UFC 80 quick preview, analysis and predictions

by Jesse Holland on Jan 18, 2008 9:09 AM EST

UFC 80: "Rapid Fire" is set for tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon on January 19 from the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England. The pay-per-view (PPV) event airs LIVE at 3 p.m. ET and via tape delay at 10 p.m. ET.

Remember: MMAmania.com will provide LIVE updates and blow-by-blow, round-by-round commentary of the main card action throughout the telecast. As usual, it promises to be a great discussion during a solid line up of fights.

To get us pumped for the festivities MMAmania.com contributor Jesse Holland and site veteran "PhilQNY" went toe-to-toe below to try and predict the fighters who will leave the Octagon with their hands raised tomorrow during the featured fights of the day.

It's important to note for the predictions that while someone may be lauding a certain fighter, he isn't necessarily the guy who he thinks is going to win. Basically, we never want this to come out sounding repetitive. At the end of each analysis, therefore, you will see the individual picks.

Let's get to it:

Wilson Gouveia (9-4) vs. Jason Lambert (23-6)

Jesse Holland: Jason Lambert is 9-1 in his last 10 fights and is fresh off an upset victory over Renato "Babalu" Sobral at UFC 68. Aside from riding that momentum, Lambert needs to do two key things to win this fight: He must avoid the leg kicks of Gouveia and keep the fight standing. Lambert has decent submission skills but I think Gouveia is a little too wily to be fooling around with on the mat. Lambert is a better striker than most people give him credit for and continues to improve. Knowing that three of Gouveia's four losses are by (T)KO, I'm sure "The Punisher" is refining his striking and hopefully improving his cardio. Lambert also has the edge in experience with more than double the fights of Gouveia. Stay off the mat and this one is all Lambert.

MMAmania.com reader "PhilQNY:" This fight was supposed to go down UFC 76, but Wilson had to withdraw because of a broken nose. Now it's finally time will bang it out -- don't be surprised if both fighters have some cage rust from time spent away from fighting. Wilson is another version of Babalu with heavy hands and some nasty leg kicks. Wilson has five submissions and three knockouts to his credit. He is also a member of the American Top Team, which is a well rounded and respected camp. Wilson does not want to fight off his back with Punisher`s top game -- a vicious ground and pound attack. Wilson will look to stay standing and not force the fight to the ground. Both will bring something different into the Octagon. Jason is a game fighter and will try to come out aggressive with striking to set up his takedowns to straight up ground and pound. Wilson will maintain his distance and touch him up with his hands, as well as soften him up with some leg kicks. And if Jason gets the takedown he is still in the danger zone with Wilson`s Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills. If Jason thinks his fight with Wilson will be like his fight with Babalu, he is in for a bad night. I expect to see highly aggressive up tempo first round maybe a second round if needed.

Final predictions:

Jesse Holland -- Lambert via technical knockout
PhilQNY -- Gouveia via technical knockout

Jorge Rivera (14- 6) vs. Kendall Grove (8-4-1)

Jesse Holland: Jorge Rivera has been around the block long enough to know how to prepare for a fighter like Kendall Grove. "Da Spyder" is coming off a huge loss to Patrick Cote at UFC 74 and for a young and inexperienced fighter that kind of loss can still linger. Rivera would be wise to put the pressure on early and often. If Rivera can make Grove fear the knockout, he can control the fight and possibly end it early. If Grove does show up, like the fighter we saw dismantle Alan Belcher, then Rivera needs to swing for the fences. Jorge does not do well against accurate strikers as indicated in his losses to guys like Rich Franklin, Anderson Silva and Chris Leben, but can weather the storm if he fights intelligently like he did against David Loiseau. The deciding factor will be which fighter has learned the most from their last loss.

MMAmania.com reader "PhilQNY:" Kendall Grove is 6' 6", athletic and boasts a crazy reach. He also has good Muay Thai skills and brings some nasty elbows to the fight. This will be size and quickness against experience and power. Kendall got knocked out by Patrick Cote in his last outing in the UFC. He will have a fight plan that will not keep him in the pocket trading blows with Jorge. He will use his reach to stay on the outside, punch to set up a takedown where his long lengthy frame puts Jorge in numerous danger zones. Both fighters are coming off losses and want to move back in the right direction toward the title in another ultimate fighter inter-class reunion. Jorge by all means wants to stand and strike while Kendall will strike till he sees an opening to takes this fight to the deck.

Final predictions:

Jesse Holland -- Grove via technical knockout
PhilQNY -- Grove via submission

Jess Liaudin (12-8) vs. Marcus Davis (13-3)

Jesse Holland: Jess Liaudin is probably a much better fighter than his 12-8 record suggests. He was hot out of the gate winning his first five fights before losing his way and going 2-8. Since then he's won five straight and hasn't been defeated since 2005. He's got great submissions but has also shown knockout power in three of his last five fights. Marcus Davis has transformed himself into a tremendous fighter but "Joker" can use that momentum against him with a well-timed submission. Davis has a tendency to get over-anxious and that mistake could be all Liaudin needs. Liaudin does not want this to turn into a stand-up war where he has a distinct disadvantage against the boxing background of Davis. Patience is what Liaudin needs as well as the ability to endure some punishment.

