411's UFC 84 Roundtable Preview: Part One
Posted by Randy Harrison on 05.23.2008
Everything you need to know for the huge card coming up this Saturday night from Las Vegas as the 411mania.com staff breaks it all down, just for you!!
The UFC returns to PPV this weekend, hot off the success of one of their biggest shows ever last month with UFC 83 in Montreal. This month, the card is just as big and Las Vegas is buzzing, much like it is every Memorial Day weekend when the Octagon is in town. A huge triple main event tops the card with Wanderlei Silva squaring off against Keith Jardine, Tito Ortiz potentially closing out his UFC career against undefeated Lyoto Machida, and for the UFC Lightweight Championship, Sean Sherk looks for redemption while trying to wrest the title belt from the defending champ, BJ Penn. There's eleven big fights coming up on Saturday night and 411mania.com is here to get you ready for each and every one of them with the MMA staff's thoughts on the event.
And just who is this set of fearless prognosticators you ask? Let's meet them all now.
Keeping our Hangovers Punch-Drunk and our Fact and Fictions separated, Bren Oliver.
Finally, the guy in charge of this here rodeo, moi, Randy Harrison.
We've met the participants, so let's get on with the show!!
UFC 84 Roundtable Preview: Undercard Fights
Christian Wellisch vs. Shane Carwin
Dustin James: Before I get to any of the fights, I would just like to mention how much I love this card. Things get started with Christian Wellisch and Shane Carwin. Wellisch is currently 2-1 in the UFC with his only loss coming at the hands of Cheick Kongo. His opponent, Shane Carwin, happens to be making his UFC debut and is also undefeated as a pro. I don't know a whole hell of a lot about Carwin, but I do know that he holds an MMA victory over "Justice" on the American Gladiators. Is that more impressive than knocking out Scott Junk? Who really knows? Winner: Shane Carwin, KO, Round 2
Matt McEwen: First off, let me brag that I'll be in Vegas for this show. Second, let me say that I'm very excited about getting to see Shane Carwin make his UFC debut. He's getting stiffer competition than the other "future of the heavyweight division" candidate - Cain Velasquez - did, but I think Carwin has the goods to live up to his hype here. Both guys are pretty well rounded, especially for big men, but Carwin's 30lbs weight advantage could end up being the X-factor. Winner: Shane Carwin, Submission, Rd 3
Adam Tool: Well I've never seen Carwin fight, but he is undefeated so that should count for something. He's also got quite a lot of hype behind him, so hopefully he can live up to it. Even though he's won both times he‘s fought in the octagon, Wellisch has yet to really impress me in either of his UFC appearances. Winner: Shane Carwin, Submission, Rd. 1
John Curry: Unlike a lot of people I have seen Carwin fight. I found a video of Carwin fighting Sherman "the Tank" Pendergarst. He handled his business like a pro against an experienced fighter. Carwin is an impressive specimen who I hope you at least get to see at some point. I look for Carwin to win by the second round. Winner: Shane Carwin, TKO , Round 2
Justin Thomas: Shane Carwin has an impressive MMA record. He's undefeated and he's beaten most of his opponents in the first or second minute. I'm not so sure about Wellisch's skills, but he also finished most of his opponents. They are both wrestlers and I expect this to go to the mat. Carwin is a student of Nate Marquardt and I see him pulling off a victory by submission. Winner: Shane Carwin, Submission, Round 1
Morgan Marx: As a homelessman's version of Frank Mir v. Brock Lesnar, Carwin knows what he has to avoid. Wellisch has good submissions and finished off another UFC newcomer via leg lock at UFC 76. But Carwin is in the same boat as Cain Velasquez, a future star being introduced slowly to the UFC experience. Wellisch is an undersized heavyweight, someone talented enough to belong in the UFC, but not a world-beater. This is Carwin's match to win. A dominant performance will likely land Carwin on the main card broadcast. Carwin's size, strength, and ground and pound can make him a star within the organization, and this is step one. Winner: Shane Carwin, TKO, Round 1
Jeremy Lambert: Shane Carwin looks to make it 2/3 in hyped wrestlers making their UFC debut. Wellisch is a mediocre fighter so Carwin, like Cain Velasquez, should have an easy time in his debut. Carwin may actually because the most well rounded out of himself, Cain, and Lesnar so that's scary in itself. I hope Carwin makes short work of Wellisch because I really want to see this fight on PPV and see just how good Shane Carwin is and how good he may become. Winner: Shane Carwin, TKO, Round 1
