411s MMA Roundtable Preview: UFC Fight Night 14
Posted by Larry Csonka on 07.19.2008
Can Anderson Silva dominate in TWO weight classes? Come on in for a breakdown of the UFC Fight Night 14 main matches!
WELCOME:
Once again welcome back to the 411 MMA Roundtable Preview! Yesterday we looked at the debut of Affliction, who will be bringing us the BANNED PPV tonight, but there is another show tonight. A free show from the UFC called Fight Night 14, which will see the Light Heavyweight debut of Anderson Silva! It's a hell of a time to be an MMA fan kids. Let's meet the staff and then we'll breakdown tonight's event!
NOTE: We'll be covering the TV bouts, since we are doing three roundtables this weekend!
THE STAFF:
411 MMA Rankings Guru Dustin James!
WEC and PRIDE TV reporter Jonathan Solomon!
From the Fighting Stance News Report, Adam Tool!
Author of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, he is, Scott Kuczkowski!
The man that just profiled Tim Sylvia's MMA career, Ryan Seymour!
From the Eight Sides of Steel,Wendell Mitchell!
And finally your humble editor, Larry Csonka!
C.B. Dollaway vs. Jesse Taylor
Dustin James: Well, here we go. We FINALLY get the "anticipated" fight between JT $$$ and CB from this past season's "Ultimate Fighter". I'm not looking forward to this fight at all. To me, CB Dollaway got exposed while on The Ultimate Fighter Finale. I think the dude has plenty of potential, just not yet. To get beat by the same move, by the same guy, in consecutive fights just eats at me for some reason. As for Taylor, the UFC brought him back too soon in my opinion. I don't care if he went to rehab and "got his life cleaned up". They should have made him sweat it out by either sitting at home, or placing him on some WEC shows before bringing him back to a prime time audience. Sorry, I'm all for HARD punishment. What Taylor did do that limousine's window and at the casino itself was ridiculous. Oh, that's right...there's a fight, which I don't care for.
Jonathan Solomon: This is a weird one. Will anyone be cheering for either man? We have the arrogant jock who was pissed at himself for tapping against the infamous fighter to be kicked out of the TUF Finale. Dollaway's weakness appeared to be bad conditioning against Sadollah and being way too aggressive (if you can be) in the finals. Taylor is a machine when it comes to endurance (at least in the cage). Both men don't want to lose, more so than usual. If Dollaway loses, will he be back? If Taylor loses, will he return?
Winner: Jesse Taylor, Decision.
Adam Tool: It's a battle between two of the biggest knobs from the latest "Ultimate Fighter." Neither of them came off as the worse human being in the house (hello Jeremy May), but at the same time I don't think either guy has a huge fan base following this season. Taylor used the lay and pray' technique to make it to the finals, then got drunk and made an idiot out of himself. He also peed his pants not once, but twice on national television. Dollaway came off as cocky, and he even referred to himself in the third person at one point, which is a great way to earn your merit badge for douchebaggery. When it comes down to the fight, Taylor certainly has the edge in brute strength, but he also has a known weakness to submissions. I expect Dollaway to try and exploit that weakness as early as possible.
Winner: CB Dollaway, Submission, Round 1
Scott Kuczkowski: At last, we have the finale that never was. While CB looked pretty dominant throughout the show, he fell twice to Amir. Does that mean CB was overrated? Or did Amir just have his number? I imagine that will be answered in this fight. Both of these guys are strong wrestlers, but I think CB has the better pedigree. I also think CB will have better standup than JT. JT looked good on the show, but I wasn't ever thrilled with his fights. I think this will be CB's chance to shine and I hope he doesn't let this chance slip away. Unfortunately, this fight has an extremely high potential to be a snooze fest, but I'm hoping they try to put on a show.
Winner: Dolloway, Decision, Round 3.
