UFC 133: Philadelphia

**The HOFF** · 05-13-11, 02:19 PM

A light heavyweight matchup between 24-year-old slugger Alexander Gustafsson and 40-year-old wrestling standout Vladimir Matyushenko is in the works for UFC 133.

MMAjunkie.com has learned from sources close to the event that both fighters have verbally agreed to the matchup, and bout agreements are expected to be distributed shortly.

**Vaughany** · 05-13-11, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by The HOFF

A light heavyweight matchup between 24-year-old slugger Alexander Gustafsson and 40-year-old wrestling standout Vladimir Matyushenko is in the works for UFC 133.

MMAjunkie.com has learned from sources close to the event that both fighters have verbally agreed to the matchup, and bout agreements are expected to be distributed shortly.

Surely this is where Vlad's nice run ends!

**PunisherIND** · 05-13-11, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by Vaughany

Surely this is where Vlad's nice run ends!

i would think so, but i also thought brilz would win.

**Vaughany** · 05-13-11, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by PunisherIND

i would think so, but i also thought brilz would win.

Yeah but tht was pretty much a toss up (it seemed before anyway). Gustaffsson is a big LHW, much better striking (legit boxing) than Brilz and also solid on the ground. Training with big guys like Travis Browne and Vera is gonna help as well.

**ttrace35** · 05-13-11, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by Vaughany

Not sure if Akiyama is a big 185lber, I've seen many people saying tht he should be at 170. I agree tho tht I think they're is a chance he can TKO Belfort tho. Also, I read somewhere the other day tht Akiyama might be pulling out of it due to injuries or something

It would hurt to see vitor get ko'd by Akiyama

**Vaughany** · 05-13-11, 08:04 PM

Originally posted by ttrace35

It would hurt to see vitor get ko'd by Akiyama

Unlikely to happen but can't rule it out...I wont be surprised if one of them pulls out from the fight before it happens tho

**koscheckbaby** · 05-13-11, 08:21 PM

Agreed with Gustaffson owning Vlad(and I was big on Vlad beating Brilz). Vlad's outclassed everywhere. Good way to capitalize on Vlad being overrated following the Brilz KO hopefully.

Can never trust Vitor as a heavy favorite. Guy wilts. But it seems hard to envision Akiyama beating him.

Davis vs Rashad is the ultimate battle of two guys that win ugly. Nothing about them distinguishes them from each other. I'd just be venturing a guess to who I think will win. One would think Rashad's standup edge and experience wins out here.

Vaughn, you big on Noguiera over Rich? Rich seems to be done mentally with the fight game IMO. He was getting rocked by Forrest. He stopped training with Hume, who he made his biggest improvements under. He's talked about retirement. Noguiera will finally get to fight without worrying about the takedown. The last time was when he soundly demolished Luiz Cane. His boxing will embarrass Rich IMO. Nog's fight camp contains two guys that have beaten him as well. Rich will try the bodykicks, but I see him getting caught and put out at some point or losing a decision.

**Vaughany** · 05-13-11, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by koscheckbaby

Agreed with Gustaffson owning Vlad(and I was big on Vlad beating Brilz). Vlad's outclassed everywhere. Good way to capitalize on Vlad being overrated following the Brilz KO hopefully.

Can never trust Vitor as a heavy favorite. Guy wilts. But it seems hard to envision Akiyama beating him.

Davis vs Rashad is the ultimate battle of two guys that win ugly. Nothing about them distinguishes them from each other. I'd just be venturing a guess to who I think will win. One would think Rashad's standup edge and experience wins out here.

Vaughn, you big on Noguiera over Rich? Rich seems to be done mentally with the fight game IMO. He was getting rocked by Forrest. He stopped training with Hume, who he made his biggest improvements under. He's talked about retirement. Noguiera will finally get to fight without worrying about the takedown. The last time was when he soundly demolished Luiz Cane. His boxing will embarrass Rich IMO. Nog's fight camp contains two guys that have beaten him as well. Rich will try the bodykicks, but I see him getting caught and put out at some point or losing a decision.

