Tomorrow UFC 103: Franklin vs Belfort goes down live on PPV from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Here at BunchVideo.com we love our MMA and have pooled our collective minds to give you our picks for tomorrows card.
Catchweight (195 lb) bout: Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort
I always hate having to bet against Ace but lets face it, ever since the kidnapped sister chapter closed on Vitor’s life he has returned to form. After years of hearing people clamor on about ‘old Vitor’, you know the one who destroyed everyone in mere seconds, he is finally back. If you don’t believe me all you have to do is check out his absolute destruction of Matt Lindland. Anytime you can knock a guy out for ten minutes who even Rampage Jackson couldn’t put away, you know you got a winner. The only way Rich Franklin can win this one is with tons of wrestling and evasive footwork, both of which I don’t think he has enough skill in to out duel Vitor. Belfort 2nd Round KO.
Heavyweight bout: Mirko Filipović vs. Junior dos Santos
Most people are picking Junior dos Santos to run over Mirko with one of those brutal uppercuts he loves so much. Although I agree that Mirko is a shell of the fighter he used to be and his left high kick will not be putting anyone to sleep, his shell is still one of the better heavyweights of the last four years. I see a TKO with Junior pinned against the cage getting fed four ounce gloves. CroCop 3rd Round TKO.
Welterweight bout: Martin Kampmann vs. Paul Daley
Paul Daley is an excellent welterweight who can’t seem to transition from excellent to outstanding. Martin Kampmann was a top tier middleweight who has only improved since making the transition to welterweight. Every time Daley finds himself in a situation where a win can move him to that next level he falters, and this time will be no different. Although Daley’s striking is excellent, he will not be able to deal with the wrestling of Xtreme Couture trained Kampmann. Add to that the fact Kampmann is also a world class kickboxer and things are looking grim for Daley. Kampmann 2nd Round Submission.
Welterweight bout: Josh Koscheck vs. Frank Trigg
This one actually had me thinking for a minute. Every time I count out Frank Trigg for being long in the tooth he kicks the crap out of the guy he is fighting. That said, despite being on a four fight win streak I feel Trigg’s number is up. He never fared well against fellow wrestlers with submission skills and I don’t see that changing here. Koscheck is too good on the ground and too good at taking people down. This is a recipe for disaster for the elder statesman Trigg, look for him to lose via RNC ala’ his Matt Hughes & GSP fights. Koscheck Round 3 Submission.
Lightweight bout: Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca
I don’t want this to turn into a game of MMA math, but Hermes Franca sure didn’t fare well against Sean Sherk. With that in mind I have no reason to think he’ll do any better against Sherk’s carbon copy – Tyson Griffin. Don’t get me wrong Franca has dynamite in his hands and mad skills on the ground, but when you consider the advanced footwork & submission defense Griffin brings to the table and its hard not to think it will be a long night for Mr. Franca. If you have any doubts about this simply look to his fight with Frankie Edgar, if you don’t think the exact same thing is going to happen when he faces off with the third and final lightweight wrestling triplet you’re clearly not that knowledgeable about MMA. Griffin Unanimous Decision.
Hope you enjoy a lovely weekend and thanks for dropping by BunchVideo.com!