Ryan Seymour: Dollaway and Taylor both have a wrestling background, when you have two wrestlers fight each other it usually equals a SNOOZE FEST. Hopefully this can be an exciting battle but for some reason I can see one of the fighters getting a takedown and then not doing much. Jesse Taylor gets his chance in the UFC after making a fool of himself on TUF and being the first person to be kicked out of TUF final. C.B Dollaway was the man who eventually took Jesse's spot in the final and he didn't really do much except for pretending he didn't tap against Amir Sadollah, when it was clear as day he did. This is a hard fight to pick, C.B came into TUF undefeated but in his last two outings he has been tapped out with identical arm bar. Jesse's actual fighting on TUF was impressive (everything else wasn't), but he didn't fight any of the prospects on the show such as Amir, C.B or Matt Brown. It is super hard to pick this fight, I went with C.B winning this fight as I was more impressed with him on TUF. If Jesse Taylor does win, hopefully he doesn't drink heaps at the after-party, make a fool of himself and then tell everybody he is "a UFC fighter"
Winner: C.B Dollaway, Decision
Wendell Mitchell: Like the old saying goes, "It's better to be pissed off, then pissed on." Dolloway got owned twice by the same guy, which, hey happens to the best of them (Liddell/Couture; Rampage/Liddell) so I could see why he would be a bit upset. Taylor, on the other hand, literally pissed on himself, which doesn't define him as a fighter, but it's hard for me not to go into the fight thinking "will he get the piss choked out of him?" With that said, I'd be very surprised if this doesn't go to a decision yet I'm going with...
Winner: Taylor, Submission, Rd 2 (Mark Henry memorial arm bar)
Larry Csonka: As I said going into the Ultimate Fighter finale, I didn't get the hype on Dolloway. I didn't think he was impressive at all and he got caught TWICE in an arm bar by an inexperienced fighter in Amir. Both men are close to the same experience level and have shown some KO power, so it could be fun. I wouldn't have brought Taylor back so soon after his behavior, but I don't run the company. It could be interesting.
Winner: Taylor, SUB, RD1
Kevin Burns vs. Anthony Johnson
Dustin James: Now this is what I'm talking about! Anthony F'N Johnson! Remember him? He's the one who took Tommy Speer's head off in 51 seconds at UFC Fight Night 13 last April. Has Speers even recovered from that? Johnson's opponent this time happens to be the 6-1 Kevin Burns. Burns made his UFC debut back at UFC 85 in June against Roan Carneiro and looked very good earning a submission victory in round 2. This is actually a very tough fight to pick. Both fighters have only lost once. Johnson lost to Rich Clementi at UFC 76 via submission, while Burns lost to Jason High back in 2007 via TKO (doc stoppage). I can see Burns wanting to take this fight to the ground, but Johnson will want to stand. Can Johnson continue the momentum he has going, or will Burns put a stop to him? So many questions, so little time......
Winner: Anthony Johnson, KO, Rd 1
Jonathan Solomon: Well, EXC put on a bunch of fights they expected to end quickly for CBS. Looks like UFC chose the same here. Both men have ended fights in their recent past. On the line are consecutive wins for whomever is victorious. Burns has four submission wins on his badge and Johnson won his two UFC fights (besides the Clementi loss) via knockout. This one will not go the distance.
Winner: Kevin Burns, Submission, Round 2.
Adam Tool: This could be interesting. Both fighters have seen their profile rise considerably following upset wins in their last UFC outings. Of course this fight breaks down to the classic match-up of strikes versus submissions. Johnson will probably swing for the fences early and often, while Burns will look for his opening to try and lock in the fight-ending submission. I think Burns will be able to keep Johnson at bay and avoid serious damage, before catching him sometime in the second.
Winner: Kevin Burns, Submission, Round 2
Scott Kuczkowski: If Burns has any sense at all, he will shoot in and take this fight to the ground. "Rumble" Johnson is going to be looking for the highlight reel KO. If this fight stays on the feet for longer than 1 minute, Johnson is going to put Burns to sleep. I don't know about Johnson's ground game, but he will definitely have to stuff Burns' takedowns in order to win this.
