Tonight Anaheim, California is host to UFC 121, which in my opinion could be in the running for fight card of the year. The main event is easily the biggest attraction but there are a good number of fights that will be entertaining and fast paced. The pay per view card starts at 10pm east coast time and SpikeTV will provide two prelim fights starting at 9pm to get you nice and ready for the main card.
Let’s take a look at the main fights on this card, shall we:
Main event for the Heavyweight title. Brock Lesnar versus Cain Velasquez
I love this fight. I believe when we look back at this, it is going to be the biggest fight in UFC history. Lesnar is a monster and has a huge following. People love him and then there are also fans that dislike him and tune in to see what he’s going to do and hoping that he will be beat. He is still learning the mixed martial arts game and has been winning but just sure size and strength. In order to win tonight, he will need a full set of tools. Cain Velasquez is the most talented heavyweight in the world and also the most well rounded. I have been telling people for 2 years that this guy will be champ and hold the title for years. Tonight, he gets to prove me right hopefully. I also wouldn’t be surprised if these two superstars ending up fighting three times in the next two to three years.
My pick is Velasquez by 2nd round TKO.
Jake Shields vs Martin Kampmann
Welcome to the UFC Jake Shields. For your first time in the octagon you get to take on one of the hardest hitting fighters in the 170 pound division. UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Shields will get a title shot with a victory. I really like Shields’ game, he’s well rounded and is never in a slow paced fight. That should continue today. Kampmann only whole might be his takedown defense. If Jake gets him down early, it might make for a quick fight. Martin will look to keep the fight standing and the longer he is able to do that, the better his chances get to have his hand raised.
I’m going upset. Kampmann. 3rd round knockout.
Tito Ortiz vs Matt Hamill
The Huntington Beach Bad Tito Ortiz has done big things for the sport. He is the first fighter to bring an entertainment value and consider the “show” aspect of this game. That being said, that game might have passed him by. He is still just a wrestler and really hasn’t changed in ten years. In his last 4 fights he is 0-3-1. What he has done in the past is keeping him in the UFC. A loss tonight and he just might be out of a job. Hamill is another wrestler but has a straight ahead brawling style. These fighters have trained together many times in the past and should be familiar with each other’s style. I expect a brawl, not a wrestling match.
Tito Ortiz saves his job via 2nd round ground and pound.
Gabriel Gonzaga vs Brendan Schaub
Gonzaga once fought for the heavyweight title. Schaub, will fight for it in the future. Two fighters going in opposite directions here. Gonzaga needs a victory to stay relevant and a Schaub win will keep him moving up the ladder. This is another fight where I don’t think we will see too many lulls in the action. Both guys are heavy handed and would prefer and standup fight. The first fight on the pay per view card will not let the fans down.
Schaub by 1st round knockout.
Full fight card:
MAIN CARD
Champ Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez (for heavyweight title)
Martin Kampmann vs. Jake Shields
Diego Sanchez vs. Paulo Thiago
Matt Hamill vs. Tito Ortiz
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub
PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)
Ryan Jensen vs. Court McGee
Patrick Cote vs. Tom Lawlor
PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)
Sam Stout vs. Paul Taylor
Mike Guymon vs. Daniel Roberts
Chris Camozzi vs. Dongi Yang
Jon Madsen vs. Gilbert Yvel
Damn that’s a loaded card. I can’t wait for this evening’s event. All the action packed fights will make it worth it. To quote “Big” John McCarthy, “Let’s get it on!”