UFC 104 Predictions
By Bong Paredes:
UFC 104 Predictions:
Tonight is going to be the first time we’ll see UFC Heavyweight Champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida in action after he won the title against Rashad Evans last May and I have no doubt that this will be one hell of a fight as Shogun will surely bring it. But before we talk about the main event, I’ll try to break down a couple other fights in the card.
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida (catchweight 176 lbs.)
Everybody knew all along that Johnson will eventually move up to middleweight because his frame is just too big for a welterweight and his body just can’t take the weight cut that much longer. With that being said, I believe that his size and power will spell the difference in this fight.
Yoshida has excellent Judo but Johnson is not only big, he has a very good wrestling base as well so I highly doubt it if he can take Johnson down. I also believe that Johnson has a better all around standup game than Koscheck so if Yoshida tries to bang with him; he’s going to fall asleep early.
Prediction: Johnson by KO in the very first round.
Ben Rothwell vs. Cain Velasquez (Heavyweights)
Ben Rothwell is undoubtedly a better well rounded fighter at this point in their respective careers but one thing you have to remember is that while Ben may be good at a lot of things, he’s not dominant in any. Although this is Rothwell’s first UFC fight, I believe he’ll be a perfect gatekeeper in the division so whatever happens tonight, I expect Ben to have a long UFC career.
Cain Velasquez is far from polished but even this early in his career his wrestling and overall power will be too much for Rothwell. I also don’t believe that Rothwell can hit Cain harder than Kongo did. If he can’t knock out China chin Arlovski, then he can’t put Cain to sleep.
Prediction: Velasquez by unanimous decision
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (Light Heavyweight Championship)
Without a shadow of a doubt, this will be the fight of the night. One is a come forward in your face guy (Rua) and one is an excellent counter striker (Machida) and both have an impeccable standup game. I’m not sure if we’ll ever see Shogun in PRIDE FC shape but he looks as good as he has been since entering the UFC and that is a good sign for Rua fans.
The problem is, Machida seems to be still getting better at age 31 and if he comes in as focused as he’s always been it will be a long night (maybe short) for Shogun.
Prediction: Lyoto by KO midway through the 3rd round
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