KO of the Week (12-26-08)

This week's fight is Rampage Jackson vs Wanderlai Silva (UFC 92)

The first two times they met, in PrideFC, Silva owned Jackson. The third time, Dec. 27 at UFC 92, he wasn't so fortunate.

UFC 92/Pick'em Results

Rashad Evans defeats Forrest Griffin via TKO (Round 3)
Frank Mir defeats Antonio Nogueira via TKO (Round 2)
Quinton Jackson defeats Wanderlai Silva via KO (Round 1)
Cheick Kongo defeats Mustafa Al-Turk via TKO (Round 1)
CB Dollaway defeats Mike Massenzio via TKO (Round 1)
Yushin Okami defeats Dean Lister via Unanimous Decision
Antoni Hardonk defeats Mike Wessel via TKO (Round 2)
Matt Hamill defeats Reese Andy via TKO (Round 2)
Brad Blackburn defeats Ryo Chonan via Unanimous Decision
Pat Barry defeats Dan Evensen via TKO (Round 1)

RESULTS FOR PICKS
Brandon Stephens: 5-5
Jake Winfrey: 7-3

PERFECT PICKS
Brandon Stephens: 0
Jake Winfrey: 2

RESULTS TO DATE
Brandon Stephens: 11-8
Jake Winfrey: 12-7

UFC 92 Picks!

Forrest Griffin 6' 3" 205 16-4-0
Vs
Rashad Evans 5' 11" 205 17-0-1

Brandon Stephens:
This should be a very exciting or relatively boring fight. Don’t get me wrong though. Both are great fighters. Evans has great wrestling and has came a long way with his striking and power. Griffin is a warrior with a “never say die” attitude. Griffin has the edge here due to experience and a more overall rounded game.

Winner: Forrest Griffin via Unanimous Decision

Jake Winfrey:
I think this will be the fight of the night, even over Wandy/Jackson III. To me, Rashad matches up to Forrest a lot like Rampage. He has good, powerful strikes and very good wrestling. Forrest continues to develop into a Top 5 fighter, and his heart/cardio is only matched by Ken Shamrock. So, it is with that, that I take Forrest in a 5 Round Decision.

Winner: Forrest Griffin via Unanimous Decision.


Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira 6' 3" 240 31-4-1
Vs.
Frank Mir 6' 3" 240 11-3-0

Brandon Stephens:
The coaches’ clash we’ve been waiting for. UFC producers needed to add some drama to this matchup of two very calm and respectable fighters so they made Mir look like an arrogant jerk; while making Big Nog out to be this fun-loving teddy bear of a man. But they still have to fight (in Mir’s hometown) and decide the interim Heavyweight champion. Noone has ever submitted or knocked out Nogueira, but there’s a first time for everything. Both are expert Black Belt BJJ masters. Mir may the only heavyweight capable of winning the ground game. Mir’s biggest weakness may be his cardio after round 1. I believe he’s more focused than ever and pulls out a crazy Sub.

Winner: Frank Mir via submission (Darce choke) in Round 3

Jake Winfrey:
This fight interests me a great deal. Both have very similar fighting styles. However, I do not believe this will be much of a fight. I think Nog is way too much for Mir. If he can survive the first round by avoiding a submission, he will wear Frank "lacks cardio" Mir down and get a relatively easy win. So I like Nogueria to meet Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed HW championship later in 2009.

Winner: Antonio Nogueira via submission (RNC) in Round 3


CB Dollaway 6' 2" 185 8-2-0
Vs.
Mike Massenzio 6' 2" 185 11-2-0

Brandon Stephens:
CB will be the only recognizable fighter in this one to the casual fan but do not underestimate Massenzio. These guys met in the Junior College Wrestling National Finals a few years back with Dollaway getting the victory. That won’t, however, carry over to the cage. Massenzio’s only two losses were to a kneebar and a quick knockout in only 17 seconds. His striking as well as Jiu Jitsu is better than Dollaway which will earn him the revengeful victory when it counts.

