This will be on at a respectable time lads given Sydney is 19 hours ahead of Las Vegas - could be looking at a 5pm start on the Sunday! Lovely.
Main Card
Heavyweight Bout: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez Middleweight Bout: Wanderlei Silva vs. Michael Bisping Lightweight Bout: Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropoulos Light Heavyweight Bout: Keith Jardine vs. Ryan Bader Heavyweight Bout: Mirko Filipović vs. Ben Rothwell
Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight bout: Elvis Sinosic vs. Chris Haseman Light Heavyweight Bout: Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski Welterweight Bout: Chris Lytle vs. Brian Foster Middleweight Bout: C.B. Dollaway vs. Goran Reljic Light Heavyweight Bout: James Te-Huna vs. Igor Pokrajac
Krzysztof Soszynski will hammer Bonnar, who doesn't seem to have moved on with the sport in the last few years. The Polish Experiment should be too strong for Bonnar who was beaten badly by Jonny Bones Jones - which is excusable given Bones is a huge prospect - but what can't really be excused is a terrible loss to a past it Coleman via Unanimous Decision.
Cro Cop is a sad state. Since Gabe Gonzaga nearly took his head off, ironically with a left high head kick, he hasn't been the same since. Cigano put a beating on him like we all knew he would (that 4/5 on JDS was the best value I've ever seen in MMA) and he looks to bounce back against Ben Rothwell. Big Ben was decimated by Cain last time. This, again, is excusable, considering he run into a wrestling machine and spent a lot of time on his back. He done ok in the stand-up. Mirko, of course, will not look to wrestle Ben. And Ben, obviously, is not a K1 level striker the way the Croat is (or at least, was). Cro Cop has appeared less than devoted to fighting in the last while, but apparently he has totally changed his team in preparation for this fight. He has got rid of his coach and training partners and brought in Muay Thai legend Ivan Hippolyte to prepare him. Funny that the main training partner he got rid of is fighting on the undercard! His name is Igor Pakrajac. He may be worth taking on given the way Cro Cop has fought in the last few years! Anyway, bottom line is if Cro Cop is motivated - judging by his comments before and after his last fight I'd be sceptical - he takes this easy. Its a no bet, but Im hoping for a return to form for Mirko. And maybe one more chance to see a head kick from him.
I don't know what it is, but I've never rated Bader. Ever. He won a poor TUF. He has fought two average fighters since and though winning by 2 UD's, he hasn't exactly impressed. Jardine on the other hand has fought a who's who of top 205lb fighters for 4 years. He's lost his last 2. Bader presents an interesting problem for Jardine as he hasn't faced a wrestler in a long time. He's unorthodox so Bader will be happy to get him down ASAP, but Jardine is no mug on the ground - he is a black belt under Greg Jackson's fighting system. It's a no bet, but I hope Jardine has enough left in the tank to win.
Joe Daddy is too good and back enjoying his fighting - he looked back to his very best vs Fisher, who is a good fighter in his own right. He'll should beat hometown boy George Sotiropoulos if not allowing what will be an extremely excited crowd get to him.
The Axe Murderer fights at 185lb for the first time in his illustrious career. But he fights at middleweight out of necessity, not out of choice. He'll have huge backing, as always, from the Aussie crowd, especially fighting against a Pom, but I'm not sure it will be enough. He's over the hill. 5 defeats in his last 6 show that. Initially I had a tough time thinking Bisping could win this, but I'm starting to come around to it. It will be a bet in play for me. If Bisping is smart (not really something he's shown before), lasts the first round and a Wandy onslaught, then resorts to takedowns and pushing Silva against the fence, weighing on him and pressuring his cardio, he could win.
The main event is a special fight, fought between two of my favourite 265lbers. In short, this could go either way. I give ARN the advantage in the stand-up. They will trade early and then Cain will shoot. And he'll get Big Nog on his back. From there, Nog can take a beating, which he probably will given Cain's huge wrestling skills and GnP ability. But Nog could pull off a submission, Its another no bet, but very very much one to enjoy. Could be a cracker.
