The UFC makes its fourth trip to Canada, and its first outside of Quebec as UFC 115 is set to take Vancouver by storm. There are three Canadians on the card including hometown boy Rory MacDonald, veteran David Loiseau, and Mississauga, Ontario native Claude Patrick making his promotional debut.
Here is a complete breakdown of UFC 115:
Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin
The main event at UFC 115 is perhaps the toughest fight to call. Will Rich Franklin be able to wear Liddell down? Will “The Iceman” be able to land his devastating right hand on a mobile Franklin? And, how will each fighter react to coming off the biggest layoff of his career? One could argue that the former middleweight champion actually performs better when fighting at light heavyweight. In order to have success, Franklin will need to implement a similar game plan to the one Mauricio “Shogun” Rua showcased when the Brazilian defeated Liddell at UFC 97 in Montreal, mixing it up with strikes and takedowns. Still, Liddell is always dangerous. A major factor in this fight is the fact Franklin stands southpaw. Liddell’s biggest weapon is his straight right hand, which happens to be kryptonite for southpaw fighters.
Liddell by KO.
Patrick Barry vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic
Barry is one of the most likable guys in the sport, but is one bad dude when he’s in the octagon. Mirko Cro Cop is a hall-of-fame mixed martial artist, but has not been himself since getting KO’d by Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 70. This fight will be a kickboxing match until someone is unconscious or the ref steps in. Neither man will attempt a takedown or clinch and both men have some of the most devastating kicks in the sport. You will hear a lot of “ooohs” coming from the crowd. This should be a vicious standup war, but Barry looks to be too strong at this stage in his career.
Barry by TKO.
Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago
In a fight not many are talking about, two of the UFC’s best welterweights battle it out. Paulo Thiago has come into the UFC and quickly shot up the ranks in the 170lb division. He holds a knockout win over current number one contender Josh Koscheck and is coming off choking Mike Swick unconscious at UFC 109. His only career loss was close decision to Jon Fitch, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Realistically, Thiago is two wins away from earning a title shot. The Brazilian’s jiu-jitsu is top-notch and he has proven his striking is dangerous and constantly improving. Thiago has the ability to win any fight either on his feet or on the ground. Kampmann, on the other hand, is a steadfast welterweight with crisp Muay Thai and dangerous submissions. His only blemishes in the last six years have been two quick TKO losses to world-class competitors Nate Marquardt and Paul Daley. This may be a fight where Kampmann is the better overall fighter, but Thaigo is more dangerous and has the better chance of finishing the fight whether by knockout or submission.
Thiago.
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
Rothwell is a big heavyweight and he hits like one. Gilbert Yvel, on the other hand, mixes it up with good punches and solid kicks. Rothwell likes to use the clinch and utilize the cage to wear down and bully his opponents. The American can also take a lot of punishment and keeps coming forward. And, because the big man can take a beating, Yvel will have to be careful not to tire himself out. Still, Yvel’s versatility in his striking could prove to be the difference.
Yvel by TKO.
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
B.C. native Rory MacDonald (10-0) is currently the youngest fighter in the UFC and one of the brightest prospects in MMA. If the young Canadian can defeat a proven welterweight like Carlos Condit (24-5), then he is definitely the real deal. And, at just 20 years old, he is a future contender. Condit is coming off a nine-month layoff after suffering a hand injury and that will be a disadvantage. Still, the last ever WEC welterweight champ is without question the best fighter MacDonald has faced. This fight is likely to be a high-paced war that goes everywhere with both men continuing to attack until the fight is over. Condit has more experience and a vast skill set, but MacDonald is more technical and should have a strength advantage.
An entire country will be cheering for MacDonald. The young canuck’s future is as bright as anyone’s in the sport, but the question is, will the step up in competition prove too daunting a task?
Condit by Decision.
PRELIMS LIVE
Evan Dunham vs. Tyson Griffin
This lightweight contest will be a barnburner. Griffin and Dunham are former training partners at Xtreme Couture and they know what the other brings to the table. Dunham has great jiu-jitsu and Griffin is a solid wrestler, but this may turn into a slugfest. Griffin has shown he likes to stand and bang and Dunham has been training with elite striking coach, Ontario’s Shawn Tomkins. Dunham has a height and reach advantage so he should look to stay on the outside. Griffin throws quick combinations and powerful looping right hands, always looking for the knockout. A counter to the looping right hand is a straight left, which happens to be Dunham’s best punch. Whatever happens, this is the early favourite to win “Fight of the Night.”
Griffin by Decision.
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman
Both Danzig and Wiman have tremendous potential, but have yet to put together impressive win streaks in their UFC careers. Both are well-rounded, but give Wiman a slight advantage to on the feet and Danzig the edge on the ground. This should be a very technical fight. Both have sound striking and solid ground games. A tough fight to call that will likely go 15 minutes.
Danzig by Decision.
PRELIMINARY CARD
David Loiseau vs. Mario Miranda
David “The Crow” Loiseau is back in the UFC… again. Canada will be cheering, but unless the old David Loiseau shows up it may not end favourably for the French-Canadian.
Miranda.
Peter Sobotta vs. James Wilks
Ultimate Fighter Season 9 winner James Wilks was unsuccessful in his UFC debut and looks to get back on the winning track. Peter Sobotta is young and mixes up his strikes and ground game. However, Wilks simply has a wider skill set and should be able to use his veteran presence to pull out the win.
Wilks.
Claude Patrick vs. Ricardo Funch
Mississauga, Ontario native Claude Patrick makes his UFC debut in his home and native land. Although he is new to the UFC, he is not new to the sport. Patrick trains with Mark Bocek and Sean Pierson and with such solid ground credentials should come out with the victory.
Patrick.
Jesse Lennox vs. Mike Pyle
This is a battle of two UFC journeymen. Neither fighter will likely ever be near title contention, but both can put on exciting shows for the fans. Pyle uses active submissions, while Lennox likes to trade and use wrestling. If Lennox goes for a double leg takedown he will need to be weary of Pyle’s guillotine.
Lennox.
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