Fredrick Peterson : I really wish I knew a little more about Carwin but from everything I have read the UFC is hoping to have another person to showcase in the Heavyweight Division. Christian Wellisch is not a bad fighter but is something of a Gatekeeper for the Heavyweights in the UFC. I think with Carwin's spotless record and strong wrestling background he should be able to knock open the gate. Did I mention that Carwin uses the maximum 265 pounds? Winner: Shane Carwin, TKO, Round 2
Larry Csonka: Shane Carwin looks to be a great heavyweight prospect. With The division losing so many and having others with so little momentum he could be a great addition to the fold. I won't say he will be a huge star, but he has a lot of potential, which he should show off here. Winner: Shane Carwin, Strikes, RD1
Bren Oliver: Christian Wellisch is no chump as evident by his two-fight win streak. That being said, this "Christian" will be thrown to a lion named Shane Carwin who is as comfortable submitting his opponent as he is pounding the poor soul into unconciousness. Carwin will likely outweigh Wellisch by twenty pounds. I assume he'll use his size advantage to work a takedown, slip into full mount, and eventually smash his way to victory. Winner: Shane Carwin, TKO, RD 1
Randy Harrison: Christian Wellisch has been hanging around the UFC's heavyweight division seemingly forever. Carwin is going to have size on Wellisch and this is simply a fight for Carwin to get his feet wet in the Ocatgon. If you're looking for an upset, this isn't the fight for you as Carwin is the favorite, the UFC prospect and will end up being the winner. Winner: Shane Carwin, TKO, Round 2
Jason Tan vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Dustin James: In case you didn't know, Dong Hyun Kim is a bad mother fucka. This is one guy who's UFC debut I can't wait for. If you have never seen Kim fight, this will be a treat for you. The dude can bang, and he will. Lucky for him he's facing a guy who's ears are bigger than his win record. Tan is currently 5-2 as a pro, but 0-1 in the UFC with a loss coming at the hands of Marcus Davis back at UFC 72. Tan hasn't been incredibly active this past year, and that can't be a good thing when you are fighting somebody who wants to prove themselves like Kim. Should be a great time, let's hope Kim makes the main card somehow. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, TKO, Round 1
Matt McEwen: This is an odd fight in that neither guy has really faced top level talent (only Tan has fought someone casual fans MAY have heard of), and now they're stepping in against each other. The difference between the two is that Kim has finished most of his fights by KO or stoppage, while Tan looks for submissions, but if he can't get them early he has to hold on for decisions. If Kim has enough ground skills to avoid the sub attempts while he's still dry early on, he should have the power to put Tan out. Winner: Don Hyun Kim, KO, Round 2
Adam Tool: Tan's lone octagon appearance saw him get knocked out by Marcus Davis. I get the feeling he's been brought back just to make the new guy from Japan look good. Kim's got four knockouts in his last five fights, so I look for that trend to continue here. Winner: Dong-Hyun Kim, KO, Rd. 1
John Curry: Tan is coming off a TKO loss to one of my MMA idols Marcus Davis, no shame in that. But Tan will not be prepared for the explosive and exciting Kim. Kim is one of the most exciting fighters to actually sit down and watch. Unfortunately Kim is unknown to many of the U.S. MMA fans. I hope that this fight makes the main card. I will say that if the main card runs short on time, we will either be treated to this fight or the Koppenhaver/Yoshida fight. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, TKO, Round 1
Justin Thomas: Well Kim seems like he could be a threat at 170 pounds. It's weird to see a Korean in a UFC event and Koreans were basically brought up to PRIDE to lose. However, Kim might be an exception because he is training with Akiyama and Okami, currently has an impressive 9-1-1 MMA record and some serious KO power. Jason Tan is 5-2 and he lost two of his last three fights. I think Kim will win via knockout in the first round. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, KO, Round 1
Morgan Marx: Tan didn't get to demonstrate any of his submission skills in his UFC debut. Unless the UK fighter is skilled off his back, Tan is in for another short night. Kim has the advantage in size, experience, and overall skill. Unless Tan's lone UFC appearance gives him an advantage in the "first fight jitters" category, I can't see this going his way. Kim could emerge as a future contender at 170. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, TKO, Round 1
Jeremy Lambert: All I know about Kim is that he likes to stand and bang. Based on that fact, I already like him. Tan showed a suspect chin against Marcus Davis, getting rocked before getting dropped and finished so if my suspicions are correct, he could be in for a short night. Tan's only hope is to get this fight to the ground but I think the only time he'll go to the ground in this one is when Dong puts him there. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, TKO, Round 1
