UFC 83 predictions, preview and analysis
by Jesse Holland on Apr 18, 2008 1:12 AM EDT
101 comments
UFC 83: Serra vs. St. Pierre 2 is set for tomorrow, Saturday April 19, from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The main card action is set to begin at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.
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 an exciting night of fights.
To get us pumped for the festivities, columnist and mixed martial arts zealot Chris Cosme will try and make his presence felt by going toe-to-toe with senior writer and invective blowhard Jesse Holland with predictions for the upcoming event.
The mission: Forecast which fighters will leave the Octagon with their hands raised later on during the featured fights of the evening.
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 at the conclusion of the write ups.
Let's get to it:
Matt "The Terror" Serra (9-4) vs. Georges "Rush" St. Pierre (15-2)
Jesse Holland: Georges St. Pierre is angry. He's angry that he lost the title, he's angry that Matt Serra is running his mouth and he's angry that everyone thinks he's a mental case. With that in mind, I don't expect to see the laissez-faire approach he had in their first fight. I expect to see the steamroller that blew away Frank Trigg and Sean Sherk like a man possessed. This may actually work in Serra's favor. "The Terror" may want to stand and bang, but GSP is going to try and force him to the mat for some brutal ground-and-pound. Because Serra has heavy hands, it's easy to overlook how good his ground game is. In addition to becoming the first American black belt under Renzo Gracie, Serra won first place at the Pan-Am games and took home a gold medal at the World Games. He gives up a definitive size and strength advantage to St. Pierre, but Serra can still out work him on the ground if he's able to lure "Rush" into a bad position. It's not that unrealistic a scenario if St. Pierre is hell-bent on punching Serra right back across the border. Serra needs to keep it standing as long as possible and then pull a rabbit out of his grappling hat if they go to the floor. In the end, his composure will dictate whether or not this fight lasts more than one round.
Chris Cosme: This is the moment GSP has asked for since he defeated Josh Koscheck at UFC 74 and Matt Hughes at UFC 79: A title fight against the man that dethroned him almost one year ago in his native homeland of Canada. What more can you ask for, right? This fight could be GSP's defining moment in his tenure in the UFC - or a moment he would never forget about for the rest of his life. We all saw Anderson Silva come into Cincinnati and demolish Rich Franklin for a second time in front of the hometown crowd. Now, Matt Serra is no Anderson Silva by any means-but if there is another man who can focus on the fight and not the arena they are fighting in-it's Matt Serra. Serra has embraced the fact that he's going to be booed by over 20,000 Canadian fans the minute he steps out of the curtain. It's because of this I really can't count out Matt Serra in this fight no matter the circumstances. He has heavy hands, his jiu-jitsu is simply world class and could give St.Pierre problems when the fight hits the ground. The key in this fight is for Serra to get inside St.Pierre's range and throw bombs there. It worked in their first fight and it happens again, lightning could strike twice. For GSP, the plan is keep Serra at bay with jabs and leg kicks. From there he has to look take Serra to the ground and pound him at will once it goes there. In the end, I see GSP overcome the barrage of Serra's strikes in the first round and then going to the ground and pound in the second en route to a TKO in the second round.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland: St. Pierre via TKO
Chris Cosme: St. Pierre via TKO
Rich "Ace" Franklin (22-3) vs. Travis "The Serial Killer" Lutter (9-4)
Jesse Holland: Rich Franklin may have been annihilated by Anderson Silva, but that's not going to stop him from laying claim to the title of second-best middleweight in the UFC. Aside from Silva and his KO at the hands of Brazilian enigma Lyoto Machida back in 2003, Franklin has simply dominated the competition. The man has 22 wins and only two of them have gone to the judges. He may have KO power in his strikes but just as importantly he knows how to use them for something other than haymakers. His accuracy and combinations are matched only by his speed and timing. Despite lingering in the danger zone against Yushin Okami, Franklin is also adept at staying out of submissions which of course happens to be Lutter's strength. I don't think Lutter will be fast enough or agile enough to effectively shoot on "Ace' and he will slowly start to become target practice for Franklin's hands. Too much is made out of Lutter's performance against Anderson Silva - considering the champ had two bum knees and couldn't stop the shoot if it was being phoned-in in advance. Still I think the biggest disadvantage for Lutter will be his layoff. Having missed over a year of fighting only to face a fighter of Franklin's caliber is a tall order for any fighter.
