411's MMA Roundtable Preview: Elite XC - Renegade

Posted by Randy Harrison on 11.09.2007

It'll be a gunslinging night of fights from the Old West as Nick Diaz and KJ Noons battle for Lightweight gold, Kimbo Slice makes his MMA debut and Jake Shields looks to continue his impressive run in the Welterweight division against Mike Pyle. Join the 411mania staff of MMA experts as we preview the Elite XC: Renegade card coming up Saturday night in Texas.

It's time for another edition of the Roundtable Preview and we're ready to get you all set with all the predictions and thoughts you need heading into Elite XC: Renegade coming up this Saturday night from Corpus Christi, TX. I'm Randy Harrison, of Five Rounds Of News and Sprawl and Brawl Video Review fame, and the host of this here gathering of the finest MMA experts 411mania has to offer. And just who are these experts you ask?

Michael Huckaby: Sometimes Pride reviewer, moderator of Fact or Fiction: MMA Edition, and general Forum roustabout.

Leland Roling: Author of MMA Analytics, the article that goes in-depth on the biggest stories of MMA from the thinking man's perspective.

Matt McEwen: The man behind the History of the UFC series that is tearing up the video review section.

Dustin James: Esteemed MMA Rankings columnist and one hell of a nice guy.

Larry Csonka: Wrestling Zone editor, MMA News Report columnist, and generally 411's busiest writer.

Jeremy Lambert: The fine writer of The Ultimate Fighter Season Six Epsiode Reports

Bren Oliver: Curing 411mania's finest Punch Drunk Hangovers one column at a time

Randy Harrison: We've already gone over my crap.

With all the pleasantries and introductions out of the way let's get down to the brass tacks everybody.

Elite XC: Renegade Roundtable Preview

Yves Edwards vs. Nick Gonzalez

Michael Huckaby: I would love to pick against Yves right here as he's on the back end of his career and is genuinely not trying as hard but the fact is Gonzalez just doesn't have enough to beat him. Yves should dominate this fight and he should stop him via sub or decision. I could easily see Yves stopping him via sub but I'll go with the second best option, decision.
Winner: Yves Edwards, decision

Leland Roling: Yves Edwards has had some bad luck as of late. He's been fighting some of the better MMA fighters in his weight class, fighters like Joe Stevenson, Mark Hominick, "Hellboy" Hansen and up-and-coming former street brawler Jorge Masvidal. Edwards has had a tough time with these guys, losing 5 out of his last 6 fights. Gonzalez has an impressive 13-5 record, but hasn't fought tough competition with the exception of Josh Thomson, who dominated him. Edwards is a fairly well-rounded fighter against average competition and should be able to take this fight the distance and win via decision.
Winner: Yves Edwards by Decision

Matt McEwen: At one time not too long ago, Edwards was considered to be one of the top lightweights in the world and it was thought that he would be a big factor in the reformed division for the UFC. A couple of losses against top level competition later and Edwards is fighting on the undercard of an EliteXC event. I'd say that should be a motivating factor for Edwards who, bad recent record aside, is a good all around fighter. Plus, he's from my adopted homeland of the Bahamas, so I'll be cheering him on.
Winner: Yves Edwards, TKO, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: Yves has been on a streak of bad luck as of late but I think it turns around with this fight. He's more experienced, been on a bigger stage, and well rounded. The last time Gonzalez faced anyone of note was Josh Thomson and that one didn't last long.
Winner: Yves Edwards, Submission, Round 2

Dustin James: Yves Edwards. Talk about a guy who has lost A LOT of fights. Hell, he's on like a 3 fight losing streak right now. Not only that but in his last 6 fights he is 1-5! Nick Gonzalez on the other hand is not 1-5 in his last 6 fights. I believe he's 4-2. And if you take away decision losses, Gonzalez would only have one loss. He's not too shabby. Either way, I've lost all faith in Yves Edwards. Hell, I even took him off of my myspace! TAKE THAT!!!
Winner: Nick Gonzalez, Decision

