We’ve heard the saying “been there, done that.” Another one is, “you snooze, you lose.” That seems to be what many are saying about Saturday afternoon’s UFC event in Manchester. It doesn’t have the fanfare that comes with pay-per-view events, so some may decide to skip it, only to see their social media blow up, as fight after fight, surpasses everyone’s tempered expectations. Believe me, I’ve seen this happen far too many times over the many years I’ve covered the sport of MMA. So, don’t miss Saturday’s event.
PROGRAMMING ALERT: Watch UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz Saturday at 3 p.m. EST on Sportsnet 360 and catch the entire preliminary card on sportsnet.ca starting at 12:15 p.m. EST
Are we really friends?
That’s likely what’s going through the mind of Mark Munoz, as he heads into his main event bout versus Lyoto Machida. I could just sense that in his voice when he told me the story of answering a phone call from the UFC, who in one fierce explanation, told him that his original opponent Michael Bisping was injured and his replacement was going to be Machida — the same man he was sparring with just two days earlier.
Imagine for a moment, if that was you getting that type of news? Personally, whether it’s business or not, I could never fight a friend. I have sparred with many, but never have I ever increased my power output to purposely aim at hurting any of my pals. I know their wives, girlfriends, kids, family members etc. I can’t be the one who throws punches and elbows aimed at knocking them out. Submitting them, sure, but causing cerebral damage? No.
So while Munoz deals with the friendship demons in his head, one has to wonder how “The Dragon” views this. For him to accept the fight so easily (that’s what it seems like), he must obviously view “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” as more of a massage therapist than a destroyer. One has to wonder if Lyoto’s confidence to defend Mark’s wrestling attacks and Donkey Kong ground-and-pound is so steadfast that taking him on in Manchester is simply an easy paycheque.
I’m interested to see how this one unfolds.
What Happened?
Perhaps the two most famous words spoken after a fighter looks into the eyes of a doctor, referee or his cornermen once he wakes up after being knocked out by his opponent. These are the two words hovering over the co-main event bout between lightweights Ross Pearson and Melvin Guillard.
I will be surprised if this one goes the distance. In fact, this one has all the makings of a dirty donnybrook where leather missiles will be flying in the Octagon until there is only one man left standing. And while I do believe Melvin is the more technical striker, and will also have the speed advantage, his two-inch reach advantage may not be enough to prevent Pearson from entering his safety zone.
Two years ago, I’d give the edge to “The Young Assassin.” But the fact he is competing for the first time outside of the USA, in hostile territory, with another different team versus a very motivated Brit who will be defending home soil, all has me swinging my analysis in favour of “The Real Deal” from Sunderland, England.
There will be violence
Every time light-heavyweight Jimi Manuwa steps into a cage, a barrage of destruction usually unfolds. But this time, he is facing a savvy veteran in Canadian Ryan Jimmo, who has the uncanny ability to frustrate opponents into making silly mistakes.
Whether Jimmo chooses to end a fight early, or carry it for the full fifteen minutes, playing it safe is partially irrelevant. He’s 18-2 for a reason, and while some may not appreciate his style, you may admire what could unfold against Manuwa.
Ryan made a dangerous vow after his last fight. He apologized for his performance and promised a more exciting one, upon his return. Well the time for action is upon him, and Jimi is salivating.
These two are primed for a 205-pound collision course with serious consequences. You just never know what will happen in a Jimmo fight. But you do not know what will take place in a Manuwa fight. All he needs is one mistake from his opponent and it’s often lights out. Ryan has to be perfect. He has to be on point from the opening second. If he can do it, he will win. But if loses focus for an instant, Jimi will send his English faithful into a frenzy.
I highly advise you do not blink for a moment — be like Jimmo and don’t lose focus. If you do, you’ll regret it.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
— Will this be the last time we see Alessio Sakara and Rosi Sexton in the Octagon?
— Will John Linekar earn himself a flyweight title shot with a win?
— Will Al Iaquinta vs. Piotr Hallman steal the Fight of The Night from those on the main card?
— Can Luke Barnatt, who may be cornered by Chael Sonnen, effectively use his reach against the hard-hitting Andrew Craig?
— Is featherweight Andy Ogle’s submission defence good enough to withstand the constant attacks of Cole Miller?
There’s are just some of the questions I am seeking answers to. On Saturday afternoon, on Sportsnet.ca and Sportsnet 360, we will all find out the truth.