Fight\Zen

Less than 8 hours away from the return of one of my favies fighters of all time… at least to the UFC. And a better opponent he couldn’t have. Let’s take a minute to break it down, at least as it relates to what I think, and as such, what you have to read since it’s my site. Bam!

Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort

This will be a totally biased slant on the this fight. Vitor Belfort is in the middle of a resurgence that is equal parts hunger and experience. Rich Franklin is winding down his storied career (it would seem). Let’s not pretend that Rich doesn’t have the pull to push towards –if not directly at- a title fight at 205. Instead, he’s taking showcase fights. While he’s not as far down the slope as Liddell was, he’s not dominating anyone now-a-days. I’ll eat my hat if Vitor doesn’t put Rich out.

Belfort via piston punches, Rd 2

Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Junior Dos Santos

I’m still confused as to what Cro Cop is doing back in the UFC. No one was asking for it. And now he’s co-main eventing? I don’t get it. Huge name for Junior, and another huge win. There’s really no reason to think that Cro Cop is back to form. I’m pumped to watch Junior again… this guy is exciting and talented and will most likely kill Cro Cop. Also, since when did we all stop not even listing Cro Cop’s last name? Any who…

Dos Santos by tiger uppercut or pretzel twist. Take your pick, Rd 2

Martin Kampmann vs. Paul Daley

Kampmann’s head and arm choke on Drew McFedries is probably one of my favorite submissions in recent memory. Otherwise, I’m not sure he’s on the same level with Mike Swick. Swick would have owned him… Daley will be a little closer. I can’t get excited about this fight, so I’ll just call Kampmann wins it.

Kampmann by dutch oven, Rd 2

Josh Koscheck vs. Twinkletoes

Kos will fight any one they give him… good for him. He has the chance to beat a legend and will most likely do it. Trigg’s a “charismatic” fighter whose claim to fame was 2 sound drubbing’s at the hands of future HOF’er Matt Hughes. Kos won’t be a champ anytime soon, but he’s a hell of a fighter. If he can stick to his jab, and fall back on his wrestling, he should take a pretty commanding decision.

Koscheck by decision, Rd 2

Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca

I’m calling this SotN (snooze of the night). I’m also calling it for Griffin. He’s all but un-stoppable. Hermes is on the downside (noticing a theme?). Griffin will wrestle Franca to the ground and pin him 1,2,3.

Griffin by wet blanket, Rd. 2

If it weren’t for Vitor’s return, this would be a total pass. Who goes anywhere, win or lose, after this? Belfort has a few fights to go before MW title contention, but a win over Ace would be a pretty big jump though. He win’s and he get Henderson, Maia, or Mardquardt (whoever isn’t already in a title fight). I’m very excited to see where he goes from here. GO VITOR (not WAR Vitor… that is silly).

How right will I be? What do you think? Leave a comment, sucka!

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