This week we bring you predictions on UFC Live 6! Some of the most diverse guys and gals bringing you their take on the fights!
—Brett Rorie – The Charismatic Youngblood
Mac Danzig vs “Handsome” Matt Wiman
After the controversial outcome from their last fight, expect these two fighters to come out aggressive and looking for a clear win. Danzig’s boxing has started to look phenomenal; in his last fight against Joe Stevenson Danzig landed a left hook that was perfectly place on Joe’s chin, knocking Stevenson out cold. Wiman is coming off a tough unanimous-decision loss to Dennis Siver, a fight in which a lot of people thought he won. The key to this fight is, can Danzig keep the fight on the feet. If I am Matt Wiman, I use the exact game plan that Clay Guida used against Danzig, and that is to outwrestle Danzig and tire him out.
Prediction: Wiman via, Unanimous Decision
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson vs. Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman
This is a fight in my opinion will springboard the winner of this fight into the top 10 of the Welterweight division. In the fight we have two evenly matched wrestlers, but the thing that is not even is the striking. Johnson’s striking is far better than anything Brenneman has, but the only thing that makes me hesitate to take Johnson is his lack of conditioning in some the fights he has been in. Charlie needs to push the pace of the fight at all times and wait for the fight to go on and hopefully ware down Johnson. In my opinion, if Johnson comes in shape he will be able to decide where the fight goes. The only wrestler who has been able to outwrestle an in shape Anthony Johnson was Josh Koscheck, and Brenneman is no Josh Koscheck.
Prediction: Rumble via, KO 1st round
Pat “HD” Berry vs. Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve
When looking at this fight you would think that the UFC has gone back to the open weight division days because the size disparity between these two heavyweights is ridiculous. Looking at this fight it would seem like Berry is the grappler and Struve is the striker, but it’s the other way around. Berry is a great kick boxer with crushing leg kicks, while Struve is a great Jiu-Jitsu artist with all sorts of submission. The most important part of this fight is can Struve outlast Berry’s early onslaught. Pat Berry seems to always gas himself out after the first round due to all the strikes he throws in the first round. Struve needs to do what he does well survive the early storm and pull off the comeback. If Struve is able to survive that early storm and takes this fight to the ground it will be all Struve because because when he gets taken to the ground Barry has no defense there.
Prediction: Stefan Struve via, 3rd round Submission
UFC Bantamweight Title: Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz vs. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson
This fight will be fast, exciting, and very explosive!! If you are a fan of MMA and you have never seen Dominick Cruz fight it is a true treat. He has tremendous wrestling, and crisp on point boxing, but he does not need to look past Demetrious Johnson. While Demetrious is a small guy, he makes up for it in heart and wrestling ability. Demetrious is an aggressive wrestler that won’t stop until you he gets a takedown, and his striking is at least above average. While I do like all the things Demetrious brings to this fight, it just won’t be enough. Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez, and Scott Jorgensen all had the same tools that Johnson has, but they weren’t successful so I don’t see Johnson doing anything differently.
Prediction: Dominick Cruz via, Unanimous Decision.
–Bernard Oliver – The Five Star General
Mac Danzig vs Matt Wiman
Danzig Wiman II could go a million different ways. The KO Power of Danzig may shine through as he does not want to get on the ground with Wiman. Dennis Siver showed Wiman much respect by training for and staying off the ground. Wiman must be respected in all areas of ground game and he’s no slouch standing but Siver was relentless in his standing attack and stuffing takedowns. Danzig needs to do the same thing keep the fight standing and show that the refs can’t argue a KO.
Winner: Mac Danzig
Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman
I may have picked Brenneman on the show but I’m pulling Executive rank (imaginary) and changing my pick here. Brenneman did beat Rick Story in an upset in his last fight but Johnson will be prepared for him in every aspect. Johnson will be a lot bigger than Story, he’s an elite wrestler with KO Power in both hands. Brenneman will have his work cut out for him standing… AND on the ground. Johnson has 7 KO/TKOs out of his 9 MMA wins, he’s a two time high school state champion wrestler, and a NJCAA national champion. Brenneman will not out wrestle Johnson that leaves stand up, and in MMA it’s anyone’s guess who could take a match standing between two absolute athletes. But I’m riding with Rumble.
Winner: Anthony Rumble Johnson by KO
Pat “HD” Berry vs. Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve
I used to think the “HD” in Pat “HD” Barry stood for high definition but it in fact comes from Hype or Die which is Barry’s own personal promotion project and fan base. I’d prefer High Def but whatev. Barry’s power and ability to close the distance quickly will end this fight before you can blink. Struve does not use his length the way I’d prefer for a 6’11 guy. Barry is an accomplished kickboxer which means there will be hands and feet dismantling the foundation of the “Skyscraper”. If by some magical way the fight goes to the ground Struve may stand a chance, but let’s remember Barry submitted Cro Cop. He may have been older and on the decline but Cro Cop is still a legend.
Winner: Pat Barry by KO
UFC Bantamweight Title: Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson
Wow title match on a live card???? To quote a famous Autobot “That’s just prime”. Yes…I’m a nerd at times. Anyway Great match up here; you have the unorthodox wily style of Cruz versus the refined style of Johnson. Johnson has wrestling and Pankration the latter an art that has existed since the times of Alexander the Great. But it won’t be enough to beat Cruz. Although Cruz does not end fights often, he decidedly wins them by outworking his opponents and staying comfortable. Cruz is truly a mixed martial artist. He brings four styles to the cage: Muay Thai, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Boxing, AND wrestling. In my opinion he’s got the top two striking arts in the world as well as the top two grappling techniques. How do you beat that? You outwork him. I’m leaning toward that being something that Mighty Mouse Johnson can’t accomplish right now.
Prediction: Dominick Cruz by Decision.
Jeremy Hurtt – The Guru Sage
Wiman v. Danzig
Wiman’s ground game is the difference.
Wiman in 2
Johnson v. Brenneman
Johnson has good wrestling – Brenneman’s is better.
Brenneman by decision
Barry v. Struve
If Struve stands in front of Barry, he could be killed. I think he finally decides to fight smart.
Struve in 3
Cruz v. Johnson
Cruz is too long, experienced, skilled and confident. Johnson is explosive, but is it enough to close that gap?
Cruz by decision
*in true form of Yoda short and to the point?
Jon Urcuyo – The Feared Beard from Unknown Lands
*Note from editor