Winner: Johnson, KO, Round 1
Ryan Seymour: The guy who shocked the world by knocking out Tommy Speer in 51 seconds OR the guy who submitted the black belt in BJJ, Roan Carneiro. I still don't know much about Kevin Burns but it looks like this fight is going to a striker (Johnson) vs. a grappler (Burns). With Johnson's knockout victory over Speer, it was evident that he is a fighter who is light on his feet and will be trying to get quick exchanges on Burns. Anthony Johnson packs a very powerful punch and I can see another quick knockout for Johnson,
Winner: Anthony Johnson, KO, Round 1.
Wendell Mitchell: Mr. Rumble had quite the showing when he knocked out Tommy Speers in spectacular fashion at the last Fight Night. Burns has shown that he is quite adept at submissions, so his only chance of winning this fight is to get Johnson to the ground lest he want to end up on the receiving end of a highlight reel KO. Johnson has been submitted before by a much more experienced Rich Clementi, but has been said to have been working diligently on his take down defense. If he can stuff Burns in the early parts of the round, I can see Johnson getting that knock out we all know he wants.
Winner: Anthony Johnson, KO, Rd 1
Larry Csonka: Anthony Johnson HUMBLED Tommy Speers his last time out and looked amazing doing so. He and Burns are close in experience level, with Burns more of a submission fighter. He'll need to take it to the ground to have a chance, on the feet he's dead.
Winner: Anthony Johnson, STRIKES, RD2
Jake O'Brien vs. Cain Velasquez
Dustin James: And making his return to the UFC, Jake O'Brien! O'Brien was released after his loss to Andrei Arlovski at UFC 82 for unknown reasons. However, it seems the UFC realized their mistake by releasing a YOUNG talented heavyweight fighter with a 10-1 record and brought him back. However, it may not come against an opponent he wants to face right now. Cain Velasquez is currently 3-0 as a pro in MMA. However, he's a dangerous dude. This one is going to have PUNCHES N' BUNCHES and may come down to who swings first.
Winner: Cain Velasquez, KO, Rd 1
Jonathan Solomon: For all the things you can say about the UFC, you cannot say they book tomato can's for their rising young stars. Cain Velasquez is seen as the future of the heavyweight division. Jake O'Brien has been criticized for not fighting to win in the past so I assume this is a chance for Velasquez to look like a megastar on cable television. Unlike half of O'Brien's previous UFC fights, this won't go the distance.
Winner: Cain Velasquez, TKO, Round 2
Adam Tool: Cain Velasquez is one of my newest man-crushes, and I'm particularly thrilled to see him on the main card for this show. For anyone not yet aboard the Velasquez bandwagon, just know that this guy is an uber-powerful wrestler with some devastating ground and pound. He also reportedly has some top-notch jiu-jitsu that has yet to be displayed. He'll face his toughest opponent to date in O'Brien, a guy that was released from the organization following his loss to Andrei Arlovski at UFC 82. O'Brien has usually relied on his wrestling, but I firmly believe that Velasquez is on another level. Cain has yet to see a fight go past the first round, and I look for that trend to continue here.
Winner: Cain Velasquez, TKO, Round 1
Scott Kuczkowski: I know a number of people are riding high on Cain and are looking to see him win this, but I'm not one of them. Cain's striking is pretty good, but I think O'Brien has the wrestling ability to dictate the pace and position of this fight. Unless Cain can keep is standing and go for the TKO, I see O'Brien handing Cain his first loss.
Winner: O'Brien, Decision
Ryan Seymour: O'Brien has only suffered one loss in his career, which was to Andrei Arlovski at UFC 82. Velasquez is undefeated in his MMA career, but he has only had 3 fights, 1 in the UFC. I am not so much onto the Cain Velasquez bandwagon. He showed some great power in his fight at UFC 83 but hasn't impressed me a lot yet. O'Brien has four fights in the UFC, Velasquez has 3 fights overall. I just see experience playing a big role in this fight, as well as O'Brien has defeated a well-known heavyweight in Heath Herring.
Winner: Jake O'Brien, TKO, Round 3.