Chris Cosme:
If there is one thing both men have in common, it's this: they were both dominated by Anderson Silva. If one thing the two don't have in common when it comes to their fights against Silva is this: Lutter; had he made the weight and was in peak condition was THIS close in stopping Silva. I know I'm going to hear it from the woodwork folks, but the fact still remains that Lutter had Silva mounted and landed a few convincing shots before Silva took over. Rich, on the other hand was able to take Silva down in their second meeting-only to be unable to gain mount and allowing Silva to work his way back up. From there it was almost textbook when it came to end of that fight. In comparing these two fighters in their fights with Silva, you can see that Lutter had the better chance in almost finishing Silva. Franklin had no chance in both fights. Where am I getting at here? The fact that Lutter cannot be underestimated heading into this fight. Although his striking is above average (that flash knockout over Marvin Eastman is simply that-a flash knockout), it's the ground game of Lutter that gives him a hell of a chance against Franklin. Lutter has made in no secret in recent interviews that he wants to take this to the ground. If he does, his chances of winning is good. Unfortunately, Lutter reminds me of Jason McDonald; a man that had great jiu-jitsu but was simply overwhelmed by Franklin. I see that happening again, with Rich sprawling every takedown attempt by Lutter and overwhelming him with strikes in the first round.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland: Franklin via TKO
Chris Cosme: Franklin via TKO
Kalib Starnes (8-2-1) vs. Nate "The Rock" Quarry (9-2)
Jesse Holland: Anyone who can suffer a highlight-reel knockout and then career-ending spinal surgery only to come back and win a fight is hard to pick against no matter who the opponent is. Fortunately for Quarry he's facing Kalib Starnes who may have a world of potential but has yet to realize it. Quarry isn't going to do anything out of the ordinary here - this is all about the hands. He's a better striker than Starnes but he's definitely outmatched in the submission game. Nate had timing and endurance issues in his return fight against Pete Sell - as expected - but I believe they'll be worked out for this fight. His biggest asset will be takedown defense. If Quarry can stay off the ground and give himself a chance to do some damage on his feet then he has a strong chance of putting Starnes away. I don't believe Starnes will be interested in trading so it's up to "The Rock" to have a Plan B if things end up on the ground. If they don't, it could be an early night for Starnes, who may crumble like he did against Okami at UFC 64.
Chris Cosme: It has been a rollercoaster ride for these two men heading into their fight Saturday night. Both Starnes and Quarry have seen the highs and lows of being a TUF alum and UFC fighter. From Quarry's comeback win over Pete Sell after a year of therapy from spinal fusion surgery to Starnes' last fight which was stopped due to one of the nastiest cuts I have ever seen against Alan Belcher at UFC 77. This could be a fight for not only survival but being relevant in the UFC. But if you ask who needs this fight more-you have to go with Starnes on this one. Thought to be the favorite to win TUF 3 only to quit after his fight with Kendall Grove in the semifinals. He has gone 2-2 since and lost fights that could've catapulted him into the spotlight that Grove once attained. As for Quarry, he is remembered for being on the end of a highlight reel knockout from Rich Franklin two years ago. But the man has heart coming from spinal fusion surgery and winning his return bout in knockout fashion. In the end though, Starnes is the more complete fighter and can end this fight on the ground and if both men decide to trade shots-Starnes can end it too.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland: Starnes via unanimous decision
Chris Cosme: Starnes via unanimous decision
Michael "The Count" Bisping (15-1) vs. Charles "Chainsaw" McCarthy (10-4)
Jesse Holland: Michael Bisping is now a middleweight - and hopefully that change can bring out the star both the fans and the UFC have been waiting to see. Bisping is a good, hard striker but his first real test against Rashad Evans at UFC 78 was a bust and he almost gave away his fight against Matt Hamill at UFC 75. Still, you don't get to be 15-1 by pure luck. To overcome McCarthy he needs to execute the same strategy he did against Eric Schafer and Elvis Sinosic: Avoid the submissions and fire at will. McCarthy is coming off a win against Gideon Ray at Ultimate Finale 4 but that was in 2006 - ancient history in the fight world. In addition, McCarthy doesn't have the kind of big win on his record that would indicate he has the skill set to defeat Bisping. "The Count" must set the pace early and not waste anytime showboating and he will cruise to a first round victory.
Chris Cosme: TUF 3 Light Heavyweight winner Michael Bisping is moving down a weight class since his first loss at the hands of Rashad Evans. His first opponent is no pushover in Charles McCarthy, a man who last won at the TUF 4 finale against Gideon Ray. It's brutally obvious that McCarthy was brought in to lose. But McCarthy has a good chance in this fight. He gave David Loiseau fits in their fight-McCarthy took Loiseau down repeatedly and almost secured a rear naked choke. Of course, that was until the spinning back kick was the beginning of the end for McCarthy. "Chainsaw" has been talking plenty of smack to get Bisping upset. He wants to get inside of Bisping's head which could be a good thing or a bad thing. For McCarthy to win, he has to take Bisping down and look for submissions. If he ends up standing with Bisping, it's going to be a looooong night for McCarthy.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland: Bisping via TKO
Chris Cosme: Bisping via TKO
Mac Danzig (17-4-1) vs. Mark Bocek (5-1)
Jesse Holland: Mark Bocek is being fed to Mac Danzig for his lightweight debut but the way upsets happen in this sport nothing is a foregone conclusion. No matter how good Danzig looked on The Ultimate Fighter 6, he's not invincible. People often cite him as a PRIDE veteran but neglect to mention that his only PRIDE appearance was a KO loss to Hayato "Mach" Sakurai. Bocek has good, but not great jiu-jitsu and decent hands. If he is going to get past Danzig who is more experienced and more complete, he's going to have to outwork him. He needs to fight a smart fight and at the risk of sounding boring, engage and retreat. Any time spent on the ground should be defensive with the goal of getting back to the stand-up. Or Bocek could just swing for the fences and hope to get lucky.