Tend to agree with Nog beating Rich but I've never been that impressed with Nog so not sure if I'll back him at current odds. With regards to Rich being on the way down, it does seem that he is in a similar position to likes of Chris Lytle were they are clearly aware that their best days are behind them and that they aren't going to get another shot at the title. In a way this can be a positive because it means there is less pressure and they can just go out and "fight for the fans." On the flipside of that I guess you have to question why they are in this position and does that in itself suggest that they are not at the highest level anymore both physically with regard to injuries and mentally with regards to motivation? Moreover, it almost seems like the extra muscle that Franklin puts on so he can be at 205 has made him slightly more sluggish, he just seemed slower against Forrest and didn't seem that motivated, almost already defeated due to the size advantage that he knew Forrest had. At least with Nog he won't be concerned about a significant size advantage or threat of constant pressure and takedown attempts. Lil Nog's boxing is good enough to catch him and if he performs like he did against Cane then obviously he has a great chance of finishing Ace. Chuck was doing fine against Franklin until he got caught. Furthermore, Rich's age and amount of blows he's taken to the head might be catching up with him, I'm still not convinced that Belfort even caught Franklin that hard but was enough to rock his equilibrium. Doens't help Rich that Nog really is in a must win situation, I'm not sure if they'll keep him around if he loses 3 on the bounce, especially as the Brilz win was very debatable and therefore could be 4 on the bounce and it's not like he's got the big fan base and "personality value" that Dan Hardy has survived on! In a way tho Rich is lucky that he's got a guy like Nog who isn't the most naturally athletically gifted - not "explosive" as Joe Rogan might say. If Rich had got somebody like Gustaffsson or even somebody like Vemola he'd be screwed IMO even with his great experience and obvious high level skill set.

**koscheckbaby** · 05-13-11, 08:48 PM

Nog needs the fight. Rich doesn't seem to give a shit. I'd be very shocked if Nog losses. He has more left in the tank than his bro and is the more skilled standup fighter. It's not like he's gotten his asskicked much(aside from underestimating a young African with dreads). He should have some good wins left, provided he isn't matched up with wrestlers.

Nog's defensive wrestling was always gonna be a problem, considering the Nogs didn't train takedown defense due to their BJJ. Shogun took him down about 50 times in their PRIDE classic. It was embarrassingly bad.

**The HOFF** · 05-19-11, 12:29 AM

Originally posted by koscheckbaby

Vaughn, you big on Noguiera over Rich? Rich seems to be done mentally with the fight game IMO. He was getting rocked by Forrest. He stopped training with Hume, who he made his biggest improvements under. He's talked about retirement. Noguiera will finally get to fight without worrying about the takedown. The last time was when he soundly demolished Luiz Cane. His boxing will embarrass Rich IMO. Nog's fight camp contains two guys that have beaten him as well. Rich will try the bodykicks, but I see him getting caught and put out at some point or losing a decision.

I totally agree. I can't see Noguiera losing a boxing match. I was just going to come on and ask people's opinion on this one and see if people would talk me out of going big on Nog in this fight.

Originally posted by koscheckbaby

Nog's defensive wrestling was always gonna be a problem, considering the Nogs didn't train takedown defense due to their BJJ. Shogun took him down about 50 times in their PRIDE classic. It was embarrassingly bad.

Looked much improved against Phil Davis. Even so, I don't think Franklin will try to take him down.

**Ladle** · 05-19-11, 06:48 AM

I totally agree. I can't see Noguiera losing a boxing match. I was just going to come on and ask people's opinion on this one and see if people would talk me out of going big on Nog in this fight.

Yup, I have quite a bit on Rogerio at -150.

Davis vs Rashad is the ultimate battle of two guys that win ugly. Nothing about them distinguishes them from each other. I'd just be venturing a guess to who I think will win. One would think Rashad's standup edge and experience wins out here.

Since when does Davis win ugly? He had one less than stellar performance against Rogerio. Otherwise, he has consistently shown an incredible ability to be innovative with his grappling without being reckless.

**The HOFF** · 05-20-11, 02:20 PM

After losing original opponent Michael McDonald due to a booking shuffle, Nick Pace now is slated to fight replacement Ivan Menjivar at UFC 133 in August.

**Vaughany** · 05-23-11, 01:56 PM

Rory Macdonald vs Mike Pyle

Can Pyle do what he replicate what he did to another hot prospect in Hathaway?? I think not!

**brooks85** · 05-23-11, 06:56 PM

aldo out againt mendes

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/5/23/2186484/jose-aldo-injured-out-of-ufc-133-bout-with-chad-mendes

**NickDiaz209** · 05-23-11, 07:20 PM

Typical UFC event...nothing but cans crushing each other...seriously what a terrible card...who would pay to see that?

**Vaughany** · 05-24-11, 02:17 AM

**brooks85** · 05-24-11, 03:16 PM

mendes facing yahya at 133 now

Page Not Found | Bloody Elbow

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/5/24/2188006/chad-mendes-to-face-rani-yahya-not-jose-aldo-at-ufc-133

**Ladle** · 05-24-11, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by brooks85

mendes facing yahya at 133 now

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/5/24...ldo-at-ufc-133

Interesting clash of styles.

**v1y** · 05-24-11, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by NickDiaz209

Typical UFC event...nothing but cans crushing each other...seriously what a terrible card...who would pay to see that?

Not sure if troll or stupid.

Evans vs Davis is a #1 contender fight and is even odds.
Yahya vs Mendes is a #1 contender fight.
Nog/Franklin and Belfort/Akiyama are evenly matched crossroads fights between former top middleweight contenders.
Matyushenko/Gustafsson is a serious contender eliminator
Pierce/Hendricks and Pyle/Macdonald are evenly matched welterweight contender eliminators between rising prospects.

