ProMMAnow.com UFC on FOX 8 staff picks

The ProMMAnow.com staff shares their thoughts and predictions for UFC on Fox 8 taking place Saturday in Seattle and headlined with a Flyweight Championship between champion Demetrious Johnson and challenger John Moraga.

Germaine de Randamie (3-2) vs. Julie Kedzie (16-11)

JOSH LEDUC: Kedzie is a more diverse fighter with a world of experience. I think the UFC is feeding her Randamie to possible build another contender in the women’s division. Kedzie is a 3rd degree black belt and Taekwondo and a better fighter on the ground and she takes it, probably by decision.

BRIAN FURBY: Kedzie by Unanimous Decision

JAN GAETJENS: Neither fighter is going to be making a run at the title any time soon, but establishing a multi-teired roster of contenders, gatekeepers, and prospects is part of the necessary growing pain involved in an upstart division. Kedzie by (T)KO

KELVIN HUNT: #shrugshoulder Kedzie via experience…

JACK BRATCHER: De Randamie brings a wealth of kickboxing experience with her but is relatively new on the MMA scene compared to Kedzie. Could be an interesting stand up war but I have Kedzie via decision.

Jessica Andrade (9-2) vs. Liz Carmouche (8-3)

JOSH LEDUC: I’m thinking Carmouche takes this match. Though Andrade is a lot more of a challenge than most people think, Carmouche has the experience in big fights and I think her toughness and well roundedness will show through.

BRIAN FURBY: Carmouche by Unanimous Decision

JAN GAETJENS: At only 21 years old, Andrade is going to make a nice career for herself; however, the top-heavy nature of the fledgling women’s bantanweight division is initially going to work against her as she tries to make a name for herself in the UFC. Andrade does boast a submission game that could turn this bout into a rehashing of Carmouche’s run in with Rousey, but, as good as Andrade is at forcing clinch situations, she isn’t Ronda Rousey. Carmouche will inevitably have to go to the canvas, but she’s experienced and disciplined enough to smother Andrade from the top without getting trapped. Carmouche by Decision

KELVIN HUNT: I don’t know much about Andrade…but it seems as though she’s a specialist at the guillotine choke…and Carmouche is good for sticking her neck out there when taking fights to the ground. Either Carmouche wins the decision or Andrade takes it via submission.

JACK BRATCHER: Carmouche via decision.

Robbie Lawler (20-9) vs. Bobby Voelker (24-9)

JOSH LEDUC: This is going to be a great match, two strikers who want to stand and bang. I’m taking Robbie Lawler since he’s been around longer and has fought top competition all his career. Though I wasn’t impressed with him against Larkin he should pull through against Voelker.

BRIAN FURBY: Lawler by TKO in Round 3.

JAN GAETJENS: Voelker showed the potential to unleash some serious devastation in Strikeforce Challengers. On a related note, I was the second best player on my high school soccer team. Putting aside my bias against Challengers alums not named OSP, Voelker could very realistically pull of the upset here, but Lawler seems to have found some legitimate new life at 170. Lawler by (T)KO

KELVIN HUNT: Lawler looked like a different animal in his last fight against Koscheck…Voelker is tough as nails as evident in his last fight against Patrick Cote. He’s taking the fight on short notice though…if Voelker can drag this fight into the later rounds..he has a shot at the upset…otherwise…Lawler probably finishes him via TKO…going with the latter..

JACK BRATCHER: Lawler by knockout.

Jake Ellenberger (29-6) vs. Rory MacDonald (14-1)

JOSH LEDUC: The Co-Main Event is a lot closer in my eyes than everyone seems to think. I’m taking Ellenberger, you can tell that he’s not buying into the Rory Macdonald hype. I just think this is a bad match for Rory, Ellenberger has the power and the wrestling. I think he wins a decision or KO.

BRIAN FURBY: Ellenberger by TKO in Round 2.

JAN GAETJENS: This is the definitive pick ‘em on the card. We knew Ellenberger could wrestle, but his ability to successfully implement his striking against ground threats like Nate Marquardt and Jake Shields has upped his stock in a division in which he was already a legitimate contender. Do I believe Ellenberger’s vitriol about MacDonald being a product of media hype? absolutely not, but he’s still a long ways off from being the heir apparent to the welterweight throne. Ellenberger by Decision

KELVIN HUNT: Ellenberger has a puncher’s chance to win the fight IMO…MacDonald is the more dynamic striker…has the better ground game…and most importantly…a much better gas tank…MacDonald via TKO late in the fight.

JACK BRATCHER: Ellenberger via (T)KO.

Demetrious Johnson (17-2-1) vs. John Moraga (13-1)

JOSH LEDUC: The main event is an obvious pick. Mighty Mouse is going to win, really because Moraga is being thrown to the wolves. If Mighty Mouse could stave off the wrestling of Benavidez he should have no problems against Moraga.

BRIAN FURBY: Johnson by Unanimous Decision.

JAN GAETJENS: A lot has been made of Moraga’s wrestling chops in the lead up to this fight, but much of that can be chalked up to the UFC hype machine doing what it does best. Moraga is the real deal, but it’s arguable that, had Johnson not already cleared out the upper echelon of the flyweight division, Moraga would not even find himself in the title conversation yet. What Moraga does have working in his favor is a willingness to go for the finish that Mighty Mouse lacks. Johnson by Decision

KELVIN HUNT: I think this will be a closer fight than most people think…thing is I haven’t seen enough of Moraga to provide a true breakdown. What I do know is that Johnson is excellent at mixing up his striking/wrestling and is incredibly quick. Therefore, I have to go with what I know….Johnson via unanimous decision…but what I have seen of Moraga has been impressive.

JACK BRATCHER: Demetrious Johnson’s speed and wrestling should make the difference en route to a unanimous decision win.
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