Dos Santos outdoes Mark Hunt at #UFC160

@trinidypicks: Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen

The beginning of the end is near.  Or is it? 

Chael Sonnen will attempt to be the first to unseat Jon Jones from his Light Heavyweight throne.  It may seem impossible but that's exactly the uncertainty one needs to push himself to victory.  The sweet taste of the UFC light heavyweight championship belt may be touching to Sonnen's lips at the end of the night on Saturday (27th) at UFC 159.

Jones who is technically unbeaten in his 18 fights (the one loss being illegal elbows to the face of Matt Hamil in a full mount position) has KO'd or submitted his last 8 opponents.  If you're a fan of Jones then you know just how talented this young man has become since entering the octagon in 2008. With only three men making it into the championship rounds with Jones, a game plan with a positive outcome for Sonnen looks bleak. 

So what exactly does Chael Sonnen need to do to crumble Bones?

  Let's look back at the tape. Being that Rashad Evans was the only man to have come close (in terms of making it to the last and final round) to beat Jones, let's use him.  Although, unable to score enough points for the decision there were parts of his fight worth reviewing.  In this match up, Evans kept his distance and was in defensive mode for all 5 rounds. Barely making an aggressive effort but rather getting into what seemed like a hand holding slash 'high fiving' battle.  Making it the distance with the champ is only worth something (if anything) if damage is done. Chael Sonnen isn't one to retreat.

 Sonnen, who is known for his mouth has shown aggression in the past.  Most may relate this aggression with the steroid debacle (vs. A. Silva) however looking past the Anderson Silva fight, it is clear that Chael Sonnen is one who pushes himself to the limit.  Setting his sights beyond what many believe is possible he has returned to Light Heavyweight to face another monster in Jon Jones.  

 It's clear that the fighters who have seen themselves opposite to Jones have tended to lay back in fear perhaps?.  If Sonnen stays true to the fighter that he is, this will not be a problem.  Personally I think that this will be a promising challenge for both Jones and Sonnen.  Jones will finally get an opponent who will keep moving forward and won't lay off and Sonnen will face one of the most athletic, diverse and talented fighters in UFC pool with a chance to prove himself worthy to be called a UFC champ.

Who will I be taking in this fight?

  Those who follow me already know that: 

1) I love to go with a huge underdog.   - The moneyline on Sonnen is currently at +725.  ( How can you not love the payout if Sonnen wins?!  Sure, Jones has the odds in his favour and more than likely we could see a dull fight of 'stay away and keep my belt' but all it takes is chance, and that's what I love about underdogs - they have got nothing to lose and all to gain.)

2) I haven't bet in favour of Jones since taking Ryan Bader.  - And I can't start now. ...

 

Watch through @trinidypicks: Cat Zigano vs. Miesha Tate : #UFConFX

Fighting for a shot at the title, Cat Zigano and Miesha Tate look to impress in this title contender matchup.

Round 1:

Tate immediately tries for the takedown.  Unable to hold Zigano down, they find themselves back on their feet. Zigano tries to attempt a standing guillotine but can't secure it.  Both women coming towards each other going toe-to-toe.  Their standup exchange of quick combos ending with Tate landing a takedown.Tate throwing elbows from the top position, laying her weight on top of Zigano.

: I give it to TATE

Round 2:

Zigano comes in with a flying knee attempt.  Tate dodges it and takes Zigano down once again, looking for the full mount.  Tate then tries to secure an arm bar but somehow Zigano doesn't tap.  Tate releases the attempt and takes Zigano down again getting into the side mount.  Zigano reverses and Tate finds herself on her back but still in good condition as she gets Zigano trapped into a heel hook attempt.  She doesn't finish.  Zigano manages to get herself out of this round applying some ground and pound pressure from the top.

: I give it to TATE

Round 3:

Zigano now looking loose.  She drives in for the takedown.  Working furiously from the top, not giving up on the pace.  Tate looking frustrated wanted to get up and into a better position.  Zigano not letting Tate go easy.  The pressure of Zigano is non stop!  Getting to their feet, Zigano throws her piercing knees and ends the fight with a vicious right elbow.

CAT ZIGANO DEF. MIESHA TATE via TKO

[ IT WAS LATER SAID THAT TATE FELT THE REF STOPPAGE WAS EARLY. ]

"Amazing fight.  Zigano showed creative submission defence and some smooth striking." - @trinidypicks.

