The Juggernaut MMA News Report 12.01.11: Ultimate Fighter Finale Preview
Posted by Jonathan Solomon on 12.01.2011
Will Jason Miller shut Michael Bisping up or can the Brit hand Mayhem another UFC loss? 411's Jonathan Solomon previews the UFC Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale! Plus news on Rashad Evans main eventing UFC on Fox 2, Tim Kennedy's next fight and more!
Welcome to the Juggernaut MMA News Report, I am Jonathan Solomon and this is the first day of December. Yes, that means four weeks left in the year and the MMA schedule heats up. We start the mudslide with the UFC's Ultimate Fighter Finale this weekend, followed by UFC 140 next week. December 17 will bring the focus back to Strikeforce for their big show to end the year before we can all gear up for the MOST AWESOME MATCH-UP IN THE HISTORY OF MATCH-UPS…Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem on December 30.
I will try not to get ahead of myself, hard as that may be, so let's focus on now! Mayhem Miller returns to the UFC and Michael Bisping looks to feed his trash talking ways with more shady performances (or at least another perhaps), all in a nights work this Saturday night. Plus, two long-term UFC contracts will be handed out to the winners of the featherweight and bantamweight tournaments and more. Read on for a preview of the night's action along with the latest news including confirmation from the source itself as to who will main event the second UFC on Fox show.
Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale Preview
Michael Bisping vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller
This fight was first announced at the end of May and now we are here. This live show will mark the final Ultimate Fighter special to air on Spike before the series moves to FX in 2012. This is also the first time since the 2007 fight between B.J. Penn and Jens Pulver that TUF coaches will fight on cable.
Jason Miller is one of the few fighters to gain some mainstream popularity with absolutely nothing to do with the UFC (shout out to Bully Beatdown). He's had over 30 fights as a professional but he's just 0-1 inside the octagon from when he fought Georges St. Pierre to a decision at UFC 52 in 2005. Since then, he is 12-3 and has always been unable to emerge among the better middleweights in the sport. He reeled off five consecutive submission wins (including a win over Robbie Lawler), then was beaten by Frank Trigg. He won his next four fights (including avenging an earlier loss to Tim Kennedy) and then lost a decision to Jacare Souza. About a year later, he rematched with Jacare in Japan but the fight was stopped in the first round due to a cut from an illegal strike resulting in a no contest.
The last fight most of you last saw involving Mayhem was the infamous Strikeforce title fight on CBS against Jake Shields. Miller had difficulty stopping Shields' wrestling and grappling game which led to one of the more uneventful fights of 2009. Miller came so close to choking out Shields at the end of the third round via rear naked choke but after surviving for 10 seconds in it, the bell sounded. Shields dominated the rest of the fight en route to a unanimous decision win. Since then, Miller knocked out Tim Stout and choked out Kazushi Sakuraba.
As for Michael Bisping, he is on a three-fight winning streak since the UFC 110 loss to Wanderlei Silva. He earned decisions against Dan Miller and Yoshihiro Akiyama before the now infamous fight against Jorge Rivera. To promote the fight, Rivera and his coaches filmed several videos poking fun at Bisping. The Brit was not amused and the fight turned into an ugly display. I still consider the knee Bisping landed to Rivera's head, while he was a downed fighter, as intentional. The referee, Marc Goddard, deducted a point from Bisping but allowed the fight to continue (although it was apparent Rivera was not the same). Bisping ended up finishing Rivera in the second round and spitting at his corner. The only punishment he received was from the UFC who withheld his $150,000 win bonus.
That incident was just the latest example anti-Bisping folk point to as claiming him to be one of the biggest fools in the sport.
Now, how do they match up in this five round main event?
Ironically, both men have been criticized in their careers for not having that dominant one-punch knockout power. Each has the ability to lay in volume shots and overwhelm their opponent but it's unlikely this fight will turn based on a single punch early on.
Miller is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and you can look at his record and see the result - 14 of 24 wins by submission. Bisping is not a guy who is known to be a top echelon grappler in the middleweight division but he may be overrated in his ability to dictate the fight. Remember, he has never been submitted and is 2-1 in his three most recent fights against BJJ black belts (wins over Denis Kang & Dan Miller, loss to Wanderlei).
Bisping's most famous weak point came at UFC 100 when he was knocked unconscious by Dan Henderson in perhaps modern MMA's most famous knockout. He was also rocked in the next fight he had, with Kang, although he was able to regain his composure quick enough to win.
Their measurables are nearly identical with Bisping enjoying a one inch height advantage but giving up the same amount back to Miller in reach.
Michael Bisping will want to pick Mayhem apart with his boxing and Muay Thai, perhaps work from the clinch to weaken him and enforce his will. Miller's game plan may be to use agility and speed to open up angles and attack from there. If the opportunity presents itself to shoot in for a takedown, a sweep, perhaps even pulling guard, see if he can manipulate Bisping on that front.
