UFC 144 Upsets
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 9:37 AM EST
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PrintThis Saturday night marks the return of the UFC to Japan with UFC 144 "Edgar vs Henderson." While I was making my pics, I noticed that on paper there are a lot of mismatches on this card. But the favorite doesn't always win, and paper champions mean little the world of MMA. Which of these underdogs do you think has the best chance of pulling of the upset this weekend? For my money it will be Bader, Lee and Mitsuoka. I feel that Bader is hungrier than Rampage who has shown in the past a penchant for under performing in non-title fights. I picked Lee over Kid Yamamoto simply because I haven't been impressed with Norifumi lately, and went with Mitsuoka to sub Gomi because, well lets face it, Gomi is a shot fighter, even before he came to the UFC he was on the decline, and at this point in his career is nothing more than a one punch fighter. Take the poll after the jump, or just comment and tell me what a fool I am. War Edgar!
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don't be scared homies
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
:( I hope we don’t see THAT many ud’s!
Edgar 49-46 over Bendo
Page will tko Bader
Shields will tap Akiyama
Boetsch with the upset
Kongo over Hunt TKO
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Feb 21, 2012 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
I see shield winning by shielding
The Rampage fight being similar to the Rampage vs Hammil, but Rampage will play the role of the Hammer, and I think Kongo will employ a similar strategy to the one that got him the win over Meathead. I can certainly see Boetsch with the upset, but I think Okami will realize he is the better grappler and win that way
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
I hope this card is more exciting then you are painting it out to be. But i hope you make your money as well.
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Feb 21, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
I think it can and will be exciting
I have no problem with UDs, some of the best fights in history went to decisions
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Akiyama has never been taken down
Akiyama has better striking than Shields.
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
Shields just has a way of coming out on top
and besides Belcher, who has he fought that even has wresting, in the UFC he has fought Belcher, Leben, Bisping, and Belfort. Before that it was a who’s who of who’s that? in Japan
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
I don't think Shields is gonna get it where he needs it to be to win.
But you have a point. sig bet?
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
I already have one on the Edgar fight
I never double dip
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
haha I did on the same fight and lost it
no worries.
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
Wolfman has it right.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
Mark Hunt has looked better than ever in his last 2 fights. He has shown TDD and ground game, and his striking is brutal. If Pat Barry almost KO’ed Kongo, Hunt will take his head off. I think Hunt knocks Kongo out brutally in this one.
"He's got a great package... and an unusual one!" Joe Rogan (of Lyoto Machida)
you thought Hunt looked good against Rothwell?
I thought he was pretty bad, and Rothwell was even worse
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
He looked good staying on his feet.
Big Ben was going for non stop TD’s. Ben justshowed an iron chin I think any1 else wud have dropped eating those shots.
Mania is not quite Mania without Lester the pimp. Come back soon, les. Copy this sig if you agree.
Rothwell doesn't have great take downs
and Kongo has underrated wrestling, which he showed against Mitrione, who I think is a better athlete than Hunt
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hunt is a worthless piece of shit
He loses in the first round
Even tho I initially acted like a small child, I have been forced to come to my senses. enzo-enormous is better at calling fights than I am, by far. I am a little immature but am working on it. Also, I love dudes and cant wait to get a reach around from the 209
Lmfao!!knogo over hunt tko??
Mania is not quite Mania without Lester the pimp. Come back soon, les. Copy this sig if you agree.
hunt's head rivals Cabbage
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
not a ko but a stoppage, yes.
You act like a TKO means you ko’ed your opponent.
A tko just means you overwhelmed him and i’ve seen LOTS of TKO’s where the guy wasn’t stopped but couldn’t improve his position.
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Feb 21, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
ballsy pick taking Lauzon after the 1st round
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
meh
I just think Pettis is overrated. I don’t discount what he’s done. I see him getting a sub, I chose the 3rd round randomly. I also didn’t have to do a lot of research for this event.
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
overated eh
you know he has a win over that title-challenger guy right now right? ;)
you should totally twitter that on your facebook
I know that
And I think he wins with for flash than substance. He’s just now getting better at the grappling aspect.
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
I don't know about that. His fight with Roller he showed great grappling in all areas.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 22, 2012 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
Lauzon is the better grappler
he’s not a great striker but he’s good enough.
I had a slutty cheerleader/high school mathlete analogy, but I’m about to be 24 and I’m trying to get past those jokes…
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
I'm 27 and wanted to hear it.
Lauzon has some great subs but as far as all around grappler I’d go with Pettis. At least from what i’ve seen in fights, I don’t know about Jits credentials alone.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 22, 2012 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
I think people are sleeping on him
based on the interviews of Pettis and his coaches, they aren’t taking him seriously. I smell upset
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
can't believe u picked 3rd rnd sub for lauzon.. I like the rest though
his gas tank only works until mid 2nd round…and one of the big reasons you’re going to be seeing Petits wrestling improve is his training partner is Ben Askren.
and I gotta go with Kongo…he should stick n move until he gets the takedown, his wrestling is better than rothwells
"Did you know that if you mix equal parts
of gasoline and equal parts frozen orange juice
concentrate, you can make napalm?"
yeah
but fuck cheick kongo. He’s the logical pick and is a huge advantage on paper over Hunt but I’m playing the fan instead of the analysts in this fight.