Fredrick Peterson: Another fight where the UFC already knows who they want to win. Dong Hyun Kim has an exciting style and they are hoping to showcase him here and move him on to bigger and better things. I agree with them. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, KO, Round 1
Larry Csonka: In theory this should be an easy win for Kim, but again that is why they fight the fights. Kim has been impressive and I think UFC has big plans for him. It should be a short but exciting fight. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, Strikes, RD1
Bren Oliver: I've never been impressed by Jason Tan, while I feel Kim has quite a bit of potential and is a solid signing from an international-marketing standpoint. The Donger hasn't lost since 2004, a defeat which came in his professional debut, and has since gone 9-0-1. I expect him to shake off a few nerves in the first round, being that he's been out of action since October 2007 and is making his UFC debut, but to quickly finish Tan off once the second stanza starts. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, TKO, RD 2
Randy Harrison: The strange thing about this fight is that you would usually expect the Asian fighter to be the submission fighter, but in this instance Kim is the man who favors the strikes while Tan is much more comfortable looking to submit his opponent. Tan was stopped by Marcus Davis and Kim is on a ten-fight unbeaten streak. Kim wins and Tan is back to the drawing board on the lower levels of MMA to wait for his next shot at the big time. Winner: Dong Hyun Kim, TKO, Round 1
Jon Koppenhaver vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Dustin James: Oh yes! Another guy who's UFC debut I can't wait for. If you have never heard of Yoshiyuki Yoshida before, that's understandable seeing as he's a Shooto and Cage Force veteran. However, you must learn the name because this is one guy who could be on his way to the top of the UFC. Yoshida is 9-2 as a pro and hasn't lost since 2005. And oh yeah, his last win comes against the UFC's newest signing, Dan Hardy. Yoshida is fighting Jon Koppenhaver who is kind of a mystery to the MMA world. We got to see his immature personality up close and personal when he pulled the "upper decker" on the opposing teams toilet on The Ultimate Fighter season 6. We then saw Koppenhaver bang with Jarred Rollins in an amazing fight at The Ultimate Fighter season 6 finale. War Machine is a mystery to me, but I think he is in over his head with Yoshida though. Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, TKO, Round 3
Matt McEwen: I get the feeling that the UFC really likes Koppenhaver, and he has the kind of skill set that will make a popular Fight Night/PPV opener fixture. With that in mind, it looks like they've set him up with an action fight against Yoshida who, like "War Machine", doesn't seem to enjoy leaving the fight in the judges' hands. Winner: Jon Koppenhaver, TKO, Round 2
Adam Tool: It's the return of "War Machine." My girlfriend loves this guy, and it's pretty easy to see why. He showed a ton of heart in his battle with Jared Rollins at the "TUF" 6 Finale. He drew a difficult opponent in Yoshida, who has some excellent strikes. He also has more experience than "War Machine," so I think he‘ll pull off the win here. Although if Koppenhaver shows the same kind of toughness he did in his last fight this could easily go the other way. Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, TKO, Rd. 2
John Curry: Here comes the "War Machine". The UFC has a hard on for this guy because his fight style is in the mold of Chuck Liddell, explosive and a banger. Is he Liddell, NO. Yoshida on the other side of the cage, can stand with the best of them. With that being said, I don't think the UFC would stick with Koppenhaver if there was not something there to be seen. Winner: Jon Koppenhaver, TKO, Round 2
Justin Thomas: Those preliminary fights can go either way and this is no exception. Yoshida is yet another impressive Asian fighter on the card, with an 8 fight win streak. Koppenhaver competed in a really exciting fight against Rollins last time he was in the octagon, but having said that, Jon didn't dominate the fight and was very close to being finished. And Koppenhaver never looked impressive in the TUF6 house, so I'll go with the more experienced Japanese fighter. Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, TKO, Round 2
Morgan Marx: Despite his personal situation, Koppenhaver deserves a ton of credit for his first UFC victory. Beyond that, it's hard to say what kind of future he has in the competition. It could be a situation in which Koppenhaver enter TUF as a work in progress. Perhaps he matures and develop post-show, and becomes a mid tier fighter for the UFC? Or perhaps his debut victory will remain his career highlight… Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Decision
