UFC 93: Predictions from Jon and Alan
Posted by Alan Conceicao on January 15th, 2009
As some MMA fans are aware, there’s a PPV show coming up in just a couple days featuring what was a dream matchup about 3 years ago. Its not necessarily the strongest card the UFC has ever put together, but given how many people who read this site will actually be paying $45 to watch, does it matter? Jonathan Snowden (now a regular at Five Ounces) and I go over this weekend’s bouts.
CHRIS LYTLE vs. MARCUS DAVIS:
JS: This will be the prototype Zuffa stand and bang. Who can call what will happen when 4 OZ gloves start flying? I predict a Dana White boner. And a Marcus Davis win.
AC: On Davis/Lytle, I agree totally. Both have shockingly similar boxing backgrounds. Davis has less wear and tear in MMA though.
JC: Yeah. I think Davis just hits harder and seems sharper.
AC: Plus, I think Davis may be a better grappler, in spite of the talk otherwise. I don’t think that will matter here, but I agree with the result.
JEREMY HORN vs. ROUSIMAR PALHARES:
JC: Jeremy Horn is one of the sport’s all-time legends. Unfortunately, there’s not room in the game anymore for a fighter to get bye based on skill and knowledge alone. And Horn, even in his prime, was never a good enough athlete to compete with today’s stars. Palhares, Sub, Round 2. Make that Round 3. Want to be consistent.
AC: I think Horn has nothing left. How on earth does he win this fight? It goes a single round, maybe no more than 3 minutes. Palhares by sub.
DENIS KANG vs. ALAN BELCHER:
JS: Hardcore fans have been awaiting the UFC debut of Kang for years. He’s got the potential to be a great fighter, but the knock on him is that he’s never beaten anyone of consequence. Luckily for Kang fans, Belcher is no one of consequence. Kang, TKO, Round 2.
AC: I used to be a big Kang fan, but god, has he shown anything in the last 2 years or so? Belcher is so hot and cold that this fight is tough to pick, but I’m gonna go with him and useless promotion marks talking about how it proves PRIDE was inferior. Belcher with a decision win over a catatonic Denis Kang.
MARK COLEMAN vs. MAURICIO “SHOGUN” RUA:
AC: Its funny to see people talk about how lousy the Affliction card is because Gilbert Yvel is fighting Barnett in a mismatch, and then you see this.
JS: The UFC hype machine has convinced some people that Coleman has a chance here. Unless Rua falls down and cracks his head, a la Coleman’s teammate Kevin Randleman, I don’t see a 40-something wrestler with no diverse skills winning this fight.
AC: I’m picking a submission in the first round. You know why? I don’t necessarily want Coleman beaten retarded.
JS: Rua, KO, Round 1.
RICH FRANKLIN vs. DAN HENDERSON:
JS: This will answer a lot of questions about where both men are. Franklin gets slept on by fans. He’s really the second best fighter in the world at 185. He’s just not well suited to beat Anderson Silva. But, can he continue his success up 20 pounds at 205? The questions about Henderson are all about his physical tools. Does he still have what it takes to compete at the top level? I think Franklin will answer that question definitively. Franklin, Decision.
AC: I agree fully about Franklin. His beating to Hamill really illustrates the gap to him and everyone else at 185. Henderson looked totally unimpressive against Palhares a few months ago to boot. I’m forced to go with the good younger man in this case. Franklin takes rounds 2 and 3 and goes on to the most uninspired season of TUF ever.