UFC 105 has a daytime start in Manchester England. Be sure to get all plays in early as the pay-per-view later on that evening won’t be a live airing. I truly struggled with most of these matchups, and wouldn’t be surprised if these plays go 4-0, or 0-4.
Randy Couture -115
Brandon Vera -105
I went back and forth about five times on this one before finally settling in on Vera (11-3-0). At first I thought that Couture (16-10-0) possessed the strength, and would muster the heart, to beat up on Brandon. A small part of me still does believe in this theory. But Brandon Vera is no slouch. And seriously, how much longer can the 46-year old Couture keep up with the much younger beasts in the UFC?
After much inner-deliberation, it is my feeling that the 32-year old Vera will be able to weather Couture’s fists and takedown attempts, utilizing his nasty knees and kicking game to make poor Randy feel like an abused senior citizen.
Couture is coming off of an entertaining battle against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. I was slightly surprised at the show that the two warriors put on in the cage. Big Nog took the decision, handing Couture his second straight defeat.
For Vera, this could easily be his biggest victory since he defeated Frank Mir three years ago. I’ll be backing “The Truth” Vera, although it was not an easy decision at all. But there aren’t many easy calls on this card, so why would the headliner be any different.
Brandon Vera
Mike Swick -210
Dan Hardy +175
Holy cow, do I love/hate this fight! It’s always a tough day when you find yourself betting against one of your absolute favorite fighters, and that’s exactly the position I’m in as I will be taking Swick (14-2-0) over Hardy (22-6-0, 1 NC). Woe is me.
Dan Hardy is one cocky and talented Brit. When he eeked out a split decision in June over his nemesis Marcus Davis, it moved him to a perfect 3-0 in the UFC. I love everything about Hardy’s persona and MMA abilities. Unfortunately for him, Mike Swick has been mowing them down, and will continue his run at Hardy’s expense on Saturday.
In his two most recent meetings, Swick dominated Ben Saunders, and KO’d Jonathan Goulet in 33 seconds flat. He gains more confidence every time that I see him. He possesses impressive power, despite his lanky frame. I love me some Dan Hardy, but I love that cheddar even more. Mike Swick has that cheddar.
Forgive me, Dan Hardy
Denis Kang -125
Michael Bisping +105
If my visionary skills work out like I think they will, and both Hardy and Michael Bisping (18-2-0) end up losing, the hometown English fans could totally lose it. With the fighting atmosphere already in place, it could make the soccer hooligan battles seem like a walk in the park by comparison. I can’t wait!
Bisping is “embarrassed” by the hilarious whooping he took from Dan Henderson. Meanwhile, the army of Bisping-haters (proud member) are still glowing from ear to ear. It kept alive the notion that Bisping simply cannot beat any quality opponents, losing to Henderson and Rashad Evans. And no, he didn’t beat Matt Hamill. Everyone knows that was an atrocious decision.
So the question now is, “is Denis Kang a quality opponent?” With limited time in the UFC, it’s tough to tell. I did check out a handful of his highlights and I liked what I saw. He looks to be a hard striker, with a tenacious fighting style. Watching Bisping take it on the chin will help ease the pain of the Hardy fight. Sorry English fans.
English crowd if all the Brits lose
Matt Riddle -305
Nick Osipczak +245
A couple of my old TUF favorites will meet on the undercard. I saw great potential in both guys on their respective seasons. For a little undercard love, I’ll be playing Riddle (3-0-0) to take down yet another Brit in Osipczak (4-1-0). I really don’t have anything against British fighters, honest!
Riddle has won all three of his UFC fights via unanimous decision, but I remember when he was on the show, he broke some guy’s jaw and sent him to the hospital with a vicious punch. It’s just a matter of time before someone feels the effects of his power again. Osipczak, while talented, could certainly be that guy. Either way, yet another exciting matchup that I’m looking forward to.
That's good stuff.