Bren Oliver: I have a feeling most people are taking Yves Edwards in this fight based purely on his name. The fact is, the messiah of "Thugjitsu" hasn't won a fight since April 2006 and prior to that had another 11-month gap between wins. I personally haven't seen him in action since Joe Stevenson turned Edwards head into a blood-spouting geyser at UFC 61. Gonzalez has a respectable record, but more importantly has shown a consistent ability to win fights in recent years.
Winner: Nick Gonzalez, Judges' Decision

Larry Csonka: Edwards hasn't had a ton of luck as of late, but the man will turn it around here. He has the experience advantage, and while I think it will take a while, he gets the win here.
Winner: Yves Edwards, Submission, Round 3

Randy Harrison: Edwards has been in a career freefall for the past couple of years now but I think if there's any time to turn it around, now would be the time. He's fighting someone with a somewhat suspect record of 13-5 in Nick Gonzalez. Gonzalez suffered in his only step up against major competition and Edwards hasn't exactly been fighting slouches in his losses. Edwards picks him apart on the feet early and then takes him down and submits him as the fight wears on.
Winner: Yves Edwards, Submission, Round 2


Antonio Silva vs. Jonathan Wiezorek

Michael Huckaby: Silva is too big. I love Wiezorek and I'd pick him against a number of foes but Silva will avoid a takedown, keep distance, and pick him apart. I'll go an extra round for politenesses sake.
Winner: Antonio Silva, strikes, Rd2

Leland Roling: Antonio Silva was once considered to be the only fighter in MMA that could possibly give Fedor a run for his money. Why? His immense size and fairly quick footwork for such a large man caused fans to take a look at him. He also amazingly add flying knees into his game from time to time. In this matchup, Silva's size will allow him to avoid Wiezorek's ground game and potentially knock him out early. Silva shouldn't have a hard time tagging Wiezorek and ground and pounding him for the win.
Winner:Antonio Silva via (T)KO, 1st round

Matt McEwen: Hopefully they've reinforced the cage, because these are some big boys, though Silva reportedly has dropped a bunch of weight after having the tumor removed from his pituatary gland removed. Even with a bit of a drop in size, Silva is still huge and still the guy who KO'd the cement headed Cabbage Correira in his last fight. Wiezorek might be able to weather a round, but not much more.
Winner: Silva, KO, Round 2

Dustin James: This is an interesting fight. Both fighters only have one loss on their record. Not only that but in his 9 pro fights, Silva has won 7 of them by TKO! Meanwhile, Wiezorek has only had 12 pro fights....but has won 8 of them by submission. His only loss was a TKO loss to Ben Rothwell, who some consider one of the top heavyweights in the World. This is a difficult fight to pick.....but you HAVE to love that 7 TKO's that Silva has.
Winner: Antonio Silva, TKO, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: Silva likes to stand and bang, Wiezorek likes to grapple. If Wiezork can get this fight to the ground then he holds a good advantage but I think Silva will avoid the takedown, almost force Wiezork to stand with him, and then he'll unleash his hands.
Winner: Antonio Silva, TKO, Round 1

Bren Oliver: Am I the only one who thinks Antonio Silva looks like he should be a henchman in a James Bond movie? Anyways, I think this is actually a relatively even pairing. It will be interesting to see if Silva's nine-month layoff will affect his performance in the cage. This fight is going to come down to which Johnathan Wiezorek shows up - the guy who stunk up the ring at Dynamite USA against Tim Persey or the guy who is 5-0 in his last five fights and once submitted Dan Severn. I think Silva's striking will ultimately overwhelm Wiezorek early on and I don't see the Georgian's jiujitsu coming into play against the 300-pound Brazilian.
Winner: Antonio Silva, TKO, Rd 1