TUF 14 Featherweight Final
Dennis Bermudez vs. Diego Brandao
We have come down to two featherweights, fighting for a long-term UFC contract. Dennis Bermudez (24 years old, 7-2) will fight Diego Brandao (23 years old, 13-7) to cap off the the final season of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV.
Bermudez is out of New York but he had his greatest amateur success while wrestling at the Division-I level in Pennsylvania. He turned to professional MMA in 2009 and reeled off seven consecutive wins, including a decision win over former UFC lightweight Shannon Gugerty. However, in the second fight in a single night at the Shine Fights 3 lightweight grand prix, he was submitted by Drew Fickett. He ended November losing to Jordan Rinaldi by rear naked choke, too.
To earn his spot in the house, Bermudez dropped down to featherweight and defeated the King of the Cage champion, Jimmie Rivera by second round TKO. No doubt, knowing his wrestling background, Jason Miller made Dennis his first pick. In his first fight in the house, he defeated Stephan Bass by second round TKO, too. In the semi-finals, persevered Akira Corassani's powerful striking to win by guillotine choke in the first round.
Turn the page to Diego Brandao and he is a native Brazilian who trains with the team at Greg Jackson's camp in New Mexico. He began his pro MMA career in 2005 and has amassed 13 wins with 11 being stoppages. The biggest names he has fought would be Brian Foster (win by KO in 2008) and Matt Veach (loss by injury in 2008). He was on a three-fight win streak heading into TUF 14.
Brandao garnered a reputation for being a dominant striker early when he knocked out Jesse Newell in the elimination round. Next up, he knocked out Steven Siler (the man who upset Micah Miller) in the first round. Remember that despite his aggressive striking, he is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
This fight has all the makings of a class striker versus wrestler match-up. The variable that may play a role in this fight is whether or not Brandao gasses if the fight does not end quickly. It has been one of the criticisms against him and we have no idea whether he's improved there until he's in the cage. Unless Brandao can hurt or knock out Bermudez early, you have to like his ability to get the fight to the ground. However, are Bermudez's wrestling shots refined enough to power through any wild strikes from Brandao?
Diego Brandao makes a mean face.
TUF 14 Bantamweight Final
T.J. Dillashaw vs. John Dodson
The two early favorites have made it to the end and will fight live on Spike TV to determine the next big bantamweight prospect in the UFC. Let's start with T.J. Dillashaw who received much hype early on because of his wrestling background and the fact he trains with Team Alpha Male in California. As a Division-I wrestler at Cal State Fullerton, he placed fourth in 2007 and 2008 at the Pac-10 Championship. He was considered one of the best 133-pounders in the nation before graduating and turning to MMA. Dillashaw has just four pro fights under his belt, all last year, winning them all. One by decision, two by submission and his last by TKO, he is a well rounded competitor for someone so young in the sport.
Speaking more to that, Dillashaw knocked out his first opponent on TUF 14, Matt Jaggers in the first round to get in the house. Next, he submitted Roland Delorme (although he gained some flack for wanting a weaker opponent compared to other options) before winning a unanimous decision over the Ring of Combat champion, Dustin Pague.
His opponent is John Dodson, who is considered one of the top flyweights in the country, fighting at 135. Dodson's base is also as a wrestler although he has taken to the striking aspect of MMA over his long career. He boasts an 11-5 record with each of his losses coming by decision. The biggest name he's fought has to be Mike Easton from their 2008 fight. Easton won the split decision and went on to become UWC champion the following year (now, he's a UFC bantamweight). Dodson has four wins by knockout and two by submission.
Dodson impressed everyone early on TUF by knocking out his first opponent Brandon Merkt in the opening round. He followed that up with a two-round unanimous decision over John Albert and a knockout win over Johnny Bedford in the semi-finals.
Dillashaw is the bigger fighter and on paper, should have the more effective wrestling. While Dodson may have the speed advantage, the question is which fighter has the most power? You wouldn't think Dodson can match a bigger man in that department but we've seen it for ourselves during the TUF season. He has legit one punch knockout power.
In the end, I have a hard time overlooking Dillashaw's wrestling and ground and pound. In the end, I'm looking forward to this match-up of powerful bantamweights who should be able to match each other's speed.
Dillashaw, with Joseph Benavidez and Urijah Faber
Tony Ferguson vs. Yves Edwards
In another televised bout Saturday night, lightweights will see action when TUF season 13 winner Tony Ferguson fights MMA veteran Yves Edwards. For those trivia buffs, this fight will mark Edwards' 60th MMA fight (or at least the 60th fight that's been recorded). There is no doubt that for lightweight prospect Ferguson, this is the toughest opponent he will have to date.
Ferguson, 12-2, was a Division-II wrestler, winning a national championship at Grand Valley State at 165-pounds before venturing into mixed martial arts. He is on an active five-fight winning streak with each fight ending by knockout or doctor stoppage. In his first fight after winning the TUF tournament, he fought in September and broke Aaron Riley's jaw in the first round. To say the least, his striking power has been impressive.
Meanwhile, what has the master of thugjitsu been up these days? Well, Yves Edwards returned to the UFC over a year ago and is now 3-1 in his eighth stint with the promotion. In 2011, he choked out Cody McKenzie, lost to Sam Stout by vicious knockout and won by knockout over Rafaello Oliveira.
Ferguson has never been knocked out in a fight, although his two losses have come by decision and submission. I cannot speak to his grappling prowess since I have yet to see that part of his game in action. While he does have a wrestling base, he has relied heavily on his hands to dominate his opponents. He has the power to stop Edwards, there's no doubt in my mind, but will he have the opportunity to stand there and throw bombs?
While Yves is known for his ability to slug it out as well, he is just as comfortable taking the fight to the ground and working for submissions. This is the aspect of this fight that is an unknown for me. If Ferguson is taken down, will he be able to defend any submissions and get back to his feet?
Otherwise, count me in on Ferguson's bandwagon with the power he's shown. A win here and the TUF champ is a legit prospect at lightweight.
JUGGERNAUT NEWS BRIEFS
- ESPN broke the news, ending all rumors, that the UFC on Fox 2 main event will be Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis.
(It makes you wonder whether the UFC originally intended to have a rematch between Rashad and Rampage before Jackson "forced" his way into a fight in Japan. While you can argue about Phil Davis as a main eventer on Fox, the fact is with most fights they will take a risk with an unexciting contest. However, ideally, they can promote a potential grudge match between Rashad Evans and Jon Jones if they are allowed to. Otherwise, Phil Davis beats the #2 fighter in the division and boom, just like that, he's right in the mix with Dan Henderson. With the rumor that Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz will be the co-main event, it's clear to see their promotional arm will be more on promoting future title fights on PPV involving the winners of these two fights in their respective weight classes.
- Chris Leben tested positive for painkillers Oxycodone and Oxymorphone following his UFC 138 loss to Mark Munoz in England (drug testing was handled by the UFC since it was outside the United States). In response, the UFC has suspended him for one year. Leben tested positive for steroids after his October 2008 loss to Michael Bisping and was suspended for nine months. In both instances, Leben admitted his guilt and accepted the punishment. The UFC has said if Leben acknowledges having a problem with painkillers, they will help him get the proper medical care.
- A Wednesday, February 15 UFC Fight Night on Fuel TV will feature a welterweight main event between Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger.
- Bloodyelbow.com reports Strikeforce is looking at January 7 for their first show of 2012. The unconfirmed show would feature a main event of middleweight champion Luke Rockhold against Tim Kennedy in his first title defense.
- The UFC has confirmed a welterweight fight between Thiago Alves and Martin Kampmann for an early March card on FX.
- Heavy.com broke the news that UFC 140 Prelims will air live on Ion Television in a two-hour block before the live PPV at 9pm eastern. Beginning at 7pm, four fights will air live including Igor Pokrajac vs. Krzysztof Soszynski; Constantinos Phillippou vs. Jared Hamman; John Makdessi vs. Dennis Hallman; and Yves Jabouin vs. Walel Watson. The prelims to air on Facebook will be Mark Bocek vs. Nik Lentz; Jake Hecht vs. Rich Attonito; and Mitch Clarke vs. John Cholish.
- M-1 Global returns to Showtime with M-1 Challenge 30 on Friday, December 9 at 11PM eastern. The following five bouts have been announced: Welterweight champion Shamil Zavurov vs. Yasubey Enomoto; Alexander Sarnavsky vs. Francisco Drinaldo; Artiom Damkovsky vs. Jose Figueroa; Tyson Jeffries vs. Eddie Arizmendi; and Alessandro Ferriera vs. Bao Quach.
- Former Strikeforce heavyweight Brett Rogers was sentenced to 60-days in jail for the domestic assault charge with his wife in June. He plead guilty to one count of felony third-degree assault with two felony counts and one misdemeanor count being dismissed.
- Maiquel Falcao told MMAJunkie he did not suffer a heart attack, instead, he simply overtrained. As long as he is okay, expect him to join the season 6 Bellator middleweight tournament.
- Amir Sadollah will fight Jorge Lopez at UFC 143 in Las Vegas.
- MMAJunkie reports Dave Herman will fight Stefan Struve on the UFC Fuel card in February.
- Shonie Carter is trying to get a fight on the UFC on Fox 2 card at the United Center in Chicago, his hometown.
JUGGERNAUT VIDEO OF THE WEEK
I dare you not to laugh at this mix of Dan Henderson's famous knockout at UFC 100.