Winner: Mike Massenzio via Submission (Guillotine) in Round 2

Jake Winfrey:
A rematch from the JUCO wrestling finals, this promises to have to well-versed in submissions fighters. CB, best known for his "non-tap," returns to Octagon after an impressive win over Jesse Taylor. Massenzio might have the edge in cardio, but I think I will go with CB in this one.

Winner: CB Dollaway via Submission (Armbar) in Round 1


Wanderlei Silva 5' 11" 205 32-8-1
Vs.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson 6' 1" 205 28-7-0

Brandon Stephens:
Silva has won both their two previous fights before the fall of PRIDE by KO. Both were close fights before Wandy took over with his aggressive style. That’ll be the key again if Silva wants to pull off the win here. After Rampage’s own Grand Theft Auto style rampage he has changed camps and became a more focused and determined fighter. His new found skills as well as maturation since the PRIDE fights will show.

Winner: Rampage Jackson via TKO in Round 3

Jake Winfrey:
I am pumped for this fight. These 2 guys have met twice previously in PRIDE, with Wandy winning both via brutal knockouts. This has the potential to be a stand up war. I don't think that either will be intimidated by the other. Rampage seems extra dedicated after his last loss, and I believe that will be the difference, as he will out point Wandy on the feet.

Winner: Rampage Jackson via Unanimous Decision


Cheick Kongo 6' 4" 240 22-4-1
Vs.
Mostapha Al Turk 6' 2" 242 6-3-0

Brandon Stephens:
Two of the Gatekeepers of the HW division will clash. Cheick is likely not happy about being bypassed by Brock Lesnar for a title shot and will look to prove he deserved it. Kongo has been on a roller coaster since entering the UFC with mainly decision fights. Al Turk makes his UFC debut. After losing his first 2 pro fights, he has come on strong with a 6-2 record since with all his wins coming to due his ground and pound. I’m going on pure instinct here and Mostapha’s punches are just too much.

Winner: Mostapha Al Turk via TKO in Round 1

Jake Winfrey:
Kongo is a very Jekyll and Hyde fighter. I do not know much about Al Turk. Most of these HW UFC debuters make a pretty big impression. I will go against history in this one, and take experience. Kongo gets the nod.

Winner: Cheick Kongo via TKO in Round 1


Yushin Okami 6' 2" 185 23-4-0
Vs.
Dean Lister 6' 1" 185 11-5-0

Brandon Stephens:
A quality fight that, on any other card, would be aired without a doubt. Okami’s only loss in the UFC was to Rich Franklin. He’s explosive and has great striking to go with his solid ground game. Lister will need to take Dana White’s advice and really let his hands go to pull off this upset.

Winner: Yushin Okami via TKO in Round 3

Jake Winfrey:
I really like Okami. He may not be the flashiest of fighters, but he gets the job done with above average striking and a very good ground game. Lister is a decent MW, but really doesn't offer anything that Okami doesn't offer better. This could be quick or it could be a drawn out borefest.

Winner: Yushin Okami via Submission (Armbar) in Round 1


Antoni Hardonk 6' 4" 245 7-4-0
Vs.
Mike Wessel 6' 0" 260 8-1-0

Brandon Stephens:
Wessel took this fight on short notice, which is good for some fighters and bad for others. I guess we’ll see which it is for Mike.

Winner: Antoni Hardonk via Unanimous Decision

Jake Winfrey:
Hardonk has really come on strong since a few rough outings. I do not know much about Wessel. Most fighters who take fights on short notice tend to gas, especially the big guys. I'll take Hardonk in a less than stellar fight.

Winner: Antoni Hardonk via Split Decision


Matt Hamill 6' 1" 205 6-2-0
Vs.
Reese Andy 5' 10" 205 7-2-0

Brandon Stephens:
Both fighters are great wrestlers with Hamill most likely having a slight advantage in that department. Reese Andy will pose an interesting matchup because he’s relatively unknown. Matt may have to change gameplans on the fly which could prove difficult with his handicap.

Winner: Reese Andy via Split Decision

Jake Winfrey:
Tremendous wrestlers meet in this LHW bout. If Hamill sticks to his gameplan, he should earn another via. Reese Andy has a chance to win, as Hamill's cardio isn't that great, but then again, neither is Andy's.