I picked the round randomly, but I honestly think Lauzon has the goods to win this fight. Watch the countdown show and see how little Pettis and his coaches are making of Lauzon. Just based on that arrogance I hope they lose. I had Lauzon picked before I saw that, but it’s all good.
Kazushi Sakuraba would submit GSP in his prime.
Shivan you don't think Hioki over Bartimus isn't an upset?
I’m taking Bartimus all day in that.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
it's actually the hot bout on Playgrounds right now
which means that the people picking the fight have it close to 50/50
on top of that most ranking sites have Hioki top 3, while Bartimus is hovering around 10, so I think the upset would go the other way anyway
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
Better comp for Bart though.
I only recognized a few names on Hiokis list of opponents. And I remember thinking he lost to Roop. Bartimus on the other hand is huge for 145 and he has stand up advantGE. I just think this is another inflated japanese fighter, at least until he proves otherwise.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
i understand
although not lately, Bart has been a bit inconsistent over his career, so we will see.
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
His record is deceiving
He lost his first four and as he’s always been a banger if the guy he’s fighting has better stand up (Like hoerdecki) he’s kinda fucked. I don’t think that will be the case tonight.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with that
but he also doesn’t have the elite level grappling that could “American MMA” Hioki
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
WHy did I say tonight?
Any way as long as Hioki doesn’t have a shot like Shalorus he should be alright.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 22, 2012 7:46 AM EST up reply actions
Hioki almost lost to Roop
TO GEORGE ROOP
Even tho I initially acted like a small child, I have been forced to come to my senses. enzo-enormous is better at calling fights than I am, by far. I am a little immature but am working on it. Also, I love dudes and cant wait to get a reach around from the 209
Is it wrong for me to like this PPV? Or am I settling?
Mania is not quite Mania without Dakatak. Come back soon, Dak.
Please copy this sig if you agree.
"If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible." - Epictetus
I'm surprised you buy any of them OJR
This card is awesome.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 6:48 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I value my money too much to buy all of them. This one does strike a chord with me, though.
Mania is not quite Mania without Dakatak. Come back soon, Dak.
Please copy this sig if you agree.
"If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible." - Epictetus
Good to hear it.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 22, 2012 7:48 AM EST up reply actions
There are alot of name fighters on this card
I think it is worth the purchase, just for nostalgia’s sake
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
Oh dude
You are going to lose a lot of fights this weekend
Even tho I initially acted like a small child, I have been forced to come to my senses. enzo-enormous is better at calling fights than I am, by far. I am a little immature but am working on it. Also, I love dudes and cant wait to get a reach around from the 209
I actually switched over to Kid
figured I would go with his wrestling over the Brit, plus it’s usually not good to pick 3 underdogs in the money pool
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Yamamoto UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
by ShivanTiger on Feb 21, 2012 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
Good points
I’m sticking with Lee since Kid has yet to impress me since moving to the UFC. I’ll probably be wrong but I think I was the only one to pick against him in his last fight as well so I will stick with the pick.
Akiyama and Boetsch
I think have the most chance to upset
by PotOfGold on Feb 21, 2012 11:14 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Okami hasn’t? Other than AS, Okami has looked great.
"He's got a great package... and an unusual one!" Joe Rogan (of Lyoto Machida)
Didnt say he hasn't
I just think Boetsch is one of the strongest MW in the division since his drop down. As long as his cardio is solid I think he pulls off the UD because he should be able to control and out grapple Okami.
"I've visited all 57 states"
lol
You’re gunna lose. All 3 rounds.
Even tho I initially acted like a small child, I have been forced to come to my senses. enzo-enormous is better at calling fights than I am, by far. I am a little immature but am working on it. Also, I love dudes and cant wait to get a reach around from the 209
I thought Hunt would be an option
Big ben has good takedowns and Hunt stopped them. Im not saying he should be the favorite or that i believe he will win. But he has a good chance. k1 4ever.
I went with
MMAPlayground’s percentages, each of the fighters listed has been picked by 20% or less of the members that have locked in their picks so far.
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
None of them
Cariaso maybe
Pro Sig record:16-6
1 Month sig bet with 10th Degree Whitebelt that DJ does NOT win the FLW tournament
Sig bet with KaleJohnCox on Alves-Kamp. ALVES
2 month Sig/Pic bet with theoregonduck on Poirier-Zombie. POIRIER
Sig bet with Goldmouth on Bendo-Edgar.EDGAR
2 week Sig/Pic with NNR on Okami-Boetsch Zhang-otherguy OKAMI/ZHANG
2 week Sig with TheDragon on Page-Bader. RAMPAGE
is he your cousin?