Wendell Mitchell: With the departures of two of the top Heavyweights in the company, one of which being the only man to beat O'Brien, it's time for Jake to shine. Velasquez had a great showing in his last fight and enjoys throwing combinations. Both men have tremendous knockout power, with all three of Velasquez's wins by KO and eight of O'Brien's bouts ending the same way. I'm going to go with experience here and pick O'Brien. Besides, I have a feeling he's going to want to show how big a mistake it was to release him after only one loss for no discernable reason.
Winner: Jake O'Brien, TKO, Rd 1
Larry Csonka: With the UFC heavyweight division being so thin these days, this is a time for both men to shine. This is a second chance for O'Brien, who was released form the company while Velasquez is just beginning his career and looking to make waves. He has been impressive in his three fights, and I think he continues that trend here as he is considered one of thier big Heavyweight prospects.
Winner: Cain Velasquez, STRIKES, RD1
Frankie Edgar vs. Hermes Franca
Dustin James: Jeez, with the return of Jake O'Brien, Jesse Taylor, and now Hermes Franca.....why don't they just subtitle this Fight Night as "The Comeback"? I may be one of the few people who are glad to see Franca back in the UFC. After the debacle last year after his UFC lightweight championship fight against Sean Sherk at UFC 73, Franca has the chance to make us all forgive and forget. The dude has been out of action for a year (suspension) but he is back and ready to take out his opponent! Only one problem, his opponent just happens to be Frankie Edgar. Edgar is coming off his first professional loss which happened at Fight Night 13 to Gray Maynard. There's no doubt that Edgar will be looking to get back on the winning side of things. Look at it this way, since Franca lost to Sherk at UFC 73.....Edgar has fought three times. He beat Mark Bocek at UFC 73, then beat Spencer Fisher at UFC 78, then the Maynard fight went down. Edgar will be looking to do some serious damage in what could potentially end up being the "Fight of the Night".
Winner: Frank Edgar, Unanimous Decision
Jonathan Solomon: Hermes' first fight since the Sherk steroid fiasco last year. This should be a fun fight to watch with both men having something to prove. Edgar has some big wins on his record, but he did lose to Gray Maynard most recently. Franca helped B.J. Penn train earlier this year, so you have to assume at least some greatness went his way. Just a reminder, prior to the decision-loss in the Sherk fight, Franca won eight fights by finishing his opponent. That trend returns on Saturday.
Winner: Hermes Franca, Submission, Round 3.
Adam Tool: This is easily one of my most anticipated match-ups on the card. Hermes Franca makes his return to the sport having served a yearlong suspension following a positive drug test after UFC 73. Prior to the decision loss to Sean Sherk, Franca was on a tear through the lightweight ranks. He's got world-class jiu-jitsu and some pretty decent striking to boot. Frank Edgar was also on a tear through the 155 lbs. weight class before Gray Maynard stopped him cold. He'll need a dominant win here if he wants to climb back up the ranks of one of the deepest divisions in the sport. I think the layoff will have a negative effect on Franca, as he'll be going for broke early and often. Edgar will weather the storm and take advantage of his superior cardio en route to a unanimous decision.
Winner: Frank Edgar, Decision
Scott Kuczkowski: This should be the fight of the night. This is a very tough fight for both guys. Edgar will be looking to get back on the winning track after dropping his last bout to Maynard. Franca will be looking to get back in the title picture. Edgar is going to want to keep this fight on the ground, which may or may not play into Franca's jiu-jitsu game. If Franca can catch Edgar shooting in with a knee like he caught Sherk, Franca may just put him away. Ultimately, I think Franca's experience will be the deciding factor.
Winner: Franca, Decision, Round 3
Ryan Seymour: The lightweights usually put on a exciting fight, I expect this fight to be no different. Frankie Edgar started of his UFC career very nicely with wins over good lightweights in Griffin, Bocek and Fisher. Edgar was overwhelmed in his last fight against Gray Maynard and will be trying to get back in the winners circle. Same can be said about Hermes Franca, his last fight was at UFC 73 against Sean Sherk for the lightweight title, Franca was defeated by decision. After that bout Franca was suspended for having steroids in his system. It is hard to tell how the fighters will come out as Edgar was just beaten for the first time and Franca hasn't fought in over a year. Both are well versatile fighters but I just see Franca's ground game being to much for Edgar.
Winner: Hermes Franca, Decision
Wendell Mitchell: How often have both parties of a championship fight tested positive for performance enhancers? Franca, who comes across as a real swell guy, immediately confessed, explaining that he hurt himself during training, and couldn't afford to not show up for this fight. Yeah, he cheated, but a man's gotta do what he's gotta do to feed his family. He has a lot to prove after a year suspension, but unfortunately, he's drawn Edgar who has been keeping busy win two wins and a decision lost to undefeated Gray Maynard. Edgar will be looking to get back to his winning ways and what better way than to take out a top ranked fighter like Hermes Franca, who for those unaware is a former WEC Lightweight Champ with notable wins over Nate Diaz and current WEC champ Jamie Varner.
Winner: Frank Edgar, Unanimous Decision
Larry Csonka: As some have mentioned this could be a great fight, and it is one I am anticipating myself. Edgar wants in title contention badly, and Franca has a lot to prove after serving his suspension. It should be a hell of a fight.
Winner: Hermes Franca, Decision
Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy
Dustin James: UGH. After the revelation that we could have had Vera/Dan Henderson, Vera/Wanderlei Silva, Vera/Lyoto Machida, or Vera/Sokoudjou.....this fight comes as a HUGE disappointment. No knock on UFC newcomer Reese Andy, but Vera vs. any of those other guy's would have made this card THAT much better. You want a little background on Reese? He's an IFL veteran with a 7-1 record as a pro. Vera is going to be making his light heavyweight debut here, and it should be a triumphant one.
Winner: Brandon Vera, KO, Rd 2
Jonathan Solomon: If there will be an upset on Saturday, I'm going with this fight. Vera makes his debut at light heavyweight while Andy makes his UFC debut. Vera is thinking about fighting at both heavyweight and light heavyweight in the future. He's pissed about his loss to Werdum and will want to make a big impact in this fight. However, Andy is no slouch. Sure, he has not beaten any elite fighters, but he has beaten Kala Hose and Krzysztof Soszynski.
Winner: Reese Andy, TKO, Round 2
Adam Tool: Brandon Vera finally wises up and drops down to the light heavyweight division where he'll get to be the bigger guy in the fight. He's got all the tools to be a threat in this weight class, but he'll need a great performance here first. Reese Andy never stood out much during his run in the IFL. He's notorious for being a slow starter, and I think that will play right into Vera's hands. I look for Vera to be the aggressor early and use his superior striking to pick up the quick victory.
Winner: Brandon Vera, TKO, Round 1
Scott Kuczkowski: This will be Vera's 205 lbs. debut that everyone has been waiting for. I'm sure Vera is going to want to turn this into a kickboxing match and send Reese's head into the crowd. Reese is a wrestler and will probably be looking to take this to the mat. I think Reese is going to have a difficult time in match up and I think Vera will try to enter the light heavyweight division with a knockout. Look for this to be a quick battle.
Winner: Vera, KO, Round 1
Ryan Seymour: Brandon Vera is finally making his move to the 205 pound division and he will be facing Lyoto Machida...NO...Wanderlei Silva...NO...Sokoudjou...NO...Dan Henderson...NO... Oh that's right it's Reese Andy, now I just have to find out who Reese Andy is. After coming back from Sherdog, Reese Andy is a veteran of the IFL and has a record of 7-1. Na I'm sorry but I don't think that Reese Andy has much of a chance against Brandon Vera. A point could be made that Vera is coming of back to back losses but I just think we are going to see the deadly Brandon Vera back and if so get ready to see a great knockout.
Winner: Brandon Vera, TKO, Round 1
Wendell Mitchell: Nice to see the IFL guys getting higher profile matches; Ben Rothwell with Affliction and Reese Andy providing Brandon Vera his first fight at light heavyweight. I've always like Vera and like many thought his last fight was stopped prematurely. I don't mean to be dismissive of Andy's skill, but I definitely see Vera giving the newbie a not-too-pleasant "Welcome to UFC" KO. Though, Mr. Kuczkowski as one of my fellow round table mates mused, how cool would it have been to see Vera take on Silva in their respective debuts at light heavy?
