Recap
After last weekend’s performance I was planning on writing about how the bottom finally fell out on me. However, when I reviewed my picks, I only went 14-6 (1NC), which isn’t that terrible. I sort of redeemed myself by going 8-2 (1NC) on the UFC Fight Night 19 card in the middle of the week. Overall my picking record now is 67-17 (9NC), which is an 80% picking rate. It is getting dangerously close to dropped below 80, so this week I need to step it up.
The Fight Club 8 – Salvation
Ryan Ford (9-2) vs. Markhaille Wedderburn
Even though Mark Pavelich thought it was time to give up on Ryan Ford, he is still a very interesting prospect. Sure he has dropped two fights to Pat Healy, but his MMA career is only a little bit past two years old. On top of that, he is a natural athlete who has adapted to the game very well. Expect Ford to dominate Markhaille Wedderburn, and move onto a bigger promotion.
Pick = Ryan Ford
Victor Valimaki (14-5) vs. Lew Polley (10-2)
Two mainstays of the Canadian circuit face off in this match up. Lew Polley will probably come out on top. He has done better against higher level competition, and he trains with American Top Team.
Pick = Lew Polley
Adrenaline MMA 4
Tim Sylvia (24-6) vs. Jason Riley (6-1)
After Tim Sylvia’s last performance, who really knows what to expect from the former UFC champion. Surely, Sylvia can harness his inner James Sendo and become the second man to defeat Jason Riley. If he cannot, he might have a new most embarrassing moment in MMA, and that is saying something for a man who once soiled himself in the Octagon.
Pick = Tim Sylvia
Houston Alexander (8-4) vs. Sherman Pendergarst (11-14)
This will be a quick one. Houston Alexander will come storming across the cage and end the fight quickly. Perdergarst has a losing record overall. He has lost his last five fights. Most importantly, he is 0-1 inside the Yamma.
Pick = Houston Alexander
UFC 103 – Undercard
For UFC 103 main card picks, check out the PRO MMA (promma.info) Staff Picks
Vladimir Matyushenko (22-4) vs. Igor Pokrajac (21-5)
It is nice to see the UFC bringing in some quality European talent. However, on the whole, the European scene is still lacking in general talent. Matyushenko will have the size and wrestling advantage in this fight. Expect a vintage performance from “The Janitor” even though he is quickly approaching 39 years of age.
Pick = Vladimir Matyushenko
Nik Lentz (16-3-1) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (9-1)
Even in his loss to Lyle Beerbohm, Rafaello Oliveira was winning the fight. He is a prospect with next level potential. Nik Lentz is on an impressive winning streak, so this will be an interesting fight. At the end of the fight it will be Oliveira with his hand raised.
Pick = Rafaello Oliveira
Ricky Story (7-3) vs. Brian Foster (12-3)
In his last fight, Brian Foster dominated Kyle Baker. While they are both fighters with good records, it seems as if Foster will have the advantage. Ricky Story stepped into this fight on late notice after Paul Daley moved to the main card.
Pick = Brian Foster
Jim Miller (14-2) vs. Steve Lopez (12-1)
At this point in his career, Jim Miller is only going to have trouble with more physical fighters. He is not going to be out wrestled by Steve Lopez. Look for Miller to control the fight with his grappling and win by second-round submission.
Pick = Jim Miller
Drew McFedries (8-5) vs. Tomasz Drwal (16-2-1)
Tomasz Drwal has four submission wins on his resume. That is more than enough grappling credentials to be considered the favorite in this fight. Let us hope that a Drwal victory finally convinces the UFC to drop Drew McFedries.
Pick = Tomasz Drwal
Eliot Marshall (7-1) vs. Jason Brilz (17-1)
Eliot Marshall is good off of his back, but here he will not be able to pull off a submission. Jason Brilz will continually take the fight to the ground and stay on top enough to win the decision. The question is, does Brilz actually take fighting seriously after some of his recent comments?
Pick = Jason Brilz
Rafael dos Anjos (11-4) vs. Rob Emerson (9-7)
Rob Emerson does not have the wrestling to fend off Rafael dos Anjos’ takedowns. Look for dos Anjos to dominate the fight from the top position and possibly threaten with some submissions.
Pick = Rafael dos Anjos
Ultimate Challenge UK – Mayhem
Kiane Sabet (1-0) vs. Ben Smith (2-3)
Here, a nightclub owner takes on a guy who is 2-3 with his only wins coming against debuting fighters. If there is one thing that Ultimate Challenge UK is good at, it is making sure their favorites do not lose.
Pick = Kiane Sabet
Jungle Fight 14
Assuerio Silva (15-7) vs. Geronimo dos Santos (12-7)
Reports of Assuerio Silva’s demise were based on the fact that Todd Duffee stopped him. We now know that there is no shame in losing to Duffee. Silva has faced the much better competition, and should take this fight.
Pick = Assuerio Silva