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Preview UFN 8
By Stephan | January 23, 2007
My “fan” analysis and preview of the upcoming UFN 8 on Thursday Jan 25. Yes, I make mistakes, if I dont know a fighter I go to fightfinder mostly to find info about them. If I know a fighter and remember his fights, I usually go from memory (which is where I get in trouble – I’ll try to double check this time!). This is actually an exciting card with great matchups, and its free! Without further ado, here are my breakdown of the matchups for that card:
Preliminary bouts
Ross Pointon Vs. Rich Clementi
Ross has loss my interest a long time ago, he made for good TV, but thats it. Rich didnt make as good TV, but is better rounded and has more experience. Prediction: Clementi maybe by Submission.
Clay Guida Vs. Din Thomas
Din Thomas is a great fighter, well rounded that came close to be the TUF4 winner. I dont know much about Clay. He participated at UFC 64 and has loads of experience. I still give the edge to Din here.
Ed Herman Vs. Chris Price
As Zach pointed out on the fighopinion radio show this week, Ed Herman is probably fighting for his contract. This would be his third straight loss. He was a fan favorite (much like Chris Leben – coincidentally Lebel and Herman both lost to Jason MacDonald), but has shown weaknesses on the ground. Chris is also in a must win situation, he lost to Kendall Grove in October. I do pick Ed Herman by decision, he did seem better rounded, although was caught last time.
Chad Reiner Vs. Josh Burkman
Burkman is an exciting stand up fighter, he had a great war (and won) against his friend Josh Neer. Chad is making his UFC (or UFN) debut. Chad has a 13-1 record, and his wins seem evenly distributed between KO and submissions. I’m really not sure about Josh’s ground game, but can not doubt his heart, so on this basis I pick Burkman by KO.
Main Card
Dean Lister Vs. Nate Marquardt
Most people think this one will be a snoozer, but this is the fight I’m looking forward to the most. Unfortunately, this match may not on TV. It has been billed as the swing bout (if time permits). Two Brazillian JiuJitsu Black belts duking it out! That should be awesome. Marquardt probably has a slight edge if he can keep it standing up. This one is a real toss-up, but I really like Lister so far, so I’ll pick him, but would not be suprised of any outcome here.
Hermes Franca Vs. Spencer Fisher
Hermes has been a winning streak lately (the last 1 and 1/2 year), hes fantastic on the ground and can also mix it up standing up. “the King” Fisher’s last lost was a questionable split decision to Sam Stout. Spencer has great stand up and does hit very hard. He’s no slouch on the ground but I dont think he can roll as well as Franca. I will pick Franca by submission.
Jake O’Brien Vs. Heath Herring
Is anybody else as excited about Heath coming back as I am? Heath may not win every fight, but he’ll make sure each fight is exciting (sounds opposite of the current belt-holder eh?). Jake has yet to lose, he was at UFN 6 and UFC 65, but I dont remember seeing him, so I believe he must have been an undercard at both. Heath though has faced the best of the best, and would love to come back to the UFC and make a mark now that its exploding. Heath could easily become a fan favorite with his aggresive style. I pick Heath by brutal TKO here.
Rashad Evans Vs. Sean Salmon
Rashad the Heavyweight winner from TUF 2, is now dropping to 205. Rashad’s problem used to be that he only won by decision, but he rectified that at UFC 63 by a KO over Jason Lambert in Round 2. Well Sean is a newcomer to the UFC, he must be good to be the main event at UFN. He sports a record of 9-1, his only loss coming to David Heath, but picking against Rashad has not been wise so far, so Rashad by decision.
Topics: All Topics, MMA, Stephan Marceau, UFC | 10 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
This is going to be one for the underdogs! I’m tapping Clay Guida, Chad Reiner, Chris Price, Nate Marquant, Spencer Fisher and Sean Salmon for the win. Best fight of the night is going to go to Clay Guida, best submission to Nate Marquant, and best knockout to Chad Reiner.
Looking forward to this event and downloading all the undercards (except Ross vs Rich)
Meltzer sayeth the 5.500 tickets are just about all gone.
I’m taking Marquart & Fisher by decision.
With the Gracie FC and the April IFL shows both being cancelled in FL, a crowd of over 5,000 is very impressive. FL is a near impossible market to break into.
UFC is on fire, MMA is not.
Am I the only one intrigued by Pointon vs. Clementi then?
Make or break clash for both guy’s – with both on a losing streak.
Ross, the star of TUF3, has been living and training with Chuck Liddell after a post-TUF stint at Hammer House.
It’s also Ross’ first outing at 170.
Have IFL cancelled their Lakeland show?!?
Bah, just checked ticketmaster, and yes. Yikes :S
GFC got out-muscled by the UFC. Lakeland was not a good idea for the IFL. The reason many concert and sporting promoters choose it as a city is because it’s half way between Orlando and Tampa. The problem is, it’s still an hour each way depending on traffic. They’d be better suited to choose one city or the other. Orlando would probably be a better choice because people know the sport more. Seth Petruzelli from TUF 2 trains in Orlando with UFC vet Luigi Fioravanti and Paul Rodriguez.
I think Herman is vulnerable tonite, even though price missed weight by 7 lbs! It’s more about Hermans lack of consistency and general overall attitude. Short Fuse probably eeks it out, but could be surprised. Din gets a good opponent and has a great opportunity to move closer to a title shot with a win. He will take it.