First of all I’d like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New year.
I read all the positive responses to my last blog following my loss and it was nice to read all the support. It’s great to know I’ve got all you fans out there; that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
I got a nice Christmas present from the UFC. They sent me an iPod Touch, along with a really funny card that had Christmas caricatures of Dana White and Joe Silva. It’s nice to know the UFC is still doing well despite the economy. They’re still selling out shows at record pace.
My holiday plans have changed slightly. Instead of going skiing, my wife and I and our boys are going to a Calgary Flames game on Monday to see them face the Minnesota Wild. We’re going to have people over to watch the fights Saturday and there just wasn’t going to be time for skiing in between on Sunday.
And on that note, here are my picks for UFC 92.
Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans
Let me start by saying I’ve written Evans off before, like against Chuck, and he came out and surprised me. But I don’t think anyone will outwork Forrest. Rashad is a better wrestler, but Forrest has great jiu-jitsu and he’s never been knocked out. It could be a great fight, might even go five rounds. I think it will be one hell of a fight with lots of action, excitement. It’s two guys who are in great shape but I think Griffin will outwork him and win.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir
I truly hope Nogueira really pounds this guy. Mir is so arrogant. I don’t really see how Mir is going to beat him. Nogueira has a great chin, he’s obviously a black belt and he’s been in some tough fights. The only thing Frank has really done to earn this shot is beat Brock Lesnar, who had one MMA fight in his career at the time! I hope Nogueira beats him to a pulp, knocks him out or chokes him out. Maybe that will beat back his ego a bit. Obviously, I’m picking Nogueira.
Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva
I think Quinton at this point in his career is a little more skilled then Silva is and he’s done a lot more training since his last fight and subsequent issues. I just think the fact that Silva has beaten him twice, with two knockouts, will be in his head and will really play a role in this one. I think it will be on Quinton’s mind preparing for this fight, so I’m going with Silva.
C.B. Dollaway vs. Mike Massenzio
I’m going to pick Dollaway. We’ve got two wrestlers here and I think Dollaway is in a great camp at Arizona Combat Club. Iron sharpens iron as Randy Couture likes to say. He’s been training with guys like Carlos Condit, Jamie Varner, Ryan Bader. It’s bound to be rubbing off him. So I’ll pick him by submission
Cheick Kongo vs. Mustapha Al-Turk
I don’t know much about Al-Turk but if he has watched any of Kongo’s fights at all, he’s going to try to take him down, as we’ve seen Kongo doesn’t have any submissions. But Kongo has some bad-ass standup, so I think Al-Turk is going to get knocked out.
Yushin Okami vs. Dean Lister
I’m going to go with Okami in this one. Lister is the kind of fighter who plays perfectly into Okami’s game plan. Lister wants to go to the ground and work his jiu-jitsu and Okami will just lie on top of him and ground out a decision.
Quick picks:
Antoni Hardonk vs. Mike Wessel
Hardonk (He’s got nasty leg kicks).
Reese Andy vs. Matt Hamill
I’ll pick Hamill.
Brad Blackburn vs. Ryo Chonan
Blackburn.
Dan Evensen vs. Pat Barry
Evensen.