Affliction: Day of Reckoning Predictions

Well it's time for our pre-fight thoughts and picks for Affliction's Day of Reckoning Saturday, January 24th. The Main Event puts WAMMA Champion Fedor Emeilanenko defending his title against Andrei Arlovski.

MAIN CARD

Fedor Emeilanenko vs. Andrei Arlovski

Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel

Vitor Belfort vs. Matt Lindland

Renato "Babalu" Sobra vs. Sokoudjou

Paul Buentello vs.Kiril Sidellnikov

Fedor Emelianenko (6 Foot, 233 Pounds) 28-1

Vs.

Andrei Arlovski (6-4, 240 Pounds) 14-5

Phil Hill:

Its about time Fedor is fighting a actual fighter. Finally, Tom Atencio has some sense and picked Andrei Arlovski to fight Fedor. They say that Fedor is a absolute animal. But I haven’t seen him fight anybody. He’s an appearant sambo world champion and hits harder than a wrecking ball. But not so fast, Andrei Arlovski is a former UFC world champion and can actually fight unlike many of Fedor opponents in the past. There's one BIG key in this fight and that would be Mr. Freddie Roach cornering Arlovski. Roach is a world renowned boxing instructor in which many have found success under Roach. So this should be a entertaining fight but in the end Arlovski offers to much than Fedor can handle.

WINNER: Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski via TKO 4^th Round

Winfrey:
When I first look at this fight, I automatically think quick finish. Fedor is stepping into the ring against a very game Andrei Arlovski. Arlovski’s last 3 fights have been victories by TKO. Fedor has been on a tear, albeit against lesser fighters. This one to me is simple. If Andrei is going to win, it’s going to be on the feet. Fedor has the big edge on the ground. That being said, he still rocks in his striking. I can’t pick against him until he proves that he can lose.

Winner: Fedor Emelianenko via TKO in Round 2

Stephens:
Fedor is just way too much of a mixed martial artist for this fight. I’m agreeing with Josh Barnett who says Fedor’s striking is perfect for MMA. Andre can learn to box all he wants but it won’t matter when he’s on his back with Emelianenko pounding his head in.

Winner: Fedor Emelianenko via Submission (armbar) in Round 2

Josh Barnett (6-3, 250 Pounds) 22-5

Vs.

Gilbert Yvel (6-2 225 Pounds) 35-12-1

Phil Hill:
Josh Barnett has been on a roll as of late is coming off a devastating knock-out win over Pedro Rizzo. Gilbert Yvel is a accomplished Muay Thai striker who has his violent winning streak going. This fight should be one of the candidates for Fight of the Night.

WINNER: Josh "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Barnett via KO 1st Round.

Winfrey:
Barnett is always solid. Don't know much about Yvel other than that he is a Muy-Thai artist. This will probably be a HW stand-up war for 3 rounds, though it could end early. I think that Barnett will end this one on the ground.

WINNER: Josh Barnett via TKO in Round 1

Stephens:
Barnett is better in every facet of the game. Yvel just doesn’t have any way to win. Barnett has everything to lose after being promised the winner of the Main Event if he pulls out a win.

Winner: Josh Barnett via Submission (RNC) in Round 3

Vitor Belfort (6 Foot 185 Pounds) 17-8

Vs.

Matt Lindland (6 Foot 185 Pounds) 21-5

Phil Hill:
Vitor Belfort vs. Matt Lindland is the match up of dynamic striker against dynamic wrestler. Back in the old UFC days Vitor Belfort use to be an absolute monster! KO-ing every opponet in sight, Then he got a little crazy and had to go find himself now he’s back and judging by his last fight looks rejuvenated and ready to brawl. Matt Lindland on the other hand is a straight wrestling beast. He can take the best down at will seemingly with ease and can usually pound out a victory. I’m pretty sure this fight will go the distance if Lindland has his way. But Vitor has power packed punches. So we’ll see.

WINNER: Matt “The Law” Lindland via Unanimous Decision

Winfrey:
Vitor Belfort is such a mystery to me. He has all the potential to be a flat out stud, yet he is so inconsistent that it makes me sick. Lindland is one of the top wrestling HW's in the world. Belfort is on a 3 fight winning streak, while Lindland has tasted defeated in the hands on a Democratic Congresswoman. I really like Belfort in a decision.

Winner: Vitor Belfort via Unanimous Decision

Stephens:
Belfort has been very inconsistent in his career but has the potential to be amazing. Lindland is very solid with great wrestling. I think Belfort puts it all together, at least for this fight, because of his work with Extreme Couture camp.

Winner: Vitor Belfort via unanimous decision

Renato "Babalu" Sobral (6-1 205 Pounds) 30-7

Vs.

Sokoudjou (6 Foot 205 Pounds) 5-3

Phil Hill:
The next fight interest me a lot. It pits one of my favorite fighter Thierry Sokoudjou against Renato Babalu Sobral. Sokoudjou is a Judo expert while Babalu is a BJJ tactition. If the fight hits the mat Babalu definitely has the advantage unless Sokoudjou and Team Quest have cleaned up his ground game. But be careful Sokoudjou has big time power in his fist and can knockout the best just ask Ricardo Arona and Lil Nog. Babalu also can stand up and bang equally well just ask Bobby Southworth how razor sharp Babalu’s elbows are. This fight can go either way but I’m leaning towards Sokoudjou.

WINNER: Sokoudjou via TKO 2nd Round.

Winfrey:
Phil's favorite Sokoudjou takes on a grisly veteran in Babalu. Babalu has very good submissions and underrated striking. I think he takes this one to the ground, and submits Sokoudjou.

Winner: Renato Sobral via RNC in 3rd Round

Stephens:
Babalu has been on an absolute tear as of late while Sokoudjou has been very lack luster after he was billed as the next big thing. Cardio plays a huge factor in this one giving the easy edge to Sobral.

Winner: Renato “Babalu” Sobral via TKO in Round 3

Paul Buentello (6-2 245 Pounds) 26-10

Vs.

Kiril Sidellnikov (5-11 195 Pounds) 4-2

Phil Hill:
The final fight on the main card is Paul Buentello against the self proclaimed “Baby Fedor” Kirill Sidelnikov. I don’t know much about Kirill but the only thing I do know is he has the ability to finish fights. Buentello is heavy-handed and can finish fight himself, so this fight will prolly be a standing slugfest.

WINNER: Kiril Sidellnikov via KO 1st Round.

Winfrey:
I like Sidellnikov.

Winner: Sidellnikov via TKO in 2nd Round

Stephens:
Paul is a good striker with decent submissions. Sidelnikov or “Baby Fedor” has good power but has been beat by Antonio Mendes who just got schooled by Erik the Red at UFC 93. So based on those simple MMA math equations I’m going with Paul.

Winner: Paul Buentello via Submission (Kimura) in Round 1