After a string of injuries putting the lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and challenger Grey Maynard out of action, the UFC is still puitting on an action packed card on May 28th live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs Matt Hamill
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rampage Jackson steps in to the Octagon against inspirational contender Matt Hamill. Both have heavy hands and well-rounded wrestling.
Jackson, the former champ is coming off a victory over Lyoto Machida. This knockout artist has made his name against the toughest in the sport and come out on top more often than not. Known for his heavy hands, what is often forgot is his wrestling background. Though underused and perhaps even forgotten in his arsenal, Jackson is hard to get to the ground and nearly impossible to finish while there.
Hamill is a deaf mixed martial artist. He's also no joke. Hamill is on a 5 fight win streak and coming off a victory over Tito Ortiz. He has heavy hands and is known for his incredible wrestling pedigree and violent knockout power.
I expect to see 3 rounds of carefully calculated striking mixed with sporatic takedowns. Jackson and Hamill will likely use the first round to get an idea of distancing on eachother before letting loose in the 2nd round. While Rampage is caught up in the striking I predict Hamill to use openings to score takedowns sealing a decision victory. However, if Rampage lands his fists on Hamill, he won't be awake long enough to taste the 3rd round.
My Prediction: Matt Hamill via Unanimous Decision
Frank Mir vs Roy Nelson
Frank Mir is a former Champion looking to work his way back to the top against the unusually figured and unreasonably tough Roy Nelson.
Mir, coming off a victory over Mirko Filipovic is eager to get back to the top of the division. A submission expert and recently taking to the technical boxing game, Mir is a tough opponent in every area; and able to finish from any position.
Nelson, coming off a loss to title challenger Junior dos Santos is looking to regain his momentum. A rather obese heavyweight with an unbelievably amount of durability and cardio, Nelson is a submission ace with heavy, heavy hands.
In an even matchup, look for the two to feel each other out for the first few minutes before throwing heavy leather. I anticipate seeing more kicks from Mir and Nelson using those kicks to work for takedowns. The girthy heavyweight, once on the ground will look to pound Mir out rather than go for submissions as the two are equally talented in offensive and defensive jiu jitsu.
My Prediction: Frank Mir via Unanimous Decision
Thiago Alves vs Rick Story
Thiago Alves will return to the Octagon to face Rick Story, an up and coming prospect in the UFC's Welterweight Division.
Alves, arguably the best striker in the 170 lb division has had his chance at Championship glory and is currently looking to recapture that moment. Coming off a victory over John Howard, Alves will be using this matchup as a catalyst in to the upper echelon of the division. Known for his heavy leg kicks and devastating knockout power in either hand, Alves holds a definite advantage in the stand-up game.
Story is a young gun looking to make it to the top of the pack in the welterweight division and this is just the fight to do that. An accomplished collegiate wrestler and well-rounded martial artist, look for Rick to utilize his ground game to take Alves in to unwanted waters.
My Prediction: Rick Story via Split Decision
Brian Stann vs Jorge Santiago
All-American mixed martial artist and Marine Brian Stann takes on former Sengoku Middleweight Champion Jorge Santiago in a Contender bout at UFC 130.
Brian Stann, known for his knockout power and increasingly impressive ground game is currently riding high on a 2 fight win-streak, most recently defeating Chris Leben. A heavy handed middleweight, Stann is a former WEC light heavyweight champion so size will be on his size. He is a guy that isn't afraid to slug it out with anyone and more ofen than not, comes out on top.
Santiago is returning to the UFC after two consecutive title defenses of his Sengoku Middleweight title. One of his most recent wins is an avenged loss of an early stoppage to Mamed Khalidov and a win over Kazuo Misaki. Right, who? Santiago proved himself unworthy of the UFC banner in his last stint losing to Chris Leben and Alan Belcher.
I expect Stann to come out strong and early, using his size and power advantage to score an early stoppage. Santiago won't be able to answer the call.
My Prediction: Brian Stann via (T)KO
UNDERCARD LOCKS
Renan Barao vs Cole Escovedo
My Prediction: Barao via Unanimous Decision
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