Chris Cosme: TUF 6 Winner Mac Danzig makes his anticipated PPV debut and a debut at his more natural weight of 155 lbs against UFC vet Mark Bocek. Without a doubt, Mac was a cut above all of his TUF 6 alumni in winning the show. This fight is a showcase for Danzig and if he wins in impressive fashion-the 155 lbs division is just as stacked as it's ever been. Bocek is a solid wrestler with average striking, so Danzig can dictate not only the pace, but where the fight takes place as well. Much like Forrest Griffin's PPV debut against Elvis Sinosic; this is a fight that will garner Danzig the attention he's deserved. He was just as unknown to TUF generation fans much like Jon Fitch when he debuted in the UFC. Danzig, a King of the Cage and PRIDE veteran has been looking forward to this moment all of his life. He will win this one convincingly.
Final predictions:
Jesse Holland: Danzig via submission
Chris Cosme: Danzig via submission
That's a wrap, folks.
Remember to come check us out after the show for all the latest results, recaps and our coverage of UFC 83: Serra vs. St. Pierre 2.
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 83.
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This year I have been keeping track of my picks to see how I do after 1 year of UFC bouts..
I only make predictions on the 5 main ppv bout for each card(no udercard fights)..and I also do not keep track of UFN’s.(only ppv cards)..So after 3 events in 2008 I am at 9right-6wrong(not to well) I got 3/2 on every card this year….Im trying to get off the 3/2 nights and get a 5right night…
My picks for UFC83 are..
Bocek/Danzig…..I pick Bocek.(up-set baby)
TupperWare/Bisping…I pick Bisping(but hoping for the tup-set)
Quarry/Starnes..I pick Quarry
Lutter/Franklin..I pick Franklin
GSP/Serra..I pick GSP..
Seems like a lock for most. I really do think Bocek will win, but that would be (imo) my only risky pick.
by Stagger-Lee on Apr 18, 2008 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate quarry is my only disagreement. i would like to think he can beat kaleb… by ko
by BLOodyMEss on Apr 18, 2008 1:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if serra wins i’m never watching the ufc again
by boz on Apr 18, 2008 1:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
way to go out on a lib…u picked all the favorites!
by john on Apr 18, 2008 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly what I was thinking. Big risk takers.
by James S on Apr 18, 2008 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate reading analysis where ALL the favorites are picked to win!
by john on Apr 18, 2008 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re favorites for a reason. But yes, I would like to hear how a dog has a chance at an upset. Except for Tupperware.
by PW on Apr 18, 2008 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes they are the favorites for a reason…But not to many UFC cards have all 5 favorites actually winning there fights. Its more insightful to read how the underdog can win, then to hear about how the favorite is going to win.
All people attending this event live, dont forget that McCarthy is hosting a post UFC 83 Tuppaware Party, anyone who brings there Grandmother gets in FREE!!!
by john on Apr 18, 2008 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha! grandmother i love it! also whats up w/ all the new gsp haters but none are picking him to lose come sat nite.(not you) kevin is the only guy sticking to his guns and picking serra. at least he has some balls. i see so many regulars who are saying that gsp is mentally weak and afraid to get koed, but hardly any will pick against him.
by b.w. on Apr 18, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree BLOody I 2 would like to think Nate could beat Kalib. But I totally agree with the rest of them. Although I would also like to McCarthy beat Bisping, he is just 2 cocky for my liking.
by anthony cazares on Apr 18, 2008 1:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ya, what is up with Bisping? Every fight he complains about ppl talking smack about him, yet every fight Pre and Post he does the most smack talking? And isent he the guy that was HANDED a win over Hamil? then got in a reporters face, when the dec. was questioned? Now whats up with this ‘bully’ tactic at the weigh-ins? Sorry Bud, us North Americans like to see the bully get whats comming to him… I don’t know how you do it in England, and don’t much care. Chainsaw by RNC!!
by Darren on Apr 19, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Serra’s had a long journey and theres no reason whatsoever to not like ‘em . . . Unless you’re a GSP hugger, then there is no reasoning with you.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 1:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel your “Unless” business, and your right! You can’t reason with a genuwine GSP fan…
by ntvman on Apr 18, 2008 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shyeah, you spelled genuwine like the R&B singer. Are you Canadian!?!? bwahahahahaha, I’m just kidding buddy, I never graduated high school. Or at least it didn’t feel that way.