Good 1st round by Mike, spoiled a bit by last 90 secs
I actually think he won that round but I don't think he'll be given it
Bit too respectful, its understandable, but he landed nice a few times
Come on Mike
If he believes, he can do this
Good 1st round by Mike, spoiled a bit by last 90 secsI actually think he won that round but I don't think he'll be given itBit too respectful, its understandable, but he landed nice a few timesCome on MikeIf he believes, he can do this
Silva just starting to tire, but not enough for Bisping
Hasn't worked him enough
Even if Mike wins this 3rd round, he still losses the fight 29-28 imo
Not sure he has the belief tbh
Silva just starting to tire, but not enough for BispingHasn't worked him enoughEven if Mike wins this 3rd round, he still losses the fight 29-28 imoNot sure he has the belief tbh
Bisping should be really annoyed at himself - chance to beat a legend and he was..................scared
He never left all of himself in thereIt was like a heavy sparring sessionBisping should be really annoyed at himself - chance to beat a legend and he was..................scared
i dont get bisping there.. educate me lads, is bisping really supposed to be top notch.. ive seen three fights of his and he always looks like he is going backwards and has a poor chin ( i dont really like saying that about anyone in the UFC or boxing ring)...what are supposed to be his strengths?
cue the forum ridicule :)
i dont get bisping there.. educate me lads, is bisping really supposed to be top notch.. ive seen three fights of his and he always looks like he is going backwards and has a poor chin ( i dont really like saying that about anyone in the UFC or boxin
the only thing about him that is above average is his cardio
and he tried to do a plan that i thought he would to use his cardio, but he didnt get anywhere near executing that plan
he's very average bgpthe only thing about him that is above average is his cardioand he tried to do a plan that i thought he would to use his cardio, but he didnt get anywhere near executing that plan
I wouldn't be too optimistic about Nog's new strength and conditioning, fighters who say it actually tend to look worse. Coleman is a prime example: before his fight with Randy he was saying how his training regime was much more scientific, monitoring his heart rate, etc but he looked withered and frail just walking to the ring.
The UFC would love to have a Hispanic fighter being their main heavyweight rival to Brock and so I'm sure they've thought long and hard about which top heavyweight he'd have a good chance of beating.
I'm a big Nog fan but he does look a little shot, not surprising considering the number of wars he's been in. Cain is untested but those in the 'now' are saying he's the real deal and his price is continuing to shorten with the American bookmakers who are much more knowledgeable than the British ones.
The money knew.
Templeton Peck 19 Feb 08:43I wouldn't be too optimistic about Nog's new strength and conditioning, fighters who say it actually tend to look worse. Coleman is a prime example: before his fight with Randy he was saying how his training regime was m
ill be honest, im not as up on all this as you lot.. but i just think if lesnar comes into a fight fit and prepared.. he will kill em all
big finish... ill be honest, im not as up on all this as you lot.. but i just think if lesnar comes into a fight fit and prepared.. he will kill em all
No-one - and that includes Fedor - has ever took Nog apart like that
And people laugh when I say this guy would KILL Fedor
WD winnersHe didn't even take him downHe took Nog on at his game, and destroyed himNo-one - and that includes Fedor - has ever took Nog apart like thatAnd people laugh when I say this guy would KILL Fedor
It will be interesting to see how Brock returns to the sport but i agree a fully fit Brock will steam roll everyone else in the division.
Brock vs. Fedor would be the fight.
It will be interesting to see how Brock returns to the sport but i agree a fully fit Brock will steam roll everyone else in the division.Brock vs. Fedor would be the fight.
lizard as i said mate ill bow to all of your knowledge on this sport.. i like it but i dont know the intricacies...
i just wonder if lesnar, who i know is a world class wrestler.. well american college champion lol is too big AND agile for most of them? they say carwin etc is about the same size but lesnar looks massive when you see him.. be good to see carwin/lesnar/cain maybe have a round robin of fights over a year or two...
