For the first time in UFC history, four former UFC champions will be on the same fight card. And, since the event is being held in Detroit, the UFC is as close to Ontario as it’s going to be for a while (geographically speaking of course), at least until next year. Although there are no Canadians fighting on the card, Canadian fans are eagerly awaiting this event that features some of the most popular fighters in MMA history.
For more MMA news and notes follow me on Twitter @MikeyJ_MMA. Here is a complete breakdown of UFC 123 including a poll of who Canadian fans think will win the five main card bouts:- Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Lyoto Machida
In terms of stylistic matchups, Machida couldn’t have lucked out any more than he has. If Machida were to design a fighter that is ideal for his style, it would be Rampage, plodding and often predictable. It should be open season for Machida to land his left inside leg kick, and if successful, that will slow Rampage down and put him off balance. On paper, this fight is tailor-made for Machida to win a unanimous decision.
However, Rampage isn’t some slow schmuck that will roll over, he’s Rampage, and is tough enough to withstand the Brazilian’s strikes and keep pushing forward. Jackson is willing to eat a few in order to land some of his own. If he can connect cleanly on even one of his patented hooks, he can do to Machida what Shogun did at UFC 113 in Montreal. The key to that will be cutting off the cage with footwork and not getting frustrated when Machida starts running. The winner of this fight is right back in line for a shot at the winner of the Shogun-Rashad fight that will happen in 2011.
Rampage by KO.
In one of the most anticipated rubber matches in MMA history, former champs and UFC poster boys Matt Hughes and BJ Penn will fight for a third time. If you judge this matchup based on recent performances, then Hughes should win; but if you base it on their two previous fights with one another, Penn might have an edge. Hughes is bigger, stronger, a better wrestler, and better conditioned. On the other hand, Penn will be quicker and has more ways to finish the fight, whether standing or with submissions. Since Penn’s takedown defense is so strong, much of this fight could be on the feet and Hughes’ rudimentary striking has always been his weakness. Meanwhile, Freddy Roach (Manny Pacquiao’s boxing trainer) has said BJ has the best boxing in MMA. Penn has switched things up for this camp and says that he will go back to the old BJ, aggressive, care free and vicious. We’ll see how that works out for him against Hughes, who has three wins in a row. Besides both former champs having two losses to Georges St. Pierre on their records, Hughes and Penn don’t have too much in common stylistically. This is the toughest fight on the card to predict since no one knows which version of each fighter will show up. Nonetheless, it should be a classic, and a war of attrition.
Penn.
- Joe Lauzon vs. George Sotiropouslos
This fight has some title implications and should by all accounts be a barnburner. J-Lau has won three of his last four, with his only loss in that span being a ‘Fight of the Night’ decision to Ontario’s Sam Stout at UFC 108. On the other hand, Sotiropoulos is undefeated since coming off TUF 6 and has looked dominant in each of his six UFC wins. The speed and technical fluidity of the transitions in this fight will be something to marvel at. On the ground and on the feet, Sotiropoulos has smoother technique, but Lauzon is more explosive and aggressive. On paper, Sotiropoulos should win, and if he gains the mount, Lauzon is in trouble. But it’s Lauzon’s unpredictability that could be the key to this fight.
Lauzon in an upset.
- Tim Boetsch vs. Phil Davis
This could end up being a showcase bout for “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis. It is his first pay-per-view appearance and he is being touted as a future light heavyweight contender despite competing in the sport for just two years. He is the biggest favourite on the card even though his opponent is a tough veteran with knockout power. Davis should be able to use his quickness and athleticism to keep Boetsch’s attack off balance throughout the fight. Davis’ ground control is incredible and is constantly improving his striking and wants to display his overall game. Still, it would be risky to stand and trade with Boetsch in order to prove a point.
Davis.
- Maiquel Falcao vs. Gerald Harris
Like Davis, this fight should be a showcase for one of the most humble fighters in the UFC, Gerald Harris. He takes on Chute Box vet Maiquel Falcao, an intimidating-looking figure new to the UFC. Harris has shown his improved standup and knockout power in recent performances, but look for him to go the ground-and-pound route in this fight. It is risky to stand and bang with someone like Falcao. The best way to secure a win would be for Harris to emulate his TUF 7 coach and turn into a mini Rampage, slamming his way to victory.
