VANCOUVER — James (Big Game) Brydon gives his picks for UFC 131 in Vancouver, including main event and all fights involving Canadians.
Junior Dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin
Junior Dos Santos has been mentally preparing for this “title shot” fight for so long, while Carwin was originally going to fight a UFC newcomeer. You substitute Lesnar for Carwin and I don’t see a significant difference for Dos Santos in terms of physical preparation either. Carwin is coming off neck surgery and has lost some weight and while he has never been knocked out, I think Dos Santos can do it. JDS has just been on a tear. Take Dos Santos, by second-round TKO.
Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes
This is the toughest fight for me to call. I’m very tempted to take Nunes in an upset. If you want to call it an upset. But I liked what I saw from Florian at the fighter workouts and I think he’s up for the challenge at the new weight. Training with Firas Zahabi, who said he was really fit for this, has been fantastic for him. It’s going to be really close, and if it comes down to the decision, I think Florian gets the edge with the judges. Take Florian.
Be sure to tune into sportsnet.ca and Sportsnet for UFC 131 coverage on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT with a UFC Connected special to be followed by the preliminary bouts from Vancouver. Watch it all right here.
Jon Olav Einemo vs. Dave Herman
Einemo was originally going to face Carwin, a former (and potentially future) No. 1 contender. Now he’s facing a guy nicknamed “Pee-Wee.” It would be embarrassing for the Norwegian to lose in this all-Octagon debut bout. Take Einemo.
Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz
Munoz said he’s coming to prove a point about his jiu-jitsu and shock the world. And he makes a good point about Maia. If this were strictly a grappling contest where Maia doesn’t have to worry about get punched, Demian definitely has the edge. But this is MMA, and we know what can happen. Take Munoz in an upset.
Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha
No upset here. Cerrone’s experience and relentlessness should be too much against another guy on this main card fighting in the UFC for the first time.
Sam Stout vs. Yves Edwards
Sam should have no trouble with Yves. Edwards has made a nice comeback, winning his last two, but Cody McKenzie and John Gunderson don’t have the hands Stout has. Take Stout.
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Chris Weidman
I’ve been a big fan of Bongfeldt since his TKO days, and really came on late in his UFC debut in Montreal, which ultimately went to a draw for the first decision of his career. I don’t expect him to let it go the distance this time against a less experienced Weidman. Take Bongfeldt.
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Mike Massenzio
Soszynski’s a veteran and Massenzio is coming in on such short notice. It’s Massenzio’s first time in Canada, despite being from nearby New Jersey. Massenzio told me it was an “honour” to fight here and against a world-class opponent in Soszynski, but we know Krzysztof loves to fight in front of his home fans. Take Soszynski.
Nick Ring vs. James Head
I know if I pick Ring it will look like I just went with my heart picking all the Canadians. But I have to. Whether you thought Ring was lucky getting the decision against Riki Fukuda, he’s solid and Head is another guy making his UFC debut. He should make it a perfect night for the Canucks. Take Ring.