by Ryan McKinnell on Apr 18, 2008 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol..sorry..you are so right..but i did graduate, i just don’t know how?…lol..thx for the laugh..!
by ntvman on Apr 18, 2008 2:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yeah, I’m a Firstnation man from this Northern Continent we call Canada..gawd i hope i spelled continent right?
by ntvman on Apr 18, 2008 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s true bro.. I hope Serra wins too. I have nothing against GSP, but after watching Countdown to UFC 83, I feel that Matt Serra is a better person.
by pUniSHment on Apr 18, 2008 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats how i feel, its nothing against gSP, dudes a great athlete but Serra is too, (just like GSP took BJ to a decision and looked a hell of a lot beter at the end of it) (hes beaten GSP) there is no reason not to like ’em. And if you say he runs his mouth, he didnt ’til GSP ran his unloading excuses on the media cause he cant take the pressure of just admitting he lost.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i didn’t really pay too much attention to Serra until TUF 4 but come to find out, he’s a BEAST & a serious martial artist – a mix of the 2, and a good coach. not even so different from BJ Penn. honestly didn’t think he’d win the first GSP fight. but the guy is headstrong and calm. he didn’t even let the pressure get to him, was a G about the whole situation and just did what he had to do. and on top of that, anytime i’d say anything good about serra or bad about gsp, all 900 of gsp fans would bombard me with rebuttals trynna shut me down. LOL. GSP is a respectable fighter and don’t really bother me that much, i still think Serra is a lot of things GSP is NOT and could take this 1 AGAIN!
by kama kaze on Apr 18, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that makes you a Serra nut hugger.
by vin on Apr 18, 2008 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there’s no reason to dislike gsp, he’s as humble an athelete there is, unless your a serra nutugger. sorry dude serra’s already maried.
by b.w. on Apr 18, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why are my responses going under anothers statement, whos reply to this comment i did not touch.
by b.w. on Apr 18, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All Canada has is Pootene and really clean streets. It’s like a, “loft apartment over a really great party”.
Although I’ve had the opportunity to chat w/ Georges on more than one occasion, as well as Matt—I can’t help but cheer for the American. Both are great guys, and I think the “bad guy” label being put on Serra is unfair, so I’m going for the underdog—which is what I do in any sport. I’m really happy this fight has brought up so much emotion in the sport though, it’s very interesting. It’s like with the Tim Sylvia booing fiasco—I almost like him now that everyone hates him. Kind of like my love for MMA, Hockey and Heavy Metal. I like it because everyone else hates it. To quote Rampage, “Ya feel me?”.
Oh yeah, no way does Nate Quarry lose to Kalib Starnes. I like all the other picks though, including St. Pierre. I wish all combatants the best of luck and I’m hoping for a really great card, although on paper this one sure looks……lame I guess. But I have put my trust in Joe Silva for the past 4 years or so—with that said, I have faith.
by Ryan McKinnell on Apr 18, 2008 2:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seems you don’t know much about MMA or Canada. And it’s spelled ‘poutine’.
by theCloser on Apr 18, 2008 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And on saturday they will have one more thing, A WW BELT.
by Gord on Apr 18, 2008 2:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, it’s spelled Poontang and Canada has an abundance of that.
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Mania I’m gonna ask this again. Why did you change the format of leaving comments? I think the old way was much better. The new way is really confusing, especially when replying to peoples comments.
by pUniSHment on Apr 18, 2008 2:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think its so funny when dudes come on here and are like “ive talked to him personally , or when i was hanging out with him he said . . .” LoL!!! Come on bro, thers no way that one day you’re hanging with GSP and the next on some lame website with us fans talking bullshit. LMAO!!! get real you delusional nut jobs! Oh did i mention me BJ Penn, and Randy Couture are having a slumber party after party for UFC83 if any of you guys wanna join LoL, Some fruit punch and rice cakes if your down, a pajama jamy jam! LoL, get real dudes, we dont care . . .
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 2:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How can they be going to your slumber party when they are gonna come hang out with me after?? LOL.. I do notice many people act like they know these fighters personally.
by pUniSHment on Apr 18, 2008 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey they RSVP’d, damn it, they better not blow me off like Lidell did last time, its bullshit! LoL, funny fuckers!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 2:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is that hard to believe? The guy didn’t say he was best friends with him. I was surprised when I was in a bar and turned to find Huerta was standing next to me. I ended up talking to the guy for 45 minutes and kept expecting him to cut off the conversation and blow off someone he didn’t know. He didn’t and was very cordial. (Same with A.Silva being friendly though my Portuguese was too rusty to chat with him.)
