It seems like this is said every few months, but the UFC is preparing for the biggest fight in its history… again. UFC 116 will see the two biggest, most athletic heavyweights in the company’s history lock horns as Brock Lesnar defends his heavyweight title against undefeated Shane Carwin. There is one Canadian on the card as Krzysztof Soszynski faces Stephan Bonnar in a rematch of their war at UFC 110.
On a side note, if you have been watching the World Cup lately and were looking forward to hearing an unwavering, irksome, droning sound during the main event, you’re out of luck. Yes, UFC President Dana White has officially banned vuvuzelas at UFC 116. The event is available to order in Canada on pay-per-view.
Here is a full breakdown of the card:
MAIN CARD
Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin (heavyweight title-unification bout)
Both figuratively and literally, this is the biggest fight in the history of the UFC’s heavyweight division. Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin represent the new breed of heavyweight fighters, mammoth, athletic and explosive. Both walk around at over 280lbs and cut weight to make the 265lb limit. If Dan Mirgliotta had been refereeing the bout, the octagon might well have needed to be reinforced with titanium.
When I spoke with Randy Couture in May at his Xtreme Couture Toronto gym, he said that he believes whichever fighter implements his wrestling first would likely win the fight. He also said that Brock is the better technical wrestler, the better athlete and is quicker. Long story short, “The Natural” believes Brock will defend his belt. In fact, Couture has assisted Lesnar in his camp leading up to the Carwin fight.
The fight should start with both men finding their range and throwing some punches, but Brock will be the first to initiate a clinch or takedown attempt. If the two do end up clinching, watch for Carwin’s short punches and strong uppercuts, while Lesnar likes throwing knees.
For the first time in either man’s career, they will be fighting an opponent with equal size and strength. And, both men are simply too powerful for the fight to go the distance. Look for this contest to be similar to the Lesnar-Couture fight from UFC 91, except when Carwin lands punches, like Couture did, Lesnar will get rocked.
Carwin by 2nd Round T/KO.
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben
Unfortunately, Wanderlei Silva blew out his knee, broke some ribs, and was forced to pull out of his fight with Yoshihiro Akiyama. Fortunately, the UFC has found an exciting replacement that will give Akiyama a good challenge, Chris “The Crippler” Leben. The American knockout artist is coming off an impressive TKO win over the previously undefeated Aaron Simpson just two weeks ago. It’s a short turnaround for Leben, but that may not be a bad thing. He is obviously in fight shape and didn’t take too much damage from Simpson, so he should be fresh. Akiyama on the other hand hasn’t fought since UFC 100 where he won a close, controversial, exciting decision over Alan Belcher. Ring rust may be a factor.
The Japanese superstar loves to stand and slug it out with his opponents, but he should utilize his outstanding judo in this fight. For Akiyama to stop Leben, he will have to do so with an accumulation of strikes, or lock in a tight choke of some sort. Akiyama should set up his shots, be patient, use his speed advantage, and look for an opportunity to get the fight to the ground. There is a chance, if he decides to stand with Leben, that he manages to outpoint the American, but why run the risk of getting your clock cleaned? Leben, on the other hand, has the ability to knock any middleweight unconscious, and he may do just that at UFC 116. Add in the fact that Akiyama was very distraught when Wanderlei Silva pulled out and it left him unmotivated for the Leben fight. That could be a factor in Akiyama’s performance as well.
Leben by upset KO.
Matt Brown vs. Chris Lytle
It would be surprising if this scrap did not win “Fight of the Night.” Neither man is ever in a dull fight and can take the action anywhere. On the feet, these two will stand and trade exciting, powerful combinations, Lytle being more of a boxer, while Brown uses Muay Thai strategies. Both are credible on the ground, but Lytle is the superior grappler. In fact, pretty much everything Brown excels at Lytle is just slightly better. Whether this fight ends with a TKO, submission or goes the distance, it should be a barnburner from beginning to end.
Lytle.
Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
This is a rematch of their fight from UFC 110 that ended in controversy when the fight was stopped due to a cut on Bonnar’s head. Since an accidental head butt caused the cut, it should have been ruled a no-contest, however Soszynski was awarded the victory, thus the rematch. In their first fight, Bonnar landed more strikes and secured a few takedowns, but Soszynski landed the more damaging blows. Bonnar’s willingness to take punches doesn’t always serve him well if the fight goes the distance, and in this fight he will need to be more cautious. Bonnar will need to stay on the outside and pick the Canadian apart if he wants to win. He also has great submissions, but Krzysztof is very strong and can power his way out of trouble. If he can avoid mental mistakes, the Canadian Soszynski should come out victorious.
Soszynski.