MMAmania.com reader "PhilQNY:" I smell Fight of the Night written all over this one. Both fighters are coming into UFC 80 on fire. Jess "Joker" Liaudin -- with three knockouts and eight submissions to his credit -- is riding a five-fight win streak (2-0 UFC). Against Davis, he would be better off taking this fight to the ground against. The "Irish Hand Grenade," on the other hand, is on a 10-fight win streak (7-0 UFC) of his own. The former pro boxer is looking to screw up the Joker`s game plan if he wants to stand and bang with him. Even though Jess is fighting out of London, Marcus is no stranger in England. He has fought twice before in Europe in 2007. In fact, the Brit`s probably remember his last fight with Paul Taylor during which Marcus was on the brink of losing after Paul connected with a head kick from hell`s kitchen with a fight- ending type flurry (thanks Yves Lavigne for not stopping it). Marcus composed himself and broke Paul down into his guard flipped the script to tapout Paul with a nice back mount arm bar transition. This will be an exciting, high-paced and explosive bout with crazy strikes, and entertaining ground work. Overall, this should be one hell of fight to watch.

Final predictions:

Jesse Holland -- Davis via technical knockout
PhilQNY -- Davis via technical knockout

Gabriel Gonzaga (9-2) vs. Fabricio Werdum (9-3)

Jesse Holland: Gabriel Gonzaga will tell you he's not the same fighter that lost to Fabricio Werdum back at Jungle Fight in 2003 but I'm not sure I believe him. Gonzaga is a hulking menace that does best when he's pouring it on but like we saw against Couture and originally Werdum, can get easily overwhelmed. Werdum is no slouch himself having never been knocked out or submitted in thirteen fights. He knows how to stay out of submissions and can avoid the big strikes. While his snoozer against Arlovski was nothing to write home about, he's gone toe-to-toe against some of the sport's best including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Sergei Kharitonov. More importantly, he's already faced Gonzaga -- and won. Look for history to repeat itself on Saturday.

MMAmania.com reader "PhilQNY:" Gabriel Gonzaga is heavy-handed, has sick ground and pound, crazy leg kicks and world class jiu jitsu. He blew up on the MMA scene in 2007 with a Cro Cop-type kick that knocked out, well, Cro Cop himself. The win earned a title shot against Randy Couture, which turned out to be tough loss via technical knockout. That loss and experience in the title match will pay off big time against Werdum because he now knows what it takes to be a UFC champion. He faced Fabricio five years ago and lost via strikes (at the time Gonzaga was 2-0 and Werdum 3-0). Today that fight will not give Fabricio an edge coming into the rematch at UFC 80. Both have evolved, but Gonzaga has caught the attention of mainstream MMA America and Werdum has not done so yet. Both are coming off loses (Fabricio`s being a very boring UFC debut fight against Andrei Arlovski) and need to win this fight to get back on track. Werdum, before moving to Curitiba to train with ChuteBoxe, was training with Cro Cop. Therefore, he should know how to properly defend Gonzaga`s leg kicks. Gonzaga is looking for the knockout, but Werdum has never been submitted or knocked out in his career. With the storyline, history and what this fight means to them, it should be a recipe for a good fight. The flip side is if this turns into a NAGA fight and their Brazilian jiu-jitsu cancels each other out, which is a very good possibility.

Final predictions:

Jesse Holland -- Werdum via technical knockout
PhilQNY -- Gonzaga via unanimous decision

BJ Penn (12-4-1) vs. Joe Stevenson (28-7)

Jesse Holland: It's hard to believe that Joe Stevenson has 35 fights or that he's 18-2 since 2001. But that's a testament to the kind of fighter "Daddy" is. He may be an underdog, but he certainly can't be overlooked. Since moving to lightweight he's never looked better and his strength and conditioning will give BJ plenty of problems. It's not unheard of for Penn to lose or go to a decision and if his conditioning is not 100 percent he could end up in a similar situation like Penn/Hughes II. Stevenson will have to be absolutely perfect to win it and keep his sub defense at the forefront of his strategy. BJ is not the best at stuffing the takedowns so Joe can easily rack up points. Takedown, a little ground and pound, rinse and repeat. I don't have any money on this one so you heard it here first -- Stevenson with the upset.