I think alot of MMA fighters are that way. Very personable and accomodating. It is refreshing compared to alot of pro athletes and their attitudes.
by PJJ on Apr 18, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
alright never get tired of seeing that rocky pic.makes perfect sense to.I mean it would be stupid to actually have pics of the guys who were fighting in the event.well done mania well done.
by SUSPIRIA on Apr 18, 2008 2:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stop the hating mang.. That pic let’s me know what the thread is about. Don’t change it Mania, its tradition.
by pUniSHment on Apr 18, 2008 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t think that starnes will beat nate. the guy is good and everything, but it seems that he has no heart. he quits in fights that he could win. also, wasn’t that him saying after his last loss that he might retire because the pay wasn’t good enough or something like that??? but, maybe this will be sort of a break out fight for him?
anybody picking maia to beat herman??? i think he will.
by Bass on Apr 18, 2008 2:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he’ll sub Herman pretty fast.
by yohnstoppable on Apr 18, 2008 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It funny to think Serra’s ‘fanbase’ will decrease by about 80% by Sunday morning.
by Amos on Apr 18, 2008 2:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
probably not. seems like hes gaining new fans every time GSP does an interview.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 3:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its GSP’s fanbase thats on the line, Serr has nothing to lose, only respect to gain. Figure it out . . .
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Serra has plenty to lose…..like the WW title, credibility, relevance, etc. He knows it, and that’s why he’s talking so much.
A Serra loss gets him a fight against Hughes, another matchup not in his favor.
by Hardcharger on Apr 18, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both of their interviews are so horrible to watch now. They have been saying the exact same things for the last 4 months. It’s nice that they are actually fighting soon.
But like it or not, Serra will lose, and will lose again, and then again if they put him against tough guys. WW is stacked and he is not near the top. He beat GSP fair n’ square. Tomorrow he will lose. Other than GSP Serra’s only UFC WW win was a split decision vs. Chris Lytle. Remember that.
by Amos on Apr 18, 2008 3:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Decision over Lytle, TUF, KO ooops my bad i ment a tapout of GSP . . . Looks pretty good to me. GSP = Barely beat Penn, Hughes, Hughes, Hughes, Hughes LoL, Serra is fighting above his natural weight class and beating champions, remember that. When GSP goes up and beats Anderson Silva we’ll talk and compare. Til then Serra is the one seeking tuffer comp, (GSP fights natural 155ers on the regular dude LoL, BJ, Serra, Sherk) Whatever.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 3:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is one of the most uninformed comments I’ve seen here lately.
Serra has one win against a champion. 1 win against a top WW. Even at his “natural weight” (which he can’t come close to making anymore) he could only decision mid-level LWs, and lost to top competition.
Serra couldn’t touch Hughes, or rack up wins like you see on GSP’s resume. Serra would be a decided underdog against Sherk, Hughes, Koscheck, Karo, Penn, etc, because he matches up poorly with all of them, and he wouldn’t beat any of them.
Serra’s 15 minutes of fame, achieved after he got a title shot as part of a reality show gimmick, are coming to an end.
by Hardcharger on Apr 18, 2008 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think Serra’s natural weight is 155? Have you seen the article on when Serra was over 200 lbs??
by Brandon on Apr 18, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think its a little unfair to jump all over the guys who speak with some of these fighters. I can speak from personal experience because I live in Vegas and train here and a ton of the UFC/WEC guys work out at the same gym. So its really not that hard to talk to any of them because they arent rockstars…I saw brandon vera at a sushi bar and urijah faber at a swimming pool…so does that mean Im a liar? I had great conversations with both guys and if the information I get from those conversations is relevant then Im going to relay it. Shit Urijah sat with our group for almost an hour going over a bunch of stuff that he did while in Hilo. If you dont believe me then go to combatlifestyle.com and click on the photos. (Urijah at Hard Rock) He said he has never seen BJ so ready for a fight! WAR BJ!
I think Adam G. is just a little upset cause he lives in the middle of no where and all he has to look forward to is banging his sister and watching more of his teeth fall out. Dude relax and go comb your kentucky waterfall!
by americana on Apr 18, 2008 5:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL..kentucky waterfall! haha…im not too sure why i find that hilarious, but daaaaaayumn thats some funny sh_t! that said, adam g is pretty funny too (re: ‘delusional nut jobs’ LOL)…i love this website!
by JoeyVitaminB12 on Apr 18, 2008 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I try, this website is full of credible knowledgeable fans, fan freaks, the crazy, and the critics . . . I love it to, id fall in the crazy fan freak catagory of Mr. BJ Penn. Fuck the rest, roll with the best!!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BJ Penn is 4th pfp behind fedor silva and gsp.