Larry Csonka: The last time I saw Antonio Silva he was completely mauling a bitch. He does the same here, and expect the largest FLYING KNEE EVER again~! He should dominate and win early.
Winner: Antonio Silva, Strikes, RD1

Randy Harrison: This one is a tale of two styles. Silva will want to keep the fight standing and bang away at Wiezorek, while Wiezorek will want to get this fight to the mat and use his submission skills to his advantage. Silva looked impressive in knocking out Cabbage at the last EXC event and Wiezorek lost in his only fight against a name opponent when he was stopped by Big Ben Rothwell. Silva has the power in his hands and the strength to keep Wiezorek from getting a takedown so look for him to finish early here.
Winner:Antonio Silva, TKO, Round 2


Seth Kleinbeck vs. Kyle Noke

Michael Huckaby: Tough fight but I like Noke. Kleinbeck slugged against Jara but now he's fighting equal competition in a game where that opponent won't play his game. Noke is going to win this fight, it's a matter of whether he'll submit him or it will go to decision. If I have to pick I'll take Noke to stand with him and then win a decision he didn't need to get to.
Winner: Kyle Noke, decision

Leland Roling: This is probably one of the toughest matches to pick for the night. Most fans would probably want to lean toward Noke because of his decent record and fairly well-rounded skills. I'm not that fan. Although Noke has looked impressive, he's been fighting mainly in the weaker Australian MMA market. Although he had a decent fight that ended in a draw with Hector Lombard, Noke has fought some fairly bad competition. Kleinbeck is a straight power knockout fighter who has fought some decent competition as of late. I'm going to go out on a limb and pick Kleinbeck even though I think Noke has more tools in his arsenal to take out Kleinbeck. My upset pick... sort of.
Winner: Seth Kleinbeck via (T)KO, 2nd round

Matt McEwen: Kleinbeck looked pretty good his last time out when he stopped the tough Jamie Jara (am I the only one who thinks of Hatebreed everytime I hear his name?). I think Noke has one of the more misleading nicknames in the sport, and is likely to end up on the wrong end of a "KO" here.
Winner: Kleinbeck, KO, Round 2

Dustin James: I'm not really excited about this fight. I've seen both fighters compete but it's a tough call to me. But since Kleinbeck is from Arkansas I'm going to have to go with Noke. Just kidding Razorbacks fans! It's not my fault Dennis Dixon is having a Heisman year, and casting a shadow over Darren McFadden! Go Ducks!
Winner: Kyle Noke, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: Despite having the nickname "KO" Kyle Noke wins most of his fights on the ground. Kleinbeck on the other hand is the true KO artist. I think Noke will be able to takedown Kleinbeck and then either work a submission from there or ride out the decision victory.
Winner: Kyle Noke, Decision

Bren Oliver: I find it amusing Kyle Noke's nickname is "KO", yet in seventeen professional fights he's never actually scored a knockout win. Another fun fact about this bout is that both men have competed against fighters who are starring, and have moved on to the second round, on the current season of the Ultimate Fighter (Noke is 1-1 against George Sotiropolous and Klenbeck lost to John Kolosci in 2006). I believe Kleinbeck is the superior fighter between the two and his striking should be too much for Noke.
Winner: Seth Klenbeck, TKO, Rd 2

Larry Csonka: Kleinbeck looked like crap against Jara, who seems to fight every week and has no right to look good against anyone. Noke may be an underdog to some, but I think we get a strategic war, lots of counters and near endings, but Noke takes it with the decision.
Winner: Kyle Noke, decision

Randy Harrison: Kleinbeck has two straight TKO victories but is really seeming to be a fighter that fights to the level of his opponents and not the level of his abilities. He'll try to stand and strike with Noke, but Noke looks to have the pedigree to take this fight to the mat and keep it there. Kleinbeck has fought tougher competition on the whole and that could play a serious factor here but Noke looks to be the one who's going to be in charge, taking Kleinbeck down and imposing his will on him before gaining the submission.
Winner: Kyle Noke, Submission, Round 3