MMAmania.com reader "PhilQNY:" BJ "The Prodigy" Penn will step into the Octagon in the best shape ever to claim his lightweight UFC title once and for all at UFC 80. He failed twice before, and Penn has gained MMA knowledge throughout the years that will slingshot him further into the ranks of the MMA legends. BJ has for many years not focused in dieting, training and cardio when preparing to fight, relying just on talent alone. The question is, which BJ Penn will show up? The out of shape BJ or the BJ who can go all five rounds going for submissions non stop? "The Prodigy" has grown up in the world of MMA and I believe this is his time. He should and will not underestimate his opponent, Joe Stevenson. Joe is a the season two winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) at 170 pounds. He owns a strong ass guillotine and masterful leglocks. Joe will try to attack BJ`s weakness: Cardio and takedown defense. Now if Joe gets BJ down to the mat he has to be 100 percent accurate with no mistakes, avoiding BJ`s flexibility and All-World jiu jitsu skill. This is the biggest fight of his MMA career, on the biggest stage that for the UFC lightweight title. The question I have on Joe is: Will he crack under the pressure? Penn fighting Stevenson is the reason this will be a great fight that no one should miss out on watching. Penn is cut from a different cloth and is one of the best pound-per-pound fighters in the world. Come time for UFC 80 and BJ will be in predator mode as he stalks down Joe. He will end up putting and locking Joe in a dead zone that will either set up a technical knockout or submission. BJ will then be one of only two men to hold UFC belts in two different weight classes as of Saturday January 19, 2008.

Final predictions:

Jesse Holland -- Stevenson via technical knockout
PhilQNY -- Penn via technical knockout

That's a wrap, folks. For the complete UFC 80: "Rapid Fire" fight card click here. Remember to come check us out this weekend for the latest results, recaps and thoughts on the first major UFC event of 2008.

What do you think? Now it's your turn ... let us have it in the comments section and share your thoughts and picks for UFC 80.

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Winners:
Penn via 2nd round submission rear naked choke
Grove ia rd 1 TKO
Gonzaga via Rd 2 TKO
Gouveai via decision
Davis via 2 rd TKO

by john on Jan 18, 2008 9:15 AM EST reply actions

Good job Phil and Jesse!

by "Mr. NC-17" on Jan 18, 2008 9:22 AM EST reply actions

What has Werdum ever showed on his feet to make you think he’s going to KO Gonzaga? His only chance is on the mat, and with his below-average takedowns, Werdum won’t be able to bring Gonzaga down. Even if he does, Napao is a BJJ black belt as well. Gonzaga keeps this on the feet and batters Werdum for 15 minutes.

by pw on Jan 18, 2008 9:27 AM EST reply actions

Winners:
Penn via 2nd round submission rear naked choke
Grove ia rd 1 TKO
Gonzaga via Rd 2 TKO
Gouveai via decision
Davis via 2 rd TKO

nice! these are also my all picks who will gonna win.

by mad_drummer on Jan 18, 2008 9:40 AM EST reply actions

I just can’t see B.J. losing, as much as I like Stevenson. He outboxed Pulver and then toyed with him on the ground before choking Pulver out. I think Stevenson has enough ground skills to avoid a submission, but the poor guy is just going to get overwhelmed on his feet and stuffed on his takedowns. B.J.’s hands will catch him in the 2nd Round and force a TKO.

The Gonzaga-Wedrum can’t fairly be characterized as a rematch since they’ve both evolved so much. Even if you ignore the Cro Cop decapitation, Gonzaga’s striking has come a long way. It’ll be pretty close (and probably pretty boring) until Gonzaga gets Wedrum and his back and pounds him out in the third round.

Liaudin will have an impressive enough stand-up to frustrate Davis; Davis will have an impressive enough ground game to frustrate Liaudin. Davis will eventually stun the Joker with a stiff left in round two and pounce for the TKO.

Part of me thinks an ultra-cautious Grove will drag this one out to a boring decision win . . . nah. When not peppering Rivera from the outside with jabs and kicks, he’ll move right to the clinch instead of letting Rivera stay in the pocket. Look for a quick takedown and a 1st round submission from Grove.

Lambert’s squat shape and strength make him almost impossible to sweep and tough to submit (the latter hasn’t happened since a heel-hook loss in 2001). He’ll take some damage crowding Gouveia before taking him down. Gouveia’s offensive guard won’t stop Lambert’s punches from the guard, earning a 2nd round TKO.

by Hyde on Jan 18, 2008 9:42 AM EST reply actions

I predict PAIN!

by kazai on Jan 18, 2008 9:53 AM EST reply actions

Everyone is talking like BJ Penn has no takedown defense. Didn’t anyone watch him fight matt hughes? Hughes had a good deal of trouble taking him down. GSP, same thing. It was no easy task, and you’re talking two guys with elite takedowns (see matt hughes’ entire career, see GSP vs Kos or GSP v Hughes II). While BJ’s takedown defense may not be absolute #1, it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at.

by Fidel Cashflow on Jan 18, 2008 9:59 AM EST reply actions

jesse prediction is out there, joe by tko?
and bj doesn’t have good takedowns defense?

by kazai on Jan 18, 2008 10:01 AM EST reply actions

What has Werdum ever showed on his feet to make you think he’s going to KO Gonzaga? His only chance is on the mat, and with his below-average takedowns, Werdum won’t be able to bring Gonzaga down. Even if he does, Napao is a BJJ black belt as well. Gonzaga keeps this on the feet and batters Werdum for 15 minutes.

