner’s boxing will determine the result of the fight. I predict this one is the knockout of the night for Varner at some point within the fifteen minute time limit.
Mike “Quick” Swick Vs. DeMarques “Darkness” Johnson should be fun. Both are talented strikers with knockout capabilities and impressive infinities for keeping the fight standing even when they should consider alternate strategies. I believe Johnson is going to knockout Swick. I believe cage rust will play a factor and I feel that Johnson’s speed will make the difference.
FUEL TV BOUTS
Cole Miller vs. Nam Phan
Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado
Josh Grispi vs. Rani Yahya
Phil De Fries vs. Oli Thompson
Manny Gamburyan vs. Michihiro Omigawa
John Moraga vs. Ulysses Gomez