Did anybody actually think that Ed Herman would lose this week?
UFC 60 COUNTDOWN
We are just hours away from a main event of extraordinary magnitude (Dr. Klahn? Anyone? Nothin’?). I have to admit, aside from the main event, I’m not overly excited about the event (as will be evident by this column). I have a feeling it could be just average, like UFC 55 was, but who knows; it could wind up being the feel good hit of the summer. Here is my rundown of the main card for tonight’s event.
- Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie
I know it’s being promoted as the greatest main event of all time, but let’s be honest: this is really nothing more than a fancy exhibition to make money and feed egos. I’m sure Georges St. Pierre wishes he was getting his title shot against Hughes this weekend, but this is a great fight for UFC fans…especially those of us who remember the early days.
Royce Gracie made “Jiu-Jitsu” a household word for fights fans in the early 90s. Royce has made some of the biggest and the baddest tap out (Ken Shamrock, Kimo Leopoldo, Dan Severn, to name a few) with seemingly the greatest of ease. Normally looked at as the underdog, Gracie always found a way to get by his opponents, no matter how big or strong they were. He holds a record of 13-2-3, with 12 of those wins via submission. Royce was a force to be reckoned with in the early days of UFC. However, Gracie hasn’t seen the inside of the Octagon since 1995, at UFC 5, and he’s only had five fights since then (2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss). Gracie’s submissions are still feared by many, but a good takedown defense is extremely effective in stopping Gracie’s offense. His biggest weakness is his complete lack of stand-up skills, which could be a real problem if Hughes can avoid being on his back.
Matt Hughes, the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, has been fighting almost non-stop since 1998, earning a record of 38-4-0. He’s ridiculously strong and a great wrestler, with decent stand-up skills. While Hughes’ record may not have the list of wins over legends that Gracie has, he is certainly recognized as one of the most dominant champs in UFC history. Matt Hughes doesn’t really have any notable weaknesses. Three of his four losses were via submission; two of them over six years ago. Matt’s most recent loss was to BJ Penn, via sumbission, at UFC 46. It is possible to make Hughes tap, but I just don’t think Gracie has the strength to get Matt on the ground and keep him there. Prediction: A hard-fought three-round battle, Hughes via unanimous decision.
- Joe Riggs vs. Mike Swick
Okay, this fight should be damn good. Mike Swick was very small and not too impressive as a Light Heavyweight on The Ultimate Fighter, but he’s been very consistent as a Middleweight. He’s 3 for 3 in UFC, and on his way to becoming a dominant force at 185. Joe Riggs has been all over the place lately, going up and down in weight classes over the last few months. Fuck the Vegas odds; I believe Swick is the more focused fighter. Prediction: Provided Swick can stay on his feet, he could pull off a UD.
- Diego Sanchez vs. John Alessio
John Alessio is a good fighter, but not a great fighter. That might explain why UFC fans haven’t seen him since his debut at UFC 26. Alessio went as far as to enlist the help of Jeremy Horn and Matt Hughes in preparing for this fight; two men that train under Pat Miletich, the man that submitted Alessio at UFC 26. We all know Diego Sanchez is an animal. The kid is seemingly unstoppable. He has momentum behind him after defeating Nick Diaz at the TUF 2 finale, and he has a clear strength advantage. Prediction: Sanchez via TKO in the 2nd.
- Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara vs. Dean Lister
I’ve never seen Dean Lister fight, and both of Sakara’s UFC fights weren’t very memorable, with the exception of Sakara being kicked in the groin at UFC 55. This fight could easily go either way. Both fighters are trained in BJJ. Look for Lister to go for submissions and Sakara to go for the ol’ ground n’ pound. I have a feeling this one will go all the way. Prediction: Sakara via decision, based on experience.
- Brandon Vera vs. Assuerio Silva
I have to admit, I’m a little surprised that this made it to the main card of Horn vs. Sonnen. Both Vera and Silva are UFC newcomers. Brandon Vera is undefeated at 6-0-0, while Assuerio Silva holds a record of 10-4-0. Both fighters are good on their feet, but Silva has the advantage on the ground. Prediction: Silva via TKO in the 2nd.
UFC 60 PRELIM CARD
- Jeremy Horn vs. Chael Sonnen
- Melvin Guillard vs. Rick Davis
- Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Fabiano Scherner
- Spencer Fisher vs. Matt Wiman
Look for my thoughts on the aftermath of UFC 60 on Tuesday Thursday.
