MMA Hot Stuff

UFC 103 Predictions FROM A GIRL

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! 

Elite XC "Heat" Video Weigh-ins and Predictions

The weigh-ins for tomorrow night's Elite XC "Heat" card definitely delivered the goods on this much hyped event.

The full video of the weigh-ins is below so you can enjoy watching everyone step on the scale but here are some highlights.

Gina strutted in wearing sunglasses (I'm guessing she thought the florescent lights are more powerful down there in Florida). After she made her way to the scale, she stepped up... and tipped the scale at... 142.75. WTF? She didn't make weight (again)? OMG What to do, what to do... Oh, yeah strip. She had some very nice handlers hold towels for her while she took off her already skimpy clothes and on the third attempt finally had an official weigh in at 141lbs. The show will go on! Gina, I kid, I kid. I know you could kick my ass so I'm just playin. :)

Then the defending Elite XC champion of the world - and the oh so hot - Jake Shields weighed in at 169.75 lbs. During the standard face off Paul Daley had a mouth full of smack and spewed it all over Jake while they were touching hats bill to bill. Jake not only took it, but gave some back and also threw out a flashy and confident smile. So confident in fact that he blew Paul a kiss and set off a shoving match. The two had to be seperated by EliteXC officials while both men continued shouting at the other. Sparks flew, and tomorrow punches will fly! 

The next highlight worth mentioning is the worlds "most dangerous man" (and almost oldest) Ken Shamrock weighing in at 206.5-lbs and the world famouss street fighter Kimbo Slice weighing in at 234.5-lbs. Again during the standard face off Ken was a gentleman and faced Kimbo but Kimbo turned his back. Ohhhhh the nerve! Ken didn't take to that and gave Kimbo a little shove. The crowd broke out into a flurry almost as if this were an actual street fight! We know how it sets Ken off when fighters don't "respect" him, a la Tito Ortiz.

If this is a glimpse of what we have to look forward to tomorrow night, it's sure to be one great fight after another.

Before you jump to the video, here are my predictions. As always, winners in green.

Murilo Rua vs Benji Radach - If Rua can get this on the ground he'll win.
Gina Carano vs Kelly Kobald  - This is a tough one to call. Kelly has lost her last two fights, however she hasn't fought in over a year. I do think Gina has spent more time promoting herself than training. I give this fight to Kelly by TKO.
Andrei Arlovski vs Roy Nelson - The Pitbull has been training with Randy Couture, and since he was suppose to be getting ready for battle with Josh Barnett, I know he's ready. I give this match up to Andrei. His bite is bigger than his bark!
Jake Shieds vs Paul Daley - While Paul is a great striker, I don't think Jake is going to give him the chance to land anything, as Jake will take Paul down fairly quickly. MMAHotStuff knows Jake has been working on his takedowns and also keeping fighters up against the cage, so I think Jake will win this fight by submission.
Kimbo Slice vs Ken Shamrock - This one makes me a little sad. Frankly I can't believe Ken would step into a cage with Kimbo, he's such an animal. Yes Ken has much more formal experience, and is technically a better fighter. Better submissions, more experience, etc. But while Kimbo has a very lean MMA record, he's proven so far that nobody can stop him. I hate to say Ken is old, but he's old and really hasn't shown much heart in his last few fights. Ken, keep your hands up and hope to god he doesn't break your nose. Kimbo by KO.

Okay, now.. the video from weigh-ins.

EliteXC: Jake Shields VS Paul Daley Promo Video

On October 4th we'll get to see Jake Shields in his first title defense since becoming EliteXC Welterweight champion. Jake is on a tear lately, finishing everyone that steps into the cage with him. Paul Daley claims to be "the best", and Jake is "ready to kick his ass"... what do you think? Personally, I can't wait for October 4th!

Prediction coming next week.