UFC 87 Preview

MMA Opinion usually does a preview of every UFC event the week of the fight. This time we are doing things a bit different. I have been asked to assist with an exciting new show dedicated to MMA and boxing on Va Beach’s ESPN Radio 1310 (8-9am ET Saturday mornings). If you watch ESPN’s PTI, I will pretty much be playing the role of stat boy, providing the crew with story updates, additional information, and occasional radio time. If you ever have anything that you feel is worthy for the world wide leader, let me know.

On August 9th, Minnesota will be excited about more than just their beloved Twins. They will play host to UFC 87 and a stacked fight card. On the card is a 170 pound title fight, return of WWE superstar Brock Lesnar, and one of the most anticipated lightweight bouts of the year. Like always, here is the rundown of the main card.

Jason MacDonald versus Demian Maia:
Jason MacDonald was once viewed as a stepping stone in his division. He was a large underdog against Ed Herman but after 2 straight submission wins against Herman and Chris Leben he found himself in the thick of things in the 185 pound division. He didn’t do as well against arguably the 2nd best fighter in the division in Rich Franklin, but he has rebounded and is 2-1 in his last 3 fights. The Athlete will look to use his conditioning and submissions to win this fight. On the other side of the cage Demian Maia will look to do his best to solidify his place in the division and push his record to 9-0. He has a great gound game and Jason could be in trouble if this becomes a ground chess match. Maia has won 2 straight in the UFC’s octagon and a win against MacDonald would be a huge push toward the top 5 of this division.

Prediction: It will be no surprise that Maia’s gameplan will be to get this fight to the ground. He isn’t as athletic as MacDonald but has much better submission work. If he can get it on the ground he should be able to get that submission win. If he can’t he will more than likely get outworked on his feet and could be in danger fast. Like most fights I see this going to the ground and the advantage will go to Maia. I see the submission of the night coming from this fight.

Manny Gamburyan versus Rob Emerson:
While Manny Ramirez continues to cause problems in Boston another Manny will look to push his UFC win streak to 3. Manny Gamburyan suffered a heart breaking loss due to injury in the Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Finale to Nate Diaz. His Judo is arguably the best in the UFC and he will look to control Rob Emerson and finish him in the first round like his previous two fights. Emerson was also a product of the UFC’s popular reality show. At the TUF 5 Finale he fought in a weird ending no contest and won via split decision in his only other fight since. Some say that Emerson’s name is most known for being screamed continuously by Penn throughout that entire season.

Prediction: It is no coincidence that Manny was fighting in the Finale with a chance to be crowned the seasons winner and Rob wasn’t. He is a better fighter and should have little problem against Emerson.

Kenny Florian versus Roger Huerta:
These two fighters have been promoted just as much as any in the UFC. Huerta graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Florian co-hosts ESPN.com’s MMA Live every Thursday. Roger Huerta is one of the UFC’s golden boys and could headline the UFC’s first ever show in Mexico (if/when that happens). He has an amazing 22-1-1 record and is undefeated in his UFC tenure. His fight with Clay Guida was one of the years best in 2007, however he showed that he is human and looked close to being finished a couple of times in that fight. Some have said that Roger Huerta is very overrated, he needs this win to establish himself in the top of the deep 155 pound division. Kenny “Ken-Flo” Florian is on fire of late. He has won 7 out of his last 8 fights and is quickly becoming ESPN’s MMA guy. He shows every week that he is more than a fighter but someone that will have a life in broadcasting after he hangs up the gloves. Until that time he will try his best to wear the UFC gold and be named champ. A victory over Huerta would push him one step closer to achieving his goal. Florian has a solid all around game and should be the better of the two fighters.

Prediction: This should be the fight of the night. Both of these fighters are exciting and will likely push the action trying to gain an advantage. Florian has fought tougher opponents and been very successful. I do feel that Huerta is slightly overrated and will be out matched by Florian. I also feel the winner of this match will be considered the #1 contender and the next to face Penn for the title.

Brock Lesnar versus Heath Herring:
The UFC’s heavy weight cash cow known as Brock Lesnar is back and will hopefully show us why he is getting paid 200,000 plus. In my opinion he is being used by the UFC the same as Kimbo is for Elite XC (using their pre MMA fame to sell tickets). In his only fight in the UFC, Lesnar showed his potential and his lack of experience both in a matter of minutes. At times he looked to dominate Mir, but fell by submission shortly after. Lesnar is a solid wrestler and is very athletic. He still has many questions to answer in the cage such as his conditioning, heart, and jaw. Herring almost played the role of spoiler when he was a few seconds from finishing current Interim Champion in Nogueira. Herring is 2-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a split decision against Cheick Kongo. Experience is on his side but he could be in for some trouble against the future face of the division.

Prediction: The UFC is not paying Lesnar all of that money to be exciting and lose. I think if Dana was betting in Vegas he would go all in with Lesnar (if he hasn’t already). Lesnar is more athletic, stronger, and a better wrestler than Herring. His downside is that he has never been pushed in the cage, we don’t know if he has true heart, if he has a glass jaw, or just how improved his ground game is. This could be a fast KO for Lesnar or a boring ground fight of big boys. I see it going to Lesnar.

Georges St. Pierre versus Jon Fitch:
GSP is arguably a top 3 pound for pound best fighter in the world. He has wins over the greatest 170 ever in Matt Hughes, the best college wrestler in the UFC in Josh Koscheck, the current 155 champ B.J. Penn, and many other notable names. One name that is not on that list is Jon Fitch. GSP is a phenomenal wrestler, has solid standup, and is a true champion. He is the face of the UFC in Canada and will be a part of the fight game for many years to come, but Fitch could be a bad matchup for him. Jon Fitch has a better record than GSP at 21-2 to GSP’s 16-2 but he has not beat the caliber of opponents of Pierre. The former Purdue wrestler will be an underdog but many feel that he is the best matchup for GSP in the division. He is a tough wrestler, strong, and is well rounded. If he can push the pace and get GSP rattled he could be the next 170 pound champion.

Prediction: As much as I would love to see Fitch win, I don’t see it. I feel that GSP is a better fighter all around and should win this tough matchup.