by Harry Triangle on Apr 19, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i live in cali . . . What trainig camps are in vegas???? Not GSPs, Not BJ Penns, Not Jackson, hendo, Hughes, Silva, Ortiz, Machida, W.Silva, . . . name one training camp thats in vegas for me . . . Im sure you kick it all day with the stars bro LOLLLLLLLLLLLL
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone at XTreme Couture has their training camp in Vegas – which would be guys like Vanderlei, Couture, Tyson Griffin, Gray Maynard, Forrest Griffin, Sam Stout, Chris Horodecki, Mac Danzig, Karo Parisyan, etc.
by Hardcharger on Apr 18, 2008 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i have met more athletes, celebs, and fighters in vegas than anywhere. i was in the mandalay elevator and winky wright was staring me dead in the eyes. mma guys usually come up from hard work and are very down to earth. yes a lot of guys say they know these guys but shut the fuck up if someone says they met a guy. anderson silva was doing bruce lee nunchucks with a tee shirt and dancing(very well i might add) in VEGAS mind you. its a great spot to go on vacation why would they not. silva doesn’t just camp out in his cali school.
by Dan on Apr 19, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
serra tko
Franklin ud
“the rock” ko
bisping ud
Danzig sub
by jsoph on Apr 18, 2008 5:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GSP TKO
Lutter Armbar/Rear Naked Choke
Quarry UD
Bisping KO
Danzig Rear Naked Choke/Swickitine
by UKmmaBOY on Apr 18, 2008 6:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
serra
Franklin
the rock
bisping
Danzig
Demian maia
by markg on Apr 18, 2008 6:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“If he ends up standing with Bisping, it’s going to be a looooong night for McCarthy.”
Maybe a short night. Hope Mike gets the KO.
by RobH86 on Apr 18, 2008 6:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GSP TKO 1min 1rnd
Danzig Choke 2 min 1round
Marquart Armbar 2min 2nd round
Macarthy Armbar 3rd min 3rd rnd
Lutter KO 3rd min 1st rnd
Dont worry guys I will be wrong on everyone of these, just watch
by Yikes on Apr 18, 2008 7:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL….you’ll def be wrong about Marquardt…??
by B..Long on Apr 18, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m mostly agree with the Holland and Cosme picks, though I have Lutter winning his fight by either KO or TKO.
by JonnyBoy on Apr 18, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not as concerned as most are about matt serra’s ground game. Yes, I know he’s a world class BJJ black belt under renzo gracie, but who has he submitted in the UFC?
Kelly Dullanty.
I think Serra may have a hard time applying his BJJ to MMA. Hopefully St. Pierre will not make any glaring errors and he will be fine.
by Fidel Cashflow on Apr 18, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, and I think GSP may be too strong to get caught in a Serra sub.
by SeeRed on Apr 18, 2008 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bj didnt sub him when GSP put him on his back… I really can’t see Serra doin it.
by Brandon on Apr 18, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Danzig will win, i dont see him subbing Bocek though..I dont think he will even want to go to the ground at all
by mma dude on Apr 18, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
serra by submission fr guard
danzig by gnp/rnc $money pick
maia by sub $money pick
hope all you gsp fans enjoy the fight and enjoy watching your boy’s shoulder get popped out into somebody’s drink. i promise you serra’s going to be no slouch in this 1.
by kama kaze on Apr 18, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Serra has definitely not been given the credit he deserves.
by SeeRed on Apr 18, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little known fact about Travis Lutter: He’s called the Serial Killer because once when he was 8 years old he stomped the shit out of a box of Cap’n Crunch when he couldn’t find the prize.
by PW on Apr 18, 2008 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is that for real man? If it is, I gotta say I like it.
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LoLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mother fucker said cap’n crunch!!!!!!!!!! Oh shit, im still laughing at that shit!! Poor Cap!! hehehehe!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Serra (any way he can figure out- and if he loses I’ll still be a fan of his)
Bisping (though not so easily- decision)
Quarry (TKO- hands are too heavy and fast for Starnes)
Franklin (TKO- see above)
Danzig (Submission- too many skills for Bocek)
by SeeRed on Apr 18, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope Serra KO’s him again.
I’m sick of hearing GSP say that Serra ‘crossed the line’ when GSP opened his mouth and started it all in the first place.
by KS on Apr 18, 2008 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I second that about that garbage “crossed the line” nonsense. He looks like a complete fool everytime I hear that. To be honest with you, I just can’t wait to get this event over with. It is way too overhyped and aside from the 2 main fights, the rest are UFN at best.
I’m a proud Canadian and a big GSP fan and want GSP to take this fight but let’s be honest here. What does he mean with this cross the line nonsense? Dude, all he did was fight you and kick your ass. Anyone who beats him suddenly crosses the line? Gimme a break.
By the way, GSP was an excuse machine after their first fight. It was lame to hear all that crap. On the other hand, when Liddell got knocked by Rampage, he was pure straight up.
Don’t judge a fighter by what he does and says when he wins, but judge him by how he acts when he loses.
How’s that for an unbiased Canadian UFC fan?
