By MATT MOLGAARD
The UFC is headed back to the Honda Center in Anaheim, California this Saturday for what promises to be one explosive card. On deck for UFC 121 is a heavyweight title tilt, a clash between two perennially awesome welterweights, the long anticipated debut of Jake shields, and a bout pitting former friends and TUF training partners. If this card ends up a snooze fest, I will not shave my beard for one year; Scout’s Honor.
Brendan Schaub vs. Gabriel Gonzaga:
With how stacked the heavyweight division is right now, this could end up being a loser-leaves-town match. Schaub is a talent on the rise, but he’s green and his movement in the cage is indicative of his inexperience. He is however dangerous, with power in his hands and a solid understanding of Jiu Jitsu. Gonzaga on the other hand hasn’t looked all too impressive lately, earning just two victories in his last four fights. However, Gonzaga holds an experience edge, a power edge, and a grappling edge. Barring a Schaub early blowout, Gonzaga should exit the cage with a much needed submission victory. Should Schaub manage to put Gabe away in brutal fashion, it could potentially earn Gonzaga his walking papers…we’ll see. I’m sticking with Gonzaga, second round submission victory. Most likely an armbar.
Tito Ortiz vs. Matt Hamill:
I like Matt Hamill a lot, he’s got a great personality, he’s endearing to the crowd, and he’s competing at the highest level of competition available, while handicapped; that’s a man worth major respect. That being said, I believe he’s still a bit too unrefined to handle Ortiz. Ortiz sure hasn’t looked the monster of old over the last few years, but he’s shown in numerous fights that he’s still a threat. He went to war with Forrest Griffin twice, nearly triangle choked Lyoto Machida, and had a decision victory in the bag against dangerous wrestler Rashad Evans until a point deduction for fence grabbing knocked that W down a peg to Draw status. Chuck Liddell may always have Tito’s number, but Matt Hamill isn’t Chuck Liddell (in his prime that is), and experience will be the determining factor in this fight as Tito stops Hamill on cuts late in round two.
Paulo Thiago vs. Diego Sanchez:Diego Sanchez’s biggest problem is that he’s lost the unwavering confidence he once brought into the cage. Stinging losses to Josh Koscheck, and B.J. Penn left a chink in his armor. Decision losses to Jon Fitch and John Hathaway pierced that armor, and it’s very visible now. Diego Sanchez Version 2006 beats Paulo Thiago Version 2010 up convincingly. The current Diego Sanchez however is in for a rough night as he drops a decision to the stoic Thiago.
Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampmann:
The only time Kampmann will have an advantage in this fight is while these two are standing up. Knowing Shields, that won’t last long. He’ll utilize heavily improved wrestling to ground Kampann, from there he’ll pound away, softening Martin up for the third round submission defeat that awaits him. I’m calling a guillotine from a scramble.
(UFC Heavyweight Title)
Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez:
Ahh, the Grand Finale. The heavyweight title is up for grabs, and Cain Velasquez and Brock Lesnar are going to make sure this fight is remembered for a long time. Neither man knows how to be involved in a boring fight, and both men produce vicious finishes. Lesnar should be a favorite here, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be the victor. Velasquez moves much more fluently than Lesnar, and mixes up his overall attack much better. That said, it’s always hard to count out Lesnar who’s got the heart of a lion, and the power of a T-1000. I’ve gone back and forth on this one quite a few times, and I’ll likely change my mind again by Saturday night, but I’m going to predict Brock Lesnar surprises a lot of critics and forces a late ground-and-pound stoppage to retain his title.
