UFC 205 Prelim Anlaysis/Prediction (Best Card Ever?)

[arbnranger]

If you're a fan of MMA then you know how big of an event is coming up on this Saturday Nov, 12 2016. This is a huge event for a few reasons. First off, there has never been a (pro) MMA event in NY. The sport has been illegal in the state up until this year, where laws were finally passed to allow it. (Long story. Unions, political corruption, jail time. Google it) So now that it's legal, it has to take place at what some would call the "Mecca" of fight venues, Madison Square Garden. Doesn't get much bigger. Not many venues draw the same kind of crowd and energy as an event there.  I'll add another fact that hardcore fans may appreciate, that adds a bit of mystique to it. I remember coming home on leave in the fall of 1993. My dad had one of those big, bad ass mesh satellites dishes that you controlled the motor to move it NSEW to find satellites. That night, he tuned in to watch a sporting event that would forever make me a fan. UFC 1- Nov, 12 1993. On their 23rd birthday, the UFC gives us 205. 23 years from the date, a young buck showed the world that with his technique, a 6'0 176 lb guy could beat anyone he faced, regardless of their size or strength. Good stuff.

On paper, I've never seen an MMA card that has as many top name, relevant fighters, to do battle with one another and - 3...yea, 3 championship belts on the line. Pretty insane. Hey, lets face it, they owe us from UFC 202!

I'll give a few thoughts on some of the fights I find interesting. (which are most) This post I will focus on the prelim card. I will say that this is an EARLY prediction/analysis thread. I'll be the first to admit, mostly I don't predict who will win until I see them walking to the cage. That's actually been a pretty good indicator to me. You can get a real good sense of the vibe after they've done their walk in and Bruce is doing the introductions. (I only bet with friends or family so I can wait until the last minute to bet ha)

 

Rashad Evans vs Tim Kennedy

Update: Evans pulled from the card for medical reasons. (No replacement fight schedule yet)

Two fighters that are not in belt contention but still relevant names. Rashad still has some fast hands, good footwork and knock out power in his hands and feet. Kennedy is a seasoned veteran, in the military and in MMA. Kennedy is not known for being great at any one thing, but he's also known for not having any glaring weakness either. Although Rashad has more athletic ability, he hasn't looked like his heart has been in it for a few years now. The guy does commentary on Fox and makes more money doing things outside of the UFC. Rashad will be good early in the first. If he has early success then his confidence/willingness will grow, making it a tough night for Kennedy. I don't think that will happen though. Kennedy has too much nuts, guts and grind. Kennedy avoids some early barrages from Rashad and turns it into a grind match. Kennedy wins by decision or a stoppage on the ground late in the fight. Winner-Kennedy

 

Frankie Edgar vs Jeremy Stephens

Frankie- Old school former champion/aging veteran with a heart of a lion.

Stephens- The younger, hungry, up and comer with a lot of momentum.

Frankie has been in some epic wars. He is from the surrounding area so he's going to have some serious hometown support and energy on his side. There isn't much he hasn't seen in the octagon so you would have to say his experience and overall generalship in the ring is an advantage. He has wind for days and can easily go 5 rounds as he's done many times before. (this only a 3 rounder) The big knock I've seen from Frankie is his lack of power. I'm not a super nerd so I cant tell you the stats but I don't remember him having a lot of knock outs, but quite a few decisions. Jeremy is hungry, he's been around for a while too. He's only 30, has 36 fights, but only now has it seem to "click" for him. I think Edgar can frustrate Stephens with his footwork and winning the quick flurries in the middle of the ring and getting out. Jeremy is coming to throw down and get a knock out, that's how he fights. I do believe Edgar will win early , making it difficult for Jeremy to land. Stephens will start to find his rhythm and force his will on Edgar by a second round TKO. Winner- Stephens

 

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Michael Johnson

Can't wait to see this one. I've not seen enough of Khabib to make an early prediction on this one. Khabib has a ton of potential, he's 23-0, rumor mill says he's a beast on the rise to be champion for a while. Sure, he has a great record and ranked #1 for a reason, but, for some reason I'm not totally convinced. Johnson has been on the slow rise for a while now, losing a few but he always seems to learn something new and get better each fight. Johnson has a lot of heart and has a tendency to fight on emotion, which has seemed to benefit him. I think this fight will come down to skill vs heart. Obviously both are highly skilled but people have been saying Khabib is on another level. Khabib will either outclass Johnson, which will be apparent early on, or Johnson breaks Khabibs spirit with pressure and high output. Winner- Coin toss.

 

Would like to hear your thoughts on the UFC 205 Prelim matches. I'll make another prediction/analysis thread about the main card/ championship matches tomorrow. Way too much typing for one day. 

 

 

 

 

 

[arbnranger]

Just a bump to see if anyone is going to watch ? I'm on about 75% exitement level of Super Bowl 50. 

[cookinbrak]

FSN, 8:00

[Still Brooklyn]

Ordered it this AM. Should have gone, but meh. I bet UFC sucks live.

[rodeo]

Odell Beckham pouting in the crowd like a baby when Conor won is the fuging funniest thing I've ever seen

[arbnranger]

What a fight. 

[Still Brooklyn]

Khabib vs Connor. Make it happen.