Ever shown? I dunno, Werdum/Gonzaga 1 comes to mind

by Jesse Holland on Jan 18, 2008 10:01 AM EST reply actions

Penn via choke in round 2 penn looks good and has trained hard
werdum via sub in round 3 gonzaga is scared to be on the ground with him
Gouveai via sub in round 2 lambert is over rated
grove via tko in round 2 wants to come out strong
davis via tko round 1 great hands

by matt on Jan 18, 2008 10:03 AM EST reply actions

I don’t know why you guys think BJ has weak takedown defense. He has incredible balance and limb dexterity especially when applied to defending takedowns. It is extremely difficult to take down BJ with a single-leg attempt. Stevenson either has to have a powerful double-leg takedown, or he’ll have to pick BJ up and slam him if we wants BJ’s back against the mat. That pretty much goes for any fighter with a great takedown defense. So don’t kid yourselves about BJ’s takedown defense. It’s definately one of his strengths.

by Jake on Jan 18, 2008 10:12 AM EST reply actions

Great job Phil!!! And you too Jesse, as usual…

Usually, on every main card there is always one fight where I feel that I can absolutely guarantee victory. I only wish that I had been placing bets on these picks, since I haven’t been wrong for the previous 8 events (that’s when I started picking my ‘sure shot’ winner).

However, regarding these fights – NO THANKS. I consider BJ Penn and Marcus Davis as the fighters on the main card that are most likely to win, although I am not counting Daddy or The Joker out by any means.

My picks to win are:
Wilson Gouveia via submission after stunning Lambert with strikes
Kendall Grove by submission, although 49% of me sees him getting KO’d
Marcus Davis via TKO. ’nuff said.
Gabe by decision
BJ 2nd round submission

by ViolentMike on Jan 18, 2008 10:15 AM EST reply actions

Ever shown? I dunno, Werdum/Gonzaga 1 comes to mind

OK, recently shown.

by pw on Jan 18, 2008 10:20 AM EST reply actions

FYI Werdum/Gonzaga 1 was outside and in very hot conditions. They were both dead and Werdum got a KO. Can’t see how this fight would be anything like that. Not to mention Werdum was bigger than Gonzaga last time. I’ll be impressed if Werdum ever knocks someone out inside a cage.

by kory klinger on Jan 18, 2008 10:56 AM EST reply actions

So Jessie is going for 5 TKO’s… gotta get one right :)

by ToeLock on Jan 18, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions

Ever shown? I dunno, Werdum/Gonzaga 1 comes to mind

LMAO… some people should read the “whole” article"

by ToeLock on Jan 18, 2008 10:59 AM EST reply actions

my picks are:
Stevenson rd 3 submission, I know BJ has never been submitted but I want to see it
Gonzaga via KO/TKO rd 1
Davis via KO/TKO rd 1
Lambert via KO/TKO rd 2
Rivera via KO/TKO rd 2

by Griffinfan05 on Jan 18, 2008 11:29 AM EST reply actions

Winners:
Penn via 2nd round submission rear naked choke
Grove ia rd 1 TKO
Gonzaga via Rd 2 TKO
Gouveai via decision
Davis via 2 rd TKO

word.

by Hardcase on Jan 18, 2008 12:17 PM EST reply actions

LMAO… some people should read the “whole” article"

Scroll through “all” of the comments, particularly the one from Kory Klinger, and you will see the point I was making.

by pw on Jan 18, 2008 12:22 PM EST reply actions

In order of confidence:

Penn (t)KO rd. 1 – Joe’s good but BJ is great
Davis same – Davis has steamrolled everyone recently exc. Shonie
Lambert TKO rd. 2 – Lambert’s only weakness is on his back
Werdum TKO rd. 3 – even AA respected this guy
Grove by dec. – maybe

by Denny on Jan 18, 2008 1:30 PM EST reply actions

Right off the bat I have to totally disagree with jesse’s and PhilQNY’s assessment on penns “weak” take down defense…..???????????????
  What?? Penns take down defense is ridiculously good, freaking gsp and Matt hughes COULDN’T take him down in the first round, couture said he had great difficulty taking him down…RANDY COUTURE!!!!, thats someone with weak take down defense??, man do your homework guys.

    I really don’t feel overly excited about this card and there’s only 2 fights I even care about penn/stevenson and gonzaga/werdum
  my picks
  gonzaga wins
  penn wins not really sure how either guy wins but feel pretty confident they will.

by nathan on Jan 18, 2008 1:35 PM EST reply actions

penns “strengths”
    amazing take down defense
    wicked dexterity with his hands, dangerous in the pocket.
    extremely flexible and very dangerous on his back.
  penns “weakness’s”
    in some past fights he’s gassed in the later rounds….thats it, his “only” weakness’s, and maybe overconfidence.

by nathan on Jan 18, 2008 1:48 PM EST reply actions

Jesse…are you on the crack? Joe Stevenson by TKO?? WTF??