lizard as i said mate ill bow to all of your knowledge on this sport.. i like it but i dont know the intricacies... i just wonder if lesnar, who i know is a world class wrestler.. well american college champion lol is too big AND agile for most of th
Id hate to see that - they be me 3 fav 265lbers - Cain, Nog and JDS :-)
Cain's standup was so good there, combined with his wrestling, Id give him a shot vs Brock now
His standup gets better every time he fights
Cain :x
ELG X-(Id hate to see that - they be me 3 fav 265lbers - Cain, Nog and JDS :-)Cain's standup was so good there, combined with his wrestling, Id give him a shot vs Brock nowHis standup gets better every time he fightsCain :x
i also think ppl dont seem to remember lesnar is a virtual novice in this as well.. as he goes along and trains more etc (hopefully) his all round game should improve like everyone elses...
i also think ppl dont seem to remember lesnar is a virtual novice in this as well.. as he goes along and trains more etc (hopefully) his all round game should improve like everyone elses...
as ive said before, the ideal type of fighter to beat Brock is Nog
Someone who can take a hiding and is lethal from his guard, i.e. pull a submission win out of nowhere
but it won't happen now
spot on bgpas ive said before, the ideal type of fighter to beat Brock is NogSomeone who can take a hiding and is lethal from his guard, i.e. pull a submission win out of nowherebut it won't happen now
See, if Cain could keep that fight on the feet with his excellent wrestling, then he would kill Brock
But I think Brock's agility and wrestling prowess would be enough to take Cain down
But if not(!)
That would be the ultimate in running bet fight
See, if Cain could keep that fight on the feet with his excellent wrestling, then he would kill BrockBut I think Brock's agility and wrestling prowess would be enough to take Cain downBut if not(!)That would be the ultimate in running bet fight
Anyways I'm off to bed. Sedgefield and Southwell later today.
....
Fine Wins for Bader, Storiopolus and Cain.
Poor show from Bisping...i dunno he seems to go into his shell for these big fights.
Hope Cro Cop retires now!
:) Anyways I'm off to bed. Sedgefield and Southwell later today. ....Fine Wins for Bader, Storiopolus and Cain. Poor show from Bisping...i dunno he seems to go into his shell for these big fights. Hope Cro Cop retires now!
just watched it now,disapointed in mike,if he wanted that fight it was his! I think he actually won the fight but he should have applied more pressure. The last 10 seconds of the 3rd round shouldnt hide the fact that bisping out boxed him through out the 1st and 3rd rounds and scored more take downs,bisping won the 1st easily for me and was well in control in the 3rd,he was picking him off at will,i hate to say this but i think you were right kauto regarding wandy,he didnt have the same explosivness and intensity,wont be a challenge to the top 4 or 5 guys fighting like that.
So pleased for George,im a huge fan of the guy and so glad he got the chance to show the world how good he is against a top opponent,his bjj is top top notch and his boxing is good too,surely that win lifts him way up the LW ladder now??? I saw someone say that he,pearson and winner have a chance against Penn,thats just not true! Did they not watch penn vs diego???
My main bets of the night won,i had krystof and bader double but lost on the bisping single. Was also tempted by the dolloway single with goran being out injured for so long but didnt risk it in the end as CB drops his hand alot and goran is a good striker.
Cain was awesome,really really surprised at how fast and crisp his stand up was,superb!!
just watched it now,disapointed in mike,if he wanted that fight it was his! I think he actually won the fight but he should have applied more pressure. The last 10 seconds of the 3rd round shouldnt hide the fact that bisping out boxed him through out
I WAS RIGHT!!! Seen it again. Bisping was FINISHED with that Guillotine in the 2nd. Was right about to TAP OUT but saw the clock and toughed it out.
Was probably a bit gassed in the 3rd.
I WAS RIGHT!!! Seen it again. Bisping was FINISHED with that Guillotine in the 2nd. Was right about to TAP OUT but saw the clock and toughed it out. Was probably a bit gassed in the 3rd.
i saw he was about to tap aswell,that last 10 seconds after the clicker thing lasted forever! Once he heard that though he would rather have gone to sleep than tap.
i saw he was about to tap aswell,that last 10 seconds after the clicker thing lasted forever! Once he heard that though he would rather have gone to sleep than tap.