Jake Shields vs. Mike Pyle

Michael Huckaby: It is possible that Pyle will get stopped in this fight but I don't know that I can pick it. Jake Shields is simply better and according to him on his way to negotiating a UFC contract. Pyle could get subbed but more than likely I see him putting up a semi-valiant fight and losing handily on the judges scorecards.
Winner: Jake Shields, decision

Leland Roling: Jake Shields is a far more superior grappler than Mike Pyle. Although I've been critical of Shields's horrible power even when he's in the mount, he still has the submission skills to easily take opponents out fairly quickly. Pyle will be looking to get Shields in his grappling world as well. When both of these fighters are on the mat, I'll pick Shields to win more times than not. I don't think Shields has the most impressive grappling game and great skills that will submit the veteran Pyle, but I think he can squeeze out a decision against a lesser ground fighter in Pyle.
Winner: Jake Shields via Decision

Matt McEwen: I'd say Jake Shields is the best welterweight outside of the UFC right now, and the best welterweight in EliteXC right now. Both he and Pyle like to work submissions on the ground, but Shields should outclass him over three rounds, if not manage to finish it outright.
Winner: Shields, Decision

Dustin James: Mike Pyle could be in for a long night. Jake Shields is currently one of the best Welterweights in the World and is looking for a contract from the UFC. Shields is on a 8 fight win streak and NEEDS this one the most. He would no doubt ride his 9 fight win streak straight into the UFC. A little note.....Mike Pyle has beaten Jon Fitch before. That's a pretty big win in itself.
Winner: Jake Shields, Submission, Rd 3

Jeremy Lambert: While I think Pyle will be a tough match up for Shields, Shields is just in another class right now. He's hungry and out to prove that he should be in the UFC and will likely look to make an example of Pyle. Once Shields gets him down, he'll pound him out and finally tap him out late.
Winner: Jake Shields, Submission, Round 3

Bren Oliver: Jake Shields is perhaps the most underrated Welterweight in MMA. He has beaten top level competition and won his last eight fights in a row. How many men can boast they've defeated fighters the caliber of Yushin Okami and Carlos Condit on the same night (as Shields did in April 2006)? Pyle's most significant victory came in 2002 when he submitted Jon Fitch, a show at which Fitch was making his MMA debut no less. Anything other than near-domination by Shields would surprise me, but then again it's still 2007 so anything is possible. I see the Gracie Jiujitsu product out of California controlling the bout from start to finish. Shields has gone on record saying he expects this to be his last EliteXC fight, as it's the final one on his contract, so a win here will almost guarantee UFC fans a few future appearances by Shields in the Octagon.
Winner: Jake Shields, Judges' Decision

Larry Csonka: Jake Shields could be setting himself up for disappointment here. He is said to be looking to go to UFC, and while he has a VERY impressive record and is on a huge roll, could be looking past Pyle. Ad it is for that reason that I think Pyle will survive and endure, and take the fight via decision.
Winner: Mike Pyle, decision

Randy Harrison: Mike Pyle is a hell of a nice guy, having met him on an occasion or two and he's someone I normally root for no matter what. However in this fight, I can't do it because Shields is just too much at this point. Too much power, too much strength, too much ability and too much drive and desire to let anyone or anything slow him down. Shields wants to prove that he belongs in the talk of the best fighters at 170 pounds and that he deserves to be in the UFC. Whether he goes to test himself against the best or he stays and gains a belt from Elite XC at Welterweight is the question. Look for a statement fight from a highly motivated Shields in this one.
Winner: Jake Shields, Submission, Round 2


Kimbo Slice vs. Bo Cantrell

Michael Huckaby: Say what you will about Kimbo and have your opinions about streetfighting, but Cantrell is the lesser version of Warpath Villareal. He's now taking fights just to quit and lose for the paycheck and the first time Slice knocks him into next week he's going to flop down into the fetal position and take a stoppage loss. I see no way he wins this fight.
Winner: Kimbo Slice, strikes, Rd1