GTFO.

**PunisherIND** · 07-10-11, 06:39 PM

so annoyed that i missed 5dimes opener on macdonald at -140. it jumped right to -245!

**NickBaragona** · 07-10-11, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by PunisherIND

so annoyed that i missed 5dimes opener on macdonald at -140. it jumped right to -245!

It went back down to -215, which is what I got him at. Took him in a parlay with Chad Mendes.

**illmatick** · 07-10-11, 07:07 PM

missed the mcdonald opener. Still gonna pound him if he drops back below -215.

**Beelzebubzy** · 07-10-11, 08:38 PM

rory Mac by Decision is my play.

I have almost 2u on Lil nog at -155 and -160. Nog is a plotter and rich will move in and out. rich will have to avoid being KOed for three rounds despite his average chin fading IMO. rich's best skill is to overpower people and wear on him like he did to Wand, Macdonald.

this is a stylistic bad matchup for him as he has not evolved as the sport as grown. If he had good offensive wrestling i would consider him a decent play but he lacks one shot KO power despite having the 2nd most KO finishes in the UFC (yes, I have seen the Quarry gif)

I am a big Rich fan but this could be his swan song or he could take the loser of Vlad/Gustaffson

**Beelzebubzy** · 07-10-11, 08:40 PM

I will also play Mendes by Dec and Mendes by KO. this should be an exact replica of Mendes/Vasquez.

I am liking a KO play because Mendes hands have improved in each fight and Joey B at 135 KOed him.

**reformed** · 07-10-11, 09:01 PM

I know nick pace personally, are odds on his fight out?

**GunShard** · 07-10-11, 09:17 PM

The Belfort vs Akiyama could be the fight of the night or KO of the night.

**Wrecked** · 07-10-11, 09:30 PM

Belfort isn't ko-ing shit when Leben couldn't even ko sexyama.
You all don't realize how shitty Belfort is and a lot of you are going to loose big playing him.

Lil Nog is a shitty striker, and was beat up by Ryan Bader and has fought nothing but low-end fighters.
His "glory days" where in Pride, and Rich Franklin will handle him easily.

Phil Davis and Rashad is such an easy fight to call it's not even funny.
Phil Davis hasn't been with a striker that hits as hard and as fast as Rashad.
Rashad even has better wrestling than Davis, and it's obvious.
If you watch some of Davis's previous fights his take downs are sloppy, and he fades in the later rounds (ie: his fight against little nog)

**Beelzebubzy** · 07-10-11, 09:55 PM

Rashad was taken down repeatedly by Tito. He was outstruck by Liddell, Forrest, and Salmon. His striking is not top level.

**Wrecked** · 07-10-11, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by Beelzebubzy

Rashad was taken down repeatedly by Tito. He was outstruck by Liddell, Forrest, and Salmon. His striking is not top level.

Sure as hell beats lil nog and bader's who are the only legit fighters that Davis has fought. Rashad has buckled plenty of people with decent chins.
Rashad fought Tito prior to Greg Jackson, and in UFC 73? LOL

**GunShard** · 07-11-11, 09:05 AM

I see the Davis vs Evans fight going to a decision.

**Wrecked** · 07-11-11, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by GunShard

I see the Davis vs Evans fight going to a decision.

Most likely.
But you have to be aware that Davis has yet to be hit by someone with the power and speed that Evans has.

**kmdubya** · 07-11-11, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by Beelzebubzy

Rashad was taken down repeatedly by Tito. He was outstruck by Liddell, Forrest, and Salmon. His striking is not top level.

The Salmon fight was so long ago, it should not even be considered. In both the Liddell and Forrest fights, he was playing a bit of possum, and exposed both fighters with big KOs. And Tito was still dangerous back when he fought Rashad. There's no doubt he beat Rashad in that fight, but he's improved a lot in his wrestling.

I agree his striking is not top level, but it's good enough to KO people. And he'll take care of Davis. Davis is way too one dimensional.

**kmdubya** · 07-11-11, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by Wrecked

Phil Davis and Rashad is such an easy fight to call it's not even funny.
Phil Davis hasn't been with a striker that hits as hard and as fast as Rashad.
Rashad even has better wrestling than Davis, and it's obvious.
If you watch some of Davis's previous fights his take downs are sloppy, and he fades in the later rounds (ie: his fight against little nog)

+1 this.

The odds are close because of Davis' record and dominance over some cans. After watching his fight with little nog, all I saw was someone who was tired in the 3rd and who didn't do a great job taking down nog.

**Wrecked** · 07-11-11, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by kmdubya

+1 this.

The odds are close because of Davis' record and dominance over some cans. After watching his fight with little nog, all I saw was someone who was tired in the 3rd and who didn't do a great job taking down nog.

**Vaughany** · 07-11-11, 02:03 PM

Was also fighting a HW against Salmon.