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you are judging Bisping after he “wins”, then you can judge how much of a douche he is.
by PJJ on Apr 18, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just can’t wait to get this event over with. Being Canadian, this thing has been in my head since the second the rumors hit about it actually coming up here. I’m exhausted, just hearing about it.
This clip in the promo always makes me laugh: GSP saying “this guy, he really crossed the line.”
I’m a very proud Canadian and a big GSP fan, but someone please tell me what he means by that? Crossed the line how so? All he did was fight you and kick your ass. Now how’s that for an unbaised Canadian fan?
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 11:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“FRENCHIE, go back to your hockey and red wine”. Serra has disrespected his nationality many times. I think Serra is a FOOL for pissing GSP off. Serra himself said,“I think GSP has to be pissed at his opponent to perform at his best”. He should have taken his own advice and kept his mouth shut like he and Hughes did the first time. I’m not saying this is the sole reason GSP lost these 2 fights,but it’s pretty obvious that GSP performs better when he’s a little pissed. I’ve never seen GSP so pissed.
by Gord on Apr 19, 2008 2:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t judge a fighter by what he says and does when he wins, judge him by what he says and does when he loses. Let’s be honest, GSP was an excuse machine after he lost to Serra. Compare that to Liddell who was pure straight up after getting knocked out by Rampage. I gained alot of respect for Chuck after that, and lost alot for GSP after that.
GSP..Serra kicked your ass in the first fight. Win or lose tomorrow, that will always go down in history. Serra kicked GSP’s ass and made him tap on April 7, 2007 and GSP responded with lame excuses after that fight.
Let’s just be honest, go with the facts, and move on to tomorrow. On that note, go GSP, haha.
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you feel the need to repeat the same post 3 times?
FYI, Chuck made excuses after his first loss with Rampage (injured leg, the exact diagnosis of which changed many times). Randy, Hughes, Penn, and Franklin, amongst a litany of others, have also made “excuses”.
by Hardcharger on Apr 18, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry dude, I pressed submit and it didn’t show up at all, nor was it under review. This happened a couple times, perhaps it’s a glitch. Now, it’s up 3 times. My bad.
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sounds like a lot of EXCUSES. Just admit you F—-ed up and leave it at that, like you expected GSP to. Sometimes there are REASONS why a fighter loses. Sure GSP got beat buy the better fighter that night, BUT WHY was Serra the better fighter that night. What’s wrong with GSP giving reasons why HE (NOT SERRA) was not up to par. So what if GSP said ,he thought Hughes was better than Serra, he is better than Serra.
by Gord on Apr 19, 2008 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GSP via headkick Round 1.
Lutter via TKO Round 2. (Yep, I called it)
Quarry via unanimous decision
Bisping via TKO round 1
Danzig via unanimous decision
by c-war on Apr 18, 2008 11:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t see how Serra will be 100% after his injury and time off. I bet he was pushed by the UFC a little to take this fight ASAP, in part to get the ball rolling in this division and get their posterboy back on track. Knowing little to nothing about rehabbing his back injury, I will still say with confidence he is only 75-85% of where he was before the fight.
I like ’em both, but I think GSP will dominate.
by Scootah on Apr 18, 2008 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He crossed da line, now i will crush him GSP’s just pissed the ref didnt stop it and he had to tap in front of everyone to Matt “the tight shirt weara” Serra LoL! GO MATT!! Might as well be Matt Gracie, do what you do bro!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Apr 18, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i said serra’s already married, so quit swinging on his nuts. are you trying to be the new TOMMY, just comin on to try to piss everyone off. you probably dont even know who i’m talking about since your an obvious newb. john remembers tommy i’ll bet.
by b.w. on Apr 18, 2008 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
man I can not see Serra winning this at all. And what the hell is this about GSP mental condition blah blah blah
Due can take on anyone in WW division, man I think after this fight they should start giving him two opponents at the same time
Jon and Kos as same time……………. bring it on
by TKO on Apr 18, 2008 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why is everyone on Demian Maia’s nutt’s? He is a favorite in this fight and I can’t figure out why. Maia’s never even been in the cage with a top level opponent. Sure he’s got great BJJ, but Herman is going to dominate this fight. I see this one going like the Maynard/edgar fight. Herman out works Maia for 3 rounds and takes the unanimous decision.
by BadVibes on Apr 18, 2008 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure how familiar the writers are with Bocek. He isn’t good at BJJ, he’s downright phenomenal. IF Danzig wins – and that’s a big if – it definitely won’t be by submission. He has no chance in that department short of hurting Bocek badly first.
by Luke Thomas on Apr 18, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thats exactly what I said…The dude has his own school if im not mistaken..and went far at Abu Dabi tourney last year…
by mma dude on Apr 18, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and defeated Mike Fowler – who has defeated Saulo Ribeiro and Renzo Gracie – in the North American trials.
by Luke Thomas on Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bocek’s jiu-jitsu accomplishments:
Accomplishments
* 2007 UFC 79 Nemesis, Mark Bocek defeats Doug Evans by unanimous decision.
