This Saturday, the UFC will invade the O2 Arena in London to yet again show the world that they are still the top MMA organization in the world. After a week that has provided fans with the first ever show on regular television, as well as the most viewed event (and possible fight of the year) in the WEC, the UFC will put on a show that many are saying is subpar. I am here to tell you that is not the case and UFC 85 is worth the buy! The fight card is full of talent, and new fighters that are looking to make a case for themselves. In this preview I will break down the top 4 fights.
Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves
We at MMAOpinion have beaten this horse to death… For a full preview of this fight, check out this article I wrote. Stop by, read the article, and see if you agree with me or new commenter Willis.
Prediction: Hughes, by submission
I see Matt pushing early, taking this fight to the ground. He will continue to work on the mat and Thiago will start to wear down. Eventually in this fight I see Alves making a mistake and Hughes taking advantage, possibly giving up an arm bar or his back leading to a choke.
Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day
Bisping looks to continue his push toward a title shot at the 185 lb. weight class. He will look to use his strength and size to his advantage as he takes on Jason Day. Bisping has got back on track with a victory over Charles McCarthy at UFC 83, less than 2 short months ago. Bisping seemed to have had a post- Hamill hangover as he lost a split decision to Rashad Evans after his controversial win over Matt Hamill. He is now trying to show the world that he is one of the best 185s around. In his way will be Jason Day. Day looked very impressive with a 1st round TKO over Alan Belcher in his first fight in the UFC. A win over Bisping would put Day on the map and sky rocket him through the middleweight ranks. Day has very dangerous elbow attacks and solid submission skills. If he can get into his type of situations, he could provide the UFC with a very surprising upset over The Count.
Preview: Bisping, TKO (ref stoppage)
This looks to be much more of a battle than everyone is currently thinking. If Bisping takes Day lightly, and Day can get the fight on the ground, he can use his elbows to stop the fight or set up one of his submissions, but I am taking Bisping. He is the better and more experienced fighter. Bisping is making a run for a title shot and this is just another stop along the way.
Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick
These two welterweights are going to put on a show! Marcus Davis does not throw punches, he throws bombs. If he lands his punches you will go to sleep. Davis is a former boxer that has flourished in the sport of MMA. His pro boxing record was 17-1-2. He looks to validate a top 10 ranking and explode onto the scene with a win over Swick. Michael Swick is also known for his striking. His boxing may not be as good as Davis’ but his overall game is. Swick recently recorded a victory over Josh Burkman and hopes to continue his win streak. Both of these guys are on the rise, and a win in this fight helps in their bid in this division.
Prediction: Swick, submission or decision
This could be the fight of the night. If Swick comes in to prove that his standup is as good as Davis’ then the fight may be fast and furious with Davis being the victor, but I don’t see it going that route. I look for Swick to take the fight to the ground. Davis isn’t known for his ground game and Swick will look to exploit it.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Brandon Vera
The other fight that everyone is talking about is this one. Brandon Vera once upon a time was supposed to be the next big thing in the heavyweight division. A contract dispute and 1 loss later he looks to get back on that horse and make a run to the top of this depleted division. A win versus Werdum helps his cause tremendously. Vera is a strong standup fighter with excellent Muay Thai skills. He will look to keep the fight standing and show everyone in the world that he really is the truth. Fabricio Werdum is fresh off of an underdog win over Gabriel Gonzaga he wants to show that he is the next big thing. This BJJ black belt also has solid Muay Thai skills and he can end the fight standing as well as on the ground.
Prediction: Vera, TKO
This fight is either going to be won in the clinches of a plum, or by a barrage of punches. Vera will finally show why his nickname is The Truth and he will be more than ready for this fight.
Fight of the night: Swick vs. Davis
Submission of the night: Matt Hughes
KO of the night: Brandon Vera
Upset Alert: Davis over Swick
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June 5th, 2008 at 10:54am
I just can’t get behind Bisping no matter how much he is hyped. He still has yet to really fight against someone who will provide a thorough beating (that he deserves haha!). I’m not sure that Day is the guy as much as I want him to be. In any event- it’ll probably be a hell of a fight.
I think Davis is hungry to prove that he belongs higher up on the ranks. Swick still seems to be trying to redefine himself and I think a dangerous guy like Davis might have a chance to win. Should be another awesome fight.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:47pm
I completely agree about Bisping. Imagine if he couldn’t have received the win over Hamill where he would be right now…
June 5th, 2008 at 2:34pm
I’m really interested in the Swick-Davis fight. That’s a fight that can possibly go either way. I really hope Swick does not get a quick submission against Davis. Upset Alert, Yeah! I really don’t see Swick as a favorite to win considering his last two performances. Lackluster.
All around the card may prove to be very exciting.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:38pm
Curtis: Not too bad.
my upset alert would be Bisping. I think he is very overrated and Day could challenge him.
I wasn’t as interested in this card a week ago, but now I am starting to get pumped! although I did slam Curtis, he did get me ready for and excited to see this fight. Maybe it won’t be as bad as the Sherdogers are saying.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:26pm
Swick is overrated and looked pretty awful in his last three fights. Excuses can be made for those performances but I think Davis will knock him out. I hope he does as well as i’d like to see the back of swick. I’m really looking forward to Vera vs werdum: it should be very interetsing as they are both such talented fighters, as long as they don’t decide to play it safe. I’m a Brit and i also feel bisping is overrated. I’d like to see him improve and Day will be a great test.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:30pm
I’m thinking Davis here. Considering Swick hasn’t ended a fight on his own terms since 2006, I don’t know if he’ll last three rounds against someone who has shown to end fights in the first round (5 out of his last 8).
If both fighters bring come prepared and Swick has a solid gameplan, we’ll see a showdown which could ultimately fall either way.
Should be a good one…