@trinidypicks: UFC: BELFORT vs BISPING

"If Michael Bisping wins, he gets the shot." - Dana White1

Last time Bisping was in such a position, Chael Sonnen grabbed the title shot. Michael Bisping felt robbed of the opportunity along with many of his fans.  Will he allow Vitor Belfort to walk away with a title shot he deserves?

@trinidypicks: Dan Henderson vs. Jon Jones; #UFC151

Sept 1, 2011 - Dan Henderson vs. Jon Jones

After tomorrow's UFC150, we will have to wait almost a three weeks for our next mma fix. It will most likely be the first card I won't be able to watch as I will be basking in the sun out in the ocean somewhere; I pray for sunshine!

Unfortunately the main event is one that I yearn to watch LIVE.  By live, I mean .. IN PERSON! Why? because.....

Dan Henderson... mr. Hendo - NO, NOT BENDO! (that copycat!) - HENDO!

Mention this guy to me against anyone and who do I pick?  Obvious?!!!

I can't believe that this fight is going down when I'm away. What's worst is that I'm not even 'away' to go watch the event!  I started watching Hendo during his pride days and he's one fighter I will never go against.

By far my most FAVOURITE, MEMORABLE, PROUDEST MOMENT was when he defeated Fedor Emelianenko in 2011.  I loved it! I have a picture of my TV screen of him on top of the cage with his hands raised.  Beautiful.

... and now, I won't be able to see this fight?!  Such. Bad. Luck.

So I'm putting it out there... I want HENDO TO WIN.  To beat Jones in outstanding fashion -via Knockout.

I could see it now, Jones is clinging onto the belt now like never before.  "Hendo beat Fedor.  Can I beat Fedor?  this isn't looking to good... uh-oh..."

Hendo is looking at this like.... "Finally my chance to raise what's rightfully mine.. UFC GOLD!"

It was unfortunate that Hendo had both his Pride championships unified into the UFC and ended up handing victories to Anderson Silva and Rampage Jackson.  But now is the time.  He beat Fedor Emelianenko for goodness sake!  The Last freaking EMPEROR!!!!!

LOL .. okay now I'm getting all worked up!  Let's hope that Hendo gets a KO - shall we?  I know I will.

:)

Chael Sonnen vs Anderson Silva in Brazil?

After my rant on my youtube, I've been asked numerous times - "Why do you hate Chael so much?!"

Simple answer is: I DON'T... I hate to lose money and even more I get frustrated when I expect something and I get the opposite.

Yes, my rant on Chael was a bit nasty but as far as I'm concerned I was upset my bankroll lost that night and I wanted to vent.  The only person I felt I could do that on was Chael Sonnen - and it was fun.

NOW LET'S MOVE ON... to his next match.

Chael Sonnen will challenge Anderson Silva to a rematch the mma (UFC) community has been waiting for since 2010.  I have been waiting for this moment since I took Sonnen to win the first time and lost my bet in the last minute of the 5th round to him tapping out from a successful armbar.  GRRR... but how can one complain then when that fight has got to be one of the best performances vs Silva around?  At least it went to the 5th round! Which I am hoping will happen again.

Looking at the circumstances behind this rematch - I think it's completely bullshit unfair that Dana White is setting up this bout to be in Silva's hometown of Brazil.  Chael Sonnen needs to step up here and open that loud mouth of his and rain heck down Dana's ears.  For as far as he believes, Sonnen is the true champ and therefore this match should be done in his home state of Oregon.

Come on Dana! I realize that Silva is one of your top money makers, but you're basically setting up Chael Sonnen for failure.  To place him in a crowd filled with Anderson Silva fans, I can't see anything good coming out of this.  As far as I'm concerned: Chael Sonnen is the middleweight's best chance unseating the current reigning champ Anderson Silva.

Chael Sonnen has shown that he is capable to taking down one of the most feared guys in mma.  Anderson Silva's diverse standup and (rarely seen) ground game was no threat to Sonnen back in 2010.      Even after 5 rounds of giving Silva a beat down, Sonnen got caught with the armbar.  This time around, I don't think Sonnen will let his guard down.  I doubt that he'll let Silva pull off another miracle win.

With Silva being the counter-attacker that he is, I see this bout being a mirror image of the last one.  Except that this time, I'm sure Sonnen won't let the belt slip away.

"Sonnen, put some power behind those grenade fists of yours and blast that Spider away!"