Winner: Matt Hamill via TKO in Round 3


Ryo Chonan 5' 9" 170 15-8-0
Vs.
Brad Blackburn 5' 10" 170 13-9-1

Brandon Stephens:
To be honest, I don’t see Blackburn having much of a chance but he does come more than capable of throwing nice strikes and catching Ryo with one. Ryo is too well rounded though

Winner: Ryo Chonan via Unanimous Decision

Jake Winfrey:
Ryo Chonan has a wealth of international experience, while Blackburn's record does nothing to convince me he has a chance.

Winner: Ryo Chonan via Submission (Armbar) in Round 1


Dan Evensen 6' 3" 250 10-3-0
Vs.
Pat Barry 5' 11" 235 3-0-0

Brandon Stephens:
Honestly don’t know anything about these guys and couldn’t find much in the way of my research either. I’ll roll the dice.

Winner: Pat Barry via TKO in Round 3

Jake Winfrey:
YouTube has convinced me that Pat Barry will win......convincingly

Winner: Pat Barry via TKO in Round 1

Merry Christmas!

From Winfrey and Stephens. And every contributing member of this blog, we wish all of our readers a safe and happy holiday.

KO Video of the Week (12-18-08)

This week's video is: Houston Alexander vs. Keith Jardine
(UFC 71)

Jardine thought Houston was a joke. Shame on him. Enjoy!

Top Five UFC fights of 2008

Brandon Stephens:

5. Ben Saunders vs. Brandon Wolff (UFC Fight for the Troops)
4. Jeremy Stephens vs. Rafael dos Anjos (UFC 91)
3. Anderson Silva vs Dan Henderson (UFC 82)
2. Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell (UFC 88)
1. Quinten "Rampage" Jackson vs Forrest Griffin (UFC 86)


Jake Winfrey:

5. Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites (UFC 85)
4. Jason MacDonald vs.Damian Maia (UFC 87)
3. Rampage Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin (UFC 86)
2. B.J. Penn vs Joe Stevenson (UFC 80)
1. George St. Pierre vs Jon Fitch (UFC 87)

UFC Pick'em/Fight Results (TUF Finale 8)

Here are the results from last night's TUF 8 Finale

Efrain Escudero defeats Phillippe Nover via Unanimous Decision
Ryan Bader defeats Vinicius Magalhaes via TKO (Round 1)
Wilson Gouveia defeats Jason Macdonald via TKO (Round 1)
Anthony Johnson defeats Kevin Burns via TKO (Round 3)
Junie Browning defeats David Kaplan via Submission (Round 2)
Krzystof Soszynski defeats Shane Primm via Submission (Round 2)
Eliot Marshall defeats Jules Bruchez via Submission (Round 1)
Tom Lawlor defeats Kyle Kingsbury via Unanimous Decision
Shane Nelson defeats George Roop via Split Decision
Roli Delgado defeats John Polakowski via Submission (Round 2)

RESULTS FOR PICKS:
Jake Winfrey: 5-4
Brandon Stephens: 6-3

PERFECT PICKS:
Jake Winfrey = 0
Brandon Stephens = 2

UFC 92 picks are next and hopefully we will post them this week.

KO Video of the Week (12-11-08)

Starting today, we will post a KO/TKO Video of the Week

This weeks video is: Ben Saunders vs Brandon Wolff
(UFC Fight for the Troops)

Wolff must have ordered a Knee Sandwich prior to his fight. Ben Saunders served him one.

TUF Finale Picks!

Alright here are our "expert" picks for The Ultimate Fighter Finale on Saturday, December 13. Feel free to leave plenty of comments on your picks too! We will do this for all UFC/MMA events. Enjoy!!


Phillipe Nover 5' 9" 155 6-0-1
Vs
Efrain Escudero 5' 9" 155 11-0-0


Brandon Stephens
Plenty of people are picking Nover to dominate this fight in every aspect. I, however, will kindly disagree. Escudero is a very accomplished wrestler and showed in his last fight, allbeit with a unmotivated Junie, that he can handle a good striker. Phillipe is destined for a great career in the UFC but I think that he underestimates Efrain. The pressure and comparisons to some of the UFC's best like Silva and GSP get to him and he worries more about not losing as opposed to winning it.

