UFC 103 has been a bit of a roller coaster and it hasn't even started. At least that's how it's felt to me. Due to injuries and strategic match up changes, we've seen a bit of a shuffle for this card. At one point we were expecting to see Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson fight for a second time within a year, as the main event. However it was announced at the end of July the main event had been changed to Rich Franklin vs Vitor Belfort at a catchweight of 195lbs. Not a negative move considering many people thought it was too soon for a rematch between Franklin and Henderson. And who doesn't want to see how Vitor does with his UFC return?
Also, at one point the card we were going to see if Mike Swick could get past Martin Kampmann and move one step closer to being the number one centender and face Georges St Pierre. Unfortunately, during a sparring session with training partner Josh Koscheck, Mike had his legs swept out from under him and landed on his head/neck. He suffered what appears to be a minor concussion. While no return date or future opponenet has been named (I'm hoping Joe Silva matches him up against Matt Hughes!), we're hoping to see Mike return very soon. It's my opinion that he's on the right track to face the quality of competitors he deserves and I look forward to seeing his talents challenged. Please follow mike on twitter at twitter.com/officialswick
With the fight starting in just hours, here are my predictions for the main card: (if you're a loyal reader you know, winners in green)
Rich Franklin vs Vitor Belfort: While I'm picking Vitor, I think we could possibly see one of two outcomes. Either Vitor comes out and knocks Rich out right off the bat (first round) or if these two exchange punch for punch and it lingers into the later rounds, I'd say Rich will probably win by points. Vitor has something to prove with his return to the UFC. I think that passion to prove himself, coupled with the fact he's been training with Randy Couture, this is going to go by quick TKO in the first. Either way, I wish Rich would stop fighting at catch weights. I mean I get why he does it (so he can fight often) but these catch weights aren't really moving him closer to being a contender in the 185lb weight class nor the 205 weight class. I love fighters that stay busy but as everyone knows I'm not a huge fan of catch weights.
Cro Cop vs Junior dos Santos: I flipped my original pick for this fight. I was going to pick Cro Cop but in reflecting on his return (again) to the UFC, I'm not impressed. However looking at dos Santos, his wins and who he has fought, I think he could win this fight. Oh and I'd like to say one thing to Cro Cop. PLEASE STICK TO ONE ORGANIZATION. Seriously. You'll grow a more loyal fan following if you just stay put. I'm picking dos Santos KO in the first.
Martin Kampmann vs Paul Daley: Again, Paul Daley took this fight on pretty late notice due to Mike Swick's injury. Martin has a few inches on Daley and if you recall, he used to fight at Middleweight until he lost to Nate Marquardt at UFC 88. While I think they're both good strikers, I think Kampmann might be slightly better and also has better wrestling skills. I'm giving this to Kampmann by TKO in the second.
Josh Koscheck vs Frank Trigg: I don't think this is going to be even close. I expect Koscheck to OWN Trigg from the start of "Lets get it on". I think Josh's wrestling is just a lot better and I expect to see him take Frank down a lot. While Josh hasn't won many fights lately by submission I'm picking him to win by Submission (Choke) in the second.
Tyson Griffin vs Hermes Franca: I'm secretly most excited about this fight. Hermes has really good JJ but in my opinion, didn't look great against Frank Edgar (his first fight after his suspension). While most of Tyson's fights tend to go the distance, he's received Fight of the Night award something like 5 out of his last 7 fights. That's pretty impressive. With a solid win by Tyson it could put him on the track for a contender spot. Many people will debate me on this (and that's fine) but I think he's a gate keeper for the 155lbs weight class. One thing to note, this fight is at a catch weight of 159. I'm picking Griffin to win by Decision and I HOPE this fight gets Fight of the Night honors as well.
Agree or disagree I don't really care. As long as you have an opinion!
i envy you very much. you look like a million dollars.
Posted by: Supra Shoes | November 16, 2010 at 12:23 AM