The MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be the home for UFC 114. A quick look at card from the casual fan and they might say there isn’t a whole lot of star power. That very well could be true but the talent on card has the makings to provide a very solid night of action inside the octagon.
The main event is going to be down right nasty. The two fighters, Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson simply hate each other. In a fight that was supposed to take place over a year ago, the wait is gone. These two guys were opposing coaches on the Ultimate Fighter reality show and this grudge match had to be put on hold so Jackson could run off and make 'The A-Team' movie (which looks terrible.)
A lot of people are questioning the condition and training of Jackson due to the long layoff. The hatred and dislike he has for Rashad should put that nonsense to rest. I expect a focused and motivated Jackson because the winner of this fight will be next in line for the light heavyweight title that is currently held by Shogun Rua.
Rashad Evans is a former title holder at 205, as is Jackson. I consider myself an Evans fan and think he is good for the sport. That being said, I don’t like his chances tonight. Evans will have a better wrestling pedigree and should be the much faster man. With all that in mind, I don’t think he will be able to get Rampage down and I also don’t believe he will be able to hurt Jackson.
I hate to say this but I giving just about every advantage to Rampage and expect him to dominate Rashad. I have been wrong once or twice in the past and this is another time when I wouldn't mind making a mistake.
The co-feature on this card is average at best, in my opinion. Michael Bisping is an overrated fighter but people tune in to hate him. He’s a loud mouth guy, which I enjoy, but he isn’t an elite mixed martial artist. He will step in with Dan Miller who can do wonders for his career with a win over one of the UFC’s poster boys.
I’m picking the upset here and going with Miller. Both guys have nice skills sets, I just expect Miller to be a little more aggressive and push the pace. This fight could be solid, but should be head-lining a Spike TV card rather than the co-feature on a pay-per-view.
My sleeper pick for 'fight of the night' will be aired on Spike TV an hour before the pay per view begins. The UFC has done a great job showing the prelims before and whetting fan’s appetites recently. Dan Lauzon vs Efrain Escudero should get people ready for the main card and even get some fans on the edge to make the leap and purchase the pay per view fight card.
Lauzon and Escudero and two skilled, high energy fighters that always look to push the pace and make quick work of their opponents. I expect nothing less when the bell rings and the action starts. Don’t miss this one.
Full fight Card:
Rashad Evans vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
Jason Brilz vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
John Hathaway vs. Diego Sanchez
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Amir Sadollah
Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
Melvin Guillard vs. Waylon Lowe
Luiz Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate
Joe Brammer vs. Aaron Riley
Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen
Again, there isn’t a lot of star power or big names on this card outside of the main event. Many times in the past that recipe has led to a big treat for fight fans everywhere. I am expecting some highlight reel knockouts tonight and won’t miss a single second of the action from the UFC.
You shouldn’t either.