Dec 3, 2014

UFC 181: Hendricks vs. Lawler II Predictions



Oh what's this you're asking?  Are the bad boys of semi-pro MMA podcasting getting back into blogging predictions?  You know what's up.  We've been away from the written word too long and got some hot 6th grade reading level FIRE coming your way in the coming months.

UFC Welterweight Championship

Johny Hendricks (champion) vs. Robbie Lawler

When a fight is as good as the first one is, there is always a chance the second disappoints.  That's likely not the case with two free swinging fighters who are always looking to knock their opponent's head off.  Lawler has fought twice since, looking dominant while Hendricks on the other hand has been on the shelf since winning the title so there is always the worry of ring-rust.  Their first fight was a veritable barn-burner of a match which Hendricks won by the slightest of margins.  Hendricks fought with a torn bicep for nearly the entire fight which limited his ability to get the takedown.  While he won't shy away from standing and banging with Lawler, Hendricks utilizes his wrestling much more this time around to better control the action.  Hendricks wins this one going away.

Picking Hendrick: Gooms, DJ Mark, Kid Presentable
Picking Lawler: Doctor Law


UFC Lightweight Championship

Anthony Pettis (champion) vs. Gilbert Melendez

Let's face reality.  For those of you who have read or listened to us for a while, you know we have a HUGE soft spot for the fighters from the Cesar Gracie Fight Team.  Too bad that never seems to translate into UFC gold which will be the case in this fight.  Pettis fights almost as often as Haley's comet comes through our neck of the woods, but when he does, he possesses a unique skill-set unmatched in the lightweight division.  The grappling abilities between the two is pretty much a wash but the flashy and technical striking of Pettis is head and shoulders above Melendez.  Cesar Gracie Fight Team loses another one.

Picking Pettis: All of us

Travis Browne vs. Brendan Schaub

Browne likely isn't the potential contender he thought he was before Werdum exposed him but he's more than good enough to beat Schaub.  Browne is the larger fighter and should be able to defend against Schaub's grappling and submissions while getting the better of striking exchanges
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Picking Browne: All of us

Todd Duffee vs. Anthony Hamilton

This spot in the card was originally slated to be Holly Holm and Raquel Pennington which was scrapped after Holm got injured.  In it's place we have two middle of the road heavyweights. Duffee is the owner of an eight second KO AND a leading role in the blockbuster movie "Never Back Down 2".  Bobby loves making the same RnB joke when it comes to Mr. Hamilton.  I'll take the movie star

Picking Duffee: Gooms, Kid Presentable, Doctor Law
Picking Hamilton: DJ Mark

Tony Ferguson vs. Abel Trujillo

This scrap has the potential to be a "Fight of the Night".  Abel has some serious power and isn't a slouch in the grappling department.  However, "El Cucuy" has good boxing skills along with a sizeable reach.  While Trujillo will try to aggressive close the distance, Ferguson will be able to keep the distance and pick his spots in securing takedowns to earn a decision.

Picking Ferguson: All of us

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