PICK: Chael SONNEN @ +215 ;  as the line moves I'd take Sonnen at min +215 but I'm sure it will deepen as the fight approaches.

UFC 141 - preview into where the promotions athletes are heading.

What a great way to end UFC's 2011 year.  Full of great moments, no doubt.  UFC 141 gave fans including me a boost of excitement for next year's upcoming 35 planned events.

We saw Johny Hendricks tag Jon Fitch with a quick left hook. Resulting in a KO victory with just 12 seconds into the first round.  Awarding him Knockout Of The Night Bonus.

The Cowboy Cerrone got schooled by the Stockton Kid - Nate Diaz all three rounds. Cerrone managed to place some kicks but unfortunately not damaging enough.  At times he was able to get Diaz off balance and on his back but chose to back off and stand up with Diaz.  Looks like Cerrone has no confidence in his ground game against the BJJ fighter. Nate Diaz since changing weight class has impressed with his boxing and striking accuracy. He still throws in his antics now and then but for the most part he has improved.  They both received Fight Of The Night Bonus.

Lastly the heavyweights made their way to the octagon.  Allistair Overeem who has risen to celebrity status since the merging of the promotions. Brock Lesnar has had a tough road working through his medical dilemmas, recovery from surgery and actually preparing for the fight.  At first it didn't look like Lesnar stood much of a chance against the dutch kick boxer, ultimately that was fact.  Overeem managed to kick and knee his way to victory.  At the end, only one thing was left to be said. 

“I’m going to officially say tonight is the last time you’ll see me in the Octagon,” Lesnar said. “Brock Lesnar is officially retired.”

Junior Dos Santos will defend his Heavyweight Championship Belt against Allistair Overeem sometime in 2012.

Rampage vs Jones & Gomi vs Diaz UFC135 Thoughts

So I was asked who I'd be taking for the upcoming Rampage vs Jones matchup.

Jon Jones, who is a huge favourite to win has no doubt shown me he is capable of coming into a fight aggressively and can execute a gameplan to win.  He's young, still trying to prove to the masses that he's the real deal  (even with all his wins!) .  UFC is throwing him not just down and out opponents, but tough, fan favourite fighters that should be giving him a test of his skill.  Instead - it seems, that Jones is above them with a skillset that appears almost naturally without thought.

Rampage Jackson, a veteran with a fan base of a celebrity.  His days in Pride still providing him with much needed attention to his toughness.  He rose to the top, stumbled down, and is now trekking back up.  But will Jones stop him in his tracks? As of current, I can't help but think that Rampage isn't as near to his best as he once was.  He came back to snag a win over Lyoto Machida, then a year later take another win off Matt Hamill.  Does that show that he has the capability of taking Jones down?

- Honestly, I like Rampage.  I think if he could just come into this fight as viscous and threatening of a fighter as he was once portrayed, he may be able to pull it off?  With that being said, Rampage being a huge underdog at +375 ... how can I not take that bet?  Rampage needs to engineer the perfect strategy, then needs to implement it without fault.

As the underdog, I'm okay losing a $50 to a Jones-Win (just so long as it's not a split decision) ... but if Rampage could pull off (what oddsmakers believe to be impossible) a convincing win then I'll be good with my $187.50!

As you can obviously see, I also took Takanori Gomi .  For me, this is an obvious underdog bet I cannot refuse.  It has absolutely nothing to do with me having it out for Nate Diaz, but truthfully ... I really don't care for Diaz as an mma fighter.  

nate diaz,  MR. STOCKTON. Is more of a brawler than he is a strategic fighter.  That's where I think he goes wrong.  I don't think he works out a winning gameplan.  Instead I believe his mentality is to just go with the flow.  I was at UFC129 where I watched him get tossed like a rag doll by Rory MacDonald. Fucking Amazing!  Should have been part of the live PPV, but i guess Spike was good enough.  

I've digressed.  Getting back to why I think Gomi will take this.  Although Diaz has bjj - I still think that Gomi will be able to get the takedowns and be a dominating wrestler.  Keep his composure and avoid Diaz's submission attempts.  Standup, Gomi has the knockout power. His cardio could probably do some work but overall Gomi has a good chance here.  Besides, Diaz has once again changed weight classes... 

Tito Ortiz to replace Phil Davis for main event brawl against Rashad Evans!