Leland Roling: This matchup has the makings of a good ol' fashioned Kimbo Slice underground taped fight. Both fighters are strikers with huge power and the ability to knock each other out. The key factor that seperates them is that Kimbo seems to have a tough chin and Cantrell seems to have a very weak chin and damaged brain stem after his last four fights. One punch could end this fight fairly quickly from Kimbo. Add in Bas Rutten's training and I believe Kimbo will be a tough guy to get past for Cantrell.
Winner: Kimbo Slice via (T)KO, 1st round

Matt McEwen: Slice is probably the most interesting story in MMA in 2007. He easily could have come in and tried to build up a bad ass persona and play of his street fight notoriety, but instead he has come into the MMA world seeming to be a humble giant who is eager to learn how to do things the right way in the cage. Cantrell is in there essentially to get beat and get paid. I might be alone in this, but I see Slice doing a lot more than just punching here.
Winner: Kimbo Slice, Submission, Round 1

Dustin James: Ahhh, good old Kimbo Slice. I have to admit that I've never seen any of Kimbo's videos so I can't make a good judgment call on him. I've only heard of him from Maxim, and word of mouth. I can however look at his opponent and see that EliteXC is trying to feed Kimbo a nice easy opponent. Cantrell has lost 4 fights in 2007 alone, that has to say something. You have to admit though....with all the buzz about Kimbo, everybody's interest is somewhat peaked.
Winner: Kimbo Slice, KO, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: I know I'm the minority but I actually like Kimbo Slice. Sue me for enjoying Kimbo knocking out people in backyard fights. Kimbo showed in his fight with Mercer that he has a bit of a ground game to go along with his street brawling. I think Kimbo will go back to his backyard roots in this one and make short work of Bo.
Winner: Kimbo Slice, TKO, Round 1

Bren Oliver: Cantrell was a great opponent for EliteXC to debut Kimbo against. He's fought four times in the last nine months and lost every bout (including consecutive knockout losses to Dave Huckaba in a combined 31 seconds). He's very beatable and don't doubt for a second that Slice winning is extremely important to EliteXC. Kimbo may still be a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a bushy beard, but he's got a tremendous upside from both a marketing and talent standpoint. He appears to be taking MMA as seriously as another "big name" Heavyweight making his transition into the sport, Brock Lesnar, and I would not doubt his dedication even exceeding that of the muscular Minnesotan.
Winner: Kimbo Slice, TKO, Rd 1

Larry Csonka: The enigma that is Kimbo. As long as he isn't a douche like Krazy Hourse, it's all good. I am very intrigued to see Kimbo in MMA.
Winner: KIMBO, Strikes, RD2

Randy Harrison: Kimbo will knock Bo Cantrell silly and then he might steal his wallet. I kid Kimbo because I love him and I hope he doesn't read this and turn me into a bleeding, crying punching bag. In all seriousness, I am just as interested to see Mr. Slice's MMA debut (not counting the Mercer debacle) as the rest of the MMA world seems to be. Bas's training will pay off in spades as you can't help but get better with someone like him teaching you what you need to know. Cantrell is looking like he's being brought in to lose and he'll certainly earn his paycheck for that.
Winner: Kimbo Slice, TKO, Round 1

Elite XC Lightweight Championship Bout
Nick Diaz vs. KJ Noons

Michael Huckaby: This is a very intriguing fight, the kickboxing vs the better fighter that wants to prove he can outstrike anyone standing in front of him. Diaz is better than Noons, handily, and can beat him on the ground in a second. The problem is that Diaz will want to stand and trade with him. This isn't a problem because he might lose, this is a problem because I'm not sure whether Diaz will TKO him or take it to a decision. Noons simply isn't in Nick Diaz's league at this point in his career. If Nick Diaz were all about winning he'd tackle him and submit him in the first round. He's not. He's about having fun and winning how he wants. I'll bet he wants to bang and takes him down with a punch into a submission.
Winner: Nick Diaz, submission, Rd2

