UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Preview & Predictions

By Mike Johnston

Two Canadians are featured on the televised portion of this fight card dedicated to the armed forces in North America. Canada’s best featherweight, Mark Hominick, takes on one of his training partners, George Roop. Plus, Edmonton’s Tim Hague is back in the UFC as he takes on “Meathead” Matt Mitrione. The event can be see in Canada on Rogers Sportsnet and will raise money for the Canadian Hero Fund. For more information visit herofund.ca. For more UFC & MMA news and updates follow @MikeyJ_MMA on Twitter. Here is a complete preview with predictions of UFC Fight for the Troops 2…

• Melvin Guillard vs. Evan Dunham

Dunham comes into this fight with tons of momentum, but so does Guillard. From a technical standpoint Dunham has the advantage in all areas, but Guillard’s athleticism and knockout power can make up for that. And, Guillard is a former Louisiana state wrestling champ, so his wrestling should not be underestimated. Dunham would be advised to utilize his superior grapping and attempt to control Guillard and look for a choke. Guillard will likely want to keep the fight standing, using his wrestling in reverse, Chuck Liddell style. Guillard is orthodox and Dunham a southpaw, so each man’s straight punch from his power hand will be key. If Guillard can limit mistakes, such as leaving his neck vulnerable like he did against Nate Diaz, he has an excellent chance at pulling off the upset. The longer a fight goes Dunham seems to get stronger and if it goes the distance he has more tools to pick up the win. The victor will be one or two wins from a definite title shot. By using his speed, athleticism and footwork, like he did against Jeremy Stephens, Guillard could make things frustrating for Dunham.
Guillard in an upset.

• Mark Hominick vs. George Roop

Two Team Tompkins teammates face off in an exciting featherweight matchup. Roop is coming off a devastating knockout win over ‘The Korean Zombie’ and Hominick is riding a four-fight win streak. Roop is dangerous and will need to use his reach advantage to keep Hominick at bay. Speed and footwork, which is the key to Hominick’s game anyways, is the key factor in fighting a tall opponent like Roop. So, expect the Ontario native to be too quick and precise with his kickboxing for Roop to handle. The TUF 8 vet has proven to be durable so Hominick might have trouble finishing him, but look for him to outpoint his opponent en route to a decision victory. If Hominick is successful, he has been guaranteed a shot at Jose Aldo’s featherweight belt at UFC 129 in Toronto. However, if Roop can pull off the upset, it’s uncertain whom the UFC will pit against Aldo in Toronto.
Hominick.

• Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Hague

This should be an exciting heavyweight tilt chalk-full of punching exchanges in the centre of the octagon and along the cage. Both men hit hard enough to think this fight won’t go the distance, but if a knockout doesn’t come fans can expect an exciting three round war. Mitrione has a speed advantage and he has proven he can take a shot and still come forward. But, Mitrione’s tendency to keep his hands low and brawl could put him in trouble against the genial giant from Edmonton. Tim Hague has tons of power, so if the two get into a slugfest, Hague’s chances of getting a KO will improve dramatically. Mitrione is quicker, can take more punishment, and will have a cardio advantage. Hauge has more power, experience, has a huge heart, but is slower. It could come down to who lands the first clean, hard shot. Canada will be cheering for Hague.
Mitrione.

• Pat Berry vs. Joey Beltran

This should be another heavyweight slugfest with both men looking for a knockout. Unless one of them is rocked and needs to recover, don’t expect much clinching, although Beltran would be best advised to mix in his wrestling in this bout. Berry is the more dangerous striker and has some of the best kicks at heavyweight. Before gassing out, breaking a hand and a foot, and getting submitted at UFC 115 in Vancouver, Berry was beating up Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ and dropped him twice. Beltran, on the other hand, is the tougher and grittier of the two. He has power and can take a lot of punishment. If the two go toe-to-toe like they say they will, Berry has the better chance of landing something that could end the fight.
Berry.

• Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman

Wiman will be pumped up since his brother is a military veteran and he will look to put on a show for the troops, while Miller is always focused and intense. Wiman comes forward aggressively in all his fights and that should serve him well in this bout. He needs to get on the inside of Miller’s reach to have success standing. Miller has tremendous submissions, but Wiman has proven very durable and has underrated jiu-jitsu. Although Miller is on a hot streak, Wiman is one of the most underrated lightweights in the UFC. This is the toughest fight to pick on the entire card and it could very well end up being the “Fight of the Night.”
Wiman in an upset.
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• Yves Edwards vs. Cody McKenzie

It’s not possible. It can’t happen. If Cody McKenzie wins via guillotine choke again, then he should start charging fighters great sums of money lessons of his craft. The TUF 12 cast member doesn’t have well-rounded skills; his standup is sloppy and his wrestling isn’t great. But, he is a tough nut to crack and his guillotine is deadly. Yves Edwards on the other hand is a seasoned veteran with good standup, quality grappling and a wealth of experience. The last time Edwards (39-16-1) was submitted was in 2006 when Mark Hominick tapped him with a triangle choke at UFC 58. All Edwards needs to practice is guillotine defense and if he protects his neck in the fight, it should be a rather easy win. All the respect in the world has to go to McKenzie for taking a fight with Edwards on short notice.
Edwards.

• DaMarcus Johnson vs. Mike Guymon

The loser of this fight will likely be given the pink slip as both men are coming off losses. Guyman is the superior wrestler and smothering Johnson is likely his game plan, but he has been susceptible to submissions in the past and Johnson is dangerous on the ground. On the feet Johnson has an advantage. Neither man will ever gain a title shot in the UFC, but Johnson has the ability to put on exciting fights whether he wins or loses. Johnson has served in the armed forces, so he will be extra motivated. That extra aggression and determination could prove a difference maker.
Johnson.
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• Rani Yahya vs. Mike Brown

Once again former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown has been demoted to the non-televised preliminary card, which is disappointing to hardcore fans since Brown is such a talent. However, his lack of marketability and recent struggles gives the UFC good cause to do so. He takes on Rani Yahya who moves back up to featherweight after two straight losses at bantamweight. Yahya, who sports a submission win over Mark Hominick, is one of the premier grapplers in the sport, but his standup has been his downfall. Still, like Demian Maia, if Yahya gets you on the ground you’re in trouble. Look for Brown to be too strong, shake off takedown attempts and eventually land some big punches.
Brown.

• Amilcar Alves vs. Charlie Brenneman

Both men have identical 11-2 records and are coming off losses in August. That being said, these two have very different styles. Alves is a judoka that throws good kicks and is a training partner of Jose Aldo. Brenneman is your typical American collegiate wrestler that is adapting well to MMA. This fight will come down to who can control the bout positionally. Brenneman needs to implement the same game plan as Mike Pierce did at UFC 118: stick to Alves like glue, take him down repeatedly, and defend the submissions. If Brenneman opens up too much on the feet or the ground that’s what will get him trouble with Alves. If Brenneman can use his wrestling, he should come out victorious. If not, look out.
Brenneman.

• Waylon Lowe vs. Willamy Freire

Freire is a UFC newcomer with 20 professional fights, amassing a 17-3 record and is currently riding an 11-fight win streak. Lowe (9-3) has UFC experience and has been in there with tougher competition including headliner Melvin Guillard. Although Freire has good standup and submissions, Lowe’s wrestling should be the difference in this fight.
Lowe.

Both bantamweights need a win or memorable performance to remain on the UFC roster as they are both coming off losses. Each fighter prefers to stand which could make for an exciting bout to start the evening. Campuzano is six inches taller and will have a major reach advantage. This may cause Cariaso to look for takedowns. Campuzano does not like to fight from his back and if he can avoid that his reach will come in handy.
Campuzano.

• Will Campuzano vs. Chris Cariaso