I figured I'd create this thread for discussion of everyone's picks for Saturday's UFC 61. I didn't really give much thought on the method of winning, or what round, as that doesn't really matter.
1. Cheick Kongo vs Gilbert Aldana
- Kongo should not have a problem winning this fight. He is very unknown, but having a muay thai background, he definitely is good on his feet. Aldana's main/only game is his standup, and its brawler style. Cheick has a MMA record of 7-2-1, with a 18-1 Muay Thai record. Gilbert has a record of 5-1, with all his wins coming in the first round due to his aggressive standup overwhelming cans in Rage in the Cage promotion. Aldana said he wanted to take the fight to the ground, becuase he recognizes Kongo's MT background... but I just don't see him using that strategy effectively. Aldana will probably get tagged by knees or kicks as he shoots in for the takedown.
Kongo KO's Aldana late in R1
2. Jeff Monson vs Anthony Perosh
- Oddsmakers have Monson has a very big favorite in this fight, and probably for good reason. Perosh's main strength is being a black belt in BJJ, however Monson is an abu dhabi world champion. Monson needs to show some aggressiveness in this fight to please the fans, otherwise its going to be a boring fight, with Monson winning.
The snowman wins via unanimous decision, although hopefully he gets a slick submission in R1.
3. Drew Fickett vs Kurt Pellegrino
- This should be a good fight. Ficket has alot of experience (26-4), and many wins under his belt. However, I have never been impressed with Drew for some reason. I didn't like his performance against Koscheck or Burkman. From what I hear, Pellegrino (mma record of 6-1) is a stud in both wrestling and BJJ (I believe he is a bjj black belt). Pellegrino's training with Hermes will give him the edge in this fight.
Pellegrino wins via RNC R2.
4. Hermes Franca vs Joe Jordan
- I don't know much about Joe Jordan, he is the late replacement for his training partner Roger Huerta. Hermes is hungry and definitely has the skills to do good at 155 in the UFC.
Hermes wins via KO punch R1
5. Joe Stevenson vs Yves Edwards
- This should be a great fight and I'm definitely looking forward to it. Stevenson is strong and must use his strength advantage if he wants to win this fight. Yves is quicker, a MUCH better striker, and is quite good on the ground with very good takedown defense. This is a huge test for Stevenson and many people are picking Joe to win this fight via GnP or decision. However, I don't see it this way, Yves is hungry to get the belt at 155 in the UFC and will impress many new ufc fans Saturday night with his very exciting style. Both NEED this win pretty bad. Yves has the experience factor, Joe simply has not fought the caliber of Yves' opponents. Yves striking and takedown defense will be too much for Stevenson and will shut alot of people up after Edwards lost to Hominick in a very questionable situation.
Yves wins via TKO punches/knees late in R2.
6. Josh Burkman vs Josh Neer
-Another fight on the card which should be very exciting. Both are up and comers in the UFC. Burkman was ashamed after getting beat pretty bad by Jon Fitch, and has been training hard with team punishment in Big Bear. Coming out of MFS, Neer is tough as nails who showed great determination against Joe and secured the win in that fight. Neer doesn't have good standup in my opinion, and also starts slow. I believe Burkman has the edge in his athleticism and wrestling. Burkman's aggressiveness and smart conditioning/training will help him get the win here.
Burkman wins via GnP R3.
7. Dan Christison vs Frank Mir
- Frank looked like he would never be the same fighter with his performance he showed against PdP... However he admits he wasn't fully ready for that fight. Christison is a BIG guy, and it will be interesting to see how Mir can handle the size difference. I've seen some people picking Dan with the upset which is possible. If Mir's head is in the game, and he has been training hard, and doesn't gas too bad, he will win this fight. Mir MUST win this fight, MUST WIN.
Mir wins via armbar R1
8. Sylvia vs Alrovski for the HW title
- I am really looking forward to this rubber match. I know theres no such thing as a lucky punch, but the upper cut which KO'd AA in the 2nd fight was pretty crazy... That said, the first big shot landed in the 2nd fight was a VERY hard shot landed square on Sylvia's face, in fact I couldn't believe it didn't put Tim to sleep. I don't think Arlovski has ever wanted a win more than he does on July 8th. Sylvia's excessive shit talking and pretty much overconfidence will bite him in the ass this time. Arlovski is sick of hearing it, I'm sick of hearing it, the hair is back, the pitbull is back, and AA will murder Sylvia late in R1.
Arlovski wins via KO punches R1
9. Ortiz vs Shamrock
- Shamrock is smart.. why? Because I believe he knows his time has past him, and he's using his name and history to cash in on another fight before he finally calls it quits. That said, I can't see Ken winning unless Tito's knee is not in good shape or gets hurt during the fight.
Ortiz wins via GnP R2
Give your thoughts... and try not to flame too hard