UPDATE:  SUNDAY AUG 7 2011

LOL! Okay, obviously asking for a "2nd round beat down , ref stoppage" was not asking for too much... but geez, wrong guy!  With Tito Ortiz being a big underdog at +300, I didn't mind him getting out-struck by Rashad Evans.  Evans put on an amazing performance.  Excellent stand up and clearly and exceptional ground game.  Beating Ortiz at his own trademark ... GROUND AND POUND!  It felt like I was watching the kid that got bullied growing up turn the tables on the bully.  With the risk of sounding like Rogan: "Phenomenal performance by Rashad!"

..........

Recently heard the news that Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis will not be fighting on the upcoming UFC 133 card.  Even with the disappointing news, I was excited to learn that Tito "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Ortiz will be replacing him.  I wonder if Rashad Evans is stunned by the news? The fight is in a few weeks, will it be enough time for him to train for Ortiz?   Ortiz just gained an amazing victory over Ryan Bader and I'm quite sure that really has him pumped up for this match-up.  Will this be enough momentum for Ortiz to secure another win?  Will Evans need to change his game plan?

After seeing Ortiz's win over Bader, it's tough for me not to choose an old favourite of mine.  Yes, I did lose hope throughout the years.  I never imagined that Ortiz would even be back to his old ruthless ways of some dangerous ground and pound. Forget that he submitted Bader, I'm impressed he just bounced back. He took a draw against Evans the first time around but that was years ago.  Fight after fight, I've been so let down by him before... but perhaps he just didn't care much about fighting then? He had other stuff going on in his life?  No... no need to give excuses to the losses he's had.  However, with that being said I bicker with myself as to "why oh why" am I to bet on him again?

But when Tito Ortiz fights on Aug 6, I'll be rooting for him.... how can I live with myself if I choose Evans over Ortiz now when he's already made me and my wallet happy by beating Bader?  I'd like a 2nd round beat down, ref stoppage .. would that be asking for too much?





Tweet

COMMENTS: Who you taking? Rashad Evans or Tito Ortiz?!

TUF 13 Finale: Clay Guida vs. Anthony Pettis

Clay Guida is infamous for his long locks and constant head bopping around the octagon.
Anthony Pettis is known for his off-the-cage head cage against Ben Henderson.
They'll go head-to-head Saturday night June 4, 2011.  Headlining as main event for the TUF13 finale.

Clay Guida & Anthony Pettis @ weighins - june 3 2011

Anthony Pettis takes on this challenge as he waits to unify the WEC lightweight championship with the winner of the Edgar vs Maynard III - still to be announced.  It would be in his best interest to win convincingly against Guida (who was a former lightweight champion in his Strikeforce days) otherwise the future fight with whoever will be the UFC champ will seem ... for lack of a better word  - dumb.  If he can't get past Guida, does he really have what it takes to be a top contender in the division?  Would he really be worthy of a title fight?  Yes, I know he's the WEC champ but has he got what it takes to be a UFC champ?

Clay Guida as far as I know, has yet to be promised any considerations for an upcoming title fight.  Will him winning this match secure him a spot as a top contender in the lightweight division? Guida has improved in all aspects of his game considerably since teaming up with Jackson's training camp.  Standup, his striking is violent and relentless.  His ground game is strong, controlled and submission ready.

I see this fight being a gruesome battle.  All limbs available will be In-Use.  Not one second of cautiousness as each fighter steps into the pocket to land their heavy blows. Pettis with his fancy leg work. Guida with his powerful takedowns.  One things certain.  Blood will be shed.


Tweet

COMMENTS: Speak Up, Back Your Team Up!
[Speak Up & Back Your Team Up: UFC: TUF: Clay 'the Carpenter' Guida vs. Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis]

UFC: 137: GSP vs NICK DIAZ

Wednesday was a great day for UFC fans. It is official.  GSP will put his welterweight belt on the line against Strikeforce's welterweight champ Nick Diaz.  Taking place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for UFC 137!  This is going to interesting to say the least.

twitter.com/danawhite

Georges St-Pierre comes into this challenge undefeated since 2007.  SO DOES DIAZ.

Surprisingly I think GSP has a pretty good idea of who Nick Diaz is and how he fights.

 "I don't know him as a person but he's a very exciting guy to watch," said St-Pierre. "I'm happy to fight him. He's going to bring the best out of me, because he's always putting on a good fight, going forward. It's going to be a good fight for me."