I thought it was fairly evident that he was about to tap but was just counting down the seconds?
I know this is after-timing, but Silva was the worst opponent possible for Bisping and was surprised seeing the confidence placed in Bisping on here. Bisping does not like people he can't dominate and those with power. Was an awful match-up for him.
I thought it was fairly evident that he was about to tap but was just counting down the seconds?I know this is after-timing, but Silva was the worst opponent possible for Bisping and was surprised seeing the confidence placed in Bisping on here. Bis
It was fairly obvious Bisping was going to tap - he raised his hand and everything. If it was a true BJJ black belt hanging off his neck, he'd have been a goner. Silva didn't execute it well at all.
You're right TP - it is aftertiming.
Silva doesn't have power anymore, especially at 185. He landed a few times in r1 and hardly shook Bisping. Dropped him in last 10secs of the fight after a few shots when both were tired.
Silva was the perfect opponent for Bisping. A past it legend with questionable cardio dropping in weight class for the first time under pressure after 5 defeats in his last 6.
Bisping lacked the balls to win. It was their for the taking and he was scared. He was too respectful, thinking he was fighting Pride Wandy, nto UFC Wandy, and far too tentative.
It was fairly obvious Bisping was going to tap - he raised his hand and everything. If it was a true BJJ black belt hanging off his neck, he'd have been a goner. Silva didn't execute it well at all.You're right TP - it is aftertiming.Silva doesn't ha
Bisping lacked the balls to win. It was their for the taking and he was scared. He was too respectful, thinking he was fighting Pride Wandy, nto UFC Wandy, and far too tentative.
absolutley spot on! It was there for him,if he had been more agressive and not afraid of the power that wandy had at 205 he would have won easily. He nearly even knocked wandy out in the 1st,wands hands dropped for a few seconds but bisping didnt have the balls to go in for the kill. Very poor showing from mike in some aspects,he had suceeded in numerous takedowns but yet when he knew wandy would come hard and fast for the last 30 seconds because wandy was losing the fight he just backed off and let him throw. Should have gone under the wild punches for the take down there and then and would have won the fight if he had succeeded.
I still think he won the fight but he really does need to be more garessive,a lesson i thought he had learned after round 1 in the kang fight.
On another nore,what a t1t his coach is, dave gannon is it? He always ridules other fighters,laughing at wandy saying he will do it for his fans and also saying hendo would be a stoll in the park for mike. He also said mike wasnt afraid to stand and bang with wandy which he clearly was. Be far better getting a different coach who talks sense. He gets made 2 look a proper tool everytime 1 of his guys fights. Cheick was apparently gona smash Mir's face off,look what happened there!
comeonkautostar 22 Feb 13:50 Bisping lacked the balls to win. It was their for the taking and he was scared. He was too respectful, thinking he was fighting Pride Wandy, nto UFC Wandy, and far too tentative. absolutley spot on! It was there for him
You might be thinking of Anthony McGann? I know I am - he's a dick too.
But at the same time no coach is going to come on and say his fighter is sh1tting himself and has been looking crap in camp etc etc lol
Yea, don't rate the wolfslair at allYou might be thinking of Anthony McGann? I know I am - he's a dick too.But at the same time no coach is going to come on and say his fighter is sh1tting himself and has been looking crap in camp etc etc lol
yeah thats the bloke kauto,total n0b. He talks total utter tripe and takes the micky out of the other fighters. Laughing his stupid head off at wandy saying he is gona try knock bisping out for his fans,not as funny as saying mike is gona stand and trade with wandy!! Be better shutting his mouth and trying to sort out a game plan which may help his fighters,ck didnt seem to even have a gameplan against cain and against mir?! Had they not watched tapes of mir vs nog! Didnt look like it. Dont hear all the other top coaches spouting as much dross as this guy.
yeah thats the bloke kauto,total n0b. He talks total utter tripe and takes the micky out of the other fighters. Laughing his stupid head off at wandy saying he is gona try knock bisping out for his fans,not as funny as saying mike is gona stand and t