UFC 124 Preview & Predictions: 7 Canadians on the card

By Mike Johnston

The UFC makes returns to Montreal with the most anticipated title defense of Georges St. Pierre’s career. UFC 124 will set attendance records and a live gate record, and the Montreal crowd is expected to be louder than any crowd in UFC history. The fans will have many Canadian fighters to cheer on as there are seven Canadians on the card in total. In addition to GSP in the main event, Mark Bocek, Joe Doerksen and TJ Grant all look to move up the ranks. Plus Sean Pierson, Jesse Bongfeldt and John Makdessi look to make an impression in their UFC debuts.
For more MMA news and notes followhttp://twitter.com/MikeyJ_MMAHere is a complete breakdown of UFC 124:

• GEORGES ST. PIERRE vs. Josh Koscheck (for welterweight title)

In one of the biggest grudge matches in UFC history, Canadian superstar Georges St. Pierre looks to defend his welterweight title against the most vilified fighter in recent memory, Josh Koscheck. Although GSP is a 5-1 favourite and he is extremely confident, this is the worst possible stylistic matchup for the champ. Koscheck’s wrestling could give GSP trouble, he is athletic and won’t gas out, and he has the ability to change the fight with one punch. In saying that, GSP has superior technique and may just be the best mixed martial artist on the planet. Expect St. Pierre to be more aggressive in this bout as he has stressed he wants a finish. He has been working with Freddy Roach on his boxing and Roger Gracie on his submissions in preparation for this bout. This will be a totally different fight than their scrap at UFC 74, when the two first met. St. Pierre will rock Koscheck with a combo at one point and eventually sink in a rear-naked choke. And still the UFC Welterweight Champion of the world…
Georges ‘Rush’ St. Pierre.

• Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle

The two tallest fighters in the UFC meet up as the 6’11 Struve takes on the hilariously dry 6’7 McCorkle. Although, McCorkle has won the war of words, things won’t be nearly as easy in the octagon. Win or lose, McCorkle is good for the UFC, but Struve hasn’t taken kindly to the trash-talk. The fight itself is interesting because many are curious how McCorkle will do against a legit UFC heavyweight. McCorkle is extremely strong and Struve has been knocked out or dropped in many of his fights, so the Dutchman needs to keep his hands up. Struve has been training with some of the best kickboxers in the world over in Holland and has said he wants to win by knockout. If McCorkle can use his weight and strength to wear down Struve, he may be able to catch him with something or try his patented kimura. Struve, only 22, is always improving and is coming off one of the best knockouts of the year.
Struve.

• Thiago Alves vs. John Howard

Both of these welterweights like to stand and trade bombs. Since both hit with tremendous force, it’s likely someone could get knocked out in highlight reel fashion. Howard says that Alves won’t like the type of violent pressure he will apply on the feet, but all Howard has to do is watch Alves’ classic bout with Chris Lytle and he might think otherwise. Alves has been working with Mike Dolce and the ‘Dolce Diet’ could be the key to Alves performing at his potential in the octagon. Howard will have an advantage if the two begin to brawl since he has one punch knockout power. However, Alves might hit just as hard and is far more technical. Look for Alves to land leg kicks that will slow Howard down and take the pep out of his punches. If the fight goes the distance it will be due to Howard’s durability.
Alves.

• Mac Danzig vs. Joe Stevenson

Two veteran Ultimate Fighter winners go head-to-head in this lightweight matchup. On the feet, Danzig is the more fluid striker, but Stevenson could counter that with more powerful wrestling. Danzig has been controlled in the past by fighters like Clay Guida and Jim Miller, and Stevenson could exploit that again. ‘Joe Daddy’ has been out struck by Diego Sanchez and Danzig definitely has superior standup to ‘The Nightmare.’ It is another case where whoever can implement their strategy will win. Danzig tends to be the more active fighter in his fights and that will result in him scoring more points on route to a decision win. A loss could cost Danzig his contract.
Danzig.

• Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira

In a fight that is being heavily overlooked, two lightweights go to battle in a bout that has the most title implications on the entire card (excluding the main event of course). Oliveira is perhaps the hottest young prospect in the UFC, but they may be rushing him along too quickly as he is matched up against Jim Miller. This is a similar situation to when the UFC put Rory MacDonald in the cage with veteran Carlos Condit. It was slightly too much for the youngster to handle. Miller has better boxing, wrestling, and will be stronger. Oliveira is very quick, active on the feet and has shown dynamic jiu-jitsu. Whoever wins will be discussed in the title picture no doubt. Miller’s older brother Dan is fighting on the undercard and Jim’s performance could be affected by the result of his brother’s fight. If Dan wins, it can put Jim’s mind at ease, but if his brother loses, if may affect his mental game. Since I’m also picking his brother to win, I’ll say Miller will be too much for Oliveira to handle at this stage of his promising career.
Miller.

• STREAMED LIVE ON UFC.COM

MARK BOCEK vs. Dustin Hazelet
Ontario’s Mark Bocek looks to take a leap up the lightweight ranks with a high profile win over Dustin Hazelett. On the feet Hazelett has an advantage and can use his reach to score points, while Bocek will use a strength and wrestling advantage to gain dominant positions. The real battle will begin when Bocek is in Hazelett’s guard. If the Canadian can keep good posture and stay composed, he should be able to control Hazelett. Bocek’s top game is one of the best at 155lbs, while Hazelett’s guard is one of the most dangerous in the sport.
Bocek.

• JOE DOERKSEN vs. Dan Miller

Winnipeg’s Joe Doerksen has been training with Jeremy Horn in preparation for this bout, which should help with submission defense, something he will need against Dan Miller. Both veterans are solid in all areas and this fight could go everywhere. Doerksen hits harder, but Miller is more precise, and they both finish the majority of their fights by submission. Look for Miller to establish his range on the feet and if a guillotine presents itself, he will dive on it quicker than an Olympic swimmer. Miller’s only losses in the UFC have been decisions to top contenders Chael Sonnen, Demain Maia and Michael Bisping. Doerksen is not the level of those three, although he will still give Miller all he can handle.
Miller.
PRELIMINARY CARD

• TJ GRANT vs. Ricardo Almeida

Nova Scotia’s TJ Grant is one of the most underrated and exciting welterweights in the UFC. Grant’s ground game is excellent, but not on Almeida’s level, although the Canadian’s overall skill set is superior. His best attribute is the way he fluidly mixes in his striking and grappling, the highest compliment for a mixed martial artist. Grant needs to be the more aggressive fighter and if he can stay busy, it will make Almeida uncomfortable. Almeida is coming off a loss to Matt Hughes so he may be tentative.
Grant.

• JESSE BONGFELDT vs. Rafael Natal

Ontario’s Jesse Bongfeldt makes his UFC debut against a tough Brazilian. Natal has powerful kicks and he likes to use them, but that can be dangerous against an aggressive fighter like Bongfeldt. Natal is also a BJJ black belt. Both men have unorthodox striking styles but are dangerous nonetheless. Bongfeldt has victories over TJ Grant and Sean Pierson, is the former TKO welterweight champ, but hasn’t fought in nearly 15 months. Bongfeldt is your typical tough Canadian boy and if he can draw off the energy of the crowd, while not succumbing to ring rust, he could pull off the upset.
Bongfeldt.

• Matt Riddle vs. SEAN PIERSON

The Ontario native and GSP training partner, Pierson, makes his long awaited UFC debut in front of what is essentially a hometown crowd. This will be his 11th fight in Quebec in just 15 pro appearances. He takes on strong, tough, up-and-coming welterweight Matt Riddle who should have a power and strength advantage. Pierson will need to be weary of three things: Riddle’s strong right jab/short hook, a straight left hand, and his ability to smother his opponents on the ground. Pierson has more experience, more tools in his tool kit, and more ways to finish the fight. If he can use his wrestling to stay on the feet, or gain top position, Pierson can pick up his first UFC win. The key battle will be Riddle’s takedowns vs. Pierson’s countering. This is a very tough fight to call.
Riddle.

• Pat Audinwood vs. JOHN MAKDESSI

In his UFC debut Audinwood had a great effort against Thiago Tavares, did all the rights things, but fell short against a superior fighter. At UFC 124 he takes on UFC newcomer, undefeated Canadian John Makdessi. In Audinwood’s last fight he held his hands low and against a former kickboxer like Makdessi that would be a mistake. Makdessi has some fancy kicks in his arsenal and even with a reach disadvantage is dangerous. If Makdessi can avoid the takedown he has an excellent chance at using his striking and picking up the win in front of home crowd.
Makdessi.