26 year old Diego Sanchez is one of the best fighters in the UFC, he is 24-4 with his only losses coming by Decision to John Hathaway (in his re-debut at welterweight), Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck. Sanchez has also lost to perrenial contender and former lightweight champion BJ Penn by way of a nasty cut on his forehead. Sanchez is a wrestler and energizer bunny hybrid led by Greg Jackson of Albuquerque, New Mexico - a camp regarded and proven to be one of the most successful in modern MMA.
Sanchez style is extremely fast paced and he uses his strikes to set-up takedowns. Both his striking and takedowns are sporadic and largely ineffective. According to UFC.com Diego Sanchez has been successful on only 20% of his takedowns and 39% of his strikes (half of those being on the ground). So if Diego can get The Hitman to the ground, he may be able to use his ground and pound to stop the fight or earn the Decision.
Kampmann on the other hand is a Danish champion thai kickboxer that has recently come out of nowhere in a storm of welterweight glory. His most recent loss to #1 contender Jake Shields' notwithstanding. At 17-4 Kampmann has faced top competition including bouts at Middleweight against Nate Marquardt and Jake Shields. Kampmann's last fight, a split decision loss to one of the pound for pound best fighters in the world (Jake Shields) displayed his ability to stop takedowns and grapple with a ADCC Bronze Medalist.
With Kampmann's striking ability (landing 50% of standing strikes) and takedown defense (stopping 76%), Diego Sanchez will have the hardest fight of his life ahead of him. The only concern is Martin Kampmann's willingness to let his hands fly. As we saw in the Shield's fight, The Hitman can at times be reluctant to showcase his world class striking.
My Pick: Kampmann via Decision
C.B Dollaway vs Mark Munoz
C.B. Dollaway is an Arizona State wrestling alum with a wealthy submission arsenal. He will be facing heavy handed Phillipino Mark Munoz.
Dollaway will have a 5 inch reach advantage over Munoz and a definite advantage in the wrestling department as Munoz has moved his camp to Blackhouse (a camp not known for it's wrestling pedigree). I think this matchup will come down to a well established jab and lead leg kick setting up takedowns for Dollaway.
Munoz most recently lost to Yushin Okami before defeating Aaron Simpson, a former coach of Dollaway. C.B. is on a 3 fight win streak against low-tier competition. Although his competition has been less difficult he has been fighting knock-out artists, much like his current competition.
My Pick: Dollaway via Submission (Bonus: Arm Bar in 1st Round)
Alessio Sakara vs Chris Weidman
This main card fight will feature the Italian 'Legionarius' vs American Chris Weidman. This is a classic David and Goliath matchup pitting a rookie professional in Chris Weidman against UFC and MMA veteran Sakara.
Sakara will have a definite advantage in the standup as a fighter that lands nearly half of his strikes and avoids 3/4 of attempted strikes against him. He is also a decent grappler with a proven ability to take opponents down when necessary and transition to dominant positions on the ground. However, the most important factor in this matchup will be Sakara's ability to stop the takedown. The Italian has a recorded takedown defense rate of 73% according to UFC.com. Against the all-american wrestler, that will prove to be pivotal.
Weidman is a new opponent having a record of only 4-0 in MMA and never competing against any notable opponents. Having successfully won and defended the Ring of Combat Middleweight Championship Belt won't prove to be a seriosu accomplishment against the much more experienced Sakara. Weidman is a well-rounded fighter but primarily a grappler.
I feel Sakara's ability to keep the fight standing will result in a 4th straight victory and a move-up in competition.
My Pick: Alessio Sakara via Submission
Result: Chris Weidman via Unanimous Decision
UNDERCARD LOCKS!!!
Here you can have a couple quick picks to supplement the Main Card wagers
Joe Stevenson vs Danny Castillo
My Pick: Joe Stevenson via Submission (Bonus: Guillotine Choke)
Result: Danny Castillo via Unanimous Decision ( 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 )
Steve Cantwell vs Cyrille Diabate
My Pick: Cyrille Diabate via Unanimous Decision (Bonus: Expect Cantwell to be Cut following the Loss)
Results: Cyrille Diabate via Unanimous Decision ( 30-27, 30-25, 30-26 )
Thiago Tavares vs Shane Roller
My Pick: Shane Roller via TKO (Bonus: 3rd Round Ground and Pound)
Result: Shane Roller via Knockout
Rousimar Palhares vs David Branch
My Pick: Rousimar Palhares via Submission (Bonus: Guillotine or Leg Lock)
Result: Rousimar Palhares via Submission (Kneebar)
There are a few picks for UFC on Versus! Hopefully you can make a little money and have a lot of fun! Enjoy the fights and Drink Responsibly!
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