UFC Ultimate Fighter Finale Preview & Picks
This year’s season of the Ultimate Fighter, featuring Georges St-Pierre and Josh Koscheck as coaches, was perhaps the best yet – not because of the typical reality TV trapping but because the actual fights were so outstanding. That means we should be treated to a fun finale.
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Here’s a pick for the finale fight between Michael Johnson and Jonathan Brookins – plus a look at some other veteran bouts on the card.
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 12 Finale
Saturday, December 4, 2010 from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
Jonathan Brookins (11-3) vs Michael Johnson (8-4)
UFC odds: Brookins -125, Johnson -110
This finale matchup shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Brookins was an unstoppable force the entire time he was on the show. Though Johnson’s cardio issues almost got in his way, he was consistently one of the best two or three guys in the house, so he’s a deserving finalist too.
I expect this fight to be organized chaos. Both guys have somewhat of a brawling style and are definitely wrestlers above anything else.
Standing up, Johnson may have a slight edge. Brookins has been so dominant on the ground that he hasn’t had to strike very much at all. He did, however, lose his brief exchanges with Kyle Watson in the semifinal. Johnson stood and traded with every one of his opponents. He’s not very technical at all but he’s aggressive.
That said, Johnson doesn’t seem to have much knockout power. He tagged little Nam Phan countless times in the semifinal and couldn’t put him down. Since Brookins seems to have a good chin – he ate a huge knee against Watson – I don’t see Johnson hurting Brookins in the standup game. That means this fight will eventually go to the ground. 
Once the fighters hit the canvas, I think Brookins takes this fight, hands-down. Johnson looks like the stronger man; he’s an intimidating specimen. But looks are deceiving. I actually think Brookins is stronger. Johnson couldn’t even hold Phan on the ground. Brookins has amazing strength for his wiry frame, reminiscent of Jon Jones. His throws and his ground-and-pound are also devastating – again, just like Jon Jones.
Based on his superior ground grappling technique and what I think is a big strength advantage, I think Jonathan Brookins will become the next Ultimate Fighter.
Pick: Brookins -125
OTHER TUF 12 FINALE FIGHTS TO CONSIDER
Stephan Bonnar (12-7) vs Igor Pokrajac (22-7)
UFC odds: Bonnar -225, Pokrajac +185
It’s a Stephan Bonnar fight, so we should expect a war here. Pokrajac got his first UFC victory in his last fight, but that was against a guy with no ground game in James Irvin. Bonnar, a BJJ black belt, can handle himself if taken down and stay standing if he wants to. He should take this.
Pick: Bonnar -225
Demian Maia (13-2) vs Kendall Grove (12-7)
UFC odds: Maia -360, Grove +280
Upset alert! Grove isn’t a great fighter but he only ever has trouble with heavy-handed guys. Maia is no threat to hurt him standing up. I’m calling a shocking knockout win for Grove.
Pick: Grove +280
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