This weekend the UFC is back in the ‘Fight Capital of the World’ Las Vegas, Nevada with UFC 137 Diaz vs Penn. Now as I mentioned in my fight card post that this card has been changed around a bit but even with the changes this will prove to be a very exciting card.
As always for Australian viewers the preliminary card will start on Facebook then two fights will be televised on One HD with the Main Card being shown on Main Event.
Preliminary Card (One HD)
Tyson Griffin vs Bart Palaszewski
In his last Tyson Griffin made a winning return to the Featherweight division by defeating former title contender Manny Gamburyan. This time he will meet another former Lightweight in Bart Palaszewski. This should be a war as both guys are very tough fighters and while we know Griffin can make the weight it will be interesting to see how Palaszewski handles the cut. I am going with Tyson Griffin with this one, I think 145 is his true home and I think the weight cut will affect Palaszewski. Griffin by unanimous decision.
Donald Cerrone vs Dennis Siver
This fight will have lots of fire works so my advice for fight fans is sit back and enjoy. Siver is currently on a four fight winning streak and has been looking pretty impressive, but then again Cerrone has been to. Cerrone is on a five fight with his last win being the TKO on his record. While the action on the feet will be great, it will be interesting how (and if) it hits the ground as both fighters aren’t exactly known for their explosive take downs. Cerrone is excellent off his back, 12 of his 16 wins are by submission but I am sure that Siver will want no part of that. I tipping Cerrone for this one I think that he is more well-rounded then what Siver is. Cerrone by submission.
Main Card (Main Event)
Hatsu Hioki vs George Roop
I’m really excited for Hioki, I think that he is an awesome fighter and I also think he can be the one to pick up where the other Japanese fighter’s have failed. The only thing he can not do is underestimate Roop because as the ‘Korean Zombie’ found out it could be good night. While Roop has shown that he has great stand up his ground has much to be desired and that is Hioki’s strong point, so I think that Hioki will be successful in his debut. Hioki by submission
Scott Jorgensen vs Jeff Curren
‘Big Frog’ makes his return to the big show after a seven year absence, and judging by his twiiter posts he is ready to go. Standing between Curren and his and maiden UFC win is the tough and durable Scott Jorgensen, a former title contender who loves to put on a show. Both fighters are well-rounded fighters but I think that Jorgensen has the edge. I think the fact that Jorgrnsen fought the best Bantamweight in the world has made him a better fighter, and he will be keen to get back to number 1 contender status. Jorgensen by unanimous decision.
Miko Filipovic vs Roy Nelson
This fight will be entertaining just because Roy Nelson is in it, but if the Roy Nelson that was present in the Frank Mir fight shows up then its going to be a long night for ‘Big country’. I’m sure you are saying to yourself “but ‘Cro Cop’ is not as good he used to be”, sure but I dare say his left high kick can still KO anyone. Both men have a lot to lose here but I think that Nelson will be the one that comes through with the goods and fans around the world might have seen the last of ‘Cro Cop’. Nelson by KO.
Cheick Kongo vs Matt Mitrione
This is a huge test for Mitrione but a win here will move him in to the upper echelon of the Heavyweight division. This is going to be a very interesting fight, Mitrione has heavy hands (4 of his 5 fights have ended in KO) but as saw in his last fight with Pat Barry, Kongo can absorb punishment. It will be interesting to see if either fighter goes for a takedown because I think that might be the key to which fighter gets the win. I’m taking Mitrione here I believe he is on up and I see big things in his future. Mitrione by unanimous decision.
B.J. Penn vs Nick Diaz
This going to be one hell scrap that I can not wait to see. I have admired both fighters for a long time, Penn for his talent and Diaz for fighting spirit, I actually never thought that these two would fight as I am sure that they have trained in the past but as a fan I am so glad they are. Both men have really boxing, Penn I do find is probably the more technical and uses his jab to good effect while Diaz is at his best when the fight turns out to be an all out brawl. Penn is the better wrestler of the two and I think that both guys being BJJ black belt will cancel each other out so it will be interesting to see what happens on the ground. I am taking Diaz for this one as I think that he will be keen to get back the title shot the UFC took off him. Diaz by split decision
This should be a great card so I hope that all you fans enjoy the action and I hope that your favourite fighter get the win and comes through the event without any injuries and until next time take care
The Fight Writer