UFC is back with a great event to launch what should be a great series of shows coming up this summer. Tomorrow night, Saturday, May 29, 2010 live at 10 PM ET on pay-per-view from the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas comes UFC 114 featuring hated rivals Rampage Jackson fighting Rashad Evans. This is a main even that’s been hyped for nearly a year now as these two were coaches of season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. Rampage pulled out of their scheduled December fight to shoot The A-Team movie while Rashad has stayed active in the Octagon. This is a card worth watching! Let’s run down the main card:
Diego Sanchez vs. John Hathaway
Hathaway is going to be a challenge for Sanchez in this fight for sure. He’s bigger than Diego and will use that to his advantage. Both are good, well rounded fighters who need to win this one. Diego is back at 170, where he’s spent most of his career and been very successful. I think he’ll be much more comfortable back at 170 and get back on the winning track.
THE PICK: Diego Sanchez via decision
Antonio Rogerio Nogeira vs. Jason Brillz
Little Nog is a very skilled fighter and should win this fight rather easily. Brillz is talented and you could see a lot out of him down the road but taking a fight against such a skilled opponent on short notice isn’t a good recipe for success.
THE PICK: Antonio Rogerio Nogeira via TKO round 2
Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow
Duffee has been impressive in his short career and looks to continue that tomorrow night. Russow is underrated as he’s compiled a good record but might have never faced someone with the power of Duffee. Don’t blink because this fight won’t last long. Duffee throws bombs that lead to the referee pulling him off of Russow.
THE PICK: Todd Duffee via TKO in round 1
Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
This is a tough fight to pick. Bisping is once again going against a skilled ground fighter. Can Dan Miller get it to the ground or even a clinch? Will he walk into a right hand from Bisping? Has Bisping dealt with a fighter as good as Miller recently? I think Bisping is firing on all cylinders and is going to land a big blow that grounds Miller.
THE PICK: Michael Bisping via KO round 2
MAIN EVENT
Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evans
These two have had a long time to wait for this fight. They been engaging in a war or words for months. They went nose to nose numerous times while coaching on TUF season 10. They’re ready to crush the head of one another. This fight is what the UFC needs more of, two guys who want to fight. They want to hype the fight and get in there and destroy their opponent. With such similar styles this is a tough fight to pick. Both have KO power and great wrestling. Nobody seems to be able to match Rampage’s raw power. When he loads up and connects, it turns the lights out. Rashad has great movement and a tremendous training camp. Greg Jackson really turns out outstanding fighters. I think Rashad will be able to keep his cool and his distance and try to wear Rampage down in this fight. Rampage needs to get in close though and swing for the fences. I can’t see either of these guys going for a takedown. They want to bang and shut the other guy up with a KO. I’m concerned about Rampage’s ring rust and stamina. How will he do having not fought in a year? Will he lose his cool and chase Rashad around the Octagon leaving himself open? Can Rashad trade with Rampage? While he’s quick, if Rampage lands a shot, will he still be able to stand? Big concerns for both guys but this is a tremendous fight I can’t wait to see. It’s definitely worth watching.
THE PICK: Rampage Jackson via KO Round 2
