UFC 115 Predictions
June 12, 2010
Is this Chuck Liddell’s swan song? That’s the big question coming into UFC 115. With a 1-4 record in the last 3 years, the Iceman’s best days are clearly behind him, but against a more appropriate level of competition (3 of those 4 losses were to champions in their prime) in Franklin, can he hold his own and perhaps stave off retirement for a few more fights?
This question will be answered in the main event of what is a very interesting card, that may be light on superstars but features some brilliant matchmaking.
Carlos Condit vs. Rory Macdonald
After a long layoff due to injury, Carlos Condit finally returns to the Octagon to face upstart Canadian, Rory Macdonald. Macdonald is undefeated, albeit against weak competition, but has already got some buzz attached to his name. A win over former WEC champ, Condit, should serve as a springboard to more high-profile bouts for the Canuck.
UFC 114 Predictions
May 29, 2010
After nearly a year of racial insults, homophobic slurs, death threats and gift-giving (Snuggies, chickens etc.), Quinton Jackson and Rashad Evans will finally duke it out tonight at UFC 114. With a title shot on the line and a whole whack of pride, this fight will have some serious consequences for both men. The rest of the card is a bit of an ugly sister in comparison but any MMA is good MMA.
Diego Sanchez vs. John Hathaway
BJ Penn beat Diego’s ass so badly he knocked his career back by two years. Sanchez is now fighting a low-tier foreigner (see David Bielkheden) in a tune-up fight back at 170. This is a no-win fight for Diego. If he beats Hathaway, who cares. He’s also beat Brian Gassaway and Cruz Cachon, two other names that mean nothing on an elite fighter’s resume. If he loses, no amount of Yes! cartwheels will be able to put his credibility back together.
UFC 113 Predictions
May 8, 2010
Epic rematch. That is the story of UFC 113, as the most anticipated rematch since Liddell vs. Couture II, will headline an absolutely stellar card from Montreal this Saturday night.
If it lives up to even half of its hype, Machida vs. Shogun II should easily take the title for Fight of the Year. Couple that with a top contender match in Koscheck vs. Daley, and a handful of other quality matchups and we’ve got a recipe for awesomeness.
Sam Stout vs. Jeremy Stephens
Even though he technically comes from London, Ontario, Sam Stout can expect the welcome of a hometown hero in his bout against Jeremy Stephens, as the pro-Canada crowd will surely rally behind him. On top of that he has the momentum of a 2-fight win streak behind him, so the odds are heavily in his favour.
UFC 111 Predictions
March 27, 2010
The main course in a 3-event offering, UFC 111 features two title matchups one of which features the long-awaited return of Georges St-Pierre who hasn’t competed since injuring his groin at UFC 100. Also, top heavyweights Frank Mir and Shane Carwin are squaring off for a shot at Brock Lesnar, when the champ returns this summer.
Jim Miller vs. Mark Bocek
Despite a 4-2 record in the UFC, Mark Bocek hasn’t really earned much interest in the 155 lb division. It’s probably because he hasn’t beaten anyone that isn’t a can. Jim Miller on the other hand has conquered some more impressive foes, having only faltered against Gray Maynard.
Simply put, Jim Miller is a much more skilled fighter and should easily dominate Bocek. In front of a home town crowd he should be focused, amped up and primed to put on a great performance. While Bocek has a slight edge in submissions, Miller is no slouch and has the wrestling credentials to come out on top in scrambles. On top of that he is the better striker. This should be fun and easy for the New Jersey native.
UFC 110 Predictions
February 20, 2010
For the UFC’s first venture into Australia they have put together a throwback to the days of Pride with a card riddled with former stars from the now-defunct promotion. Tonight’s event features many interesting matchups, title shot implications and a sense of excitement that has been lacking from the last few UFCs.
Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovich vs. Anthony Perosh
Now that Ben Rothwell has dropped out this bout has been robbed of almost all its interest. What would have been a litmus test for Cro Cop against mid-level opposition has turned into a warm-up fight for the Croatian. If he wins, no one will care. If he loses his career is officially over. It makes you wonder why he accepted it at all?
Prediction: Cro Cop by TKO in round 1
Keith Jardine vs. Ryan Bader
Sadly for Keith Jardine, after losing several competitive matches to top-tier opponents he has become something of a stepping stone for young talent. While Jardine can never be counted out, betting on him is a high-risk venture. That being said against a guy whose biggest win to date is against Eric Schafer he might have better luck.
