Fight\Zen

In the glut of year-end UFC events, 107 may be the most anticipated. Although, every time there is a light weight fight on a card, of any type, it's a must-watch. In this case, it's THE must-watch. Let's shake it out, shall we?

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan Struve
Paul Buentello's signing in the UFC is a mystery to me. Well, I guess not really, since D-Dubbs is snatching up any fighter with any sort of name recognition. What's more of a mystery is why he is on the main card. Stefan Struve is an interesting HW jitz player, and also a GIANT! Buentello's striking is always dangerous, but then again so is the swine flu. Most people won't be affected by either. If Struve can get him to the ground, it should just be a matter of time.
-Struve by sub, Rd. 2

Kenny Florian vs Clay Guida
Second mystery of the day; why is this fight not the co-main event.
I've said before Kenny Florian is the best LW that will never beat BJ Penn. Clay Guida is insane, and one of the most entertaining fighters in any class. This will be Fight of the Night, and will blow your face off. Than being said, Kenny wins this hands down. His skill on the feet and stifling guard combined with his fight IQ and Dellagrotte trained Muay Thai make him too much of a match for The Carpenter's wrestling and frantic pace. IF he can take Kenny down, it's only going to put him in almost as bad a spot as being on his feet.
-Kenny Florini by UD, Rd. 2

Jon Fitch Vs. Mike Peirce
Squash. Fitch mauls Peirce. Peirce goes back to the under card. With that out of the way, what is really next for Fitch?Can he beat GSP? Can anyone? He won't fight his AKA-mates, which comprise a decent chuck of UFC WW fighters. A rematch with Thiago Alves is coming... then?
-Jon Fitch by mauling, Rd. 2

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo
This is actually a pretty decent match up, until we can see if Frank's striking against Big Nog was the real deal. Until then, this is a classic striker vs. grappler. The main tipping point is Mir's ability to plan out his fights and exploit his opponents' weaknesses. I don't know how much longer Kongo sticks around after this loss. With the beasts that are starting to clog up the HW division, his inconsistent game leaves a lot to to be desired. HW gatekeeping isn't the place to be. Ask Heath Herring.
Frank Mir by dismemberment, Rd. 2

BJ Penn vs. Diego Sanchez for the LW Championship
I really don't like Diego Sanchez. He's proven to be versatile and exciting, sure, but that's about all. His talent is his athleticism, which isn't a bad thing, but when he's up against other athletic people with more talent, he doesn't fare as well. BJ Penn is on a tear, and 155 is his kingdom as long as he wants to rule. There isn't a person in this world who can beat him at LW, and Deigo is no different. Look for Diego to come out like gang busters and for BJ to pick him apart with the jab. Once Diego's had enough to getting popped in the mouf', he may try to shoot. Big mistake. Penn is the most exciting BJJ practitioner in all of MMA. It's like a work of art. There is no aspect of this game the Sanchez is better than Penn.
BJ Penn by RNC, Rd. 2

I also want to take a moment to express my disappointment in the omission of Belcher/Gouveia from the main card. These guys can fight, and Belcher in particular is as exciting as a back alley monkey brawl. I realize that both of these guys are coming of losses (although I still think Alan was robbed), but so are Mir and Kongo. Give these guys a chance. Alan has every right to be upset.

|