Live from Seattle, Washington this Saturday night, the UFC will be holding a free fight card, available on SpikeTV at 8 PM Central Standard Time. The original main event was slated as Tito Ortiz vsa Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, however, due to an injury, Ortiz was forced to withdraw from the card. Enter Phil Davis.Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Phil Davis
Nogueira, brother of the UFC Heavyweight fighter of the same name has been a staple of the sport for years. Beginning his decorated career in Pride, Nogueira has faced some of the greatest athletes in the sport, holding victories over notables such as Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson and Luiz Cane. Though his career has been littered with greatness, his last showing inside the Octagon have been less than impressive. Coming off a loss to Ryan Bader, and a highly controversial decision win over Jason Brilz, Nogueira has not been able to find the same success he did in PRIDE, in the UFC.
Davis, on the other hand is a young prospect. Currently undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, this Light Heavyweight standout has toppled other young standouts Alexander Gustafsson and Middleweight contender Brian Stann. A wrestler by nature, Davis has finished two of his last four opponents by submission and has an ever evolving game.
Praised for his boxing, Nogueira may have the advantage in the stand-up -- provided Davis hasn't evolved as quickly with his hands as he has with the rest of his technical ability. Nogueira has heavy hands and a great understanding of the science. Davis, in comparison will be the stronger grappler. Though his jiu-jitsu game is still evolving, he is one of the top wrestlers in the division and can overwhelm a fighter on the ground. Having a loss and a near loss to two top-notch wrestlers won't favor Nogueira.
My Pick: Phil Davis via TKO
Dan Hardy vs Anthony Johnson
In a fight that has "knock-out of the night" written all over it, former title challenger Dan Hardy will square off against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.
Though both fighters are known for their ability to knock an opponent with one well-placed punch, the technical striking advantage will go to Hardy as he is the more accomplished striker while Johnson comes from a wrestling base. However, Hardy can only hold on to that advantage as long as the fight stays standing.
Johnson, a NCAA National wrestling champion has been out of action for over a year with back-back-injuries sidelining the gigantic welterweight. A wrestler by design, Johnson is not known for applying it to his MMA game. A strong puncher, Johnson has the ability to end the fight astanding or take it to the ground.
In Dan Hardy's previous fight, the glaqring weakness in he game has been takedown defense. exposed in his title shot with Georges St. Pierre, Dan Hardy was unable to stop nearly any takedowns en route to a Unanimous Decision loss. However, Hardy has recognized that as a place for improvement -- in between calling wrestlers boring -- and has began training his jiu-jitsu under world-renowned 10th Planet instructor, Eddie Bravo. Known for his sweeps and attacks from guard, Bravo will likely be looking for Hardy to use the offense from guard to either scramble back to his feet or submit Johnson.
My Pick: Dan Hardy via Knock-Out
Jon Madsen vs Mike Russow
This is a fight that has no reason to leave the first round. Two strong, punchers with one-punch knock-out power should make for a terrific Heavyweight fight.
Mike Russow should not be the one to get knocked out. As seen against Todd Duffee, Russow can take a punch, heck, he can take 50, 60 or a million. You might be able to hit this bastard with a front-end loader and he'll just keep on coming.
My Pick: Mike Russow via Sheer Determination and Zombie-ism.
Sean McCorkle vs Christian Morecraft
In this Heavyweight matchup we see two fighter coming off of a loss. But not only are they both coming off a loss, they are bothing coming off of their first career loss. But not only are they both coming off of their first career loss, they are both coming off of a loss to Stefan Struve. We will get to see first hand how each of these fighters deals with losing inside the Octagon.
McCorkle isn't really an expert at any one discipline, unless you count trash talking on the internet a discipline (and I do). He has shown a great ability to submit opponents off of his back and sweep from full guard. He defeated kickboxing giant Mark Hunt in his first UFC showing before succumbing to Struve in his most recent bout. Look for McCorkle to take this fight to the ground as he has no real place in the Octagon in the upright position.
Morecraft has also shown a great ability to submit his opponents, with 3 of his last 5 fights coming by way of submission, this fight is bound to be a throwback to the old days of Ultimate Fighting where two large men roll around on the floor until one gets lucky enough to bend his opponents arm in an uncomfortable way.
The deciding factor in this game will be the mental state of each fighter. Though I believe Morecraft is not a fighter of UFC calibur and will be handed his second straight loss and walking papers after losing to McCorkle. That being said, anything can happen inside the Octagon.
My Pick: Sean McCorkle via Submission
Mario Miranda vs Aaron Simpson
One of the most dangerous submission experts in MMA today will be facing a heavy handed wrestler with two straight losses. I think we all know how this story goes.
My Pick: Mario Miranda via Submission
There you have it folks, your predictions for UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs Davis. Enjoy the fights!
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