The Main Card
- Luke Cummo vs. Jonathan Goulet
The last time we saw Luke Cummo on television was at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale (his bout against Jason von Flue at UFN 4 didn’t make it to TV). The 4-3-0 TUF 2 oddball will take on the 15-6-0 Jonathan Goulet. Goulet, who fought at UFN 2 and 3, is a well rounded fighter will striking and submission skills. Cummo has had four of his seven fights go to decision, so it’s tough to tell what exactly his style is. I honestly don’t know how to predict Cummo, but I do know that every one of Goulet’s losses came by (T)KO. Look for Cummo to show what kind of stand-up he has.
- Mark Hominick vs. Jorge Gurgel
I’m still haunted by blowing off Mark Hominick as a nobody in my UFC 58 preview. He’s 10-5-0, with a recent loss in Canada, but more important is his March win over Yves Edwards. Probably the biggest difference between Hominick and Gurgel is Hominick is at 100%. Jorge Gurgel, 9-1-0, had reconstructive knee surgery last year, but he’s feeling very confident in his ability, and says he’s looking to test Hominick’s stand-up. It’s the kickboxer vs. the BJJ expert, and both of them really want to prove themselves. This could be the fight of the night. I’m not blowing off Hominick this time, but I think Gurgel wants this win more than anyone on this card.
- Anderson Silva vs. Chris Leben
I have to admit, I’m not familiar with Anderson “The Spider” Silva. What I can tell you is that he is Brazilian, is trained in Muay Thai and BJJ, and has a 15-4-0 record, with 8 of those wins coming by way of (T)KO. Silva is making his UFC debut tonight. Chris Leben, everyone’s favorite wild man from The Ultimate Fighter 1, is 15-1-0, and is undefeated in the Octagon. It’s hard to predict a fighter that you have little knowledge of, as evident by Wilson Gouveia’s performance at The Ultimate Finale on Saturday. However, Leben wants to be in line for a shot at Rich Franklin’s title. He has the drive, the motivation, and the UFC experience to pull this one out.
- Stephan Bonnar vs. Rashad Evans
I like Stephan Bonnar. If you passed him on the street, you would never think, “man, that guy is tough as nails!” Bonnar may not be the strongest Light Heavyweight, or have the greatest skills, but I enjoy watching him fight. Three out of his four UFC fights have gone to decision (the fourth ending in a first round submission on James Irvin). Bonnar had a bitch of a time with TUF 2’s Keith Jardine at UFN 4. Many consider him lucky to get the win by decision (and most find it ridiculous that the decision was unaminous). Bonnar’s opponent tonight, TUF 2 Heavyweight winner Rashad Evans, hasn’t much an easy time in the Octagon either. Both of Evans’ UFC fights have ended in split decisions. Evans will not want to stand with Bonnar, but to be honest he won’t be any safer on the ground.
The Undercard
- Josh Koscheck vs. Dave Menne
- Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves
- Jason Lambert vs. Branden Lee Hinkle
- Justin Levens vs. Jorge Santiago
- Kristian Rothaermel vs. Rob MacDonald
Look for my thoughts on the aftermath of UFN 5 on Monday tomorrow.