Jeremy Lambert: I'm not a fan of Koppenhaver but I really admire the kids heart. He could have easily pulled a Gabriel Gonzaga and gave in but he MANNED UP~! and won the fight against Rollins. Yoshida is an impressive fighter but he took a DQ win in his last fight instead of continuing after a knee to the groin. That either shows that it was one hell of a shot to the groin or he doesn't have heart. I'll say that Koppenhaver's heart carries him through this fight. Winner: Jon Koppenhaver, TKO, Round 3
Fredrick Peterson: I really loved War Machine and his crazy antics on the last season of TUF. Yoshida has an 8 fight win streak which is impressive at any level. Picking with my heart here I am going to have to go with Koppenhaver. Plus War Machine has the Octagon experience. Winner: Jon Koppenhaver, TKO, Round 2
Larry Csonka: Koppenhaver's last bout was an all out war for the war machine. Yoshida is riding a good winning streak and with that being so, I feel that this will again be another three round all out war, but I will go with Yoshida to take the decision. Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Decision
Bren Oliver: "War Machine" is a likeable guy, previous assault charges not withstanding, and his bout against Jared Rollins at the Ultimate Fighter Season 6 Finale was perhaps the fight of 2007. However, he is a raw talent, while Yoshida is a veteran of MMA who possesses a polished skillset. I think Koppenhaver will gas once their match goes beyond 7-8 minutes, thus making him prone to Yoshida's superior takedown ability and the ground-and-pound that comes with it. Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, TKO, RD 2
Randy Harrison: Koppenhaver is the known name, but Yoshida is the better fighter. This one will seem like an upset to fight fans here in the United States, but it really isn't. That being said, Koppenhaver is tough and probably won't be finished. He'll be outclassed, but he'll last through the full fifteen minutes. Winner: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Decision
Rich Clementi vs. Terry Etim
Dustin James: Another UFC event, another Rich Clementi fight. But when you are on a winning streak like Clementi is, why not fight? Clementi just fought Sam Stout at last month's UFC 83 and was victorious via split decision. That victory was Clementi's 5th victory in a row and his 5th victory since April 07! His opponent this time around is England's Terry Etim. Etim is 10-1 as a pro with his only loss coming at the hands of Gleison Tibau via unanimous decision at UFC 75. You know Etim has wanted to get the sour taste of that defeat out of his mouth for some time now. Etim hasn't fought the most impressive list of MMA fighters, but he can make his list that much more impressive with a victory over Clementi. This fight has the potential to be one of the night's best. As for a winner? That's a difficult decision, but I have to go with experience. Winner: Rich Clementi, Decision
Matt McEwen: When was the last time someone competed on two consecutive PPV's? It's been a while, that's for sure, and I think Clementi is the first to do it since the UFC starting running monthly shows in 2006. He's coming off of a tough split decision win over Sam Stout in Montreal, and now he steps in against ground specialist Etim in this one. It's a good match up for "No Love" as Etim's strength is his submission ability, but Clementi should trump him there. Add in a strength advantage given that Clementi is a rather large lightweight, and I only see this fight going one way. Winner: Rich Clementi, Submission, Round 2
Adam Tool: What can you say about Rich "No Love" Clementi? The guy fought six times last year, and now he's stepping into the octagon only a month after his three-round battle with Sam Stout at UFC 83. Clearly he's a man that loves to fight. Etim had his first ever loss at UFC 75, and will be hungry to get back to winning. I don't think Rich has had enough time to prepare for this bout, and he'll get caught early. Winner: Terry Etim, Submission, Rd. 1
John Curry: First let me say "No Love" is the shit. It doesn't matter what anyone says and quite frankly I don't care if he wins or loses. Any guy who in today's UFC is willing to take a fight ONE MONTH after fight Sam Stout to the distance, has my vote (which he didn't against Stout). Personal feelings aside, Clementi is a hell of a fighter who is experienced (over 40 fights) and can finish the fight on his feet or on the ground. Etim is a large 155 pounder which could present a problem for Clementi who will be giving up 4" to Etim. Still I see this going……. Winner: Rich Clementi, Submission, Round 1
