Since my last post we've seen Zuffa, LLC. purchase Strikeforce, and a 40 year old Dan Henderson capture the Strikeforce 205lb. strap in dramatic fashion. Also we got to see Tim Kennedy choke the crap out of Melvin Manhoef...which was just awesome.
But on to this weekend, as we get another treat courtesy of Dana White and Co. in Newark, NJ. UFC 128 looks to be one of the more notable cards this year, as we see the talented Jon Jones lock horns with Shogun Rua in his first title bout. Also notable on this card is the UFC debut of former WEC Champions Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland. Not to mention you've got prospect Brendan Schaub vs. Mirko Cro Cop, this card looks to be extremely entertaining. But moving right along to the picks.
Light Heavyweight Title Bout – Shogun Rua vs. Jon Jones
Most Pick: Jon Jones has been beating the crap out of people, and doing it in dramatic fashion. After his destruction of Ryan Bader, Jones goes into this fight as the heavy favorite...due to his speed, wrestling, and his crazy style of stand up fighting. The pick: Jones by TKO
My Pick: Although I like Jones, I can't count out Rua. His experience and his skill give him a definite advantage in my eyes. Also, I don't know what kind of emotions are going through the head of Jones at this point. I'm taking Rua by TKO in the 3rd.
Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland
Most Pick: Faber by Submission, because he looks pretty beast at 135...and Wineland doesn't have nearly the ground skills of the WEC poster boy.
My Pick: I'm taking Faber by TKO, because I feel that Urijah is going to want to prove a point vs. Wineland, and that point is he can stand with anyone...no matter how good.
Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus
Most Pick: Miller by Decision, this is another litmus test for the WEC lightweight fighters entering the UFC, and nobody at this point has seen anything from Shalorus to suggest he can derail the rise of Miller.
My Pick: Hate to agree with the pack again on this one, but I feel like Miller is going to be too much. I'll take him by Decision after three.
Nate Marquardt vs. Dan Miller
Most Pick: Marquardt by Decision, because after the Okami fight...Nate has something to prove, and he seems pretty set on doing just that. Also, Miller hasn't shown the ability to beat the elite in the middleweight division.
My Pick: Marquardt by TKO, because I think Nate is REALLY pissed. Also, Miller hasn't shown the ability to deal with a striker on Marquardt's level. Bisping showed us that.
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Brendan Schaub
Most Pick: Schaub by TKO/KO. Because seriously, what has Cro Cop shown us about his ability to fight in the UFC?
My Pick: The obvious, Schaub by DESTRUCTION! Seriously, I feel like The Hybrid is going to overwhelm and KO the veteran early on in Round 1.
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