Winner: Brandon Vera, KO, Rd 2
Larry Csonka: I think that we can all agree that the Brandon Vera at heavyweight experiment was a failure. He tried, I give him credit, but I feel the drop in weight class is for the best. Andy brings a lot of IFL experience with him into the fight, and has a lot to prove himself. I feel Vera finally gets on the winning track here in impressive fashion.
Winner: Brandon Vera, STRIKES, RD1
Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin
Dustin James: Are you kidding me? Seriously.....ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Who do you think I'm going to pick here? Irvin's no tomato can by any means. But this is FRIGGIN Anderson Silva. I don't care if he's fighting at super heavyweight. As of this day, this moment, this time.....you would have to be an idiot to pick against Silva.
Winner: Anderson Silva, KO, Rd 1
Jonathan Solomon: Anyone who picks Irvin to beat Mr. Silva is a fool. Period! Silva is one of the best fighters in the world and has done nothing but destroy everyone the UFC has put in front him. This is going to be no different. I may sound like the head of Silva's fan club, but I have no reason to believe otherwise. This fight will be short and sweet.
Winner: Anderson Silva, TKO, Round 1
Adam Tool: The best pound-for-pound fighter in the world looks to prove this distinction by moving up in weight for one night only. James Irvin recently stated that Silva's clinch isnt very technical, and he plans to win the fight there. Really? Why don't you ask Rich Franklin about that? Or better yet, ask the surgeon that had to perform facial reconstructive surgery after both of Franklin's fights with Silva. Irvin does pack some big power, but Silva has so many different ways to win. He can use his fists, his knees, his elbows, or maybe even his black belt in jiu-jitsu. Irvin has a puncher's chance, and that's about it.
Winner: Anderson Silva, TKO, Round 1
Scott Kuczkowski: One of the best pound for pound fighters is moving up to light heavyweight to test the waters. Wouldn't it have been awesome if Silva was pitted against Vera for both fighter's debut at 205? I think Irvin has a good chance in this fight if he can keep from getting knocked out. If he takes Silva to the ground and can hold him there, he may be able to pound out a victory. I think Silva is going to stand with Irvin and throw everything he has at him once he figures out his range. I don't think Silva has much to fear with this match up and I see him coming out on top.
Winner: Silva, KO, Round 1
Ryan Seymour: Truth be told, I think James Irvin has a small chance of winning this fight. Irvin has some great knockout power in his hands, just ask Houston Alexander. Irvin also has more to gain from this fight, a win for Irvin would put him right up there in the 205 pound division, which is stacked as we all know. But this is Anderson Silva we are talking about, I stopped doubting this man a long time ago. I would be surprised if Anderson Silva didn't destroy James Irvin, like he has to all his other opponents. The real question is, will James Irvin get to the third round which all other fighters in the UFC haven't done yet. My answer is NO, first round knockout for Anderson "THE SPIDER" Silva.
Winner: Anderson Silva, KO, Round 1
Wendell Mitchell: I know there some out there that question this move. A few even declare Dana and Silva as idiots; Dana for proposing and Silva for accepting this fight. I've seen valid points, such as Silva potentially sacrificing speed or giving up striking power against guys accustomed to being hit by bigger guys, but me, I'm not betting against the Spider and will thoroughly enjoy this match up. Irvin has the classic "Puncher's chance" which is great in boxing, but when you have a lanky muy thai guy that can just as easily kill you with a knee strike as he can his fists and elbows, or at least stun you long enough to jiu jitsu your butt into submission, the only outcome is another win for the Pound for Pound best. Like Vera, I see his debut being very successful.
Winner: Anderson Silva, KO, Rd 1
Larry Csonka: Many have questioned the move for various reasons and for good reason. But from where I sit I see no weaknesses in Silva, the man is a machine. He proves why he is considered the best pound for pound fighter here.
Winner: Anderson Silva, STRIKES, RD2
Remember to join 411 for our LIVE Coverage Saturday night!
