UFC Fight Night 208: Blaydes vs. Aspinall Fight Predictions

Curtis Blaydes vs. Tom Aspinall (Favorite)

Picking Blaydes: Gooms
Picking Aspinall: Dr. Law, DJ Mark

Paddy Pimblett (Favorite) vs. Jordan Leavitt

Picking Pimblett: All of us

Nikita Krylov (Favorite) vs. Alexander Gustaffsson

Picking Krylov: Gooms, Dr. Law
Picking Gustaffsson: DJ Mark

Molly McCann (Favorite) vs. Hannah Goldy

Picking McCann: All of us

Paul Craig vs. Volkan Oezdemir (Favorite)

Picking Craig- Dr. Law, DJ Mark
Picking Oezdemir- Gooms

It's MMAzing 2022 Standings (as of 7/18/2022)

1. Doctor Law (c) (39-16)
2. DJ Mark with a "K" - (36-19)
3. Chalk - (35-20)
4. Lavender Gooms - (34-21) 🤣

UFC on ESPN+11: Gustafsson vs. Smith Fight Predictions

Alexander Gustaffson vs. Anthony Smith
Picking Gustaffson- All of us

Illir Latifi vs. Volkan Oezdemir
Picking Latifi- Dr. Law
Picking Oezdemir- DJ Mark, Gooms, Kid P

It's MMAzing 2019 Standings (as of 5/27/19)
1. Lavender Gooms - (24-20)
2. Dr. Law (23-21)
3. Kid Presentable - (22-22)
4. DJ Mark -  (21-23)

UFC 232: Jones vs. Gustafsson 2 Fight Predictions

UFC Light-Heavyweight championship

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Picking Jones: All of us

UFC Women's Featherweight Championship
Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino vs. Amanda Nunes

Picking Cyborg: Gooms, Dr Law, DJ Mark

Picking Nunes: Kid P

Michael Chiesa vs. Carlos Condit

Picking Chiesa: Gooms, Kid P, Dr. Law,

Picking Condit: DJ Mark

Corey Anderson vs. Ilir Latifi

Picking Latifi: All of us

Chad Mendes vs. Alex Volkanovski

Picking Mendes: All of us

Andrei Arlovski vs. Walt Harris

Picking Arlovski: Dr. Law

Picking Harris: Gooms, DJ Mark, Kid P

Megan Anderson vs. Cat Zingano

Picking Anderson: DJ Mark, Dr. Law

Picking Zingano: Gooms, Kid P

It's MMAzing 2018 Standings (as of 12/17/18)
1. Kid Presentable - (75-49)
1. Lavender Gooms - (75-49)
2. Dr. Law (74-50)
3. DJ Mark -  (69-55)

It's MMAzing Hall of Fame Class of 2017

Categories
1) Modern Era: Fighters who debuted in the UFC or Pride FC on or after November 17, 2000
2) Pioneer Era: Fighters who debuted in the UFC or Pride FC before November 17, 2000
3) Fights of great historical significance (UFC & Pride only for now)
4) Outstanding contributions to MMA outside of active competition (ie non-participants)

Modern Era

Brock Lesnar
Frank Mir

Pioneers

Igor Vovchanchyn
Genki Sudo
Dan Henderson

Fights

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson - UFC 165
Anderson Silva v. Chael Sonnen - UFC 117

Contributors

Rickson Gracie
Esther Lin
Stephen Quadros
Mike Goldberg
Ben Fowlkes

UFC Fight Night 93: Arlovski vs. Barnett picks and predictions

Yup, there is definitely a UFC card this weekend. As we continue our tour of the never-ending UFC cards, we find ourselves in Hamburg, Germany. Admittedly, as not hyped about this card as I was going into this week (college football is back after all... GO DUCKS!), there is actually some solid name value on the main card. Headlining the card are two long-tenured heavyweights that have some how managed to never previously cross paths. Additionally, two top 10 light-heavyweights staples hope to get their careers back on track in a race to who can get a title shot first. Will it be perpetual bridesmaid, but never the bride, Alexander Gustafsson or the man that no one felt like giving a title shot at all, Ryan Bader. Rounding out the main card is a UFC career 50/50 fighter taking on a German fighter to appease the locals. To the picks! (Spoiler alert: not a lot of variety, therefore lots of WRONG picks incoming)