Winner: Efrain Escudero via Split Decision


Jake Winfrey
Well, this should certainly be one of the better fights on the night. Both fighters are the most complete fighters of the ones on the show. Efrain's strengths are with his wrestling, while Phillipe's are with his striking. However, something not mentioned, is that Phillipe is no slouch on the ground. I believe that Phillipe will use his striking to get the fight on the ground, and when he does, will finish Efrain accordingly.

Winner: Phillip Nover via TKO in Round 2


Ryan Bader 6' 2" 205 8-0-0
Vs
Vinicius Magalhaes 6' 3" 205 3-2-1


Brandon Stephens
The Lightheavy weights come in to this fight being absolute experts in both their repective backgrounds. Bader was a 2 time All-American wrestler at Arizona State while Magalhaes is a very decorated black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With that being said I'll assume Bader wants to go to the ground only on his terms and his takedown defense is quality. Bader comes in undefeated while Vinny come in with his last fight before the show was a loss by verbal tap via ground and pound. Although this will be the best Jiu-Jitsu Bader has seen, his strength will be too much for Magalhaes's suspect chin.

Winner: Ryan Bader via TKO in Round 2


Jake Winfrey
This is an interesting matchup in that, while both like to fight on the ground, the styles that they go about doing it are totally contrast. Bader likes to use his wrestling and work the GnP, while Vinny uses his superior Jiu-Jitsu to submit his opponents. I think that neither man will stand for long, and this fight goes to the ground within the first minute. It is there that I think Vinny will use his vast skills in submissions and pull off a quick choke or armbar.

Winner: Vinicius Magalhaes via Submission (Armbar) in Round 1


Kevin Burns 5' 11" 170 8-1-0
Vs
Anthony Johnson 6' 2" 170 5-2-0


Brandon Stephens
This is a rematch of their controversial fight earlier in the year which was awarded to Burns after an illegal eyepoke caused the doctor to stop the fight. Johnson has had surgery to repair his eye and now has it set on avenging the loss. Burns has a better looking record but has a loss to Josh Neer from 2002 that isn't on it and hasn't faced as quality competition. Johnson's only two losses are to Burns and a always tough Rich Clementi. Johnson comes in with power and emotion behind his powerful fists and ends this one early.

Winner: Anthony Johnson via KO in Round 1


Jake Winfrey
As Brandon said, this is a highly touted rematch between two good welterweights. Johnson is a notoriously fast starter and a terrific striker, while Burns fights very methodically. In the first fight, Burns did a good job of avoiding alot of Johnsons' strikes before the fight was stopped. I think we will see more of the same in this one, but this time however, a more motivated Johnson
will win a close decision.

Winner: Anthony Johnson via Split Decision


Jason MacDonald 6' 3" 185 22-10-0
Vs
Wilson Gouveia 6' 1" 185 11-5-0


Brandon Stephens
Both fighters have decent but not outstanding skills with the exception of Gouveia' black belt in BJJ. (He doesn't utilize it enough though) They will both be willing to stand and bang. MacDonald appears to have better power with 2 of his last 3 wins by TKO. Gouveia does have a KO win over Jason "Jello chin" Lambert though. MacDonald's last two losses were at the hands of easily two of the best in middleweight division in Yushin Okami and Damian Maia. Conditioning will likely play a big factor in this fight with that edge going to Jason "The Athlete"

Winner: Jason MacDonald via TKO in Round 3


Jake Winfrey
This is a fight that I am looking forward to watching. Gouveia's BJJ skills vs MacDonald's submission skills. I believe, however, this could turn out to be a standing war. Macdonald has been working vigoriously on his striking, while Gouveia's isn't highly regarded. I think this will be a fast paced fight early, that will slow down later. Give the nod to MacDonald.

