The UFC’s middleweight division takes the spotlight in Manchester, England Saturday as Lyoto Machida makes his middleweight debut. The former light-heavyweight champion takes on friend and frequent training partner Mark Munoz in a bout that could see the winner move close to a title shot.
Outside of the main event, there are an additional five fights fans can look forward to on the main card that follows a six-fight preliminary card.
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
Before all the action begins, find out who UFC Central host “Showdown Joe” Ferraro, Sportsnet staff writer Mike Johnston, sportsnet.ca contributors E. Spencer Kyte and Adam Martin, and guest contributor Roy Billington, who’s in Manchester covering the event, think will win the main card bouts then have your say by voting.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mark Munoz
Showdown: The fact Lyoto has trained with Munoz on many occasions, and accepted this fight without blinking an eye, just days after sparring with Mark, is a good indicator of his belief that he can win. That, or he’s one bad weight cut from being Donkey Kong punched to sleep.
Johnston: Munoz by TKO. Mark once told me he compares his ground-and-pound to the game Whack-A-Mole. If he can avoid getting caught in the first two rounds, Munoz will take control with his wrestling and Whack-A-Mole his way to a stoppage win.
Billington: Machida by TKO. Machida’s takedown defence will likely make this a standup battle, which is where he thrives.
Kyte: Munoz by decision. Gimme the upset! Munoz looked ferocious in his win over Tim Boetsch, and I think he’ll manage to cut off the cage, get his hands on Machida, and do work on the ground to grind out a win over 15 minutes.
Martin: Machida by KO. I believe Machida is going to be an immediate UFC middleweight title contender, and in his 185-pound debut I expect him to KO Munoz in impressive fashion.
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Melvin Guillard vs. Ross Pearson
Showdown: Pearson. This is Melvin’s first fight overseas — he’s never experienced this before. If Pearson can deal with the initial onslaught, he should be able to pull off the victory in rounds two or three.
Johnston: Guillard by KO. I trust Pearson’s chin far more than I do Guillard’s, but this fight could come down to who lands the first big shot. I give that edge to “The Young Assassin.”
Billington: Pearson by decision. Guillard looked distracted at the open workouts. Pearson will have support from his home fans and should eke out a decision.
Kyte: Pearson by submission. Pearson has looked very sharp in his last two outings and Guillard is prone to making mistakes at critical times. The former TUF winner will frustrate “The Young Assassin” and capitalize on one of those miscues.
Martin: Guillard by KO. This should be a really explosive fight, but I do think Guillard is just a little more well-rounded and I see him winning the fight by knockout.
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Ryan Jimmo vs. Jimi Manuwa
Showdown: Manuwa. This all depends on which Ryan shows up. We all know which Manuwa will show up. I’ll give the edge to the Brit, unless Ryan can use his counter game to win two of the three rounds. A tall task in Jimi’s home country.
Johnston: Jimmo by decision: The Canadian has won many boring decisions in his MMA career, but this one will be far from boring.
Billington: Manuwa by KO. Manuwa is possibly the best prospect in Europe. He’s finished every fight he’s been in so expect the same again on Saturday.
Kyte: Jimmo by decision. Remember when Jimmo used to wrestle everyone to death in the MFC? Get ready for a replay.
Martin: Manuwa by TKO. Manuwa is a future title contender at light-heavyweight, while Jimmo seems to just be hanging on to his UFC roster spot. Look for Manuwa to tag Jimmo early on the feet and win the fight by TKO.
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Norman Parke vs. Jon Tuck
Showdown: Parke. Normally, I’d favour the guy with the three inch reach advantage, especially if he’s undefeated. But Tuck will have his hands full with Parke, who has done a fantastic job since he first jumped onto the UFC scene on The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes. I’ll give the edge to “Stormin’ Norman.”
Johnston: Parke by decision. The Brit has a solid grappling base to fall back on but his striking could end up being the difference in what should be a fun, technical battle.
Billington: Parke by TKO. Parke has been clamouring for an opportunity to fight Tuck ever since their UFC on FOX 7 fight was cancelled. Expect Parke to keep it standing and pick Tuck apart.
Kyte: Parke by decision. This is going to be a grind-fest for Parke, who has a clear edge on the canvas and solid control from top position.
Martin: Tuck by decision. Tuck vs. Parke is a very close match, but I think Tuck is a little better in the striking department and I see him pulling out a decision win in this one.
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Nicholas Musoke vs. Alessio Sakara
Showdown: Musoke. Sakara may be a savy veteran, but he’s taken his fair share of abuse over the years. Musoke is taking this fight on short notice, but is a very explosive puncher, who will have reach on Alessio. I’ll take the Swede over the Italian. Wait, did I just say, what I just said?
Johnston: Sakara by KO. People seem to love to count the veteran out, but he’s a well-rounded veteran with excellent boxing. Musoke is in tough.
Billington: Sakara by decision. Sakara’s experience will be key in this fight, as the debuting Musoke has never faced anyone of Sakara’s calibre.
Kyte: Sakara by TKO. “Legionarius” will be letting his hands fly early and often, and I just can’t see the newcomer getting the better of him on short notice. There is upset potential here though… just saying.
Martin: Musoke via decision. Nicholas Musoke is a complete unknown, but Alessio Sakara is one of the weakest fighters in the UFC middleweight division. It will be close, but look for Musoke to pull off the upset.
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Phil Harris vs. John Lineker
Showdown: Linekar missed weight again, but if he can do what he’s done in the past, Harris will likely have a tough night in his home land. John is an underrated and underappreciated flyweight, who I believe is going to shine on Saturday afternoon.
Johnston: Lineker by TKO. It’s unfortunate the Brazilian keeps failing to make weight because he really is a contender at flyweight. Fans will see why on Saturday.
Billington: Phil Harris via submission. I’m calling the upset here. I believe Harris’s submission heavy style will be Lineker’s undoing.
Kyte: Lineker by TKO – It will be power hooks intended to decapitate Harris all day from the wild Brazilian. Eventually one lands and turns out the lights on “Billy.”
Martin: Lineker by TKO. I think Lineker is a future flyweight title contender and with a knockout win over Harris, like I expect will happen, I think the UFC is going to fast-track him up the 125-pound ladder.
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