* 2007 North American Grappling Championship Advanced Division Absolute Winner
* 2007 North East Grappling Challenge Champion, 189lbs advanced
* 2007 ADCC veteran and defeated Drew Fickett 8-0 in the first round
* Defeated Garett Davis in Round 1 in King of the Cage: Capital Chaos on March 28, 2007
* Submitted John Mahlow in Round 1 at King of the Cage: Freedom Fight 2007 on January 20, 2007
* 2006 ADCC North American Trials Champion defeating Drew Puzon, Rob Kahn, Don Ortega and Mike Fowler
* Defeated Kevin Manderson in Round 1 by rear naked choke at Apex Fighting: A Night of Champions, October 14, 2006
* 2006 NAGA Ohio Championships 150-159 lb no-gi advanced Champion and the under 175 lb Black Belt Champion
* 2005 Grapplers Quest Southeast Grappling Championships no-gi pro Silver medalist and 2005 Copa Atlantica Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships Black Belt division Silver Medalist
* 2005 Bravado Champion, advanced and absolute
* ADCC Canadian Trials Champion in 2002 and 2004
* Professional MMA Fight Debut in 2004 at TKO 15 defeating Mark Colangelo by technical knockout
* 2003 Brasilia State Champ (Brown Belt)
* 2002 Grapplers Quest U.S. National Champion
* 2002 World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion
* 3X Pan American Medalist in 1999, 2000 and 2002
* 2002 Campos Submission Wrestling Champion (Brasil) closed the division with Leo Santos
* 2000 Hawaii State Champion, Blue Belt division and open
* 5X Canadian Champion: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001
* Multiple time Joslins Champion
* 1999 NAGA Champion, Closed division with Joe D’arce and Shawn Williams (all training with Renzo Gracie at the time)
by Luke Thomas on Apr 18, 2008 2:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, that’s some sick shiat.
Man, I love the UFC. Bocek is currently an average name in the UFC game but check out those stats. If that is what it takes to crack into the fight game these days, sweet. All the better for our viewing pleasure.
by tripleainto on Apr 18, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My picks -
Bocek/Danzig – I see Danzig taking it, most likely by submission. I just can’t see the UFC throwing him too hard of a fight on his first fight after winning the Ultimate Fighter. Still, I wouldn’t say an upset would be totally out of the ordinary here. Bocek has some submission victories of his own. It’s just I can’t see Danzig losing his first UFC PPV. We’ll see how it goes.
Bisping/McCarthy – As much as I would find an upset here amusing, I can’t see Bisping losing this one. I think Bisping could possibly pull off a TKO/KO against Captain Miserable. As silly as it may sound, I think anything other than a finish for Bisping comes off as a moral victory for McCarthy somehow since he’s obviously being fed to Bisping for his 185 debut.
Starnes/Quarry – I’ll say Quarry finds a way to take this via a TKO or close decision. He definitely has the power to hurt Starnes standing up, so I agree that any kind of Quarry victory will center on his takedown and submission defense.
Franklin/Lutter – Franklin wins. I honestly think Lutter will be unprepared for what Franklin can bring to the octagon and he’ll wind up getting caught, not dissimilar to how he got caught against Silva, except most likely he’ll get caught with strikes instead of a submission.
Serra/GSP – Serra unquestionably beat GSP last time. Can he do it again? I think it’s in the best interests of the WW division if GSP wins. It’ll set up the long awaited Hughes/Serra fight without giving Hughes another title shot and lets a new contender get a shot at the belt(Fitch), and can set up a GSP/Serra rubber match if Serra can collect some wins afterwards. Aside from why GSP SHOULD win, I think GSP showed after his first loss to Hughes that he’s capable of rebounding from a crushing loss and coming back stronger, so I don’t think he’ll get caught by Serra’s heavy hands again. I think the fight will go on longer than the first one did, and will find its way to the ground, which is good territory for GSP, regardless of Serra’s jiu jitsu. So I’m going with St. Pierre on this one, though I hope the UFC has good security in place just in case Serra shocks the world again.
by Jase on Apr 18, 2008 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if serra and gsp fought 50 times, serra would win once. So….
by Amos on Apr 18, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I want to go on record and say I believe Serra will be winning the fight tomorrow :)
by Mike Smith on Apr 19, 2008 1:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After serra loses this fight he will lose to hughes and then lose once more and be dropped by the ufc and will become a skid mark on danas tighty whities.
by Harry Triangle on Apr 19, 2008 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ive just decided to go w/ fatty luter in the upset of the night. i dont know why, i just think he can bring rich down and win a close dec. if this was a 5 rndr i,d feel different be cause rich would have the conditioning advantage. lutter is my upset of the night!
by b.w. on Apr 19, 2008 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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