Event: UFC 119: Mir vs. Cro Cop
UFC 119 is on the horizon and it offers some quality bouts that span the UFC weight classes. There are veterans hoping to reenter their respective title pictures, legitimate studs biding their time for a title shot and MMA prospects looking to make a name for themselves inside the Octagon.
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Date/Time: September 25, 2010, 10PM ET/7PM PT
Venue: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Broadcast: Pay-per-view/Spike TV
Main Card:
Frank Mir (13-5): -240
Cro Cop (32-6-1): +190
Frank Mir has looked good in all his recent fights except for the ones that count – the ones against Brock Lesnar. Mirko Cro Cop steps inside the Octagon with Mir this time with his battle weary body and diminishing punching power. Mir will dominate this fight in every aspect – Cro Cop is done! Pick: Frank Mir -240
Ryan Bader (11-0): -175
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-3): +145
UFC Prospect Ryan Bader tries to keep his undefeated streak alive against a very well trained, well seasoned Antonio Rogerio Nouguiera. Bader has excellent wrestling, impressive strength and great punching power but “Little Nog” may outshine Bader in all those categories. All around, Nogueira is the better fighter and Bader will likely face defeat for the first time. Pick: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira +145
Chris Lytle (29-17-5): -140
Matt Serra (11-6): +110
This is a rematch of The Ultimate Fighter 4 finale in which Serra won in a close decision. Lytle has kept busy and steadily improved while Serra has be largely inactive and has seen his skills level off. Chris Lytle gets his revenge. Pick: Chris Lytle -140
Evan Dunham (11-0): -240
Sean Sherk (32-4-1): +190
In a “prospect versus veteran” fight, both Evan Dunham and Sean Sherk have something to prove. Both will use their wrestling background and all around games in attempts to climb the Lightweight ladder. Sherk’s experience and relentlessness will be too much for the youngster to handle. Pick: Sean Sherk +190
Melvin Guillard (25-8-2): -160
Jeremy Stephens (17-5): +130
This fight has fireworks written all over it. Both have proclaimed their disdain for each other in the media and both bring an aggressive, action packed style to the Octagon. This fight will likely come down to the better cardio and Guillard has he slight edge in that category. Pick: Melvin Guillard -160
Spike TV Card:
C.B. Dollaway (10-2): -350
Joe Doerksen (46-12): +250
This should be a very good fight between a true veteran and an MMA youngster. The difference will likely be an all-too-familiar mistake by Dolloway. When Dolloway slips up, Doerksen, with his 33 submission wins will take advantage and submit the younger fighter. Pick: Joe Doerksen +250
Matt Mitrione (2-0): -155
Joey Beltran (12-3): +125
Two strikers do battle on the Spike TV Card. Mitrione will hold a huge height and reach advantage. He will also enter the Octagon as the more athletic and fit of the two fighters. That’s enough for me! Pick: Matt Mitrione -155
Preliminary Card:
T.J. Grant (15-4): -165
Julio Paulino (17-3): +135
Two well rounded fighters conclude the preliminary portion of UFC 119. TJ Grant will be looking to avenge a majority decision less to Johnny Hendricks while Julio Pauline will try to put an end to a two fight losing streak. Grant is likely the hungrier of the two. Pick: TJ Grant -165
Mark Hunt (5-6): -165
Sean McCorkle (9-0): +135
Former K-1 World Champion Mark Hunt makes his long awaited UFC debut against another good striker and UFC newcomer, Sean McCorkle. Hunt has already had a storied career and holds victories over the likes of Wanderlei Silva and Mirko Cro Cop. He has lost his last five fights however and I think McCorkle has a chance for the upset. Pick: Sean McCorkle +135
Thiago Tavares (18-3-1): -300
Pat Audinwood (9-0-1): +240
Thiago Tavares, a former contender looks to get back on track this Saturday against newcomer Pat Audinwood. Both fighters need this win to earn a little cred. I think that Tavares will be highly motivated even though he took the fight on short notice. He’s got some work to do to get back to elite level. Pick: Thiago Tavares -300
Waylon Lowe (8-3): -115
Steve Lopez (12-2): -115
Two high level wrestlers that lost their UFC debuts will be chasing their first win in the UFC. Both are wrestlers but only one fighter has the all around skills to make life absolutely miserable for his opponent. Pick: Steve Lopez -115
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