Now, I am not opposed to women’s mma at all, I actually enjoy it, and I’m happy it’s finally in the UFC. I just don’t think this fight deserves to be the headliner over Dan Henderson vs Lyoto Machida. Henderson entertained us with a five round, fight of the year over Shogun Rua, and this fight with Machida has the elements to be another. Rousey has finished all her opponents very early, which is exiting, but this won’t be going five rounds. Anyways, I still love the card, and I’m just a little bitter over possibly not having another two rounds in the co-main event.
As for the predictions, I think Rousey will take this fight at some point with a submission. I’m going with first round because usually that’s when the armbar takes place, but I think Carmouche has the ability not to get caught early, and take this into deeper waters. But, I do not believe she can fend it off for long, ala Marloes Coenen. The co-main event, I already expressed how great this fight is, and the winner gets the next shot at either Jon Jones or Chael Sonnen. I weighed this fight back and forth, before I predicted who I thought would win. Machida will look to use his timing, and speed to counter the rather aggressive Dan Henderson. But, Henderson has some chin, and I think being over aggressive could work. Machida is good at picking his angles, but I really think if Henderson can land one clean shot, it’s going to set the precedent for how Machida engages. Although, he usually waits for his opponents, it hasn’t always worked like against Rampage Jackson, which I do believe “Page” won. I think Henderson at age 42, has a lot of fight in him still, and we will see it, I’m taking Henderson via decision.
A briefer run down of the other fights on the main card, Faber will dominate Menjivar. Faber is too well rounded, and quick for Menjivar to do anything. That Mike Easton fight, proves that this fight won’t even be close in my opinion, Faber takes it early. Court McGee makes his welterweight debut against a tough gritty veteran in Josh Neer aka the other Diaz brother. I think McGee controls this fight with his wrestling, and I think gets the submission victory at some point. Neer wants to stand and bang, but in order to do that your wrestling needs to neutralize your opponents, which is usually doesn’t do. And to start off the main card, a fun fight between Josh Koscheck vs Robbie Lawler. Now, Lawler packs a punch, but Koscheck has stood in the pocket with some of the best, and taken shots. I think he can do the same here, but I think he can overpower Lawler with his wrestling, and work in some ground and pound. I think we might see some of the old Koscheck here with the recent UFC cuts. Koscheck via decision.
The Sport Reports 