Harris.
Who Canadian fans think will win:
**A group of random Canadian MMA fans were polled on Facebook and Twitter to see who they believe will win the five main card bouts. The fans were split only on the Hughes/Penn fight. Here are the results…**
Rampage 25% – Machida 75%
Hughes 52% – Penn 48%
Lauzon 5% – Sotiropoulos 95%
Harris 100% – Falcao 0%
Davis 92% – Boetsch 8%
PRELIMS LIVE ON SPIKE TV- Matt Brown vs. Brian Foster
Of all the preliminary bouts, this one will be the most entertaining. It will showcase two southern boys that enjoy a good ol’ scrap. Foster is a replacement for the most-hyped Canadian fighter since GSP, 21-year-old B.C. native Rory MacDonald, who injured his knee while training. Brown should be superior on the ground in terms of jiu-jitsu, and Foster does have two submission losses in his UFC career. But if the fight stays standing, we’ll see Foster’s powerful hands. Both men are tenacious and talented, so this should come away with either a “KO of the Night” or “Fight of the Night.”
Foster.
- Mark Munoz vs. Aaron Simpson
These two middleweights are mirror images of one another, both outstanding wrestlers with knockout power. Munoz is more conservative when throwing punches, where as Simpson is not adverse to a brawl. However, that brawl mode got him into trouble against Chris Leben and it could against Munoz as well. Look for Simpson to be more relaxed and choose his shots wisely in this fight. Since these two are so closely matched, it’s a tough fight to call, but should be fun to watch.
Simpson.
PRELIMINARY CARD- Karo Parisyan vs. Dennis Hallman
Karo Parisyan, once a top threat at welterweight, makes his UFC return following a tumultuous split from the organization last year. Parisyan pulled out of a fight with Dustin Hazelett at UFC 106 the day before weigh-ins due to anxiety problems. Since then, Parisyan says he is better and even picked up a submission win at a smaller show in July. He takes on an MMA veteran who is on a roll. Dennis Hallman’s only loss in the past four years was when John Howard knocked him out with just five seconds remaining in their bout at the
TUF 10 Finale; Hallman was winning the bout up until he was clipped. For this fight, Karo has an advantage on the feet and some of the best Judo in the history of MMA. However, Hallman’s grappling and control has been overpowering lately. Because of Parisyan’s inactivity in the last three years, Hallman might be able to pull off the upset.
Hallman in an upset.
- Nik Lentz vs. Tyson Griffin
Tyson Griffin, a title contender at lightweight just one year ago, has been relegated to the unaired prelims because of two straight losses. He fights Nik Lentz who was not rewarded following his insipidly forgettable win over Andre Winner at UFC 118; he stalled for three rounds and used wrestling to grind out a dull decision. Griffin won’t let that happen as his wrestling is also strong and his kickboxing is some of the best in the division. Lentz is tough and durable, but is thoroughly outmatched.
Griffin.
- T.J. O’Brien vs. Paul Kelly
Not many are familiar with O’Brien (16-3), but rest assured, he is in the UFC because the kid is talented. At 6’2, he is the tallest lightweight currently in the UFC and that is an advantage if he ends up on his back. Kelly will have a power, strength and experience edge, and couple that with UFC debut jitters, the odds are stacked against O’Brien. If Kelly can get on top and avoid submission, his ground-and-pound will be brutal. But, Kelly will be like a heat-seeking missile, looking for the knockout on the feet.
Kelly.
- Mike Lullo vs. Edson Barboza
Two more UFC newcomers do battle for a spot on the roster. After losing his pro debut, Lullo has won eight straight and is a talented submission artist, even winning one fight via gogoplata. Barboza, on the other hand, is an acclaimed Muay Thai striker that is undefeated in MMA. He will want to keep it on the feet and if he can, it should be his fight to lose.
Barboza.
By Mike Johnston
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