UFC 119: Fight Predictions
By Alexia Krause
Main Card
Frank Mir vs Cro Cop – Ok, so Cro Cop is (arguably) a more popular name than Mir. But one thing that is not up for debate is the sheer number of fights Cro Cop has under his belt. Cro Cop has twice as many wins by knockout as Mir has had fights (win or lose). Decision: Cro Cop by 2nd round KO.
Lil' Nog vs Ryan Bader - (Rogério) Nogueira has the experience, tougher wins, and I just like his style better. I watched him at UFC 114 against Jason Brilz and although the fight was won by split-decision, Lil' Nog was the clearly the better fighter that night. Decision: Nogueira by split decision.
Matt Serra vs Chris Lytle – I've actually had the opportunity to talk to a few people who have trained with Serra, including John Delgaudio of MMA Industries (full disclosure: I help promote their MMA equipment). There are gyms all over the country doing phenomenal things; Serra BJJ is one of the best I've seen on the East Coast. Some people say Serra won by a "controversial" split decision last time these two met; which makes this night an exciting opportunity to settle a four-year-old grudge. This fight will be one of the highlights of the night. Decision: Serra by unanimous decision.
Sean Sherk vs Evan Dunham – Dunham is undefeated thus far in the UFC. I have nothing against Sherk (except maybe the fact that he had his title stripped for testing positive for steroids), but Sean hasn't entered the ring professionally in over a year, and that trip to the Octagon left him with a unanimous loss to Frankie Edgar. Ring rust anyone? Decision: Dunham by submission in the 3rd.
Melvin Guillard vs Jeremy Stephens – This is not a prediction I am 100% sure of… I think Stephens has had some tougher wins under his belt than Guillard, but even that's a close call to make. If I have to pick, it's gonna be Stephens. Decision: Stephens by knockout in the 1st?Spike Prelims
CB Dollaway vs Joe Doerksen – Doerksen is just coming off a winning streak, and has way more fights under his belt, so I like him for this matchup. This marks the first time I've cheered on a Canadian since I saw Justin Bieber two weeks ago (just kidding!). Decision: Doerksen by submission in the 2nd.
Matt Mitrione vs Joey Beltran – This is a tough one to call. I'm going with Mitrione because he's sort-of a wild card. I think many people are expecting Beltran to win. I like Mitrione because he's undefeated, and his last matchup was with Kimbo Slice, and that was a serious bout. Don't you remember all of the hype surrounding Kimbo Mitrione knocked Kimbo out so hard, he made him think he could be a boxer. Seriously though, after watching Slice's performance at UFC 113, Dana White said it was, "Probably Kimbo's last fight in the UFC." And as you all know, Dana White is not a man to mince words. Decision: Mitrione by knockout in the 2nd.
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