Kurt Pellegrino vs. George Sotiropoulos
This should be an exciting matchup between two hardworking lightweights that are quickly rising up the 155lb ranks. Sotiropoulos is coming off a dismantling of Joe Stevenson at UFC 110, while Pellegrino is riding a four-fight win streak. When you break down each fighter’s skill set, it becomes clear that this will be a closely contested bout filled with many transitions and momentum swings. As of late, Sotiropoulos’ jiu-jitsu has been tremendous and the main reason for his success. Add that to a solid striking game and you have one of the best lightweights in the UFC today. Pellegrino is a solid wrestler and has the grappling ability to nullify the Australian’s attack. Sotiropoulos is the more precise, technical fighter, while Pellegrino is grittier. This fight could go either way, and fans will likely witness a plethora of high-level grappling. But if Sotiropoulos can use his reach advantage and gain top position, Pellegrino will be in trouble.
Sotiropoulos.
PRELIMS LIVE ON SPIKE TV
Brendan Schaub vs. Chris Tuchscherer
Brendan Schaub will be doing the UFC a favour when he knocks out Chris Tuchscherer, a training partner of Brock Lesnar. Although he has proven he can wrestle well and squeak out decision victories, Tuchscherer is not an exciting fighter to watch. The UFC is waiting for an excuse to cut him and getting finished by Schaub will be that very excuse. Apparently Tuchscherer is coming into this fight in great shape and 20lbs lighter than usual, so that might make it more of a challenge for Schaub. However, apart from a freak injury, it’s hard to see Schaub losing this fight.
Schaub by T/KO.
Seth Petruzelli vs. Ricardo Romero
The “Kimbo killer” Seth Petruzelli is back in the UFC for the first time in three years. He faces Ricardo Romero who makes his promotional debut with hype and momentum behind him. At 10-1, with his only loss being a disqualification, no one has been able to solve Romero. Petruzelli is a character outside of the cage, but all business when it’s time to fight. Since losing to Wilson Gouveia in 2007, Petruzelli has gone 4-0, finishing all four fights in the first round. Look for Petruzelli to use his improved striking to hand Romero his first true loss.
Petruzelli.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Kendall Grove vs. Goran Reljic
Originally scheduled to air on Spike TV’s Prelims Live broadcast, Kendall Grove vs. Goran Reljic has been bumped to preliminary status. The reason being Grove’s recent derogatory comments made about The Ultimate Fighter, ironically the same show Grove got his big break in the UFC, when he won season 3. Grove has since apologized for his remarks.
Nonetheless, this is a fight that has an excellent chance of winning “Fight of the Night.” Each fighter has a similar style to the other, which makes for an exciting matchup. Both are always on the attack, aggressive with their strikes and submissions. Grove and Reljic are coming off losses and need a win to stay relevant in the middleweight division. Grove has more octagon experience, but that will not intimidate the Croatian in the slightest. Grove also has a suspect chin and Reljic has the ability to knockout “Da Spyder” with either punches or kicks. Grove should use his reach to stay on the outside and land punches, or initiate a clinch and throw his effective knees. With such long limbs, it is easy for Grove to lock in submissions from odd angles as well. This should be a close matchup, but look for Grove to overcome an early onslaught from Reljic.
Grove.
Dave Branch vs. Gerald Harris
TUF 7 veteran Gerald Harris has looked excellent as of late, winning nine consecutive fights and finishing his last six opponents. He takes on UFC newcomer Dave Branch who sports a 6-0 record with six finishes. Harris is a strong wrestler with knockout power and has shown vast improvements in his striking of late. On the feet, Harris should have the advantage. If he decides to use his wrestling and take Branch down, though, he could find himself in trouble. Branch is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, which means he has some serious grappling ability.
Branch in an upset.
Forrest Petz vs. Daniel Roberts
Roberts (9-1) looked impressive in his UFC debut right up until he was violently put to sleep courtesy of some John Howard ground-and-pound. Petz takes this fight on short notice for the injured Julio Paulino. Petz (18-7) has been submitted four times in his career and is currently riding a four-fight win streak. Roberts will be too shifty for Petz to avoid being tapped.
Roberts by Submission.
Jon Madsen vs. Karlos Vemola
Although the TUF 10 veteran’s standup looked much improved in his last fight, Jon Madsen would be smart to stick to his roots, wrestling, when he takes on 7-0 Karlos Vemola. Madsen has been training with Brock Lesnar, so he should be in the best shape of his life. Vemola is an athletic and aggressive fighter that has made a name for himself on the UK circuit. He has finished all seven of his opponents in the first round by either submission or T/KO. Unless he falls victim to lay-and-pray tactics, Vemola should hand Madsen his first professional.
Vemola by T/KO.
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