Since when does BJ have bad takedown defense? And since when is it a bad thing for BJ to go to the ground? BJ’s been stopped only once and that was when he busted his rib. Other than that he’s never been stopped.

by Buzz on Jan 18, 2008 1:57 PM EST reply actions

Agreed all with Phil except that Lambert is going to win.

by c-war on Jan 18, 2008 2:44 PM EST reply actions

How exaxtly is take down defense one of BJ Penn’s weeknesses?

by smiley on Jan 18, 2008 4:13 PM EST reply actions

Wow I’m surprise “the anomoly” isn’t all over this page, where are you?

by nathan on Jan 18, 2008 4:39 PM EST reply actions

Opps I meant “The Anomaly” penns greatest defender, I’m interested to see what he’s going to say.

by nathan on Jan 18, 2008 4:43 PM EST reply actions

Wow I’m surprise “the anomoly” isn’t all over this page, where are you?

Haha I havnt even looked at this arcticle yet I dunno why. Ive been all on the GSP/Penn arcticles, or Joe prepares for BJ, or BJ looks in shape articles. Alot of arcticles to keep up on.

Regarding UFC 80, allz I gotta say is that Jesse Holland is one crazy dude haha.

by The Anomaly on Jan 18, 2008 4:48 PM EST reply actions

Good job Phil and Jesse!

Thanks Guys!!! UFC80 believe it or not. I’m up to see it.. Saturday I’m just going to straighten up the crib a bit..and watch some afternoon UFC action.

by PhilQNY on Jan 18, 2008 4:56 PM EST reply actions

Haha I havnt even looked at this arcticle yet I dunno why. Ive been all on the GSP/Penn arcticles, or Joe prepares for BJ, or BJ looks in shape articles. Alot of arcticles to keep up on.

Regarding UFC 80, allz I gotta say is that Jesse Holland is one crazy dude haha.

Jesse Holland is a really crazy dude. But if Joe somehow pulls it out of his a$$ and wins the belt, it will be via TKO because there is no way that he will be able to submit Penn. I can’t wait for the fight.

by pUniSHment on Jan 18, 2008 4:57 PM EST reply actions

What and the hell are these guys talking about? BJ Penn has some of the best take down defense in the sport. Even Randy Couture has said he had problems taking BJ down. It really wouldn’t surprise me if BJ takes Joe down at will.

by xxbaxx816 on Jan 18, 2008 5:42 PM EST reply actions

Jesse Holland is a really crazy dude. But if Joe somehow pulls it out of his a$$ and wins the belt, it will be via TKO because there is no way that he will be able to submit Penn. I can’t wait for the fight.

I don’t want to hear even hypothetical talk of that ya huuuur me? Seriously these last 48 hours have been the slowest in my life. You finna gonna get it live at 3 in the afternoon right?

by The Anomaly on Jan 18, 2008 5:52 PM EST reply actions

I don’t want to hear even hypothetical talk of that ya huuuur me? Seriously these last 48 hours have been the slowest in my life. You finna gonna get it live at 3 in the afternoon right?

10:00am Hawaii time. It throws everything in my schedule off because the fights are normally at 4pm or 5pm Hawaii time, but who cares because it’s BJ Penn. I would also like to say that the reason why I am such a big Penn fan is not because we are both from Hawaii, it’s because he is such a technically gifted fighter, and an entertaining one at that. I respect your unbiased opinions The Anomaly, because your knowledge and commnents are very true. Us Penn fans have to stick together. Have fun watching the fight and I’ll comment you later.

by pUniSHment on Jan 18, 2008 6:08 PM EST reply actions

10:00am Hawaii time. It throws everything in my schedule off because the fights are normally at 4pm or 5pm Hawaii time, but who cares because it’s BJ Penn. I would also like to say that the reason why I am such a big Penn fan is not because we are both from Hawaii, it’s because he is such a technically gifted fighter, and an entertaining one at that. I respect your unbiased opinions The Anomaly, because your knowledge and commnents are very true. Us Penn fans have to stick together. Have fun watching the fight and I’ll comment you later.