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
A much hearts as Frankie has
I dont see him beating Bendo, dudes a freak of nature. On top of that he is way bigger, just cant see frankie pulling this one off. Should be a pretty high tempo affair though, look forward to it. If any underdog has a shot I see it being bader, actually think he can beat Page regardless whether it happens or not its a tough pick for me.
Bendo doenst want to stand with Edgar. And I don't think he has the footwork to cut him off for 5 rounds.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
speed kills
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
Ever since they announced this fight I’ve been thinking Edgar via TKO
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 21, 2012 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
both guys are really hard to finish
I just think Edgar will end up out pointing him, in a fight similar to the two Penn fights
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
i root against the scrap pack whenever possible
but I don’t think he beats Shields coming off of two losses, and possibly fighting for his UFC life.
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
I love the scrap pack
The entire Cesar Gracie team is tough as fucking nails. Thats what Chael said(altho u cant really believe anything he says) that all the guys there have great cardio and are always attacking
Pro Sig record:16-6
1 Month sig bet with 10th Degree Whitebelt that DJ does NOT win the FLW tournament
Sig bet with KaleJohnCox on Alves-Kamp. ALVES
2 month Sig/Pic bet with theoregonduck on Poirier-Zombie. POIRIER
Sig bet with Goldmouth on Bendo-Edgar.EDGAR
2 week Sig/Pic with NNR on Okami-Boetsch Zhang-otherguy OKAMI/ZHANG
2 week Sig with TheDragon on Page-Bader. RAMPAGE
I like Gil
and i like how the Diaz brothers fight, but I usually root against them, cause I can’t stand Cesar, or at least his public persona
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
I'd like to meet Cesar to see what hes actually like
He seems like a smart guy, it wouldnt surprise me if it was a persona
Pro Sig record:16-6
1 Month sig bet with 10th Degree Whitebelt that DJ does NOT win the FLW tournament
Sig bet with KaleJohnCox on Alves-Kamp. ALVES
2 month Sig/Pic bet with theoregonduck on Poirier-Zombie. POIRIER
Sig bet with Goldmouth on Bendo-Edgar.EDGAR
2 week Sig/Pic with NNR on Okami-Boetsch Zhang-otherguy OKAMI/ZHANG
2 week Sig with TheDragon on Page-Bader. RAMPAGE
maybe
but he may just be a tool
UFC 144 picks: Zhang 1st Rnd SUB, Mitsuoka 2nd Rnd SUB, Lee UD, Bader UD, Cantwell UD, Mizugaki UD, Kongo UD, Hioki UD, Pettis 2nd Rnd SUB, Okami UD, Shields UD, Edgar UD(sig bet with Scottidog)
Sig bet record 2-6*
always a possibility
Wouldnt be the first Gracie with issues lol
Pro Sig record:16-6
1 Month sig bet with 10th Degree Whitebelt that DJ does NOT win the FLW tournament
Sig bet with KaleJohnCox on Alves-Kamp. ALVES
2 month Sig/Pic bet with theoregonduck on Poirier-Zombie. POIRIER
Sig bet with Goldmouth on Bendo-Edgar.EDGAR
2 week Sig/Pic with NNR on Okami-Boetsch Zhang-otherguy OKAMI/ZHANG
2 week Sig with TheDragon on Page-Bader. RAMPAGE
Chose Bader
I chose Bader.. Looks like more people are picking Akiyama, but Bader is making a comeback! Good poll
Hey why don't you join the money pool or free pool so we can test your mettle
Professional sig bet record: 7-8-1
Sig Bet with KO's and Knees: Frankie/Bendo: 2 weeks (Frankie)
Sig Bet with KO's and Knees: Shields/Akiyama: 2 weeks (Shields)
Sig Bet with Patrick L. Sturmberg on Hioki/Bartimus: 2 weeks (Bartimus)
Listen, Akiyama isn't knocking anybody out so you guys just better get ready to deal with that reality
Second, these round 1 finishes are delusional
Even tho I initially acted like a small child, I have been forced to come to my senses. enzo-enormous is better at calling fights than I am, by far. I am a little immature but am working on it. Also, I love dudes and cant wait to get a reach around from the 209
-Jake Shields has no power on the feet and he probably won’t be able to take Akiyama down because of Akiyama’s high level Judo base. 209 Caesar Gracie camp haven’t been looking too good lately.
-Vaughn Lee sucks.
-Mitsuoka is taking this fight on short notice.
-Zhang has shown nice boxing.
I’d say the stoppages are justifiable
"When you believe in something and you're a good person...things happen" - Junior Dos Santos
I love how you don't even have to qualify the Gomi fight.
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Feb 22, 2012 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
Well he said Mitsuoka is coming of short notice
Which mens Gomi will take him out
Professional sig bet record: 7-8-1
Sig Bet with KO's and Knees: Frankie/Bendo: 2 weeks (Frankie)
Sig Bet with KO's and Knees: Shields/Akiyama: 2 weeks (Shields)
Sig Bet with Patrick L. Sturmberg on Hioki/Bartimus: 2 weeks (Bartimus)
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