The UFC makes history this Saturday night as they hold their first event in England(correction: the UFC’s first show in England was UFC 38) and have their first event broadcast cable television. Most of the fight card features foreign fighters who will be relatively new to most of the UFC fan base but they are fighters that even the casual MMA fan should take note of. So, in review, we get to see Cro Cop fight… FOR FREE! That pretty much is all you need to know.
Main Card
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga – A while back, Gabriel Gonzaga was next in line and offered a title fight against then UFC Heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia; then the UFC signed Mirko Cro Cop, Randy Couture returned to the UFC and Gonzaga never got his title shot. In reality, while not technically fighting for the UFC heavyweight title, Gonzaga really ended up with a better fight as he’ll take on Mirko Cro Cop with the winner taking on Randy Couture for the heavyweight belt at UFC 74 in August. We all know about Mirko and most are familiar with Gonzaga. While this is the “Year of the Upset” I can’t really see another GSP-Serra upset happening here. I do think Gonzaga will present a decent matchup for Cro Cop and this fight should make at least the second round. Winner: Mirko Cro Cop
Andrei Arlovski vs. Fabricio Werdum – Andre Arlovski is one of the oldest UFC veterans having been with the promotion since UFC 28 in November of 2000. It took Arlovski 5 years to gain the UFC title and just a year to lose it. Arlovski went back to the drawing board after losing back-to-back bouts with Tim Sylvia and got back on the winning track at UFC 66 last December against Marcio Cruz.
Fabricio Werdum is a PrideFC veteran who has fought the likes of Roman Zentsov, Sergei Kharitonov, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Aleksander Emelianenko, and Allistair Overeem. Werdum has an excellent jiu-jitsu submission game as do most Brazilians, and I think he could cause some serious troubles for Arlovski on the ground.
This should be an excellent back-and-forth battle taking place both on the feet and on the mat. I’ve thought about this fight for a few days now, trying to play it out in my head and pick a winner. This more than any other fight on this card really could go either way, but in the end I think I’ve got to go with my gut and pick Arlovski. Winner: Andre Arlovski
Ryoto Machida vs. David Heath – Ryoto Machida was originally scheduled to fight Forrest Griffin, but Griffin had to withdraw due to a very serious staph infection in his leg. Instead, we’ll get to see two undefeated fighters battle it out in what should be a decent fight. Machida still has a lot of hype surrounding him and his “potential” and I think this will be a good test for Machida to work some of his technical striking skills. Winner: Ryoto Machida
Michael Bisping vs. Elvis Sinosic – Elvis Sinosic is slowly becoming the new Shannon Rich of the UFC. Most people consider Sinosic to be only used as an “easy win” for a fighter the UFC is looking to promote. Sinosic has lost 5 of his 6 UFC fights and has a record of 8-9-2 overall, and yet he actually can be a decent fighter when he performs up to his abilities. Michael Bisping is looking to improve his undefeated 12-0 record and I think he should easily defeat Sinosic. While I’m not comletely sold on Bisping as a true challenger for the UFC Light Heavyweight crown, he should win this fight and continue his undefeated streak. Winner: Michael Bisping
Assuerio Silva vs. Cheick Kongo – Assuerio Silva hasn’t fought in the UFC since last May when he lost to Brandon Vera at UFC 60. Since then, Silva has won twice outside the UFC and will be looking to get back into the mix in a newly rejuvinated UFC heavyweight division. Cheick Kongo started off his UFC career strong with victories over the recently departed Gilbert Aldana and Christian Wellisch. However, in his last fight Kongo looked very unimpressive in a loss to Carmelo Marrero as he was completely ineffective on the ground. Marerro easily controlled Kongo on the ground, and while Silva isn’t as good a wrestler as Marrero he should be able to do much the same to Kongo and win the fight without a problem. Winner: Assuerio Silva
Undercard
Dennis Siver vs. Jess Liaudin – Jess Liaudin is an experienced fighter who has been fighting since 1999. While is record of 10-8 isn’t that impressive, Liaudin does have an excellent submission game and is very dangerous on the ground. His opponent, Dennis Siver, is equally as accomplised in the submission game as Liaudin. Both fighters are new to the North American audience, but this should be a good fight and I’m hoping that we might see it on the TV broadcast. Winner: Dennis Siver
Alessio Sakara vs. Victor Valimaki – Alessio Sakara is a UFC veteran who has lost his last two fights to Drew McFedries and Dean Lister. Victor Valimaki made his UFC debut against David Heath at UFC Fight Night 7 losing a close split decision. Look for both fighters to stand and throw some heavy punches and for Sakara to get back on the winning track. Winner: Alessio Sakara
Terry Etim vs. Matt Grice – Terry Etim is an undefeated submission specialist and another England native. Matt Grice is an accomplished wrestler and has mostly fall in small local shows in Texas and Oklahoma. This should be a somewhat interesting battle on the ground as long as both fighters stay active. Winner: Terry Etim
Junior Assuncao vs. David Lee – Both fighters will be making their second appearance in the UFC and both fighters loss their UFC debut by rear naked choke. David Lee is a wiry Englishman who has spent his whole career in the Cage Rage promotion with all his victories coming by way of submission. Assuncao has bounced around and has both a decent ground and standup game. Nothing too exciting in this matchup. Winner: David Lee
Paul Taylor vs. Ediberto Crocota – I honestly no nothing about either of these two fighters. Paul Taylor is from England and has mostly fought in shows in his native UK. Ediberto Crocota is a Brazilian from the same camp as the Nogueira brothers. I’m just making a random guess here. Winner: Ediberto Crocota
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Amber
eric
capt.ADK'er
Yael Grauer
itzFORT
Singh is King
Fizzlesticks
WTFH
Studog
GOOD STUFF DOC… GO PITBULL
DOC UR MISSING A T ON UR FIRST EVENT
@Patrick,
thanks for the spell check man
HEY DOC DID U EVER GET THE PAYOUTS FOR UFC 69???
