Off the recent ratings success on CBS, EliteXC returns to its original home this weekend as they present Return of the King on Showtime. The card looks good on paper. The main event sees KJ Noons defend his Lightweight Title against Yves Edwards. Nick Diaz and Murilo “Ninja” Rua are also in action.
KJ Noons vs. Yves Edwards (EliteXC Lightweight Title)
Money Line: Noons +120; Edwards -150
KJ Noons has come a long way since losing the first fight in EliteXC’s very first show. Since Noons was knocked out by Krazy Horse at EliteXC: Destiny, he has scored knockouts of Edson Berto and Nick Diaz with the latter giving him the EliteXC Lightweight Title. Edwards has fought for just about every MMA organization you could think of and as a result has a wealth of experience. Perhaps the experience is why Edwards is the betting favorite going into this fight despite being the challenger for the title.
Noons has a strong boxing background while Edwards cames to be a disciple of Thug-Jitsu. They have a common opponent in Edson Berto. Both finished Berto with a knee. Noons wore him out over three rounds before taking advantage of the tired opponent while Edwards landed his knee at the end of the first round while Berto was holding Edwards’ other leg.
It is difficult to pick against experience. Noons has learned from his loss to Bennett and won’t be as careless against a higher quality fighter but Edwards is too well-versed. Noons cut up Nick Diaz in his last fight and Edwards is known to be a bleeder. Still, how can Noons find a sparring partner that is deft in the many facets of thug-jitsu? Noons is a good fighter with a bright future but this will not be his night. Edwards may have to score this win from his back but I see an armbar victory in the cards for Yves Edwards.
Nick Diaz vs. Muhsin Corbbrey
Money Line: Diaz -600; Corbbrey +400
Diaz has had a rocky ride in EliteXC. He was tested by Mike Aina in his EliteXC debut in a fight that I thought he lost. Diaz was stopped by KJ Noons in his next fight after doctors told him he couldn’t continue due to cuts and blood. He’s always a dangerous fighter and can finish you in many ways, but Nick Diaz hasn’t had a breakout performance yet for EliteXC.
Muhsin Corbbrey is 2-0 in EliteXC, both wins coming on the ShoXC program. He outslugged Lee Gibson to a decision victory and forced a tapout of Bobby McMaster after being controlled for most of the first round. Corbbrey is a young fighter with a lot of poise. The problem is that this is not an advantage against Nick Diaz, who is fight-wise beyond his years.
Nick Diaz needs a good performance here if he wants a shot at the Lightweight Title. The matchup with Corbbrey could produce the fight of the night. Watching Corbbrey in his previous two fights, he comes off as a poor man’s Nick Diaz. That’s not good for him when he’s up against the real thing. Assuming Diaz shows up and isn’t high off his ass, Nick Diaz should come out with a 2nd round TKO victory from the mount.
Murilo “Ninja” Rua vs. Tony Bonello
Money Line: Rua -275; Bonello +215
Ninja is 1-1 in EliteXC but holds the distinction of being their first Middleweight champion by defeating Joey Villasenor one year ago. Rua had a long run in PRIDE, losing to many big names. Not many people would have good records when facing the likes of Dan Henderson, Rampage, Ricardo Arona, just to name a few.
Tony Bonello is making his EliteXC debut but is an undefeated veteran of King Of The Cage. 14 of his 16 wins have come by submission. That’s not to say that Bonello doesn’t have power, but it may be his best shot at defeating Ninja. In all of Rua’s 24 fights, he has never been submitted.
Robbie Lawler dismantled Ninja Rua with his power and striking but I don’t know if Bonello has the ability to copy that gameplan. Ninja will do his best to keep the fight standing as all Chute Boxe fighters do. Since I haven’t seen Bonello fight, I can’t predict how he will combat Ninja’s pressure. While I am anxious to see Bonello fight, I’m picking Ninja to score a first round TKO.
Dave “Pee Wee” Herman vs. Ron “H20” Waterman
Money Line: Herman -155; Waterman +125
Herman is 1-0 in EliteXC and 10-0 as a professional. His opponent is an old school UFC vet in Ron Waterman. Waterman is making his EliteXC debut but has fought in both UFC and PRIDE. With Waterman being the elder statesman, he’s 42, the edge goes to the younger Herman. Waterman’s bread and butter has been his wrestling but I look for Herman to put him on wobbly legs and score a first round knockout victory.
Rafael Feijao vs. Wayne Cole
Money Line: Feijao -330; Cole +260
Both of these guys are 1-0 in EliteXC. Cole is an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma University but as I recall, that was back in the ’80s. Cole scored a quick armbar in his only fight with EliteXC and looked good but age is a factor with this guy. Feijao is a strong striker from Brazil but Cole just may have the wrestling ability to negate Feijao’s power. It’s either a TKO for Feijao or a decision for Cole. I should know better since no EliteXC fights ever go to the judges, but I’m picking Cole by decision.
Fight Odds from Bodog.com.