Leland Roling: KJ Noons has zero ground game. Nick Diaz has a black belt in ju-jitsu from Cesar Gracie, who rarely giees out black belts. Who do you think is going to win? Fact is, Diaz also has great boxing training as well. He has both a great striking game, although not tons of power, and also an unbelievably overwhelming grappling game. Look for Diaz to come out trying to strike with Noons to soften him up or potentially outstrike him with peppering shots to set up a big punch. Either way, Diaz has the tools to win either way.
Winner: Nick Diaz via Submission, 2nd round

Matt McEwen: This is a mismatch in my mind. I haven't been very impressed with Noons in the two fights I've seen of his, and I think Diaz is one of the most dynamic fighters in the world right now. He'll test himself against Noons stand up to see how he stacks up against the pro boxer, which will lead to the fight ending one of two ways: either Diaz gets the best of the stand up and KO's Noons, or he gets the worst of it, takes the fight to the ground and submits him. I don't like Noons' chin though, so....
Winner: Diaz, TKO, Round 2

Dustin James: Ahh yes. The return of Nick Diaz to my television! This is why I'm pumped about this show. Nick F'N Diaz is the man. He'll come out and flip you off, and try to kick your ass back at the hospital. The dude is nasty. Nick Diaz will win the Lightweight title, and EliteXC will have to hold a show in Japan and sign Takanori Gomi. I'd love to see another gogoplata. Make it happen!
Winner: Nick Diaz, Submission, Rd 2

Jeremy Lambert: How funny would it be if Nick Diaz lost the fight for the 'Nick Diaz Weight' Title? It won't happen, but it would be funny. If Diaz is smart, he'll come out, take him down, and submit him. But since he's Nick Diaz, he'll come out, throw PEPPERING PUNCHES!, take him down, and submit him. Noons could catch Diaz and knock him down and out but I don't see it happening.
Winner: Nick Diaz, Submission, Round 2

Bren Oliver: I feel extremely lucky to be seeing Nick Diaz fight in person (and I don't mean that just because of the excellent "contact high"). Diaz is always entertaining and his skills go without saying. KJ Noons is a solid young fighter whose hands have earned him quite the reputation. I'm not sure he's well-rounded enough to beat someone with Diaz's experience, though if ever a fighter had a "puncher's chance", it'd be Noons who started boxing with Golden Gloves when he was only ten years old. I expect Diaz's face to take a lot of damage on Saturday night, but ultimately he'll find a way to grind out a win even if it doesn't mean finishing Noons.
Winner: Nick Diaz, Judges' Decision

Larry Csonka: Why is everyone on Nick Diaz's SACK? Did you all miss the last fight, in which he looked like complete and utter shit and SHOUD have lost, but didn't because of shitty judging. His little tap the guy 750 times a fight to make it look like I am doing damage when he isn't sucks. He looked horrible last time and did not deserve to win. Noons, while some think he isn't in the league of Diaz, looked great in his last fight and I think will surprise a lot of people, and I will take him via decision.
Winner: KJ Noons via Decision

Randy Harrison: As much as I'd like to see a closer fight in a title fight, this ain't it. Noons has no ground game to speak of and Diaz is has a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. The only questions in this one are Nick's health after his case of staph infection after the Aina fight, and whether he can avoid being goaded into a stand-up war that he might taste the losing end of. Diaz at 100% will win this fight 9 times out of 10 and if he's healthy look for him to pick Noons apart with his machine gun striking style and then take things down to the mat and finish with a choke for his first major title in MMA.
Winner: Nick Diaz, Submission, Round 3



That does it for all of us here at 411mania. Enjoy the fights everybody!!