@PATRICK,
nope nothing yet. I’ve both called and emailed the Texas Licensing Board to try to get the info and haven’t heard a single thing at all.
TO BE HONEST I THINK THAT GONZAGA IS GONNA GIVE MIRKO A RUN FOR HIS 350,000 …. JUST BEIN HONEST
@Patrick
I hope Gonzaga does, that is what makes a fight interesting. I think it was interesting that Cro Cop said he would fight the Iceman but can’t make the 205lb weight division, that means Chuck would have to gain in order to fight Mirko, hmm. Chuck at say 220lb, that would be weird, I wonder if Chuck wants the fight bad enought to go up?
EVEN THIS CARD AINT REALLY ALL THAT….THEY NEED TO MAKE CARDS LIKE UFC 66
I THINK CHUCK WOULD SAY “F THAT **** IF HE WANTS ME HE CAN COME DOWN TO MY WEIGHT… ” ITS EASIER ANYWAY IN MY MIND TO CUT WEIGHT THEN GAIN IT ANYWAYS
@Patrick
Only problem is that the only person talking about this fight happening is Chuck, as far as Cro Cop is concerned, he doesn’t care either way, and when he wins the Heavy Weight Title, he will be just as high on the ladder as far as prestige, perhaps eventually higher. So, you are right, it’s easier to cut weight, but what motivation would Mirko have to cut, it’s Chuck who is running out of competition in his division and Chuck is calling out names of the people he wants to fight, so Chuck would have to step up in my opinion.
OK GOOD POINT KANSAS
But, most fighters have to cut weight anyway to make a division. Does Chuck reall walk around at 205lbs. permanently? I’m sure he gets up to like 215lbs. or more. Tim Sylvia on the other hand walks around like a fat slob…if you ever see him at an event when he is not in training or fighting…lol…would it really be that difficult for Chuck to make the HW limit?
AMIR
I THINK CHUCK COULD MAKE IT TO THAT WEIGHT EASY…
P.S. TIM SYLVIA IS A FAT SLOB THAT SUCKS…
@Amir
Would it really be that difficult to fight a guy like Cro Cop and give up 20 pounds!? Sorry man, but even if he scraped accross the weight requirements, there is the fact that Cro Cop is at around 234lb of muscle and Liddell would be 215lb of muscle and the other 5 pounds that he carried would be water or fat, not good my friend, not to mention Cro Cop would still be so much bigger, would you do it? I think it would be similar to the Wand vs. Cro Cop fight, Wand was so dominant, he should have just stuck to 205lb division and left his legacy at the top.
YO DOC
I THOUGHT U WERE GOING AGAINST THE PITBULL
@PATRICK,
Like I said in the preview, I kept going back and forth on this fight and really couldn’t make up my mind. I can see either guy winning it, but in the end I just went with my gut – Andre.
@MMAKANSAS,
I hear ya bro…but Chuck is the one calling out these guys (Cro Cop & even Fedor). If he really wants them that bad, they could get a middle ground, where one fighter has to lose the weight and the other has to gain it. Of course, that will never happen…but I guess the debate of Chuck Liddell’s greatness in this sport will be questioned by a lot of people. And I don’t want to get into this whole debate all over again with Dennis for the millioneth time…because even if by some miracle, it happens fans and critics of both fighters would use the weight issue as an excuse for the loser of the fight. There will always be fans like Dennis who might argue that Liddell would catch Cro Cop or even Fedor…maybe so, maybe not
Every time I come on this site it’s the same names debating the same things. Do we really need to see Liddell vs Cro Cop anyway. It’s not chucks fault that the UFC Light Heavyweight division is short on good fighters. And also the ones that are supposed to be good have been beaten by Chuck, like The GREAT RANDY COUTURE!!!!!!. How about the GREAT Chuck Liddell. YES I am a Liddell fan and laugh at all of the Chuck haters. Rampage is next to go down and then bring on glass jaw Forrest Griffin or Rashad Evans.