UFC 109 Predictions
February 6, 2010
Tonight’s fight card despite not having any major star power (save for a past-his-prime Randy Couture) looks to be a decent night of fisticuffs based solely on the strength of the matchups. While the favourites will likely prevail there is enough skill stepping into the Octagon that a couple upsets shouldn’t shock anybody.
Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg
It`s kind of sad when even the guys fighting are dubbing this match a win-or-retire fight, but you have to give Trigg and Serra credit for being realistic. Neither of these men are in their primes and even when they were they were never that scary. Trigg is starting to show the wear and tear of over a decade in the sport and while still dominant in smaller leagues was destroyed in his first fight back in the UFC. Serra just can`t stay healthy long enough to fight more than once a year, and despite a razor-thin loss to Matt Hughes has lost all of the relevancy his short title reign gave him. Trigg with a solid gameplan and some bullying ground and pound could steal a decision here but it`s much more likely that Serra will land one his powerbomb punches dropping Trigg to the ground where he will sink in an easy rear-naked choke. [Read more]
UFC 103 Predictions
September 19, 2009
While UFC 103’s main card doesn’t hold any title fights, grudge matches or contender eliminators, this latest offering from the UFC is still full of great match-ups. Whether its the return of Vitor Belfort and Frank Trigg that has you excited or you just want to see old favourites like Franklin and Koscheck put on a show, this card is pretty stacked.
Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca
Both of these lightweight contenders are faced with the same conundrum. They are both exceptionally talented men that have run through lesser competition but both have been stonewalled against top tier fighters (they share losses to Sean Sherk and Frankie Edgar). Being able to break through to the upper echelon and vie for a shot at BJ Penn is a plausible career path for both of these guys but a convincing win in this contest is a must.
UFC 102 Predictions
August 28, 2009
The main event at UFC 102 is what many seem to be labeling a ‘win or retire’ fight between MMA legends Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Randy Couture. However, what everyone seems to be forgetting is that both of these men have only lost once in the last 3 years, to top ranked fighters no less. Instead what should be expected is MMA in its finest form; two of the greatest fighters in the world in an epic physical chess match.
Throw in the always entertaining ‘Dean of Mean’ Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva, an incredibly even middleweight top contender bout and the sadomasochism of Chris Leben and we’ve got one of the best cards of the year.
Brandon Vera vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Polish-Canadian Krzysztof Soszynski has quietly won 3 fights in a row in the Octagon and despite his alphabet soup name, a lot of people could be talking about him with an impressive win over Vera. Brandon on the other hand, once a highly touted heavyweight prospect has only seen his stock drop in recent years but looked sharp in his last bout.
UFC 100 Predictions
July 9, 2009
This weekend will mark perhaps the greatest weekend in MMA history as the UFC puts on its 100th show (ignoring all the Ultimate Ultimates, Ultimate Japan, Brazil and UFC 37.5). This milestone event celebrates not only the longevity of the promotion but signifies that MMA is a viable sport here to stay and that the UFC is now truly mainstream and no longer the backwoods snuff film-esque spectacle it was once thought to be.
In order to show their appreciation to the fans, the UFC have put together one of the deepest cards in history, where even the undercard is stocked with must-see matches. Two belt fights, a TUF coaches grudge match, some great contender bouts and Chuck Liddell’s forced retirement party all round out the PPV portion, which should be an absolute confetti party of violence.
Hardboss Official UFC Rankings
July 2, 2009
While the UFC’s roster is full of exciting and talented fighters, only a choice few rise to the top as the best of their weight class. Champions are easily identified by the belt around their waist, but top contenders aren’t always so easy to spot.
In an effort to clear the fog, Hardboss has decided to compile our very own divisional rankings, including our top contender picks. Taking into account win streaks, overall win percentage, popularity and the many intangibles that shape a mixed martial artist’s career we will try to separate the best from the rest after every UFC event and pinpoint those who most deserve a crack at the belt in each weight class.
Editor’s note: Keep in mind these rankings are solely for UFC fighters and not those who compete in other promotions. Feel free to pencil in Fedor at the top of the HW list…
Hardboss UFC Rankings and Top Contenders
(Updated: April 7 2010)