UFC is back with it’s Super Saturday show. It’s become a tradition for the UFC to have a show on the Saturday night prior to Super Bowl Sunday. There is no title fight but they do have a main event I want to see in UFC legends Mark Coleman and Randy Couture battling in the Octagon. Ten years ago this would have been a mega fight or “Super Fight” as the UFC used to call the big fight on the card around the time these guys got started. The card is pretty solid with some good match-ups. It’s one worth watching for sure. Don’t forget about the prelims on Spike TV starting an hour before the PPV kicks off. Here’s how I see the fights going:
Frank Trigg vs. Matt Serra – Seems to be some bad blood going into this one. Trigg is trying to get a solid UFC win under his belt which he hasn’t seen in some time. Serra is trying to work back into contender status. I can’t even tell you that last time I remember seeing Trigg win an impressive fight. Serra is going to win this one and control most of the fight. I look for them to feel each other out in round one but in round 2 Serra will take over the fight. Serra via tapout in round 2.
Demian Maia vs. Dan Miller – Maia is trying to return to his winning ways after a KO loss to Nate Marquardt. He gets a good test tonight from Dan Miller. I think this will see both men cautious with taking the fight to the ground. Both have great grappling skills and that will be the chess match going on for three rounds. I don’t see either getting a huge advantage but Maia will be a little more effective to edge out a victory. Maia via decision.
Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago – Swick is trying to rebound from a loss to Dan Hardy. Paulo Thiago has only lost one fight to the stellar Jon Fitch. Both know a loss here knocks them out of the title picture for at least a year. I think Swick is going to come out aggressive and use his lightning quick strikes to overwhelm Thiago. Thiago will try to counter and get this fight on the ground. I think this is a back and forth fight that goes to the judges. Mike Swick via decision.
Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen – Not really sure why this fight is happening. Sonnen is a solid fighter but I don’t see him challenging Marquardt. Marquard is up near the top of the 185 division and needs to be tested if he’s not getting a title shot against Anderson Silva. Marquardt will dominate with another impressive KO. Marquardt by knockout in round 1.
MAIN EVENT
Randy “The Natural” Couture vs. Mark “The Hammer Coleman - Both are UFC Hall of Famers and former heavyweight champions. They’re founding fathers of MMA. Legends. Heroes growing up to many of today’s current fighters. Both are ground and pounders. Coleman has been written off lately but has fought well even in losses. Couture is back down at 205 which is a much better weightclass for him. This is a huge fight for both men. For Mark Coleman, a loss could mean the end of the road for him. Randy has to win if he ever wants to see a title shot again before his contract expires. He’s been around a long time and seen a lot in this sport. The UFC was only a few rules, no weight classes and tournament style when he began. I think the key to this fight is conditioning. Randy Couture comes in to every fight ready to fight for an hour if he’d have to so that’s going to give him an advantage. I think he’ll press the action and try to wear Coleman out and then take control in round 3. Coleman must try to stand up and bang with Randy where he might be able to land a big shot. I don’t see it happening though. Randy Couture via TKO in round 3.
