UFC 78, It's that time again

[GQ_jumper 4]

Well a few months back we were all hoping for the big Ortiz evans rematch, unfortunately contract disputes and prior committments have sidelined Tito until early 08. So instead we get what has the potential to be an awesome fight, Bisping and Evans, both undefeated, and both winners of the Ultimate Fighter series.

For anyone who doesn't feel like reading my long winded rant breaking down how the fight is going to go I'll throw in my vote now, Bisping. For everyone else, here's the fun stuff.

Rashad Evans was the heavyweight winner of TUF season 2, after winning the series he dropped down to the 205 division. Rashad comes from a wrestling background, he was a first class collegiate wrestler for Michigan state with effective takedown skills. His standup is questionable at best, yes he has a highlight reel knockout via headkick, but that headkick was sloppy as hell and falls more into the realm of getting lucky. His handwork has never been impressive, he doesn't throw solid combinations at all. He recently fought Tito to a draw which many believe was a big accomplishment, Rashad even managed to convince himself after the fight that he beat Tito, and I'm sure it helps him sleep at night thinking that. Looking back at the Tito Rashad fight, rashad looked scared the entire fight, Tito completely dominated the standup game(yes, Tito can punch!) and Tito consistently took him down at will. Rashad finally made a sprint in the second half of the last round, aided by Tito's nagging back injury Rashad was able to secure the final takedown to get the nod for round three. Tie that in with Tito losing a point for grabbing the fence and you have a draw, which basically means Rashad saved his perfect record by a technicality. Rashad has never quite been able to establish himself as a big finisher, he seems to lack confidence and agression, and to top it all off, he's immature and unprofessional. Take a look at the post fight interview with Tito to see the textbook definition of how a 7 year old should be expected to act. So, IMO Rashad is going to come up short on his feet, his collegiate wrestling skills may have helped him "survive" his fight with Tito, but they are by no means dominating like those of Ortiz or Randy. If Rashad comes out with a level of agression we've never before seen he may eek out one more win and hang on to that undefeated status until his next fight, but if he comes in with his usual pace he's done.

Micheal Bisping was the light-heavyweight fighter winner for season three of TUF, he's a solid striker that typically finishes his fights via KO or TKO, rarely will he let it fall into the judges hands. Bisping is coming of a questionable decision win over fellow TUF 3 alumni Matt Hamill, I unfortunately missed the fight(thanks Iraq) but from what I understand many cnsider it to have been Hamill's fight. Regardless of the outcome of the fight one thing was clear, Bisping can defend against a takedown. Rashad my be a first class college wrestler, but Hamill was on the road to Olympic glory before straying into the world of MMA, and Bisping effectively defended himself against Hamill's wrestling skills the entire fight. If Bisping comes to this fight with the same takedown defense as in his last, Rashad is in for a long day. Rashad's only chance is in the ground and pound, and Bisping seems to have his number there. Bisping is also a southpaw, which presents a complex challenge for any right-handed fighter to deal with, fighting a lefty completely changes your sight picture and forces you to defend punches coming from an angle you aren't used to unless you have spent a lot of time sparring lefties. And since Bisping is a very skilled striker there is no doubt in my mind that he has taken the time to solidify his footwork whcih will allow him to set up for the big straight lefts. A couple solid left crosses and Rashad will be flinching and juking his head right, which will set him up for the left hook finisher(I hope!). To further compliment his already solid striking skills Bisping has recently teamed up with Rampage and his trainer Juanito Ibarra to continue to improve his hands. If that name rings a bell to anyone its because Ibarra is known for making De La Hoya into the one of boxing's greats. Bisping has also been using Tito's facility in big bear for his training camps, so you can rest assured that his cardio is stellar walking into this fight. As for his personality, Bisping has pissed me off a time or two, he's a tad cocky at times, and didn't win any hearts when he was standing 5 feet behind Matt Hamill talking shit knowing that the deaf Hamill couldn't hear him. But from what I've seen he gives credit where credit is due, he even tried to shake Rashad's hand at the weigh in only to have Rashad pull his typical routine.

Overall it should be a good fight, I'm looking for Bisping to keep his undefeated status and Rashad to walk away with a handful of excuses as he always does.

And for the record, in the last 9 months there have only been 3 fights that I have called wrong, I don't know how I do it, I just do

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

[jtval 0]

What, you didnt like my thread?


Maybe the sand has clouded your vision. (actually, I'm kidding, I had to give you shit about Iraq though)

I think Rashad will win. I wont be watching until monday though.

I am not as knowledgeable as you in this area but I still think Rashad will win. Basically because he has fought many more stronger opponents.

Bisping I believe was being groomed to be englands poster child for UFC. They fed him mostly easy fights to boost sales and popularity etc.


I didnt know he did that behind Matt's back that's weak.

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[GQ_jumper 4]

Well looks like my call wasn't on tonight, Rashad pulled this one out via split decision. Bisping very well could've pulled this one out he just didn't let his hands fly the way he should've.

alexander got crushed though, many people questioned his ground game and Thiago put it to the test. I took a quick look at his stance when he was squaring up with Thiago and it was blatantly obivous that Alexander hasn't spent much time at all grooming himself to be effective on the ground or in a clinch scenario, he has a strictly boxing stance and that is no good against a takedown. Hands only get you so far in this game, all those boxing over MMA people may want to take notice of this one

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

[dannydan 5]

UFC=TMR... Its not the same game as it use to be! TooManyRules!

[jtval 0]

I figured rashad would win but I also figured it would have been a bit more of a win.

I missed the first round but the last 2 were ssllooww.
I WANTED Ping to win but I thougth rashad would have a decisive victory...not just eek one out.


Houston...well that was just embarassing.

I didnt watch any other fights yet.

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[klingeme 1]

I can't believe it was not 27-30 unanimus for Rashad.

[jtval 0]

Did evena take the 1st round,too?
I didnt see it but from what joe Rogan and goldberg were saying it looked as if rashad came out strong in the 1st and started to get winded in the 2nd and 3rd.

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[jtval 0]

Quote

Did Evans take the 1st round,too?
I didnt see it but from what joe Rogan and goldberg were saying it looked as if rashad came out strong in the 1st and started to get winded in the 2nd and 3rd.

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[chinagirl 0]

First round definitely went to Evans. Personally I think Rashad had the wrong game plan. During the first round, his standup was effective. He was making contact with Bisping on most of his strikes but he was intent on taking Bisping down, which resulted in his win (barely & luckily). I think he exhausted himself with the effort. So, his 2nd and 3rd round was not a great performance...should of stuck with the standup.

~Built for Abuse
www.skydivethefarm.com

[jtval 0]

I just watch Joe Lauzons fight. That was nuts.
His opponent was 18-0. That guy must've been picking on school kids. J-lau schooled him, quickly.


I wish I could have seen round one. That sounds like the actual FIGHT the rest was working through exhaustion.

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[chinagirl 0]

Yeah, Joe's fight was sweet! That boy was quick as hell, he's definitely improving. But my favorite fight of the night has to be Houston and Silva. What a shocker! I was pumped watching it...even if it was only briefly.

~Built for Abuse
www.skydivethefarm.com

[jtval 0]

Yea, I know that you've gotta go into the fight like you're invincible and you gotta talk the talk....
but, um...you should have SOME ground skills before saying things like people wonder because they havenmt seen them (his skills) yet.

You can't bluff a fist fight.

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