Ultimate 2008 – UFC 92

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - smokin_aces

I’m looking forward to the holidays for a variety of reasons. Food, family, friends, a break from the fast paced life and lastly some relaxation. If I’m lucky, after the holiday rush slows down I can grab a few days of lethargic living. I plan to survive on little more than leftover turkey, stuffing and lots of beer. This year I’m traveling back to my home town so I’m entitled to take up residence on a few key couches and get down to business. I have a few online tournaments scheduled and i’ll likely play multiple tables at all times. However, on Dec 27th i’m going out with my highschool buddies to witness what may be one of the greatest sporting events of all time. The UFC 92 ‘Ultimate 2008′ has 3 serious fights on the card that might as well be 3 main events. For those that follow the tv show “The Ultimate Fighter”, you’ll spot a few familiar faces. More frequently, fighters who gained their first notoriety from that reality show are proving themselves worthy to claim their spot next to the Chuck Liddles and Royce Gracies of the world. If this match is any indication of what’s to come, that show will continue to be the new found spawning ground for future Ultimate Fighting Championship heros.

In reverse order, these are the fights to watch.

1- Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva vs Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson

Axe Murderer

Rampage

Rampage has beaten ex UFC Champion Chuck Liddell and is no stranger to hype in the ocatagon. In fact, he’s lost twice already to The Axe Murderer but this time promises to crack out a few new tricks. I’m not sure what it is, but I love seeing rematches between two foes each more vocal than the next about their mutual hatred. Silva has been quoted on many occasions saying that he doesn’t like Jackson as a person. Wow. Personal attacks. It makes the fire burn that much hotter.

My pick – The Axe Murderer is going to rip Rampage limb from limb.

2- Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira vs Frank Mir

Minotauro

Mir

These two fighters are arguably the greatest submission fighters of all time. Both are ex Ultimate Fighter coaches, and Frank Mir is the former heavy weight champion. Minotauro’s Brazilian roots are the best credentials any solid ground fighter can have, not to mention his impressive record and incredible stamina. He’s been known to get his ass seemingly handed to him for 3 rounds and then, just before he looks ready to die, he revitalizes, pounces and abruptly ends the fight in a submission. Frank Mir, while at the top of his game, suffered a horrible accident while riding his motorcycle. After being hit by a reckless driver, he was left with a severely broken leg. Because of his tremendous shape, he bounced back physically, but his head didn’t get back in the game. He suffered numerous humiliating defeats, but after his wife called him a “pussy, and an embarrassment to your children” he got serious again. Since being cussed like a schoolboy by his mammy, Mir has mounted a stubborn comeback and looks poised to make a good showing .

My pick – I would have picked the Minotauro, but after hearing about the tongue lashing Mir got from his butch wife, I have to believe he’d stop at nothing to prevent further public emasculation.

3- Forrest Griffin vs ‘Sugar’ Rashad Evans

Griffin

Sugar

First of all, has anyone else noticed how much Rashad ‘Sugar’ Evans looks like Cuba Gooding Jr, especially from Jerry McGuire? This is the fight everyone is waiting for. Is it because the original “Ultimate Fighter” Forrest Griffin is a blood thirsty monster who’s left a trail of spines behind him? No, it’s because Rashad Evans has laid two of the most memorable knockouts in UFC history. One of them was just this past September when he sent Chuck Liddell back in time. That knockout will most certainly grace every highlight real in the first week of 2009. Although Evans was no stranger to UFC glory (he had a Draw with blond bimbo Tito Ortiz in 2007) punching off Liddells jaw instantly shot him to the top of the list. As well, he brings an air of WWF style flamboyance to the octagon that most fighters are too serious to entertain. I’m not saying I like it, but his atypical, non serious nature makes you think one of two things. This guy has got it all figured out because those super intense fighters take it all too seriously and let their nerves become their own demise. OR!…This guy is not taking it seriously enough and has already let his ego go to his soon-to-be-removed head. One thing’s for sure, Rashad WILL start taking it seriously when he sees how much movement Griffin throws at him early in round one. Evans has a very loose, slow style but his desire to wait for calculated missteps will be foiled by Griffins aggressive power and explosiveness. Griffin will not wait for Evans to come to him. All that remains to be seen is what happens when they start connecting. I will say this. Forrest Griffin is pissed off and does not want to loose. Also, Rashad Evans has won a knockout by kick and by punch. He said he wants this win to be by submission. If he seriously abandons his stand up game for the ground and pound, he’s screwed.

My pick – Rashad Evans will scurry around the ring looking for an in, but Forrest won’t let him have it. It will go 3 rounds and end in Forrest’s favour.

For all the action and future Ultimate Fighting Championship events, check the Ultimate 2008 site.

GL
Aces

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