Yeah man same here. Oh and regarding the time diference, isnt it only like 3 hours behind the west coast here? We always go to Hawaii every summer, my grandma has a time share on Maui, the kamaole beach club. Love teh Kamaole beachs and places, it’s so casual there, set up like an apartment rather than a hotel or soemthing. What island do you live on?
Anyway man take care, enjoy the fights.

by The Anomaly on Jan 18, 2008 6:28 PM EST reply actions

I’m live on Oahu. Before the daylight savings time ended, the fights used to start at 4pm, but now it starts at 5pm. I saw Penn and Joe Lauzon at a night club when they were here for the Mike Aina vs Nick Diaz fight. They look a lot smaller in person, but would still be able to brutally kick my
a$$. But anyway I hope it’s a great fight, and I hope the rest of the card is decent.

by pUniSHment on Jan 18, 2008 6:37 PM EST reply actions

jesse prediction is out there, joe by tko?
and bj doesn’t have good takedowns defense?

he don’t need takedown defense when u r as flexable as he is. joe has submissions but not nowhere as good as penn. i don’t think joe wants 2 take it 2 the ground. i think he is wants 2 test his hands cause he rocked melvin in that fight so i think it will be more of a stand up fight tell someone gets rocked (joe). but i do agree that his picks r out there but so r the other guys.

by jimbo on Jan 18, 2008 6:41 PM EST reply actions

As usual, there are only 2 fights I really care about and even then, only one of them I feel is a competition. It was unusual that UFC79 actually had 3 fights that I cared about.

Joe Stevenson vs. BJ Penn
- too easy. BJ Penn – I don’t think there’s anyone that Joe Stevenson beat that makes me think that he has a chance against BJ Penn. Penn does sometimes take fights lightly, but I don’t think he could beat Penn even on his best day.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Fabricio Werdum
- a little more difficult. I’d say Gonzaga only because he’s taken out Crocop, which I didn’t think would happen. I think Gonzaga was doing okay in the first fight and he’s in better shape now. They’ve both got good jiujitsu, but Gonzaga probably has a bit more power. I’ll take Gonzaga on that basis.

=====================

On an unrelated to MMA note, I’m picking Trinidad over Roy Jones on the same night – I think that he’s probably lost less of his speed and power. Roy’s just getting a bit old and isn’t the same after the 2 ko’s.

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by AXiS_SharK on Jan 18, 2008 6:49 PM EST reply actions

Steavenson dec
Gonzaga ko
Davis tko
Grove dec
lambert tko

by jsoph on Jan 18, 2008 7:07 PM EST reply actions

BJ was named the prodigy when well rounded fighters were few and far between. In this day and age, an athletic “well rounded fighter” with experience is very common. BJ earned his status when fighters like Jens Pulver, Caol Uno, Tito Ortiz, dare I say Matt Hughes when one dimensional fighters weren’t timid to place themselves in positions which could potentially lead to disaster . I remember watching BJ fight and ask myself “How can a guy with sick BJJ throw bombs like that?”

Talent is almost common place with the growth of the UFC and other promotions. What has developed, in accordance to every other sport, is that the gifted athletic are become very skilled and fighters born with natural ability are becoming not as much as a factor when you account for the athletic variable.

Has BJ missed his opportunity to peak at a dominating level? Does BJ have the athletic ability to match those whole are excelling? BJ is a freak, I would never deny, but what he has yet to demonstrate is whether or not his body can reach the same state of those like Randy Couture, George St. Pierre, Sean Sherk minus the help, and of course Joe Stevenson.

I would love nothing more than to watch BJ go on a tear in either division, but just getting in shape for this fight and being in shape for the last ten years are two totally different states. Joe has the ability and athleticism to cause BJ fight ending problems if he isn’t able to to finish the fight within three rounds.

In regards to Joe, if he can hang on… I see a later round TKO or sub, but I expect Joe to keep the fight physical and at a grueling pace that will put BJ’S cardio to test.

Joe by referee stopage of some sort.

by Jordan on Jan 18, 2008 7:41 PM EST reply actions

BJ was named the prodigy when well rounded fighters were few and far between. In this day and age, an athletic “well rounded fighter” with experience is very common. BJ earned his status when fighters like Jens Pulver, Caol Uno, Tito Ortiz, dare I say Matt Hughes when one dimensional fighters weren’t timid to place themselves in positions which could potentially lead to disaster . I remember watching BJ fight and ask myself “How can a guy with sick BJJ throw bombs like that?”

Talent is almost common place with the growth of the UFC and other promotions. What has developed, in accordance to every other sport, is that the gifted athletic are become very skilled and fighters born with natural ability are becoming not as much as a factor when you account for the athletic variable.

Has BJ missed his opportunity to peak at a dominating level? Does BJ have the athletic ability to match those whole are excelling? BJ is a freak, I would never deny, but what he has yet to demonstrate is whether or not his body can reach the same state of those like Randy Couture, George St. Pierre, Sean Sherk minus the help, and of course Joe Stevenson.

I would love nothing more than to watch BJ go on a tear in either division, but just getting in shape for this fight and being in shape for the last ten years are two totally different states. Joe has the ability and athleticism to cause BJ fight ending problems if he isn’t able to to finish the fight within three rounds.

In regards to Joe, if he can hang on… I see a later round TKO or sub, but I expect Joe to keep the fight physical and at a grueling pace that will put BJ’S cardio to test.

Joe by referee stopage of some sort.

