UFC 94 Predictions and Picks
Robert K - January 29th, 2009 .MMA returns to its unofficial home base for the biggest fight of the year. Expert MMA handicapper Robert K brings you his UFC 94 picks.
Quick Recap of UFC 93
After two of the most epic cards in UFC history, the UFC started 2009 on a more subdued note.
UFC 93 turned out be a disappointment. Sure the two main events looked somewhat intriguing on paper however there really wasn’t much else to cheer about. All four main event fighters had big questions marks hanging over their heads but neither performed to the level that would warrant significant praise. Things went to script for Henderson vs. Franklin. I cant say that either man looked terrific on the night. Only a year or two ago this would have been one of the biggest fights of the year. Franklin was the undisputed UFC champion while Henderson had become the first man to capture both the Pride middleweight and welterweight belts. However the fight turned out be quite a dull affair. Henderson controlled proceedings just as I had predicted. He went on to collect a lackluster decision victory and a place on “The Ultimate Fighter 9″. Shogun Rua once again underperformed despite earning “Fight Of The Night” honors in his first UFC win.
Predictions For UFC 94
UFC 94 is an entirely different story. This card could go down as the greatest single UFC event to date. The entire card looks terrific but it’s the main event that sets this card apart. It’s a fight for the ages. Onto my UFC 94 predictions and picks.
Georges St-Pierre vs. B.J. Penn
There is not a lot to be said that hasn’t already been said about these two UFC legends. Both men are in their in their prime and at the top of their game. Their is a case to be made that the winner of this would should be ranked as the number one pound for pound fighter in the world.
St-Pierre enters the rematch as a rather heavy betting favorite. The current line has the depending champion at a hefty -170 at Betus.com sportsbook. More than any other UFC champion St-Pierre manages to improve with each UFC outing. Their is no better indicator than the odds. The last time these two champions met, B.J Penn was the betting favourite. However B.J Penn’s development over the past two years cant be ignored either. His boxing remains superb, his ground game is world class though his cardio hasn’t been tested in while. Penn’s conditioning is and always has been the big question mark hanging over his head.
Penn outclassed St-Pierre in the striking department in their first bout. That wont be the case the second time around. This is not the same GSP that faced Penn in 2006. It wont be the same fight either. St-Pierre’s wresting and heavy kicks should negate much of Penn’s boxing. Penn on the other hand is much better prepared and conditioned. This is the fight of his life and he wont take it lightly. Conditioning alone will not win this fight for GSP. His game plan, wrestling and dynamic striking will. Read my complete St-Pierre vs Penn preview.
Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva
The MMA media isn’t nearly as excited about this match-up as it should be. It is one of most significant light heavyweight bouts of 2009. The winner should receive the next title shot and will in all likelihood be the betting favorite over current champion Rashad Evans.
Machida is a “thinking man’s” fighter. He has been called elusive, some call him boring, for many however he’s simply the greatest MMA fighter on the planet. While his style may be controversial, his talent cant be questioned. He has wins over some the worlds best including B.J Penn, Tito Ortiz and Rich Franklin.
Silva is a legitimate light heavyweight contender. He has looked superb in his first 4 UFC fights. He has stopped all of his opponents inside the first two rounds. However his conditioning has been tested nor has his striking game. He has excelled against middle of the road competition however he lacks the experience to get past a world class fighter. Machida should out strike and outsmart Silva on-road to a decisive decision victory.
Stephan Bonnar vs. Jon Jones
UFC veteran Stephan Bonnar is looking to make it three wins in a row against rookie Jon Jones. Bonnar has looked near peak form in his last UFC appearances but he’ll have his hands full against Jones. “Bones” stared his professional MMA career less than a year ago. He is an unknown commodity but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is able to edge out a decision victory on Saturday.
Karo Parisyan vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Parisyan is coming off a unusually long lay off. Injury and personal problems prevented earlier comeback attempts. It remains unclear if he has overcome the multiple of issues that have plagued him over the past 12 months. He has been a dominant welterweight for most of his career. If he’s near his best, he should he able decision Hyun Kim.
Nate Diaz vs. Clay Guida
This match-up has “Fight Of The Night” written all over it. Both guys come to fight every single time. Nate Diaz, like his brother, is one of few fighters that entertain standing and on the ground. He has looked superb since winning “The Ultimate Fighter 5″ and is improving with each UFC outing. The odds makers cant split the two, and I cant either. However given Guida’s experience and world class conditioning I predict a close decision that will favor “The Carpenter”.
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1 UFC 94 Odds and Betting Lines - 01/31/2009 at 8:40 pm
[...] further main event analysis at our UFC 94 predictions page and GSP vs. B.J Penn [...]