Winner: Jason MacDonald via Unanimous Decision


Junie Browning 5' 9" 155 2-1-0
Vs
Dave Kaplan 5' 6" 155 3-1-0

Brandon Stephens
Ahh....Junie Junie Junie. Somehow I knew he'd get his shot at redemption. With above average skills, he is easily the favorite in this fight against Dave "I wasn't completely out" Kaplan. Junie's two previous wins outside the TUF show were both first round wins and it was apparent that his cardio training is very suspect on the show. If and that's a big IF, Kaplan can get him into the later rounds, especially deep into the 3rd round, he has a very good chance of getting a TKO considering his standup is pretty decent. This fight, however, will be won on the ground.

Winner: Junie Browning via Submission (Arm Bar) in Round 2

Jake Winfrey
My PERSONAL show favorite, Junie "No Temper" Browning (I jest) takes on a very dangerous Dave Kaplan. I believe that the outcome of this fight depends on the pace and where the fight takes place. If Kaplan can get it to the ground, and control Junie over 3 rounds, then it's over. However, if Junie, who now trains with Xtreme Couture, has improved any whatsoever, Kaplan will be in for a long night. Let's go with the latter.

Winner: Junie Browning via TKO in Round 2

Krzysztof Soszynski 6' 1" 205 16-9-1
Vs.
Shane Primm 6' 3" 205 1-0-0

Brandon Stephens
Krzysztof was easily one of the best in the house on this season. He got caught in an armbar by Vinny, who has some of the best BJJ anyone will ever see, to miss his spot in the Finals. Shane Primm’s only fight prior to the show was a win over fellow cast mate Tom Lawler. Primm seems to be well rounded with no huge holes but no expertise in any discipline. Krzys will have a decided experience advantage and most of his losses have come at the hands of some top notch competition such as Ben Rothwell, Matt Horwich, and Andy Reese.

Winner: Krzysztof Soszynski via Unanimous Decision

Jake Winfrey
My preseason LHW pick Krzysztof (god what a name) takes on Shane Primm. Krzysztof is very good, while Primm did nothing to impress me. I believe this will probably be a boring fight that could draw the most boos of the night. Hell, I'll go with the guy with the most wierd name.

Winner: Krsysztof Soszynski via Unanimous Decision

Eliot Marshall 6' 3" 205 5-2-0
Vs.
Jules Bruchez 6' 0" 205 0-0-0

Brandon Stephens
Not much to say here really. Eliot Marshall dominates.

Winner: Eliot Marshall via Submission (RNC) in Round 1

Jake Winfrey:
Yeah........umm.....what Brandon said. Jules always has a puncher's chance I suppose, but Eliot is way too well-rounded for him.

Winner: Eliot Marshall via KO in Round 1

Kyle Kingsbury 6' 4" 205 7-1-1
Vs.
Tom Lawlor 6' 0" 205 4-1-1

Brandon Stephens
This could be the best fight not on the main card. Both are relatively well rounded and have good potential. The winner could have a shot at a UFC contract while the other will be sent packing to regroup at best.

Winner: Kyle Kingsbury via Split Decision

Jake Winfrey
Like Brandon, I do think this could be good. Neither of the two's previous fights lasted long enough for me to get a look at their styles. I think that in the end Kingsbury skills won't be as good as his in-house pranks. I'll take Lawlor

Winner: Tom Lawlor via Split Decision


Shane Nelson 5' 9" 155 11-3-0
Vs
George Roop 6' 1" 155 8-4-0

Brandon Stephens
Roop’s hand has had time to heal since the show. Although I don’t think either is UFC material yet this is a good matchup for both. If Roop keeps it standing he’ll win in a landslide. Nelson’s only chance is a submission or elbows from the bottom.

Winner: George Roop via TKO in Round 2


Jake Winfrey
Eh. I don't like Shane at all as a fighter. If Roop's hand is well, he will use it often on Shane.

Winner: George Roop via TKO in Round 2

Well there you have it! Our expertise on who will think will win and why!

UFC fight for the troops

QUALITY fights thus far.....wouldnt u say brandon?

Yes I would say so! -Brandon

More to Come....

Jake Winfrey and Brandon Stephens will leave various posts about different topics....Be patient