UFC 93 Predictions and Picks
J.D Driscoll - January 9th, 2009 .After two spectacular events in Las Vegas the UFC crosses the pond for its first ever event in Ireland. Our expert MMA handicapper J.D Driscoll brings you his UFC 93 predictions and picks.
Clearly this card isn’t as stacked as the past two events however the two co-main events are very compelling. Shogun Rua makes his long awaited comeback against the legendary Mark Coleman while Rich Frankin looks to make his mark on the light heavyweight division when he faces Dan Henderson. For those looking to bet on this European card head over to our friends at Betus sportsbook. Lines are up for 4 out the 5 fight on the main card.
Rich Franklin +110 vs. Dan Henderson -140
This bout is at light heavyweight however it has major implications for the middleweight division too. The victor will more than likely face middleweight contender Michael Bisping and coach Team USA on the Ultimate Fighter 8.
Both Franklin and Henderson posses extremely impressive resumes. Both have faced some of the worlds best and have come out on top more often than not.
Rich Franklin (24-3) has quickly established himself as a threat in the light heavyweight division. Victories over Travis Lutter and Matt Hamill have propelled Franklin into the UFC limelight once again. The former Math teacher is looking to establish himself as a serious contender in perhaps the UFC’s most competitive weight class. The first major hurdle to another UFC title shot is MMA veteran and former Pride Champion Dan Henderson.
Franklin’s strategy is clear. If he has any advantages at all over the former Pride champion it is his dangerous and technically sound boxing. He if he can avoid the take downs and stay patient a decision victory is not out of the question.
Henderson (23-7) too is on the comeback trail as he works his way towards a rematch with current middleweight champion Anderson Silva. The well rounded wrestler has the ability to go toe to toe with some of the most dangerous strikers in the division. He has never been knocked out despite facing the likes of Wanderlei Silva and Quinton Rampage Jackson. He is well conditioned, disinclined and could take the fight anywhere.
There is no doubt he’ll spend long periods on his feet however its highly unlikely that Henderson will exchange with Franklin for the entire three rounds. He’ll take this fight to the ground at some stage. Henderson’s hands while not technically sound are very dangerous. He has after all gone gonde the distance with Quinton Jackson, knocked out Wanderlei Silva and beaten dangerous strickers Vitor Belfort and Gilbert Yvel. I simply cant see Frankin’s stand-up posing a serious threat. The former Olympian will trade with Franklin with the objective of holding his own on the feet and scoring points on the ground. A one-sided decision victory in Henderson’s favor is the most likely outcome. At +100 Henderson is the best bet on the card. All betting lines courtesy of Betus.com sportsbook.
Mark Coleman +288 vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua -365
Who could have foreseen these two former Pride stars would get to battle it out for a second time? Only a year ago Shogun Rua was hailed as the next big thing while Mark Coleman’s career looked to be over after the demise of Pride. After a bizarre turn of events their paths will once again collide on Saturday as Shogun looks to revenge his 2006 loss to the legendary Mark Coleman.
Shogun is the complete package. His stand-up is dynamic and his ground and pound is extremely dangerous. He has some of the best leg kicks in the business and on top of it all he has some pretty solid Brazilian Jujutsu. Other than wrestling his game is far superior to that of the veteran Coleman. If Shogun really is injury free this fight should be a foregone conclusion. However many questions mark hanging over both men but Shogun is still the proven commodity and the deserving favourite. A first round TKO is the most likely outcome.
Alan Belcher +275 vs. Denis Kang -300
International middleweight star Denis Kang makes his long awaited UFC debut against UFC veteran Alan “The Talent” Belcher. An impressive win over Belcher will catapult Kang straight into title contention in a thin middleweight division. Many Japanese based stars have struggled with the UFC transition however I cant see Kang making the same mistake. He has put his MMA career on the line to make it big in the US.
Belcher wont a pushover though. His stand-up is his biggest weapon however he isn’t as well rounded nor as experienced Kang. The Canadian is future force in the middleweight division, a round one TKO in Kang’s favour is the most likely outcome.
Marcus Davis -115 vs. Chris Lytle -105
This match-up is a top contender for fight of the night. Both guys like to keep it on their feet. Neither man is lacking on the ground but their comparative advantage lies in their stand-up. Lytle’s loses have mostly come to top contenders while he has overcome middle of the road competition with ease. Marcus Davis returned to winning form against Paul Kelly. He has evolved into a well rounded striker with his only significant loss in the past two years coming to Mike Swick.
This is a pick-em fight however I give the slight edge Lytle due his experience with top level welterweight competition.
Jeremy Horn vs. Rousimar Palhares
Brazilian Jujutsu ace Rousimar Palhares takes on veteran UFC fighter Jeremy Horn in another match that pits strength vs. strength. Both men are world class ground fighters that have yet to develop their striking to levels required to become top contenders in their division. Horn is on a two fight losing streak, another loss tonight could end his career inside the Octagon. Palhares is coming of a unanimous decision loss to Dan Henderson, his first inside the Octagon. Despite loosing Palhares gaining valuable experience against one of the best middleweights in the world. He has the advantage both with his has and on the ground. A second round TKO victory is the most likely outcome.
Preliminary Card Quick Picks
* Well rounded Dutchmen Martin Kampmann over UFC debutant Alexandre Barros in close decision.
* European Top Team fighter Antonio Mendes over BJJ ace Eric Schafer via decision.
* Polish striker Tomasz Drwal over Ivan Serati via a first round TKO.
* Unbeaten John Hathaway over hometown favourite Thomas Egan via a round two TKO.
* German hope Dennis Siver over Nate Mohr via round two KO.
