Evan Tanner vs Kendall Grove - I have been, and will continue to be, one of Evan Tanner’s biggest fans but I just don’t see this fight being a good matchup for him. Kendall Grove’s size will be a huge advantage for him and Evan Tanner’s time away from the cage and personal struggles will be a huge disadvantage for him. After winning his first three UFC fights, Grove has struggled as of late losing his last two matches both in the first round. Grove holds the edge on the ground with solid submission skills and will be able to use his reach advantage to keep Tanner at a distance with his jab. Evan Tanner will need to show up to fight with good conditioning and look to get into a dirty boxing clinch game with Grove. If Tanner can get comfortable again in the cage and fall back on his past experience he may be able to outpoint Grove to a decision victory, but I think this fight is Grove’s to lose. Winner: Kendall Grove
Diego Sanchez vs Luigi Fioravanti - One thing we can be certain of is that Diego Sanchez hated losing the first fight of his career. To follow that up with another loss could have only pushed him close to the edge. Sanchez rebounded with a win at UFC 82 against David Bielkheden but took a full three rounds to earn a decision victory. The chip that Sanchez normally carries on his shoulder will be more like a boulder in this bout as he will be looking to prove a point both to himself and the UFC brass. Fioravanti is a very solid fighter with an excellent wrestling game who should be able to at least challenge Sanchez when the fight hits the mat. I just see Sanchez coming out like a man possessed in this fight and putting on a show like the Diego of old. Winner: Diego Sanchez
Spencer Fisher vs Jeremy Stephens - This matchup could be fight of the night as both fighters bring a fast-paced striking game into the octagon. After starting his career 17-1, Fisher has cooled off lately and only gone 3-3 in his last 6 fights. Fisher last fought at UFC 78 in an excellent battle against Frank Edgar and he always puts up a solid fight for anyone. Since making a very impressive debut loss against Din Thomas at UFC 71, Stephens has won three straight fights. Stephens has a good standup game and a surprisingly strong ground game and I think he wins this fight via submission. Winner: Jeremy Stephens
Josh Burkman vs Dustin Hazelett - Josh Burkman is coming off a tough, close loss to Mike Swick back in January and I expect him to bring his high action style into this fight and look to finish the fight early. Dustin Hazelett will put up a decent fight on the ground, but I expect Burkman’s athleticism to overpower Hazelett. Winner: Josh Burkman
Marvin Eastman vs Drew McFedries - Winner: Drew McFedries
Jeremy Horn vs Dean Lister - Winner: Dean Lister
Rob Yundt vs Rob Kimmons - Winner: Rob Kimmons
Amir Sodollah vs CB Dolloway - Winner: CB Dolloway
Matt Brown vs Matt Arroyo - Winner: Matt Arroyo
Dante Rivera vs Matthew Riddle - Winner: Dante Rivera
Tim Credeur vs. Cale Yarbrough - Winner: Cale Yarbrough
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Dr. J, Is the Lister/Horn fight not on the main card and who do you pick to win it?
Sorry Lam, didn’t realize I had forgotten to list a winner for that fight.
No the fight isn’t on the main card and I pick Dean Lister to win
I really hope they show this fight because I like both these guys and there are a few interesting things going into this fight. First, both of thes guys’ last loss came from Nate Marquardt. Second this is the first time they have met since Horn took away Lister’s belt in KOTC. I think it’ll be a good one despite the fact that neither of them have had a real strong showing as of late.
Diego beat David B via first round beat down. David tapped after Diego mounted him and stated throwing bombs mid way through the first round not a decision. They reshowed the fight last night before TUF. I think the same will happen to Luigi. Amir kinda got robbed having to fight CB again. He was getting beat pretty badly until he pulled out the armbar. Now he has to face the same guy in the finals which sucks. Amir is a warrior the way he can take a beating and pull off a win out of no where. Should be a good night of fights.
Your right MAD. Not sure what I was thinking about when I said that fight when to decision. Thanks for catching that
im pickin amir…what wight class is this ultimate fighter?
ive never been fond of Tanner but ill say this. 4-5 years ago Tanner was a well rounded fighter which wasnt nearly as common as it is today and that was his advantage. He had a good clinch game, good wrestling/BJJ mix and a decent striking game. With all the setbacks and problems hes had outside the cage, his game hasnt changed much in 5 years. I think the sport has passed him by. I give him respect for what hes accomplished and hes definately a tough dude, but i hope hes getting a good contract and not depending too much on a win bonus.
Not a big fan of Kendall either, but hes among the new breed of fighters, young, strong, hungry and hes been well groomed in, boxing, wrestling, BJJ and muai thai. All these new guys are well rounded because the need to be, or else they wouldnt last long in the UFC. Ofcourse there are exceptions to the rule, like Chuck who is able to excell using only his great striking and takedown defense.
I personally think this is a bad matchup for Tanner, you cant win the clinch game against someone who is that much bigger than you. Were talking half a foot difference in height, im not sure about the reach, but Grove looks like he has those long monkey arms too, so it might be 8-9 inches diference in reach. Forget about the clinch game, thats all Grove, the striking game is also dangerous for Tanner obviously giving up that much reach.
Tanners only chance in this fight is if he manages to get on top of Grove, passes the guard which will also be tough considering the length of Groves legs. Evan needs to get full mount and pound out Grove, i guess he could potentially lay on top of him for a decision too..
Anyone wonder why Eastman continues to fight in the UFC?? while they release great fighters. I guess its a money issue, Mavin is definately willing to settle for much less than lets say, Arlovski or Sylvia, but Dana has stated many times that they dont have Cans in the UFC.
Anyway.. thats my thought about Eastman, i AM a fan of McFedries and i wouldnt mind seeing him secure another 1st round KO, he deserves it. Thing about drew, win or lose, the fight is ending in the 1st round and its gonna be exciting.
yeah Marvin is the new Elvis, just a punch dummy for people to pick up a quick win from. im also a fan of McFedries and i was really hoping to see him work his way up to a title shot, hes only had a few minor setbacks (losing to Cote and Kampmann) and still has some time to get there.
theres an interesting matchup! Eastman vs Sinosic we might get to see another double KO lol.
Fisher vs Stephens should be a great fight, i hope they keep it on the feet and slug it out, im with Spencer on this one, be nice to see him back to his winning ways and hopefully not another decision. His last 2 fights both went to decision, Tim sylvia was branded as boring after having 4 consecutive fights go to the cards, hate to see that happen to Spencer.
JEREMY HORN vs DEAN LISTER
This looks like an interesting fight but sadly it may very well end up being a boring one. Horn is very innovative and he doesnt give up easily, but he seems to be too defensive in my opinion, thats not how you win fights. Dean has the advantage on the ground, but he has serious conditioning problems, his last 3 fights have gone the distance because he ran out of gas, and went into defensive mode.
These guys are hitting the mat very fast and i dont see them getting back up for 15 min. I see Dean getting the better of the grappling but i dont think he will be able to finish Horn. Lister by decision racking up his 4th fight that went to the cards and reaching Tim Sylvia level of “boringness”.
I really hope im wrong about this, because i like both these guys and would love to see something worth of a highlight reel, theyre both capable of working magic, lets hope someone pulls the trigger.