Justin Thomas: Clementi is more experienced, he fights often, but when a fighter has a lot of fights, there always are some losses. Rich has been on winning streaks before, he defeated some solid names, but lost to some unknowns, so it's really hard to call the outcome of this match. Etim was on a roll until he encountered Gleison Tibau, so who knows if he'll pass Clementi's test or not. I wouldn't be surprised by any outcome of this match, but I'll go with Rich here. Winner: Rich Clementi, Decision
Morgan Marx: Clementi has been on a great roll and has seen his confidence grow with each successive victory. How else can you explain his decision to hop right back in the cage on short notice to take on Etim? If Clementi adds Etim's name to his hit list (which already includes Anthony Johnson and Sam Stout), a bigger named opponent could be in the submission specialist's future. Winner: Rich Clementi, Submission, Round 2
Jeremy Lambert: TERRY ETIM'S TOES~! Seriously, just watch his big toe and how far apart it becomes from the rest of his toes when this fight hits the ground. Big ups to Clementi for stepping in so shortly after his UFC 83 fight but if you think about it, it was a smart move. This fight has decision written all over it and both guys are pretty equal but I'll give it to Clementi based on experience. Winner: Rich Clementi, Decision
Fredrick Peterson: Two very good fighters here trying to make a name for themselves in a crowded lightweight division. Clementi seems to fight (and win) at every PPV these days. Etim is coming off a loss (only one of his career), not sure if he will come out extra hungry or a little gun shy and try not to lose. I give Clementi the advantage here; hopefully the month of training was enough! Winner: Rich Clementi, Decision
Larry Csonka: The division is stacked right now, and people need to start making an impression if they want to even smell a title shot. Etim is coming off of a loss, while Clementi is riding in off of 5-wins. I smell another submission victory for Rich here. Winner: Rich Clementi, Sub, RD2
Bren Oliver: I feel Clementi and Etim have comperable skills. I see Clementi ultimately outworking the British fighter when things hit the canvas and even getting the better of the stand-up exchanges. The only reason I'm giving "No Love" the love in this fight is because I think his motor runs at a higher rate than the talented Etim's, but I have doubts Clementi can actually finish him. Winner: Rich Clementi, Judges' Decision
Randy Harrison: Clementi is rolling and full of confidence. The only question mark comes with him fighting so soon after his last fight. I think that he's going to continue his roll and he should be able to find a way to submit the tough Etim. Unfortunately for Terry, in the mood the UFC has been in lately, this loss while only his second, could be his last in the UFC for a while. Winner: Rich Clementi, Submission, Round 2
Sokoudjou vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Dustin James: I hate to say it, but this is a MUST win for Sokoudjou. After impressing the MMA world with quick victories over Ricardo Arona and Little Nog, Sokoudjou made his UFC debut against the undefeated Lyoto Machida at UFC 79 and lost via submission. That was dissapointing for Sokoudjou fans, but we still have hope! It has been a year since Sokoudjou has had a victory in MMA and he needs one bad if he wants to remain a hot name. His opponent has plenty of experience and has faced some of the games best such as Wanderlei Silva, Dan Henderson, Big Nog, Josh Barnett, Shogun, and oh yeah.....Lyoto Machida as well. Don't be fooled by Nakamura's 11-7 record as a pro. He fights some of the game's best, he just can't seem to beat them. Is Sokoudjou one of the game's best? We will see at UFC 84. Winner: Sokoudjou, Decision
Matt McEwen: Nakumara is a judo specialist who has gone the distance with some big name fighters, but usually comes up short in those fights. He uses his judo to his advantage better than most in MMA, but doesn't have the full skill set to compete with the top 205lbers around. Sokoudjou is an accomplished judoku in his own right, which will negate a lot of Nakamura's skills, and on top of that, he's one of the most devestating strikers in any division. Don't let his UFC debut against Machida fool you, Sokoudjou is for real, and he proves it here. Winner: Sokoudjou, KO, Round 1
Adam Tool: "The African Assassin" is back, and I'm excited. He had a tough opponent in his octagon debut, losing to Machida, but I still think he has a bright future in the sport. Nakamura sports an unimpressive 11-7 record, but to be fair those losses were to guys like Shogun, Wanderlei, and Henderson. He also lost twice to Little Nog, who Sokoudjou KO'd last year. I look for Sokoudjou to pull off the win here, and show that he was worth the hype. Winner: Rameau Sokoudjou, TKO, Rd. 2
John Curry: Don't fool yourself about Sokoudjoou, I don't like to refer to losses as a fluke but this guy is a beast. He knocked out, KNOCKED OUT, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Nakamura has lost to Nogueira twice. Sadly I look at Nakamura as a piece of meat for Sokoudjou to destroy in order to demonstrate why the UFC paid the money they did for him. Winner: Sokoudjou , KO, Round 2