GSP, who just defeated Diaz's training partner Jake Shields, will have to come up with a foolproof strategy to get him through this one. Diaz's overall skill and fighting personality will be tough to control.  GSP would need to find a way to control Diaz's ring aggression.

The heart in Diaz is strong, so don't count him out.  I'd like for GSP to stop fighting so technical. I want him to fight from 'within', to be one with the octagon.  Sometimes it seems there's too much thinking.  Just fight GSP! Show us that this fight could live up to its expectations.  Please don't disappoint me again.  Thanks.

Tweet

COMMENTS: Speak Up, Back Your Team Up!
[Speak Up & Back Your Team Up: Sports Forum: UFC 137: GSP or Nick Diaz?]

RECAP: FIGHT FOR THE TROOPS 2

UFC put on their 2nd Fight For The Troops event in Fort Hood, Texas. Great event showcasing several standout fighters.

First up, we saw Matt Wiman take a unanimous victory over Cole Miller. Wiman taking control early, catching Miller with quick combinations. On the ground, Wiman showed exceptional ground-and-pound by throwing hammerfists and elbows from the top position. Miller unable to keep the fight standing, ate Wiman's fists all night long. An dominating performance by Winman.

Pat Barry attacked Joey Beltran's left leg throughout their fight. Putting on display his damaging kicks. Beltran kept Barry pinned to the cage as much as he could while trying desperately to take Barry down. In the 3rd

See Preliminary fights on Facebook!

UFC.com is now showing two preliminary fights on their Facebook Fanpage. All you need to do is 'Like' their page and you'll be able to see the extra fights. The televised card is shown on Spike at 9pm(et). You can also catch the weigh-ins on the Facebook page. Easy enough, just need to install the software to run the videos. Speaking of which... as soon as I downloaded the software I've become addicted to watching all the videos in the media vault on ufc.com. Some interesting stuff.

Fight for the Troops 2 will be tomorrow night! I'm excited to see how main event: Dunham/Guillard will turn out. I would love to see a fierce striking battle between these two. Maybe some blood... ???

UFC 126 CONTEST NOW RUNNING!!!

ENTER TODAY!!

Watch on Youtube Video Explanation of Contest @:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6cPw9PGNAs

Contest Form @:
http://trinidypicks.blogspot.com/p/ufc-126-contest-form.html


GOOD LUCK!!

UFC: FIGHT FOR THE TROOPS

MAIN EVENT:

Evan DUNHAM vs Melvin GUILLARD

At first announcement I was quite excited to see the Fight for the Troops event.  When the main bout was K-FLO taking on DUNHAM.  Unfortunately for me, Florian is out with an injury… BOO!!  Guillard stepping in for Florian, I guess will have to do.  Here's my thoughts on this match up...

CHAEL SONNEN Pleads Guilty..

This evening I came across an article on Chael Sonnen at Yahoo! Sports online.  Chael Sonnen plead guilty to money laundering related to mortgage fraud.  He'll be sentenced on March 28, 2011. You can read the press release on the case at United States Attorney's Office: District of Oregon Press Room.

UFC 125: NATE DIAZ vs DONG HYUN KIM

On New Year's Day, UFC 125 brings together Nate Diaz and Dong Hyun Kim for a welterweight matchup at Live Event "Resolution" held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada.

UFC 125: CLAY GUIDA vs TAKANORI GOMI

by trinidyanna @ trinidypicks.blogspot.com

UFC 125 is coming up and the main card is looking to be promising.  These two lightweights will definitely put on a show.  Who will take it?  Will the Carpenter be able to put out the Fireball Kid?

WEC 53: HENDERSON vs PETTIS

Dec 16, 2010 brings to a close the WEC chapter.  WEC will be merging with UFC in the New Year.  The anticipation for this is high, and so is the expectations of the final WEC.

WEC 53, will determine the #1 lightweight contender that will go up against UFC lightweight champion (to be determined on Jan. 1, 2011 @ UFC 125).  The winners of these two events will go up against one another to unify the belt and to once and for all announce the Lightweight Champion.

UFC 125: RESOLUTION

UFC 125: RESOLUTION
Las Vegas, Nevada  @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
Saturday, JANUARY 1, 2011  7pm/10pm (pt/et)

FIGHT CARD (MAIN)

Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard

Chris Leben vs Brian Stann

Brandon Vera vs Thiago Silva

Nate Diaz vs Dong Hyun Kim

Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi