411 MMA Preview: Pride 31 - Unbreakable

Posted by Michael Huckaby on 02.24.2006

Holy ridiculous mismatch, Batman

Welcome one and all to the new poker, mixed martial arts. I've been a huge fan of MMA for roughly 12 years but the audience was never at 411 for such information…. until now. I'm not entirely sure how to present this with several longterm MMA fans on the site mixed in with a large amount of newer fans brought in by Spike TV and the UFC. If I say a few things that are incredibly obvious please forgive me, but it's for a purpose. My heart is in the right place.

ON TO THE SHOW!

On the surface, Pride 31 may not be a great place to start when introducing Pride Fighting for the first time to UFC fans. An upcoming open weight Grand Prix (tournament) is coming very soon and this show seems to be filled with big names that haven't been in action recently (Kharitonov, Barnett, Nog, Rampage, etc) simply to get the rust off and showcase themselves. Mix this in with the heavyweight debut/tryout of Shogun Rua against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Coleman and you've pretty much summed up the show.

On the other hand you're certainly looking at a lot of early stops and a couple of intriguing matchups. A professional boxer against a man who can't be hurt, youth vs experience, and a South Korean possibly dying in the ring after being slammed by a large entertaining gangsta.

Matchups listed in Pride PPV fighting order:



Zentsov: Andrei Arlovski's second career victory has lost four of his last five fights and at the tender age of 30 (sarcasm?) with little to no impressive wins (UFC's Alessio Sakara at or near the top) this will be Zentsov's last big chance. While you can never question a Red Devil member you certainly have to look at the level of punching competition this knockout artist will be up against. Zentsov's chances rely on a huge punch or simple grappling domination.

Rizzo: Pedro is also facing adversity since going 3-5 in his previous 8 fights following an 11-1 career start. Rizzo has fought some of the cream of the crop in his MMA career, including 4 matches against other competitors on this card, scoring wins over Mark Coleman, Dan Severn, Josh Barnett, and Andrei Arlovski in his 14 career UFC fights. Just a dry spell or is the competition catching up to him?

Matchup: I can see Zentsov hanging in there long enough to get rocked and start wrestling. The simplest explanation possible is that Rizzo can take you out with one punch at any time and Zentsov's 6 (T)KO losses don't bode well given that fact. Rizzo has more on the line with his previous name power and big money should he build up some wins. Rizzo has the advantage on his feet and on the ground, meaning Zentsov needs to punch back strong or control the fight.

Prediction: Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo



Jackson: Only 4-3 since defeating Chuck Liddell, some question if Rampage lost a little something after having a permanent dent in his forehead courtesy of the knee of one Wandy Silva. A top tier, well-rounded fighter, Jackson's frequent fighting approach has yielded him wins over Kevin Randleman, Murilo Bustamante, Liddell, Arona, and Ninja Rua at the tender age of 27. This obviously isn't a test for Jackson, who many believe will win without breaking a sweat, but with an expiring contract it's a showcase to the pocketbooks of both Pride and UFC.

Yoon: Either Yoon lost a bet or the brass of DSE thought they'd play an Eddie Murphy in "Trading Places"-like joke on him. There's no other reason to throw a rather promising world-renowned judo champion to Japanese legend Kazushi Sakuraba and Rampage in his first MMA contract. I'd like to send him a card. Probably "feel better soon" with a smiling nurse holding a lollipop but there's still that one in a million "congrats" card. PS – Rampage is at -1000 in the Vegas odds.

Matchup: I think the graphic pretty much tells the story. Yoon is a many times over world judo champion and if this were a judo match he'd probably take Rampage rather easily. Unfortunately Rampage possesses a couple little things called wrestling and striking that will probably decimate my lovely South Korean friend. I love you Yoon, never let the dream die…. I'll put that in my card.

Prediction: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson



Einemo: A blue-chip prospect that has never fought anything close to what would reasonably be called a "challenge", Einemo has a lot of potential and you have to be impressed that his five fights have added up to less than 11 minutes of action. The best way to overcome the "he hasn't fought anybody" syndrome is to finish the guys they give you immediately. I like Einemo, only having seen him fought twice, as he may overcome the rule that tall guys can't fight a pure ground game. Einemo possesses decent striking and some excellent ground and pound from the top position that may make him a big time name if he pulls off the win.

Werdum: Werdum, a top ten world ranked heavyweight, is sometimes painted as a lay-and-pray (ground fighter that doesn't make a great attempt to win) guy but I feel that's unfair. Sure, all of his wins have taken longer than any of Einemo's fights but atleast he's not a decision queen. Werdum has only seen one decision and to me it was an impressive loss to an incredible Sergei Kharitonov. I'd like to see Werdum face another real challenger if he gets a win here (a 40-year-old Tom Erikson and UFC's Gabriel Gonzaga won't get you a title shot).

Matchup: I really like this fight and both of the guys involved. I think Einemo is in serious trouble when he's forced to fight a big time well rounded guy but in Werdum he has another ground first opponent. I'm going to give the advantage to Werdum just because of name value but it's nice to see a guy like Einemo get this stage to prove himself, I want more of these fights… and for people to remember I think Einemo has a chance. It's win/win for me baby… HOORAH for my military friends.

Prediction: Fabricio Werdum



Kohsaka: Newer MMA fans might know TK from his glorious DVD, "UFC's Ultimate Knockouts" where he is featured no less than 3 or 4 times getting knocked out by the best of the best. Don't let this DVD or his record fool you, Kohsaka has been around forever and fought the likes of Kimo and Bas Rutten in UFC, Fedor in Pride, to Couture, Nog, and Babalu in Rings. He's been everywhere and done everything, but record aside you can't knock his level of competition. He has a never say die attitude, he'll fight anyone, and he'll do it in whatever style he sees fit. Newer MMA fans might also like to know that Kohsaka holds the only win over Pride's undisputed heavyweight champion and godlike creature, the 23-1 Fedor (by cut stoppage BUT DAMMIT HE WON! Sorry, I'm channeling his mother).

Sperry: Only fighting one time in the last two years could hurt this leader of Brazilian Top Team (featuring Arona and both Nogs). Sperry was the first man to ever submit a Gracie in an MMA event but that was a long, long time ago. A BJJ legend around the world, Sperry won the heavyweight black belt division at the World BJJ Championships in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Has time passed him by or will he be yet another historical great to defeat Kohsaka?

Matchup: Great matchup, two legends of the MMA world at a later age. I really want to say Sperry has the advantage here but I don't know that he does, TK has been through wars with the best of the best. This will be one of the two or three fights that make it past the first round…. and it could very well go to decision. In this case I like the chin and toughness of TK, silly as I may feel picking it or not. I think he has more in judges' eyes to finish fights and he'll never stop coming.

Prediction: Tsuyoshi "TK" Kohsaka



Kharitonov: A top 5 heavyweight in the world, Kharitonov can beat you on the ground as well as he can on his feet. An incredible ground and pounder, Sergei already holds wins over Fabricio Werdum, Ninja Rua, and Pedro Rizzo. Sergei is thought by many to be the only man who has a future shot at defeating Fedor Emelianenko…. but he's still 2 or 3 years away from a legitimate shot. Always entertaining to watch, Kharitonov is thought by many to be one of the favorites in the upcoming open weight Grand Prix.

Overeem: Since starting his career 4-3 at the age of 19, The Demolition Man has filled his fight resume with mid-level victories and three more losses to some of the greatest fighters in the world (Nogueira, Liddell, Shogun Rua). This is yet another chance for the young Overeem to break through to another level…. but history isn't on his side. Like Kharitonov he's well versed on the ground but an exciting standup fighter with numerous minute KOs. Can he do it on the biggest stage? Fourth time is the charm. Incredibly dangerous knees might pose a huge problem but can he hold is own from the bottom?

Matchup: An excellent bout where both men will probably come in figuring they're the better striker. The only way it's going to the ground is if someone is losing or Kharitonov wants to pound away. Kharitonov is bigger and stronger and unless he gets caught out of nowhere with a great punch or kick I don't see Sergei losing this one.

Prediction: Sergei Kharitonov



Barnett: A former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Barnett has only fought twice in the better part of two years. He's coming off of consecutive losses to Cro Cop (making him 0-2 in Pride) and desperately in need of a win to get back on track. People are split on Barnett, some will point out he's a young man with a TKO win over Randy Couture and a submission win over Dan Severn…. others will point out he was probably on steroids at the time. Barnett really needs a strong showing not only here but in the first round of the Grand Prix to show the MMA community where he truly stands.

Nakamura: Newer fans, don't let the record fool you… you'd lose to Minotoro Nogueira (twice), Wanderlei Silva, and Dan Henderson too. A judo expert, Nakamura is an excellent ground fighter but his willingness to stand and trade could really hurt him here. He certainly has his heart in this match (saying he'd like to be part of the open weight GP and this was a prelim) but the pure size advantage means Nakamura will have to fight one of the smartest fights he has in him.

Matchup: I was actually leaning towards picking the upset for Nakamura here until I read his statement, "I don't want to fight a strategic match. I want to show everyone a fight with emotion," To me this means he'll still go in trading punches and that could be a big recipe for disaster. I'll state again, I really want to pick Nakamura, I really do. Really. But I'm going to chicken out and then when I'm wrong I'll say "I really wanted to pick him" making it a no lose in my head so I can sleep at night.

Prediction: "The Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett



Nogueira: Currently ranked as the 2nd best heavyweight in the world, Antonio Nogueira is currently 25-3 with all three career losses to current Pride world champions. As a casual fan you probably wouldn't be a big fan as 8 of his last 10 fights have lasted past the first round. On a deeper level you can realize he doesn't lay and hope for a decision, Big Nog is constantly looking for the submission and even if it doesn't work you find it entertaining to watch him play chess on the ground. Even at 0-2 against Fedor a win here and perhaps the open weight GP would provide him a third opportunity to get himself a title he feels he justly deserves.

Tamura: Don't let the record fool you, constantly fighting top tier competition can have that effect. Tamura holds wins over Pat Smith, Dave Menne, Renzo Gracie, Jeremy Horn, and fighting and training legend Pat Miletich…. he just never made the leap to the absolute top. Fighting for more than a decade as a top submission fighter he can get the job done… only losing by submission twice to the likes of the above Noguiera and Japanese legend Yoshida. Against any other fighter Tamura would be given much better odds, but here he's simply fighting someone that's better than him at what he does.

Matchup: These two fought previously in the Rings organization, ending with a second round Nog submission in 2000. The only possible difference from that outcome would be a Nogueira won decision. Tamura has little to no chance of doing any damage to Nog, he'll either be submitted in a middle round or lose via the judges. Tough matchup for Tamura, he'd have made it much farther in his profession if he could eat his punishment from larger stronger strikers while doing his ground work.

Prediction: Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira



Coleman: The Randy Couture of Pride (c - Me) has been around the block and back. UFC 10 tournament champion, UFC 11 tournament champion, Pride 2000 Grand Prix tournament champion, and the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Coleman may not be in his prime but he's still a dangerous veteran who has skill punching, grappling, and in submissions. A current problem has been gassing out and at 41 years of age I don't know how well that can improve.

Rua: The 2005 Pride Grand Prix champion is my age and a 12-1 superstar…. which makes me sad. An incredible superstar puncher, Shogun has won 11 of his 12 bouts by (T)KO and is by far one of the most entertaining fighters in MMA today. He'll come out punching and he's not going to get tired, a real problem for Coleman. This is his first attempt at heavyweight and it's a great opponent for him. He's already said he won't compete in the 2006 Grand Prix, and for good reason given his winning streak. This fight will hardly make or break Rua, who has an unlimited ceiling. It's simply another impressive win on his resume.

Matchup: I still believe Shogun is open for a submission loss. It wouldn't be easy but I still feel it very possible. Fortunately for him, I don't know if a 41 year old Mark Coleman is the man that could do it to me. It's a certain possibility but I think the better chance lies in Rua knocking Coleman out late in the first or into the second, followed by Coleman probably calling it quits. Youth vs Experience, present vs past, it may not end with an amazing hug and confetti but this is a torch passing in MMA history.

Prediction: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua



Hunt: A man you could very well hit with a cement block and he wouldn't fall down. No man has eaten a Cro Cop high kick like Hunt…. no man has tasted a Wanderlei Silva knee like Hunt. But he didn't go down. He didn't get knocked out. Superman could very well hit Mark Hunt in the face with a car he threw and he would not fall down. Will he ever be a Pride champion? No, he doesn't have any ground skills. However if you're watching an MMA event just to see boxing with little to no gloves this is the man you want to see. I question his ability to finish fights and he may even rely on a decision in this one depending on Nishijima's chin.

Nishijima: A professional boxer with a 24-2 (15 KOs) record…. but can he knock out Mark Hunt? Check out his boxing record, his last win coming against a 5-21 opponent. This is the main event because the Japanese people want to see their hometown boxer knock out the unstoppable force…. but as much as I think he has a chance I can't pick it. You're talking about a guy who's last fight was nearly 3 years ago and he's been training in MMA ever since. Can he take down Hunt and submit him? There's his chance. I wish I could watch him train and see but as of now this is the unknown vs the unstoppable force… he has A LOT more of a chance than Vegas is giving him, but I don't know if I can pick it just because I know him.

Matchup: Wow. Nishijima's great (but unimpressive) boxing record meets his last 3 years of MMA training that I haven't seen. Can he knock out Hunt? I doubt it but I'm not saying it. In three years could he learn enough to take the big man down and submit him? Perhaps. I'm greatly considering putting some money on Nishijima and simply hoping but I don't know if I can bring myself to do so blindly. At first I didn't understand why it's the main event but after studying some film and knowing what people know it makes more sense. This is really an intriguing bout and however it ends I'd like to say I'm not surprised. WAR Nishijima!

Prediction: Yosuke "Yosukezan" Nishijima

SCREW IT! If I lose my 75% prediction hope (my New Years Resolution) on this one fight so be it. It's a huge underdog and an unknown but most of these fights are obvious and I'd like to atleast take a stab. He might lose in 1 minute but I could also see him winning by KO or decision. Will I put money on it? Yeah… no. Not a chance. However I can predict it because I'm a keyboard warrior, please don't make me tell Mark Hunt to his face.

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Michael Huckaby is a senior 411 editor/writer who enjoys gummy bears and Gatorade. He has extensive knowledge of MMA, the three major American sports, and movies. He also recently got into Nascar and dubs it "neat". He can be seen watching numerous sporting events and writing on the internet as if he is of substance.