Justin Thomas: I am really sad that this fight is not on the main card. I think that Soko is still a Top 10 Light heavyweight and Nakamura isn't far from it. They've both got popular in Japan and both of are coming of losses to Lyoto Machida. The Japanese fighter is more of a gatekeeper, but you can't deny his accomplishments. I don't know what he's doing in the UFC, as he would certainly get more love in DREAM or WVR and I guess he's already waiting until his contract with UFC ends. Sokoudjou is looking to rebound from his loss to Machida, knock out another PRIDE veteran and make a good impression to the American fans. It's hard to say if Sokoudjou learned anything from his loss, but Kazuhiro has a good chin and I doubt he'll get knocked out. If the fighters end up on the ground, it's Nakamura's territory and I think he'll be able to score points there to earn a decision victory. I'm just not sure, if this victory will mean anything for him and a loss to Sokoudjou at this stage at his career will be devastating. Expect him to be released, but I'm sure that Rameau has talent and one day will be back in the UFC. Winner: Kazuhiro Nakamura, Decision
Morgan Marx: With all the great fights on this card, this is the match up I'm having the most difficulty calling. As great as Sokoudjou has looked in his victories, he's looked just as terrible in defeat. As unassuming as Nakamura's record is, he's a very durable fighter that's lasted with some of the best in the world. We all knew that Sokoudjou wouldn't land that KO strike in each of his fights. Until the African Assassin can prove that he has other ways to control/win a fight, I'm not sold on his chances in a stacked light heavyweight division. Apparently, the UFC isn't either, as this fight is on the undercard. Winner: Kazuhiro Nakamura, Decision
Jeremy Lambert: I'm looking forward to this fight and it's a shame that it's not on the main card. Both guys are looking to rebound after losses to Machida and I think Sokoudjou pulls it off. Nakamura is a tough guy who has fought some of the best and he's tough to finish but Sokoudjou is a guy that I have high hopes for. I fell into the hype trap last time with Soko but I do think he's the real deal and losing to Machida is no shame. Winner: Sokoudjou, TKO, Round 2
Fredrick Peterson: This fight is one of the most high profile I have ever seen on and undercard. This is the perfect fight to judge where Sokoudjou really is in his MMA career. A win here will show his impressive victories were no fluke while a loss would send him back to the drawing board. "Kaz" is a tough fighter who has fought a who's who list but always manages to lose against the top guys. "Nakamura is the definition of a gatekeeper and I would love to see Sokoudjou hold the key. Hope somehow this fight makes the broadcast. Winner: Sokoudjou, TKO, Round 3
Larry Csonka: Sokoudjou is coming off of a loss and could be looking to suffer like Houston Alexander did, a lot of hype but not the talent to pull off the big wins. Nakamura is coming off of two losses, bu ti don't see his luck changing. Winner: Sokoudjou, Strikes, RD1
Bren Oliver: I'm not convinced Sokoudjou is anything other than a two-KO wonder, especially given his loss to Glover Teixeira, but I believe the pairing of styles in this particular fight favors "Soko" and he should be able to find his first UFC win once things are said and done. Both men are skilled judokas so I don't see either as having an advantage in that department. However, I believe Sokoudjou's conditioning is superior to Nakamura, and I also prefer his striking and wrestling to the Japanese fighter's. I believe the dreaded-one will maintain a dominant position throughout the bulk of the fight but will be unable to finish off his opponent. Winner: Sokoudjou, Judges' Decision
Randy Harrison: Sokoudjou is still a bit of a mystery but to write him off after getting beaten by Lyoto Machida, who is near the top of the UFC's deepest division, is a little silly. Nakamura hasn't been able to do much of anything for a long time and this could be the fight that marks his departure from the UFC. He'll bounce back in DREAM or WVR or any of the multitude of promotions popping up in Japan, but don't expect to see him after Saturday night in the Octagon. Winner: Sokoudjou, TKO, Round 1
Ivan Salaverry vs. Rousimar Palhares
Dustin James: Ivan Salaverry has been dropping hints that this could be the last MMA fight of his career. Salaverry has had a decent career with fights against Tony Fryklund, Matt Lindland, Akihiro Gono, & Nate Marquardt. If Salaverry does decide to hang it up, it could be time. His opponent is currently 7-1 as a pro and is making his UFC debut. Not a whole lot is known about Palhares. He is currently on a 5 fight win streak where he finished all of his opponents. He could make a tremendous splash in the UFC with a victory over the respected Salaverry. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Decision
