By Mike JohnstonThe UFC makes its 3-D debut as it returns to the VERSUS network for UFC on Versus 3 featuring Martin Kampmann vs. Diego Sanchez. That’s right, for the first time ever the UFC will broadcast in 3-D. There will be a 3D production crew and equipment separate from the traditional HD production. The telecast will also include the former WEC duo of veteran play-by-play voice Todd Harris and UFC featherweight Kenny Florian, who will call the night’s action. If you don’t have a 3-D TV, don’t worry, Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg will be calling the action in good old 2-D. Two preliminary fights can bee seen on Facebook starting at 8 p.m. ET. The main card is available to watch in Canada live on Rogers Sportsnet ONE beginning at 9 p.m. ET. For more UFC and MMA news and updates follow @MikeyJ_MMA on Twitter. Here is a preview with predictions for the card. Included at the bottom is a poll of whom Canadian fans think will win each fight …
Martin Kampmann vs. Diego Sanchez
This should be a faced-paced, action-packed fight full of momentum changes, positional shifts and reversals. It’s well worth main event status. Kampmann is the slight favourite (at -150) as he should be. He is the superior striker, has excellent footwork and an active, highly underrated ground game. Kampmann’s footwork and takedown defense is the key to this fight because if he can keep it standing he should come away victorious. What Sanchez lacks in tactical fluidity, he more than makes up for in energy, aggression, stamina, explosive scrambles and durability. Kampmann is a brilliant counter fighter so Sanchez’s aggression –on the feet and on the ground- could work against him. In the conference call for this bout Sanchez seemed like he’s in a good place mentally. He also mentioned he has been lifting weights after his practices and wrestling with bigger training partners, so expect a stronger Sanchez. With both welterweights being so active and shifty on the ground, the fight could come down to which fighter can maintain dominant positions for longer. This is a tough fight to call.
Sanchez in a close, exciting decision.
Mark Munoz vs. C.B. Dollaway
These two middleweights are on the brink of entering the upper echelon of the division and an impressive win here could do that for either man. Dollaway is on a roll, coming off an impressive win over Winnipeg’s Joe Doerksen, while Munoz just beat Dollaway’s teammates Aaron Simpson. Munoz has heavier hands and a better wrestling pedigree, but Dollaway has better submissions and is not as tentative as Munoz. This should be a grueling battle with Dollaway throwing kicks, stuff takedowns and going for submissions, while Munoz looks for his overhand right, takedowns and ground-and-pound. In another upset…
Dollaway.
Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page
This is a rematch of a WEC 35 bout in which Bowles submitted Page with a first round guillotine choke. Page needs to avoid the grappling of Bowles and hope to land a knockout shot on the feet. Bowles has been nursing his injuries since his loss to Dominick Cruz last March, so rust could be a factor. However, with his excellent counterpunching and ability to protect his head, Bowles has the advantage in this fight. Page, though, will be highly motivated since he has a chance to avenge a loss.
Bowles.
Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Weidman
It’s surprising this fight is on the televised portion of the card considering names like Rousimar Palhares, Thaigo Tavares, Takeya Mizugaki and Joe Stevenson are featured in promising preliminary bouts. Sakara (15-7-1) is one of the best boxers in the division, but has a suspect chin and hasn’t been active the last few years. Weidman at just 4-0 is very green in the sport, but is a Matt Serra protégé who takes this fight on short notice. As it was proven again at UFC 127 when Brian Ebersole upset Chris Lytle, a last minute opponent change doesn’t always bode well for the fighter who was preparing for someone else. If Weidman can get it to the ground, he could pull it off.
Weidman in an upset.
- PRELIMS ON FACEBOOK beginning at 8 p.m. ET
Joe Stevenson vs. Danny Castillo
This fight pits a quality WEC lightweight against a legit UFC lightweight. Many people are underestimating Castillo because he is not as well known as ‘Joe Daddy,’ but he trains at team Alpha Male with Urijah Faber, Joseph Benevidez and Chad Mendes. With strong wrestling and knockout power he’s a dangerous opponent for Stevenson. In the last three years, although he only fights top-level competition, the TUF 2 champ is just 3-5 and he’s coming off a knockout loss to Mac Danzig. Stevenson needs to get this fight to the ground and if he can his superior grappling with show. If not he could be in for a long night as Castillo hits hard and throws often with bad intentions.
Castillo in an upset.
Steve Cantwell vs. Cyril Diabate
Cantwell is one of the better young fighters in the sport, but injuries have sidelined the 24-year-old for about a year and a half, which could be a detriment in this fight. Diabate is one of the best strikers in the sport and coming off a loss to the touted Alex Gustafsson. Diabate has a significant height and reach advantage, but Cantwell is the more complete mixed martial artist. If the fight stays standing it will be interesting to see how Cantwell fares because he’s no slouch on the feet. This comes down to what Cantwell has done in his time off. If he returns a better fighter than what he was, look for big things from him in 2011.
Cantwell.
- PRELIMINARY CARD
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Reuben Duran
Duran takes this fight on short notice and has nothing to lose. He hasn’t fought anyone near the level of Mizugaki, but possesses explosive knockout power. Duran doesn’t have the skill set of the Japanese star, but he does have determination. Mizugaki has all the tools to win impressively, but this is a dangerous fight for him. It would be a mistake to brawl with Duran.
Mizugaki.
Shane Roller vs. Thiago Tavares
This is another fight that pits a quality WEC lightweight against a legit UFC lightweight following the merger and it will be an interesting bout to watch. Both men have terrific grappling, but striking isn’t their forte, so expect a lot of clinching and ground work. Roller is the better wrestler where as Tavares is a strong BJJ player with the octagon experience. This one isn’t likely to end quickly.
Tavares.
Rousimar Palhares vs. Dave Branch
These are two of the strongest middleweights in the UFC. Palhares has the most devastating, potentially career-ending submissions in MMA. On the feet Branch has the advantage and his reach will play a major factor. Branch is more of a kicker than a puncher and that could lead to him getting taken down. Although Branch is a Renzo Gracie black belt, he won’t want to deal with Palhares on the ground. This fight could get off to a slow start but when Palhares explodes, look out. The longer it’s on the feet, advantage Branch.
Palhares.
Rob Kimmons vs. Dongi Yang
Both men need a win to stay relevant (and possibly employed) in the UFC. Both are coming off losses although Yang’s was a controversial split decision. Yang is a southpaw who throws punches from his chest, but lands them; and, he can absorb a lot of punishment. Kimmons is a veteran with strong wrestling and dangerous submissions. Look for Yang’s judo to counter Kimmons’ takedown attempts and for Yang to get the better of the standup exchanges.
Yang.
Igor Pokrajac vs. Todd Brown
Brown is a strong wrestler and Pokrajac had trouble getting out from underneath Stephan Bonnar in his last outing. Pokrajac will want to keep it on the feet and look for the KO. Brown will look to smother Pokrajac and pick up his first UFC win.
Pokrajac.
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 at UFC on Versus 3. Although Kampmann is the favourite, the fans are going with the first ever Ultimate Fighter. Here are the results…
Sanchez 63% – Kampmann 37%
Munoz 62% – Dollaway 38%
Sakara 80% – Weidman 20%
Bowles 88% – Page 12%
Stevenson 81% – Castillo 19%
Cantwell 56% – Diabate 44%
Tavares 68% – Roller 32%
Mizugaki 82% – Duran 18%
Yang 59% – Kimmons 41%
Palhares 89% – Branch 11%
Pokrajac 69% – Brown 21%
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