Mike Johnston Examiner.com
UFC 114 features a highly anticipated grudge match between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans. The prelims can be seen live on Spike TV starting at 9 p.m. EST. The event is available to order in Canada on pay-per-view.
Here is a complete breakdown of UFC 114:
RASHAD EVANS vs. QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON
With all the trash talk leading up to the main event at UFC 114, most fans want to see a “fight,” not a mixed martial arts match. There is more bad blood between these two fighters than there is between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, Matt Serra and Matt Hughes, or Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley. The first heated words between these two were exchanged after Rampage beat Rashad’s training partner, Keith Jardine, at UFC 96. And, their heated exchanges as coaches on the Ultimate Fighter 10 were more memorable than the fights that season. All the trash talk, insults and animosity have lead to one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history. Both are former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions and whoever wins will get the first shot at ‘Shogun’ Rua’s belt.
Evans will want to play it smart and be patient, like he did against Chuck Liddell. However, Rampage is such an aggressive fighter, he may not allow Rashad to set up combinations. Instead, expect Rampage to force Rashad to fight. Also, this may seem like a silly point, but look at the size of Rampage’s head compared to Rashad’s. Pure physics says that Rampage will be able to take more punishment.
Rashad will not be able to outwrestle Rampage like he did against Thiago Silva, but he does have the ability to muster an explosive knockout punch or kick, even though we don’t see it too often. Just ask Chuck Liddell and Sean Salmon. In his last two fights he has been dropped with punches. Machida finished him but Silva could not. It seems as though when Rashad gets cracked with a good punch he doesn’t like it. And, since Jackson punches as hard as any light heavyweight in the world, Rashad will not wish to stand and trade, no one thinks he can. Then again, no one thought he could win TUF 2, and no one thought he could become the light heavyweight champion.
Remember this, at UFC 113 earlier this month, as much as fans wanted to see Josh Koscheck stand and trade with Paul Daley, he knew he need to implement a smart game plan to win. That’s what Koscheck did and that’s what Rashad will try to do. Rampage will come to fight and Rashad, under the tutelage of trainer Greg Jackson, will come to win. This fight could be like Jackson vs. Jardine at UFC 96, or Jackson vs. Silva at UFC 92. Either way, Rashad won’t be able to handle Jackson’s power.
Rampage by KO.
MICHAEL BISPING vs. DAN MILLER
Although Michael Bisping has a much bigger name, his middleweight bout against Dan Miller is very evenly matched. Bisping and Miller are each coming off decision losses to top Brazilians Wanderlei Silva and Demian Maia, respectively. Both men need a win to get back into the upper echelon of the division. This fight will likely go to a decision, but Bisping could get the finish if he is relentless with his strikes. It has been a rough couple of months for British fighters with Dan Hardy, Terry Etim, and Paul Daley all losing. Bisping should be able to get the Brits back in the win column.
Bisping by TKO.
TODD DUFFEE vs. MIKE RUSSOW
His UFC career has lasted at mere seven seconds, yet Todd Duffee has boat-loads of hype surrounding him. Injuries have kept him on the shelf since UFC 102 last August where he knocked out Canadian Tim Hague seven seconds into their fight. Duffee looks like an action figure and trains with some of the best in the world at Xtreme Couture. His opponent, Mike Russow, is a good wrestler that likes to wear down his opponents and look for chokes and arm locks. Duffee should be too strong to get submitted and he hits hard, very hard. The hype train should keep chugging along.
Duffee by TKO.
JASON BRILZ vs. ANTONIO ROGERIO NOGUEIRA
Brilz is a late replacement for Forrest Griffin and is a huge underdog. However, his style may give ‘Lil Nog’ some problems. If Brilz can utilize his wrestling ability and nullify Nogueira’s submission attempts, he could pull off the upset decision. Nogueira’s boxing and jiu-jitsu are at an elite level and he is likely two wins away from gaining a title shot. Unless Nogeuira comes into the fight overconfident, he should leave the cage with his hand raised.