Matt McEwen: I know very little about Palhares except that he trains with Brazillian Top Team (a plus) and he usually wins by submission (a big plus). This fight looks like it will be Salaverry's swan song in MMA, and it seems like he'll get a chance to go out doing what he does best - submission grappling. If you're a ground fighting afficianado, this one's for you. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Decision
Adam Tool: Palhares is making his UFC debut, and he's another dangerous Brazilian fighter with some sick submission skills. Salaverry is certainly on the downside of his career, as his last win of note was against Joe Riggs three years ago at UFC 52. It's not too hard to pick a winner here. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Submission, Rd. 1
John Curry: There is nothing I hate more than trying to decide a fight where one of the fighters is retiring and the other is debuting. You never really understand the mentality of a these fighters. Will Salaverry be depressed about this being his last fight and try too hard, or will he be lax with his behavior. Will Palhares in his debut try too hard and make mistakes that cost him the fight or will he be solid? That is the problem with deciding these fights. Salaverry is a respected fighter who deserves a proper send off but from what I have seen and heard about Palhares, he isn't a tomato can for Salaverry. As a result of that……. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Submission, Round 3
Justin Thomas: Another new face in the UFC in Rousimar Palhares. He seems to be good at submissions, but he likely won't be able to submit veteran Salaverry. Ivan is 37 years old and he lost his last fight. I expect Palhares to be more aggressive, control the fight and earn a decision victory. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Decision
Morgan Marx: I'm sure Salaverry will go on to have a lengthy coaching career. Unless the Seattle fighter can grind out a decision victory, this will likely be his last UFC appearance. Toquinho is being brought in as highly ranked prospect. Though Salaverry has never been submitted, Palhares has the submission skills (and the variety of subs) to find a way to control Salaverry on the ground. Palhares may not lock in the victory, but he'll keep active, keep threatening, forcing Salaverry to react and defend. Maybe Salaverry slips up and leaves an arm or his neck exposed. Either way, Toquinho takes the W. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Submission, Round 2
Jeremy Lambert: Salaverry is more or less a gate keeper at this point so if Palhares wants to be a threat in the division, he's got to win this fight. Palhares has some very good submission skills but Salaverry has never been tapped so something might have to give. I'll say that Palhares catches him sometime in the second round and we see the last of Salaverry in the UFC. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Submission, Round 2
Fredrick Peterson: I remember Salaverry being one of the top fighters when I started watching the UFC. A few years later and he barely fights once a year and is on the edge of retirement. I know that Palhares fights the same style as Salaverry and I feel that both will be extremely hard to submit. I want to go with Ivan for one last Hurrah but I don't think I can do it. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Decision
Larry Csonka: To me I think that this fight will end up stalemating as both men will work for similar things. Palhares should weather the storm and pick up the win. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Decision
Bren Oliver: While Salaverry is very good at jiujitsu, I believe Palhares had the edge in the art of submission as well as in terms of strength and conditioning. I expect this to be a very technical battle fought mostly on the ground that will surely go to decision if someone doesn't end up tapping out along the way. Interestingly enough, a submission loss for either would be said individual's first career defeat in such a manner. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Submission, RD 2
Randy Harrison: Salaverry is planning to retire after this fight according to various reports and I don't think he's going to get to go out on top. Palhares is a very similar fighter to Salaverry and this is one of those "old guard vs. new guard" fights that is going to be interesting to see. This is going to be a ground clinic as both men are technically sound on the mat, and though there should be plenty of action, both are smart enough to avoid getting caught in any submissions. Winner: Rousimar Palhares, Decision
Continue to PART II of the Roundtable by clicking HERE!
