UFC 108 - Revenge of the Stanky Leg
Two weeks is entirely too long to wait for MMA action when you left off the last events with one of your most profitable evenings ever. On Saturday, UFC 108 finally rolls around. Can Bread continue his winning streak into the low teens? I don’t see why not. Let’s ride!
Rashad Evans -210
Thiago Silva +175
Quickly, what do evans (18-1-1) and Silva (14-1-0) have in common besides striking good looks? That’s right, both men were sent to Lala Land by Lyoto Machida. That doesn’t take anything from either of them, as Machida was on a different level back then. Both of these guys are superb fighters and deserve this headliner. Unfortunately for Silva, it will probably be his last headliner for awhile, as good money (my money) will be backing “Suga” Rashad.
This could’ve been one of the UFC’s most anticipated fights of all time between Evans and Rampage Jackson. The comical rivals jawed at each other nonstop on the most recent season of TUF, only to see Rampage run off to Hollywood to play Mr. T. It’s a shame, but with all of the injuries and head cases in this game, we learn to deal with these types of things. Thiago Silva is a mighty fine backup plan.
As already mentioned, both men were put to sleep in devastating fashion by Lyoto Machida. Silva has since returned to his winning ways with a first round KO of Keith Jardine. This will be Evans’ first bout since Machida sent him to the mat via “stanky leg” (thanks to Rampage for that gem.) Evans will prove to be too quick, too powerful, and should the fight go to the ground, too good of a wrestler for Silva to handle. Evans should be able to add Thiago to his list of brutal victories over other stars Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin.
Rashad will recover from the “Stanky Leg”
Dustin Hazelett -125
Paul Daley +105
Paul Daley (22-8-2) burst onto the UFC scene as a late replacement for an injured Mike Swick to face Martin Kampmann back in September. As a sizable dog, he was able to batter Kampmann for a first round TKO victory. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as 18 of Daley’s 22 victories have ended early due to his striking. He is a bit of a beast.
Hazelett (14-4-0) is a submission specialist, with the majority of his wins coming via armbar or chokes. I just don’t think this fight is going to go well for him. I’m looking for Daley to issue a similar pummeling that Kampmann experienced for a quick profit.
A couple of more reasons why Daly will win – He lists his favorite strinking technique as “KO, TKO, KTFO!” That’s good stuff right there. Oh, and his nickname is Semtex. I don’t know why, but it sounds like something you would call a killer robot. The UFC British invasion will be fully represented by Daly on Saturday night.
Martin Kampmann -255
Jacob Volkmann +195
Kampmann (15-3-0) has UFC losses to Nate Marquardt and Daley. There’s no shame in that game as both of those guys are the real deal. He’s made a name for himself by defeating notable fighters like Carlos Condit, Jorge Rivera, Drew McFedries and Thales Leites. Still, I’m not impressed with what he’s shown me.
Does that mean that I’m going for the upset here? Absolutely not. Jacob Volkmann (9-1-0) has little-to-no chance and will probably be handed his UFC walking papers after he drops to 0-2 in the big leagues.
Kampmann is a guy that they seemed to be grooming to become a top contender. Volkmann is nothing more than a stepping stone to get him closer to that goal before he was derailed by Daly.
Cole Miller -160
Dan Lauzon +130
Dan Lauzon (12-2-0) would love to make it a family affair when he faces Cole Miller (15-4-0). His older brother, Joe, was able to defeat Miller back during The Ultimate Fighter Season 5. Can he do it? Well gee Mr. Hand, I don’t know!
Miller is a difficult guy to figure out. He has lost to Jeremy Stephens and most recently, Efrain Escudero, so you think he has trouble with guys who pack a wallop. But then he has taken out Jorge Gurgel and Leonard Garcia, both of whom possess some power. I don’t know what to make of this lanky goofball.
Dan Lauzon is back in the UFC, and one thing you can be sure of is that the judges will not be necessary. None of his fights have ever gone to decision. His 12 victories are split right down the middle with 6 submissions and 6 knockouts. Admittedly, I don’t know a whole lot about him, but if I can find an underdog against Cole Miller, I’m usually going to jump on them. Just stay away from him once he starts swinging those long legs around and you should be fine.
Sorry Cole Miller, no
Yes. I believe Hazelett has very under-rated striking. And I remember being surprised when he was giving Koscheck all he could handle.
Let's see a sick sub now, Hazy...
