The UFC has put together a pretty good fight card considering they took about 90 days to plan it. The undercard looks like a weekly KOTC show, but other than that it’s all good. By no means is it anywhere as interesting as the Affliction card, but considering it’s about $45 cheaper, fans will flock. I can’t blame them either.
This time I have a new victim. While the FightStalker himself is getting preparing for the bar, I’ve got an opportunity to take out another over-hyped and over-educated pick opponent in my very own brother. Bring it!
-Brett “The Conqueror” Beverly
Anderson Silva (21-4) vs. James Irvin (14-4) (4-3)
Brett “The Conqueror” Beverly: Silva by TKO in 1. Make no mistake about it, this fight is all about Silva. Whether he wants to challenge at 205lbs or not, he’s fighting at light heavyweight to keep from having to cut too much weight on short notice. James Irvin is just the right style, in the wrong place. This should be exciting, albeit short.
Chris Beverly, PsyD: Silva by TKO in 1. James Irvin is an outstanding striker coming off an impressive 8 second KO of Houston Alexander. Anderson Silva is arguably the best striker in the history of the UFC, who is coming off an unbeaten streak in the Octagon. Too bad for Irvin.
#3 Brandon Vera (8-2) (4-2) vs. Reese Andy (7-2) (0-0) — (5-1 in IFL)
Conqueror: Vera by TKO in 2. Brandon Vera is angry; Reese Andy has two first names. One is not quite as imposing as the other. All joking aside, Reese Andy is a formidable opponent. The veteran of the IFL has been impressive over his short career, but he hasn’t beaten the best of the best and remains a bit of a question mark. The same could be said for Vera, no one really knows how good he really is. Previous to his victory over Frank Mir, he had beaten virtually no one worth mentioning. While few doubt he’s a top contender, he has something to prove and should do so against Andy.
PsyD: Vera by TKO in 3. While Andy has an outside chance at winning this fight, Vera’s multi-faceted attack will prove too overwhelming for Andy. Expect Vera to wear Andy down with punches and sporadic takedowns, before finishing him off sometime during round 3.
Hermes Franca (18-6) (5-3) vs. #5 Frank Edgar (8-1) (3-1)
Conqueror: Edgar by unanimous. The return of Hermes Franca should bring a renewed focus to the Brazilian. Since leaving the UFC, the former contender has taken time and started his own fight team. Hopefully he learned how to sprawl. His opponent Frank Edgar has one of the best takedowns in all of MMA and will look to capitalize against Franca. I don’t know who’s favored, but this should be a takedown-fest with Edgar on top.
PsyD: Close fight, but Franca by split decision. Edgar is the superior grappler, while Franca has better striking skills. Franca will get in some aggressive, high impact strikes and novel but unsuccessful submission attempts, tipping the points in his favor JUST enough to be awarded the split decision.
#9 Cain Velasquez (3-0) (1-0) vs. Jake O’Brien (10-1) (3-1)
Conqueror: Velasquez by TKO in 2. Jake O’Brien is a great wrestler; Cain Velasquez is a spectacular wrestler. The obvious of the two should win. O’Brien’s problem is simple, he’s got nothing else. Velasquez is a monster with good hands and a ferocious ground-and-pound that overpowers and overwhelms his opponents. This should be a dominant performance by the former Arizona State standout, and put Velasquez on the map with mainstream MMA fans.
PsyD: Toss up, but Velasquez by unanimous decision. This is a match of contrasting grappling styles rather than a fight featuring one fighter with superior ground skills; interesting fight, Velasquez’s amazing takedown skill gives him a considerable advantage. And although Velasquez will struggle to finish O’Brien, he’ll make his night a memorable one – and not in a good way.
Anthony Johnson (5-1) (2-1) vs. Kevin Burns (6-1) (1-0)
Conqueror: Johnson by TKO in 1. Kevin Burns’ triangle choke on Brazilian Jujitsu black belt Roan Carneiro was a thing of beauty. Hence, his opponent hopes to take his submission skills out of the equation. Anthony Johnson is one-dimensional and that dimension is entertaining as hell. This is a tough fight for both opponents, but “Rumble” should leave victorious.
PsyD: Johnson by TKO in 2. Johnson has momentum. ‘Nuff said.
Jesse Taylor (6-2) (0-0) vs. CB Dollaway (6-1) (0-1)
Conqueror: Dollaway by unanimous. Who really was the Ultimate Fighter…runner up? Jesse “The Ass” Taylor makes his UFC debut after undergoing AA and looks to take out his replacement. That probably won’t happen. CB Dollaway should have won the Ultimate Fighter, he was just too stupid … twice. His inability to keep his damn arm out away from a submission shouldn’t be a factor against Taylor and overwhelming will be the theme.
PsyD: Dollaway by unanimous decision. Jesse Taylor isn’t ready for the Octagon, which always comes with physical as well as emotional pressures. And although Taylor has the ability to defeat Dollaway, his mindset and questionable motivation is likely to prevent him from pulling off a victory in this match.
Tim Credeur (9-2) (0-0) vs. Cale Yarbrough (0-0) (0-0)
Conqueror: Credeur by unanimous. The fight that was supposed to happen, will. Neither of these two fighters impressed me with their cage prowess, but they do a good job of “bringing it” to every fight. Based on Yarbrough’s inexperience, anything can happen, but probably won’t. Cale’s lack of ground game should be his downfall. While this should be an entertaining fight, I wouldn’t look for a finish from either fighter.
PsyD: Credeur by unanimous decision. Anything could happen here. Yarbrough’s inexperience severely lessens his chances of winning this match, and Credeur should easily secure the decision win.
Brodie Farber (13-3) (0-0) vs. Rory Markham (15-4) (0-0) – (8-2 in IFL)
Conqueror: Markham by TKO in 2. Despite the 13 wins, Farber lacks experience. The tested and proven Markham will simply be too much, too fast. Rory is known for his dramatic hands and ability to finish the fight at any time while never giving up. He’s an odd addition to the UFC roster, but a great fighter who should pick up his first UFC victory in style.
PsyD: Markham by unanimous decision, mostly because of his striking power. Farber is going to have to respect Farber early, and this will set the tone for the rest of the fight.
James Giboo (11-2) (0-0) vs. Brad Blackburn (14-9-1) (0-0) – (4-2 in IFL)
Conqueror: Blackburn by TKO in 1. Brad Balckburn has some impressive wins in the IFL. With TKO’s over Jay Heiron and Delson Heleno, the veteran fighter is on his way up and James Giboo is in his way. Giboo is the perfect opponent for Blackburn for one reason, he’ll stand and bang. This shouldn’t last long and the IFL veteran should pick up the TKO quickly.
PsyD: Blackburn by TKO in 2. Giboo will have his hands full – too full – with Blackburn. Nasty knockout coming in round 2, courtesy of Blackburn.
Nate Loughran (8-0) (0-0) vs. Johnny Rees (10-0) (0-0)
Conqueror: Loughtan by flying legdrop in 8. If I knew anything about either of these fighters I’d give you a guess. So I’ll take Loughton because he doesn’t have a picture on his Sherdog profile. You know how I always love an underdog.
PsyD: Rees by TKO in 3. Well, it’s time for the right brain logic here. Rees will dominate because his initials spell J.R. Sounds good.
Dale Hartt (5-0) (0-0) vs. Shannon Gugerty (10-2) (0-0)
Conqueror: Gugerty by TKO in 3. The problem with putting together a fight card in a month and a half is obvious. That’s where this fight comes in. Gugerty is a member of Brandon Vera’s team and has a bit more experience, so why not?
PsyD: Hartt by unanimous decision – it just sounds right.
