MMA HQ – Mixed Martial Arts News and Analysis

Well, it’s finally year. The rematch most of the MMA community has been waiting on for quite a while. This Saturday, UFC 65 will feature two title fights, including the much anticipated Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre rematch.

Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre – I have been waiting for this fight for over a year, since UFC 56. GSP and Hughes first met in October of 2004; since then I’ve watched St. Pierre in a war with Mayhem Miller, seen him absolutely destroy Frank Trigg, dominate Sean Sherk and battle through adversity against B.J. Penn.

During that same time, I’ve watched Matt Hughes win a scrappy rematch with Frank Trigg; beat a dehydrated and out-of-weight class Joe Riggs; defeat a 40-year-old veteran who had no business being in the same ring when he fough Royce Gracie, and get dominated for two rounds by B.J. Penn before winning (after a rib injury to Penn).

Personally, I think the new wave of true MMA fighters is finally starting to emerge and weaknesses are being exposed in the Welterweight champions game. Come Saturday night, we’ll all know for sure. Winner: Georges St. Pierre

Tim Sylvia vs. Jeff Monson After two successful fights in a row against Andre Arlovski, Tim Syliva has the chance to defend his title again. Jeff Monson will look to use his superior wrestling and submission skills and take Tim Sylvia down to the mat. However, I think that Syliva and his vast height and reach advantage will allow him to easily keep Monson at bay. If Monson is able to take Sylvia down, and in my mind that is a BIG if, he does stand a very good chance of submitting Sylvia. Monson won’t be able to ground-and-pound a victory, but if he can work quickly and work his submission game in the 5 minute round before the ref stands them up, we may just have a new champion. Just don’t hold your breath on it. Winner: Tim Sylvia

Brandon Vera vs Frank Mir Brandon Vera brings his 7-0 record and strong bravado into the octogon and looks to continue his climb to the #1 heavyweight contender spot. Frank Mir looks to return to his former self and silence the critics, myself included, who have dismissed Mir as lazy, overweight, and past his prime. My feelings for Mir have been made known on MMAHQ and I cannot in good conscience pick Frank Mir in this fight. Besides, I don’t think he stands much of a chance in the first place. Brandon Vera’s judo game, quickness and stamina should be more than enough to defeat Mir by decision. Winner: Brandon Vera

Alessio Sakara vs Drew McFedries Andrew McFedries is making his UFC debut against “Legionarius” Sakara. Neither fighter does much to impress me, and why this fight is on the main card instead of the Nick Diaz vs. Gleison Tibau fight baffles me. Sakara by KO. Winner: Alessio Sakara

Joe Stevenson vs Dokonjonosuke Mishima This could be one of the most exciting fights of the night. If you’ve never seen Mishima fight, this matchup with Stevenson should be good. Both fighters have excellent ground skills, and if you are into a good grappling match, this is your ticket. Winner: Joe Stevenson

Nick Diaz vs Gleison TibauThis fight should be on the main card. Hopefully one of the main card fights will end quickly (e.g. Sylvia vs. Monson) so we can see this fight on the PPV. Winner: Nick Diaz

James Irving vs Hector Ramirez Winner: James Irvin
Jake O’Brien vs Josh Shockman Winner: Jake O’Brien
Sherman Pendergarst vs Antoni Hardonk Winner: Antoni Hardonk