I don’t wanna live in the past but please go watch the Penn/Gomi fight. It was ridiculous how Penn totally dominated a warrior-like Gomi. The interesting thing is that was the Penn that never trained up to his ability. That’s pretty scary. I respect your opinion, but I disagree with him not being able to peek at certain levels.

by pUniSHment on Jan 18, 2008 7:51 PM EST reply actions

“I don’t wanna live in the past but please go watch the Penn/Gomi fight. It was ridiculous how Penn totally dominated a warrior-like Gomi. The interesting thing is that was the Penn that never trained up to his ability. That’s pretty scary. I respect your opinion, but I disagree with him not being able to peek at certain levels.”

BJ training like he should at the age of 29 equals a great fighter, but BJ training like he should when he was 23-27 equals
the real “Prodigy”. I know fighters like Couture and Liddell had their most defining success in later portions of their career but one can only imagine what could have transpired if they had just a different focus when the bodies were at their peak. I hate the “If’s” but I hate to believe that BJ has missed his opportunity to gain the most out of his MMA career, but the fact that he was soo good when he was soo young resinates in my biased mind.

by Jordan on Jan 18, 2008 8:18 PM EST reply actions

“I don’t wanna live in the past but please go watch the Penn/Gomi fight. It was ridiculous how Penn totally dominated a warrior-like Gomi. The interesting thing is that was the Penn that never trained up to his ability. That’s pretty scary. I respect your opinion, but I disagree with him not being able to peek at certain levels.”

BJ training like he should at the age of 29 equals a great fighter, but BJ training like he should when he was 23-27 equals
the real “Prodigy”. I know fighters like Couture and Liddell had their most defining success in later portions of their career but one can only imagine what could have transpired if they had just a different focus when the bodies were at their peak. I hate the “If’s” but I hate to believe that BJ has missed his opportunity to gain the most out of his MMA career, but the fact that he was soo good when he was soo young resinates in my biased mind.

I disagree with your view on when one hits thre peak. You can say if all day, but when it comes down to it, the evidance shows most dominating champion status fighters are not even in there twenties anymore.

by The Anomaly on Jan 18, 2008 8:22 PM EST reply actions

BJ Penn did not have the striking, nor the grappling that he has today, not only that, but he is unquestionably in better physical condition. Back then like many have already stated, it was an underground sport, with not nearly the motivation to train and take seriously. Now that that has changed, training methods have gotten better and better, as the top tier becomes more and more expirianced.

by The Anomaly on Jan 18, 2008 8:26 PM EST reply actions

BJ Penn did not have the striking, nor the grappling that he has today, not only that, but he is unquestionably in better physical condition. Back then like many have already stated, it was an underground sport, with not nearly the motivation to train and take seriously. Now that that has changed, training methods have gotten better and better, as the top tier becomes more and more expirianced.

True, but BJ has never treated his body like an athlete should, he might be in the best condition of his life but what exactly are we comparing it to? when BJ could go out and wing a fight on natural ability alone. He lost to GSP and Hughes due to conditioning alone, he might have separated his rib, but if his body was in the proper condition for fighting it may have been a different story. I look at BJ as more of a fighter and Joe more as an athlete. Both are compete in MMA but i would still give Joe the physical edge and with BJ’s last two losses it was the most determining factor.

I look at other sports and see how those athletes were more effective when their bodies were in peak physical form and it complemented their ability in way that could never be repeated like the Wayne Gretzys, Ken Griffeys and Peyton Mannings.
All I’m really thinking is that BJ could have been soo much better back then, than he ever will be now.

by Jordan on Jan 18, 2008 8:52 PM EST reply actions

True, but BJ has never treated his body like an athlete should, he might be in the best condition of his life but what exactly are we comparing it to? when BJ could go out and wing a fight on natural ability alone. He lost to GSP and Hughes due to conditioning alone, he might have separated his rib, but if his body was in the proper condition for fighting it may have been a different story. I look at BJ as more of a fighter and Joe more as an athlete. Both are compete in MMA but i would still give Joe the physical edge and with BJ’s last two losses it was the most determining factor.

I look at other sports and see how those athletes were more effective when their bodies were in peak physical form and it complemented their ability in way that could never be repeated like the Wayne Gretzys, Ken Griffeys and Peyton Mannings.
All I’m really thinking is that BJ could have been soo much better back then, than he ever will be now.

Let’s put it this way: Penn is only 29 years old. Chuck Liddell is 38 years old. Chuck’s glory years started a few years back. Randy’s story is a phenomenon. Wisdom comes with age. There’s a lot more to lose now days, due to the fact that there are so much talented fighters coming up. Back in the early 2000’s it was always the same fighters challenging each other for the titles. BJ Penn is his own worst enemy, and the days of poor nutrition and dieting are long gone. Penn was dangerous even with poor conditioning. The current Penn will be scary.

by pUniSHment on Jan 18, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions

True, but BJ has never treated his body like an athlete should, he might be in the best condition of his life but what exactly are we comparing it to? when BJ could go out and wing a fight on natural ability alone. He lost to GSP and Hughes due to conditioning alone, he might have separated his rib, but if his body was in the proper condition for fighting it may have been a different story. I look at BJ as more of a fighter and Joe more as an athlete. Both are compete in MMA but i would still give Joe the physical edge and with BJ’s last two losses it was the most determining factor.

