2016 has been a kick in the pills right? We saw the Celebrity Apprentice elected to the most powerful position in the world and it seems we lost so many people this year that were icons (RIP Princess Leia). News also just came across that UFC 207 will be Mike Goldberg's last show. These are too many changes to the status quo. At least this Friday we get the return of the former women's bantamweight champion.
Women's Bantamweight Championship
Amanda Nunes(c) vs. Ronda Rousey
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| @rondarousey |
This has been long awaited. #FearTheReturn or some nonsense like that. Besides her appearance on Conan and that weird face off in NYC, we haven't seen much of the former champion in the lead up to this fight. She isn't even in the embedded videos until the last two minutes of episode 2. She realizes she's main attraction right? The fact she is going no media this week is little concerning. Amanda is a bull in the first round of a fight, but (besides the Holly fight) Ronda was something legendary in the first round. Even with the strange hiatus from promoting the fight, I'm still going picking Ronda to grab a hold of Nunes and secure a limb. I'm just not as confident about that anymore.
Rousey by submission in 1st round.
Picking Rousey-All of us
Men's Bantamweight Championship
Dominick Cruz(c) vs. Cody Garbrandt
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@dominickcruz
Somebody is trying to get their drink on post-fight |
This fight reminds of the time when a young Saul "Canelo" Alvarez fought Floyd Mayweather. We all knew he was going to be great, but when he fought Floyd it was too much, too soon. Cody Garbrandt has the makings of a future champion but this fight will be too much for No Love. While Cody has great power and can end a fight with one punch, Dominick's movement is on a level that Cody hasn't seen yet. It will be intriguing to see if Cody can catch Cruz once but I don't see that happening. Cruz will likely control the distance, and pick his spots. This one might be a clinic.
Cruz by decision.
Picking Cruz- All of us
T.J. Dillashaw vs. John Lineker
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| @tjdillashaw |
I just finished writing above that Cody Garbrandt has never seen anyone like Cruz. I should go back and amend that(I won't because I'm lazy) because I just remembered he trained with TJ. This fight is similar to the fight above. Lineker also has very heavy hands but the issue will be whether he can actually connect against the insane movement that Dillashaw possesses. I am going to bank on Lineker not getting a clean shot. Dillashaw is the second-best fighter in the division and shows it tomorrow.
Picking T.J.- All of us
Tarec Saffedine vs. Dong Hyun Kim
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| @stungunkim |
We lost Cain vs. Werdum in this card because surprise, surprise, Cain is hurt. So this fight was elevated to the main card. "Stun Gun" has been out of the octagon for over a year and you always have worry about ring rust in that situation. But I think his normally super aggressive striking and high level judo allows him to close the distance work the clinch and do some damage.
Kim by 2nd round TKO
Picking Saffedine- DJ Mark, Kid P
Picking Kim- Dr. Law, Gooms
Luis Smolka vs. Ray Borg
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| We are Borg |
Smolka is tall for the division and isn't afraid to throw a lot of strikes. While he's not horrible on the ground but he's not the best either. His opponent on the other hand is clearly looking to grapple and get the fight to the ground, where he has earned a majority of his wins. If the fight stays standing I give the edge to Smolka, whereas if it gets to the ground, Borg has a great chance to win. Whenever I'm not sure how to pick a fight I always choose throw some arbitrary means. The fact Ray's last name is "Borg" is a strong contender. However, Smolka's nickname is "Da Last Samurai". The "Da" puts it over the top for me.
Smolka by submission in 3rd.
Picking Smolka- All of us
It's MMAzing 2016 Standings (as of 12/29/16)
1. Doctor Law - (132-78-1) - .626
2. Kid Presentable - (131-79-1) - .621
3. DJ Mark - (124-86-1) - .588
4. Lavender Gooms - (120-90-1) - .569
http://imgur.com/gallery/QRpP0
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