The Cleveland Fan on Facebook

STO
The Cleveland Fan on Twitter
Misc Boxing/MMA Boxing Archive Preview: UFC 113
Written by Scott Swerbinsky

Scott Swerbinsky
lyoto-machida-mauricio-shogun-ruaTonight the Ultimate Fighting Championship has a solid card in store for mixed martial arts fans. The Bell Centre in Montreal is the venue and fight fans everywhere will enjoy what is in store.

One of the most anticipated rematches highlights this truly stacked event. Lyoto Machida puts his light heavyweight title on the line again against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. These two fighters met back in October in a tight decision won by Machida. I had Shogun winning three rounds to two but every round was close and very competitive. The UFC usually isn’t big on immediate rematches but this one is a rare exception because of the razor thin decision.

The first time around was a very technical standup battle, similar to a lick boxing match. There were very few takedown attempts or submission tries. Look for the rematch to be pretty much the same. Both fighters like to throw a lot of kicks, Machida with his karate style and Rua with his muay thai.

Machida brings in an undefeated record winning all of his sixteen mixed martial arts fights. His akward style and defense is something nobody has been able to figure out. Shogun did a solid job landing his leg kicks but there were lulls in the action at times. That to me is the main reason he wasn’t able to pull out the victory in the first contest.

I think Machida’s “O” will go this evening. Shogun did enough in my opinion the first fight to take the title. The judges disagreed. Seeing Machida’s style is going to be a huge advantage for one of the most well prepared guys in the fight game. It should be a good one.

The fight of the night for me is the co-feature between Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley. The winner of this fight has already been told they get a title shot and a chance to meet the best all around fighter in the world, Georges St. Pierre.

Both fighters like to talk shit and have been every since this contest was announced. Being two of the best in the 170 pound division, they back up just about everything they say. The time for talking is done, the time to back it up is here.

Koscheck to me is one of the most improving guys in the sport. He has some suffered some tough loses but will find anyone and is never unprepared. Daley has had two fights in the UFC and has never been in with anyone as skilled as Koscheck. I’m not too sure Daley is ready for this one. The difference to me will not just be experience but the superior wrestling that Koscheck brings to the octagon.

I see Koscheck taking this one by ground and pound or knockout. Both fighters are very skilled I just think Koscheck is better in more areas. Don’t blink when this one gets going.

Kimbo Slice is making his first appearance on a UFC pay per view card and it should be a street fight. He’ll go toe to toe with former NFL player and Ultimate Fighter contestant, Matt Mitrione. This one has slug fest and brutal knockout written all over it. People love Kimbo because of his look and his brutal knockouts seen on Youtube. This one hopefully will be just as entertaining.

Full fight card:

Champ Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (for light heavyweight title)

Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck

Jeremy Stephens vs. Sam Stout

Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Matt Mitrione

Alan Belcher vs. Patrick Cote

Joe Doerksen vs. Tom Lawlor

Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet

T.J. Grant vs. Johny Hendricks

Joey Beltran vs. Tim Hague

Mike Guymon vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

Jason MacDonald vs. John Salter

Wow, that’s a loaded card. There isn’t as much hype surrounding UFC 113, that normally means it’ll be as good as it can get. I wouldn’t miss this card tonight. You shouldn’t either. 

The TCF Forums