UFC: Night of the Pink Hamsters
The eighth season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ is already upon us. It seems like just yesterday that Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar were slugging it out in the UFC’s self proclaimed most important fight ever in season one. Leading up to the season premiere, fans will be treated to a live Fight Night on Spike TV at 8 PM. YIPPEE!!
Nate Diaz -210
Josh Neer +170
I haven’t liked Nate Diaz (9-2-0) from the first moment that I saw him on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ season five. His whiny pitched lisp and wanna-be thug mentality make him a whole lot of fun for me to root against. Unfortunately, that has never worked out well for my wallet.
Diaz is a student of the Gracies fighting styles, and as expected, wins a large majority of his fights with a submission. When Manny Gamburyan dislocated his shoulder in ‘TUF’ finale against Diaz, I called it an unlucky fluke, since Manny was beating him pretty good up to that point. I cried Ed Hochuli for such misfortune. But the truth of the matter is, Diaz may have eventually won that match anyways. He seems to excel when on his back with his opponent attempting to gain full control. Right when you think you are gaining an advantage, you’ll find yourself being asphyxiated between Diaz’s sweet thighs. Very dangerous.
His opponent, Josh Neer (24-6-1) is no stranger to the Diaz family. He was submitted by Nate’s older brother, Nick, in August of ’06. After that loss, Neer fought outside of the UFC against lesser fighters, going 6-1. He then returned to face Din Thomas in August ’08. Thomas has won 13 matches by submission, so he also knows how to make you tap. Neer was able to avoid Thomas’ efforts and earn a unanimous decision victory in that bout. Perhaps Neer has learned how to handle the Diaz family.
This gives me reason to believe that I won’t have to sit through yet another Diaz victory interview. Four times I have had to witness Joe Rogan interview Nate Diaz after a victory. Each time I am left with bloody ears and a confused look on my face that lasts a week. Tonight, Josh Neer ends that. With a nickname like “The Dentist”, Neer will extract what’s been paining me.
The UFC girls are not impressed
Clay Guida -175
Mac Danzig +145
Never let it be said that Clay Guida (23-6-0) doesn’t produce exciting fights. Two of his recent losses to Tyson Griffin and Roger Huerta were some of the most entertaining bouts I’ve ever seen in the Octagon. The long-maned wild man seems to invent new moves as he goes along. He could be jumping on top of you or doing a backspin on your chest. I am a huge fan. The problem is, he just can’t seem to finish a guy off when he has him down.
My wife has a theory that his hair constantly falling in front of his eyes might be one reason for this. As silly as that sounds, she might be onto something. Guida calls himself “The Carpenter”. I’m hoping one day he changes it to “The Barber”.
Cut that hair
The enigmatic Mac Danzig (19-4-1) won the sixth installment of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. He was by far the most experienced contestant on the show, and a heavy favorite throughout. He handled slugger Tommy Speer with ease, and has since defeated Mark Bocek. Having watched him on the show, I know that he exudes confidence almost to the point of controlled cockiness. I feel this will be the fight of the night. Sadly for Guida, I think it will be yet another highly entertaining loss.
Ed Herman -235
Alan Belcher +185
One redhead victory down (we call them “Pink Hamsters” in this house) another one to go. Ed Herman (16-5-0) is yet another ‘TUF’ alum, losing in the finals of the third season to Kendall Grove. He is 3-3 overall in the UFC, coming off a loss to the up-and-coming Demian Maia. He needs a win desperately.
Alan Belcher (11-4-0) has also tasted defeat at the hands of Grove. What stands out though, is his last fight where he was was TKO’d by Canadian fighter Jason Day. Day was a late replacement, and has since been annihilated by Michael Bisping. Not a good sign.
When asked about his opponent, Herman said “He’s in trouble. I’m healthy and in the best shape of my life.” I believe him. Another victory for the Pink Hamsters.
Pink Hamster Night
Houston Alexander -260
Eric Schafer +210
Houston Alexander (8-3-1) is coming off two straight losses to Thiago Silva and James Irvin. The Irvin fight tied a dubious mark of quickest knockout in the UFC, lasting only eight seconds. Sure that’s embarrassing, but not as embarrassing as stalking a married couple in your internet videos wearing nothing but goggles. But that’s a different story for a different time.
Eric Schafer (11-3-2) is coming off two losses to Bisping and Bonnar. His last fight against Bonnar was almost a year ago. He definitely looks like a “patsy” matchup to get Alexander back on track. The problem is, Schafer has a three inch height advantage on his opponent, and Alexander has never really impressed me. He is gaining a reputation for having a glass chin. Most importantly, Schafer’s nickname is “Ravishing Red”. And on Pink Hamster night, that is pretty important. Take a shot with the good value pick…Schafer.
Houston, you have a problem