UFC 118
August 28
PPV
Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn - I thought Frankie had what it took to beat BJ the first time around. His style matches up perfect with BJ, and I thought he could grind it out. There is a difference between that fight and this one though, and for BJ Penn, it means the world. Incentive. I knew that BJ would likely want to try and beat Frankie at his own game in the first fight, and likely throw away 2-3 rounds doing it. Now that he has been beat, and by an inferior opponent, BJ is going to get all over Frankie. BJ needs incentive to fight great, and he has it now. He still may try and beat Frankie at his game (stand-up) and if he does, he will TKO Frankie, and it could be early. I'm thinking he may take him down and submit him, but either way, I can't see this lasting that long. Frankie is a very good fighter, but BJ is one of the best ever, and I think he'll show it here.
Randy Couture Vs. James Toney- This is an interesting fight because in the MMA vs. Boxing fight, I really want the MMA guy to win, but I can't say I won't be happy to see Toney drop a bomb on Couture either. I do think it's kind of funny that so many people badmouth guys like Fitch and GSP for holding guys down and not letting them up, yet it seems that everyone is cheering for Randy to do just that.
I'm taking Randy by decision.
Demian Maia Vs. Mario Miranda - I think Maia will rebound well, and, of course, win this fight on the ground.
Kenny Florian Vs. Gray Maynard - This should be a great fight because Kenny is so good on his feet now, and Gray is very strong, and can score takedowns on just about anyone at this weight. I'm thinking Gray will come out strong, and win the first round, but Kenny will make him pay for going after takedowns after that, and win the next two. Kenny's reach and jab should win him this fight.
BTW, I love when the #1 contender fight is taking place on the same night as that weight's title fight.
Nate Diaz Vs. Marcus Davis - This is a nice test for Diaz at 170 vs. a career gatekeeper in Davis. Davis will entertain Nate on his feet, and I don't think he'll get close enough to do much damage. Diaz by TKO.
Andre Winner Vs. Nik Lentz - I like Winner a lot, he is the next of a wave of guys who are the real (not like Toney) step in the evolutionary cycle of boxers moving to MMA. There are not many guys who can stand in front of him and not get super frustrated with his jab. He will need to show some ground skills to keep progressing, but I think he has a chance to be very good.
Nick Osipczak Vs. Greg Soto Osipczak is another UK guy that I really like. He has a unique build for this weight, and if he can prove durable, he could have a nice future in the UFC.