I look at other sports and see how those athletes were more effective when their bodies were in peak physical form and it complemented their ability in way that could never be repeated like the Wayne Gretzys, Ken Griffeys and Peyton Mannings.
All I’m really thinking is that BJ could have been soo much better back then, than he ever will be now.

No I fully understand your arguement, it makes sense and everything, I just think the peak age is different for all sports, and that the question is answered for MMA when you look at the age of every single champion right now and most top contendars.

by The Anomaly on Jan 18, 2008 9:49 PM EST reply actions

Choosing Joe and Werdum Jesse? You must like being wrong.

by Dom on Jan 18, 2008 11:52 PM EST reply actions

Choosing Joe and Werdum Jesse? You must like being wrong.

No. He probably likes taking credit for these upsets if he’s right. If he’s wrong, everyone will eventually forget.

by pUniSHment on Jan 19, 2008 12:55 AM EST reply actions

Both The Anomaly and Punishment(apologies for the lack of the capitals) I totally understand what both you guys are saying, BJ training full time is a wet dream for hardcore fans as well as he may prove us all that we have yet to see the best BJ. Honestly this is why I comment here, you can still air your point of view, even though it may not be accurate, but at least the respect is shared with people that have the capacity of understanding. Hats off ufcmania, i mean MMAMANIA, my bad.

by Jordan on Jan 19, 2008 2:32 AM EST reply actions

I think B.J. is in trouble! Watch out for one of the best grappling matches in UFC history, check out the head story at mmaopinion.com for exactly how Joe Stevenson is going to beat Penn! it is a good read, and you guys will like it.

by OpinionatedGuy on Jan 19, 2008 9:40 AM EST reply actions

All I’m really thinking is that BJ could have been soo much better back then, than he ever will be now.

Time will tell, but I don’t know about this one. Fighting takes its toll as fighters age, but BJ fights so infrequently that I think his body is still relatively fresh. If he could focus for a 5-year period (easier said than done, for anybody), he would be able to show how good he really is.

by Patrick on Jan 19, 2008 10:04 AM EST reply actions

Randy Couture’s Natural Picks – UFC 80 He is usually on point with his predictions, although he was wrong at UFC 79 picking SOKO and Wandy, but then again..so did I

Randy’s pics for UFC 80:

Kendall Grove
Jason Lambert
Marcus Davis
Gabriel Gonzaga
BJ Penn

by john on Jan 19, 2008 11:57 AM EST reply actions

“I think B.J. is in trouble! Watch out for one of the best grappling matches in UFC history, check out the head story at mmaopinion.com for exactly how Joe Stevenson is going to beat Penn! it is a good read, and you guys will like it.[/quote]

MMAopinion doesn’t know what there talking about, penn made stevenson look like an amateur. Penn has the ability to dominate the light weight division like hughes dominated the welter weight division if he remains focused. I think sherk is penns only real threat in that division, Penn should win but no way he dominates sherk like he did stevenson, it should be a good fight. I could be wrong, and penn mops the canvas with sherk, and makes him look like a little girl, who knows but I doubt it. Sherk’s very strong, stronger that stevenson and is a better wrestler, has extremely good submission defense and I imagine it will be a fairly competitive fight but I think penn wins.

by nathan on Jan 20, 2008 12:47 AM EST reply actions

MMAopinion doesn’t know what there talking about, penn made stevenson look like an amateur. Penn has the ability to dominate the light weight division like hughes dominated the welter weight division if he remains focused. I think sherk is penns only real threat in that division, Penn should win but no way he dominates sherk like he did stevenson, it should be a good fight. I could be wrong, and penn mops the canvas with sherk, and makes him look like a little girl, who knows but I doubt it. Sherk’s very strong, stronger that stevenson and is a better wrestler, has extremely good submission defense and I imagine it will be a fairly competitive fight but I think penn wins.

Joe didn’t even show up for that fight. Joe lost for his reasons. Even BJ was expecting more out of Joe, he got caught right away and ad to survive from a very dominant and dangerous position. Trust me I’m more than happy that BJ won, but I think nerves played more into this fight than it appears. Joe has never headlined a UFC PPW nor fought for a UFC title ever. Plus having your wife in the crowd is a bad idea if it’s indeed your first time ever in that particular position. BJ gave him a rude awakening with the first combination. From there Joe never recovered and it was only a matter of time. It’s easily to compare this fight with Hughes GSP 3 but in both instances, a would say that either Matt Hughes or Joe Stevenson are amateurs.

by Jordan on Jan 21, 2008 11:00 PM EST reply actions