Nogeuira.
JOHN HATHAWAY vs. DIEGO SANCHEZ
Since England’s John Hathaway does not have a bigger name, many people are writing him off in Diego Sanchez’s return to welterweight. However, this fight will be a lot closer than people think. Diego will come out with more energy than he did in his three fights at lightweight. In those three fights –even his classic war with Clay Guida– he looked stiff in his standup and wasn’t dominant on the ground. Still, Sanchez’s striking is superior to his opponent’s. Hathaway (12-0) has some serious skills and is one of the top young welterweights in the sport. If he can put Sanchez on his back, he has a realistic chance at winning a decision. However, Diego’s grappling is more advanced and he is too good at scrambling to allow Hathaway to control him for 15 minutes.
Sanchez by Decision.
UFC PRELIMS LIVE
DONG HYUN KIM vs. AMIR SADOLLAH
This is an interesting matchup since both fighters are excellent in the clinch although one is a striker and one is a grappler. Amir Sadollah has proven his Muay Thai skills are something to be feared, just ask Brad Blackburn and Phil Baroni. Dong Hyun Kim, on the other hand, is one of the best judo practitioners in the sport and has excellent back control. If Sadollah can keep the fighting standing, he should come out victorious. But, if Kim can toss Sadollah to the ground it could be a long night for the TUF 7 winner. Both men are undefeated and this fight is worthy of a pay-per-view billing, though it is available to watch for free on Spike TV. Kim and Sadollah both fight at an exhilarating pace and this will undoubtedly be an incredible fight.
Kim by Decision.
EFRAIN ESCUDERO vs. DAN LAUZON
The UFC Prelims Live broadcast kick-starts UFC 114 with a bout featuring these two young, exciting lightweights in what is a definite “Fight of the Night” contender. Both Lauzon and Escudero were victims of excellent submissions in their last fights and look to get back in the win column. Both are aggressive and won’t be afraid to let their hands fly. It was recently reported that Lauzon’s brother Joe kicked him out of his fight camp because of his behaviour. This could greatly affect his performance. Look for this fight to be a barnburner.
Escudero by TKO.
PRELIMINARY CARD
MELVIN GUILLARD vs. WAYLON LOWE
It’s a tough task for anyone stepping in on short notice to fight a guy like Melvin Guillard. He is explosive, athletic and will knock your head off at the drop of a dime. UFC newcomer Waylon Lowe has a large task in front of him. Lowe is a southpaw and Guillard has a brutal right hand, so look out for that.
Guillard.
LUIZ CANE vs. CYRILLE DIABATE
France’s Cyrille Diabate has fought some of the best in the world including Shogun Rua, and will make his UFC debut against tough Brazilian Luiz Cane. Diabate is a Muay Thai practitioner and at 6’6 will need to use his reach to be effective. Cane will need to be weary of knees and kicks. Cane is coming off his first career loss and it will be in his best interest to get inside, land some punches of his own and utilize his jiu-jitsu game. If he can do this, he should win. If they stand and trade, Cane runs the risk of getting caught, but he should do just fine as his boxing is lethal.
Cane.
JOE BRAMMER vs. AARON RILEY
Both men are fighting for their UFC lives with the loser likely getting cut from the organization. In his UFC debut, Brammer was dominated and choked out by Ontario’s Mark Bocek. Riley is a well-versed veteran of 41 fights and should be able to win wherever the fight goes.
Riley.
JESSE FORBES vs. RYAN JENSEN
Forbes has the momentum coming into this fight, winning eight of his last ten, while Jensen has lost five of his last eight. The key to this fight is whether or not the more experienced Jensen will be able to take Forbes down. If he can do that, look for him to work his active ground game.
Jensen.
For more coverage of UFC 114 and local MMA news, visit CanadianProFighter.com.
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