UFC 129 Picks

After almost a month on the sidelines, the UFC returns with an awesome fight card lined up for us in Toronto on April 30th. UFC 129 is the long awaited contest between UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre and the Everywhere Else Champion Jake Shields. Also included is the UFC debut of Jose Also versus hometown boy Mark Hominick. We also get to see the 'is he really retiring' swan song of Hall of Fame member Randy Couture against former champion Lyoto Machida. Rounding out this card is a Light Heavyweight bout between Vladimir Matyushenko and Jason Brilz, along with a Lightweight showdown between Mark Bocek and former WEC champ Ben Henderson. Will Randy really retire? Will Shields pull the upset? Will Aldo dazzle? Does anyone really care about Matyushenko or Brilz at this point? We look forward to April 30th so we can have all those answers and more.


Georges St. Pierre *Champion vs. Jake Shields

Most Pick: St. Pierre by Decision, because he has dominated so much up to this point that its hard to imagine anyone knocking him off the top. His game continues to improve, but he's not much of a finisher anymore.

Steele Pick: Shields by Decision, don't place bets on this one...but every time I pick against Shields he burns my ass and wins. So while my gut says GSP, I'm going to pick Jake for once.


Jose Aldo *Champion vs. Mark Hominick

Most Pick: Aldo by TKO. No one has been able to handle Aldo as of yet and as one of the top three pound for pound fighters, everyone expects Aldo to end this quickly.

Steele Pick: Aldo by TKO. I have to agree with the consensus here, although Aldo has been sidelined by a back injury I don't see this ending any other way than with the champions hand raised. I like Hominick, and I love his striking...I just don't see it being enough.

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida

Most Pick: Machida by Decision, because once again everyone questions the Hall of Famers age and the technical prowess of Machida.

Steele Pick: Couture by Decision. Although I think Machida is a good fighter, he finds himself facing the master strategist of the sport. I don't see age being a factor here, as Couture will close the distance and wear out the former champion en route to a three round decision.

Benson Henderson vs. Mark Bocek

Most Pick: Henderson by Decision. Lost in the hype of the Showtime kick, Henderson is still a force at 155, and everyone sees him taking this one in a lopsided fashion.

Steele Pick: Henderson by Submission. Coming off the loss to Pettis, I see Henderson making a statement in his UFC debut.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jason Brilz

Most Pick: Brilz by Decision. Brilz should have beaten Lil' Nog. He is by far the better striker of the two, and most see him outpointing the veteran.

Steele Pick: Matyushenko by Decision. I disagree with the majority of analysts on this one. I see the wily veteran controlling the pace of the fight, landing the better takedowns and taking a three round decision win.