what about shogun or henderson or wandy or the african assasain, lil nog ,chucks ruining out of competition my azzzz in the ufc maybe but hes far from fighting the best in the WORLD
this card even looks better than 69 even though there aint no belts on the line
@Richard
I agree, in the “World” however, in the UFC where he is under contract guidelines that don’t allow him to fight fighters from other organizations, he is running out. After the superbowl of MMA it will change. I think he will beat Rampage Jackson, but he is 36, if they want him to fight at his best some of the others like Henderson, Shogun, or Wand, it needs to happen in the next 24 months. I anticipate it will, because it is only fitting that he retire from the sport by being beaten by a great fighter, like Couture did his first time when he was beaten by Chuck, I mean, who better to go out under? Shogun would be fitting to take out Liddell and carry the torch. In the meantime, I am excited about UFC 70, it looks good for a free night of fights, I mean you get 3 great fights on one fightcard and it’s on Spike so you wont hear me complaining!
I’m watching this UFC 70 preview show on Spike and they spent at least 10 minutes just talking about Gonzaga and how he has a good chance of beating Cro Cop…of course they showed his highlight reel of 3 fights over and over again and not once did they even get a comment from Cro Cop. I think he must have some kind of clause in his contract that he can’t be bothered with interviews or any press at all. I mean…it’s not like he doesn’t speak the language, Gonzaga doesn’t speak a word of English but still made several comments on the show.
Maybe CroCop is playing “Duck Chuck”, as taught in Team Punishment’s camp.
Not to be a ****, but its the first UFC in England since like 2002 or 2003. Can’t remember which year, but they were there before.
@Gatties,
Thanks man, I and the article stand corrected. I had forgotten about the Hughes vs Newton title fight in England.
DONT FORGET ITS THE YEAR OF THE UPSET BOYS
LIDDELL CAN TAKE A BEATING I THINK CHUCK WOULD BE MIRKO
Dana White compared Mirko to a HeavyWeight Chuck Liddell. Basically, he affirmed that Cro Cop is equal to Chuck, only bigger and stronger. Any thoughts on that? While we are on the subject of Cro Cop I thought I would throw that out.
The reason for the buildup on Gonzaga is because the UFC want’s to make this look like a real contest, that’s how they get people to watch. If it was all about how Cro Cop is going to mow over his opponent like a John Deere tractor on a suburban lawn, then people aren’t as likely to watch, but when you HYPE it up, then it makes for a good storyline. Its just marketing.
WELL GONZAGA IS GOOD
Sure he is. We will see how good he is tomorrow, I really wonder how his fighting style will mesh with Cro Cop’s… it will make for an interesting fight..
I JUST THINK IM GONNA HAVE TO GO WITH GONZAGA
@Patrick
Hey, can you submit some links to a couple of Gonzaga fights to give everyone an idea of WHY you think he has the fortitude to beat Mirko Cro Cop?
ISNT THIS DUDE A BEAST ON THE GROUND
THE PAST 2 UFC EVENTS HAS HAD UPSETS I REALLY THINK THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE UPSET AS WELL
a beast?
….so then submit the “missing links”.
Just to play the devils advocate I am going to list 3 reasons why Gonzaga will win, (I am rooting for Cro Cop).
1. He is an underdog and there is no pressure on him to perform, so he will be a bit more relaxed than Cro Cop who is under a mountain of pressure.
2. He has a considerable weight advantage of 18 pounds which on the ground can make difference, and standing up if thrown correctly in a punch can give an advantage of power.
3. He is a good fighter, that is 7 -1 and is really good on the ground, and descent standing up.
I think I am done being the devils advocate…
Go Cro Cop!
Here’s 1 reason Gonzaga won’t win…
Doesn’t anyone remember his fight with Kevin Jordan that he almost lost?
Of course, thats not the only reason… haha
GO CRO COP
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YEA WHAT THE HELL IS THIS
???? Where are you seeing that error Dennis??
Top of the screen
yep, at the top!
all the time?? even right now after you refresh your page??
HEY DOC
ITS GONE NOW
does anyone else think that kongo looks like the guy who comes on blood diamond
Theres no real point discussing the crocop vs gonzaga fight, gonzaga is a huge underdog.. BUT like we all must have noticed.. its the year of the underdogs baby!
Honestly, if crocop loses i wouldnt be that surprised, too much has already happened this year which was supposed to be IMPOSSIBLE.
I know this board has alread moved past this topic but I remembered, Randleman beat Cro Cop and he’s a 205 er with far inferior striking and accuracy than Chuck, so why is that any different?
but what randelman brings to the table that no one else has is his intensity if u seen the shot he gave cro crop it almost took his head off