Andrei Arlovski vs Josh Barnett

Victory by Torture Rack? @joshlbarnett

Two illustrious heavyweight careers and somehow this is NOT a rematch, trilogy, or in Andrei's case, a Sylvialogy. In most cases you'd be right in saying two men at this stages of their career that the matchup might be past its expiration date, but age seldom seems to be a factor in this division. It should be a fun one. When Arlovski goes boring, it's usually due to a methodical point kickboxing style. I just can't see Barnett allowing that to happen. Barnett is no stranger to making it dirty in the clinch, and if he can get Andrei to the ground, it could be a short night of work. Andrei at his best though will always be capable of stopping another man cold. It could play out as your classic clash of styles, but ultimately I think Barnett just has more avenues to victory. No slouch with his hands himself, I see Barnett wading through Andrei's strikes until he can eventually drag him to the mat. Catch wrestling wins the day. Barnett by arm-triangle round 1.

Maximus' pops: Gooms
The Baby Faced Warmaster: DJ Mark, Kid P, Doc Law

UFC 192: Cormier vs. Gustafsson Predictions

While many fans look at current Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier as merely a place holder until Jon Jones can return to the UFC, he still has to fulfill his championship duties and defend his belt (disputed or otherwise) against a difficult and game opponent in Alexander Gustafsson. In addition to that fight we also have two potential title eliminators when Johny Hendricks collides with Tyron Woodley and Rashad Evans finally returns to the octagon to take on the rampaging (I can say that because he beat Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson) Ryan Bader.

UFC on FOX: Gustafsson v. Johnson Picks

The UFC returns to network television with a main card taking place in Stockholm in front of a giant venue full of sleep-deprived Swedes. If they're lucky, they'll see their countryman Alexander Gustafsson earn himself a rematch with Jon Jones. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson however, has designs on knocking The Mauler's block off and taking the title shot himself.

Alexander Gustafsson v. Anthony Johnson

Rumble looking fresh to death

Did you listen to this week's episode of It's MMAzing Radio? If you didn't, well, screw you. If you did, you're well aware of my internal struggle regarding this fight. This is a very close match-up and I want very badly to pick "Rumble," but I can't bring myself to do it. Gustafsson versus Jones just needs to happen. Don't get me wrong, so does Rumble versus Jones, but now is clearly the time for Gus/Jones II. Gus got so close to taking the title from Jones back and UFC 165 and it's time to see if Jones really too him as lightly as the rumors suggest. The need for that rematch aside, I think Gus is going to be able to stick and move well enough to win this fight. Gus has fantastic movement and pinpoint striking. Rumble hits hard and is terrifying in general, but I think Gus can avoid the big shots for the first few rounds. The pace he'll set will eventually slow Rumble down. Gus takes a hard fought decision here, but I really hope I'm wrong. Gustaffson by decision.

Swedish Chef Mauler: DJ Mark, Kid P, Doctor Law
Rumble Young Man. Rumble: Lavender Gooms

UFC 165 Predictions

UFC on FOX 5 Predictions

The Itsmmazing crew (minus yours truly Lavender Gooms) travels to Seattle, the land of the Space Needle, McDreamy, and Frasier Crane to watch the possible coronation of a Diaz brother.  Much like all of you, I expect pictures.

Undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship
Benson Henderson (c) v. Nate Diaz

Image via Wikipedia

Kid Presentable: It wasn't the brother we were expecting, but a Diaz is finally fighting for a UFC title. It has been a weird ride in the lead up and build up to this fight because I have long been an avid supporter of Bendo through his time in the WEC and now UFC. Yet here we are and I will be riding absolutely against him. ItsMMAzing is 50% sports blog, 50% Diaz brother fan club. We ride for the 209. More than anything I am hoping and expecting to see a battle in every facet of the mma game. Part of what makes both these guys so enjoyable as fighters is the are proficient if not great at every aspect of the game. Bendo uses speed and unconventional Tae Kwon Do techniques, while Nate brings that classic Diaz boxing style. You have a good wrestler who has proven unchokeable and unsubmitable and the Gracie black belt. Bendo has never been an easy out but recently Nate has stepped up his game to a whole different level. At some point Bendo will start to take one too many shots and will lose position in a scramble and from there the unthinkable will happen, Bendo will be put to sleep, and Diaz brother will hold the gold. Nate by submission round 4.

DJ Mark with a "K": This is easily a PPV worthy main event. Henderson got his first title defense out of the way and is facing one of the most skilled and toughest fighters in the lightweight division. Nate has really come into his own during his last couple of fights and has seemed to finally put all the pieces of his MMA game puzzle together. His stand up is vastly improved and he’s tightened up some aspects of his already outstanding ground game. Which is great because he’s going to have to come in completed prepared to take the belt away from Henderson. As a long time Diaz brothers fan I can’t pick against Nate here but I basically see this fight being a 50/50 call. There’s so many questions about how these two will stack up together I’m really just looking forward to seeing these two guys display their warrior spirits and put on a fight worthy of a UFC championship. Diaz late 4^th round submission (RNC) 4:54


Lavender Gooms: I am going to try my best and be objective.  I am going to try my best to not predict this fight from my Diaz tinted glasses.  Nate Diaz has made quantum leaps in each of his fights since his return to light-weight.  Ravaged Gomi, made a very good kickboxer in Cerrone look foolish standing up and displayed gain strength in the clinch and a nifty judo toss against Miller.  Diaz has had trouble with wrestlers in the past and Ben Henderson is a strong wrestler with good submission defense which doesn’t bode well for Diaz.  While Diaz will likely try and pressure Henderson for all five rounds, Henderson has displayed an ability to go the distance for a whole five rounds. This fight has the makings for a close fight and Henderson could very well win, but my loyalty lies in the 209 all the time.  Guess I can’t be objective.  Diaz by close decision(I know I have a better chance of riding a unicorn than him winning a close decision).

Picking Henderson-
Picking Diaz- All of us

Mauricio Rua v. Alexander Gustafsson

Kid Presentable: You have a major heat check match up here for both men. On the one hand Gus is the riser, on the cusp of contention. On the other Rua is checking to see if he lost a step or if he is still right there... he just happened to get rolled like everyone else in the division by Jon Jones. Shogun has proven he still has an iron chin, and it is tough to see where Gus will have the advantage. Gus likely has the better conditioning, and could do his best Dominic Cruz impression again to maybe wear out and out-point Shogun, but Shogun is too technically sound to not get his licks in as well. I believe Gus is a legit prospect, but at the same time I have been leaning more and more toward the old lions lately. Shogun by TKO round 2.

Image via Bleacher Report

DJ Mark with a "K": On paper I think this is a tough fight for Gustafsson, Shogun is easily the biggest name and toughest challenge he’s faced yet. Personally I feel like he might not be ready for Shogun just yet but at the same time I can easily see this being his coming out party into the top of the 205 division. My reservations on Gustafsson are mostly due from his last fight where he seemed to play it a little safer at times. I think Shogun will be able to use his low kicks to slow down Gustafsson and allow him to get in close and do more damage with his hands.  Gustafsson has the tools for an upset (in my mind, but not the bookmakers oddly enough) but I’m siding with shogun. Shogun TKO 2^nd round  3:08

Lavender Gooms: I have to ask a question. When did Shogun become washed up?  Because I can’t understand him being an underdog to Gustafsson.  I don’t just think he’s going to beat Gustafsson.  I think it won’t be close.  Shogun by TKO in 1^st round.

Picking Rua- All of us
Picking Gustafsson-

UFC on Fuel TV 2 Predictions

Image via UFC newsletter

Alexander Gustafsson v. Thiago Silva

Doctor Law: Thiago Silva is back! After spending the last year suspended for submitting “non-human” urine for a post fight drug test, Silva makes his return to the UFC in the main event of their second offering on Fuel TV. Silva takes the place of Lil Nog, who bowed out due to injury. Welcoming him back the octagon will be Alexander Gustafsson, the perceived future of the 205 lb division. Gustafsson has been since losing to Phil Davis two years ago. If I was picking with my head, I would certainly pick Gustafsson. He’s smashing guys and Silva’s layoff could be a huge factor. However, Silva is one of my favorite fighters and I really want to see him do well here. I hope he wrecks this kid. Silva by 2nd round TKO.

Kid Presentable: I have been back and forth in my head all week with this fight. Thiago while active was one of my favorite fighters in the division. He has exciting fight style and he just outright looks mean and scary, but 15 months is a long time to be out. He was popped more for painkillers than steroids, so I don't scrutinize his positive drug test in the past as much as I might with others. Gus however, has been on a bit of a roll lately and is looking to be one of the most promising prospects in the division. No doubt that Silva was a top 10 lhw, but can he jump back into it after such a long layoff? I have wanted to pick him all along, but my head kept telling me no. Go with the kid on fire in his home country. Mauler by mauling. Gustafsson by TKO 3rd round.

Image via bloodyelbow.com

DJ Mark with a “K”: Sometimes when fights get changed the replacement fight isn’t as appealing as the original, this isn’t the case here. While a Gustafsson v Lil Nog is nice and good on paper, I’m much more excited that Gustafsson is now facing Thiago Silva. While Silva has been on the side lines after getting caught with his hand in the dopping cookie jar (there’s a lot of hands in there now a days) Gustafsson has been busy making a decent name for himself with some solid wins. I got Gustafsson in this one. I think the layoff is going to hurt Silva and the momentum Gustafsson has been gaining will carry him though this fight as well. Gustafsson by decision.

Lavender Gooms: Alexander Gustafsson. The chosen one (sort of). The 205 super-prospect that is supposed to challenge Jon Jones in a couple fights (….and lose). This is going to be a cake walk for Gustafsson. In Silva he’ll be fighting a guy who’s talented, but not setting the world on fire and who has endured a long layoff as a result of suspensions and a back injury. The Swede will wait and pick apart Silva with his clinch game and striking. After he win s(and Evans loses) we can start the talk about how he’s the next best shot to beating Jones. Gustafsson by Decision.

Picking Gustafsson: Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms
Picking Silva: Dr. Law

Brian Stann v. Alessio Sakara

Image via mmagif.blogspot.com

Doctor Law: I think we all got a little too excited about Brian Stann. He knocked a questionably chinned Jorge Santiago and a candy overdosed Chris Leben so everybody started talking title shot. Uncle Chael took care of that one. After that loss, this Marine needs to come back with a vengeance. A stand up fight with Sakara should give him the opportunity to do so. This should be a fun battle, but Stann should be able to finish off Sakara standing. Stann by 2nd round TKO.

Kid Presentable: Stann is a tough warrior who you would normally never think to quit, but Chael straight Shang Tsung'd him and took his soul. I think this fight represents a clear bounce back show case kind of fight for Stann. Sakara is a bit of back end journeyman type who is a striker, but no so otherworldly at it that Stann should have any great trouble. This should be a nice way to get the soldier back on track. Stann by TKO round 2.

DJ Mark with a “K”: This should be a fun match. Their styles match up perfectly to create an exciting match up, on paper at least. I think Stann is the stronger puncher but Sakara has the better technical stand up. However, I’ve never been too high on Sakara and I have a hard time picking him here as well. Stann by TKO 2nd Round.

Lavender Gooms: Stann has had a rough camp dealing with family issues and training with Greg Jackson via video. Even with the difficulties, Stann’ s power should be enough to give Sakara fits. If he presses forward aggressively but not stupidly he’ll finish Sakara by the third round. Stann by TKO in the 3rd.

Picking Stann: Dr. Law, Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms
Picking Sakara: