UFC 104 Picks

Champ Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (for light-heavyweight title)

Shogun looked great in his last fight against Chuck Liddell and it was his first great performance in the octagon.  Shogun is a Muay Thai fighter so his strikes are good and he has excellent Jui Jitsu.  Lyoto Machida is a Shotokan Karate fighter that is undefeated and he has 2 devastating knockouts in his last two fights against Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans.  It’s hard to pick against the undefeated champ especially when he barely gets touched in fights.

Keith’s Pick:  Lyoto Machida by KO in the 2^nd

This fight isn’t being promoted as a blockbuster fight like some of the other main events in the past but it should be. Machida is a master martial artist unlike no one else in the UFC as he blends his Karate fighting skills along with takedowns and a very strong jiu-jitsu game.  Shogun has fought and beat some of the best fighters in the world.  If anybody has a chance at beating Machida, it’s Shogun.  Machida is a master at controlling the distance when striking.  If shogun can control the distance and not get caught up in Machida’s movement he has a chance. 

Josh’s Pick:  MACHIDA TKO RD 2

Ben Rothwell vs. Cain Velasquez

Ben Rothwell is a Miletich Fighting Systems fighter with a lot of experience including 9 fights in the IFL and 1 fight in Affliction. Rothwell likes to stand and bang and this being his UFC debut he wants to upset Cain Velasquez.  Cain Velasquez is a good all around fighter especially on the ground.  Velasquez trains out of American Kickboxing Academy so he will be prepared.

Keith’s Pick:  Cain Valasquez by TKO round 3

Cain is 4-0 in the UFC and could be a heavyweight champion someday.  Ben is a former IFL heavyweight champion that is new to the UFC but not to MMA.  The wrestling goes to Cain and the striking I would give the edge to Ben.  So in some ways this is a striker vs. Grappler.  Look for Cain to try and ground and pound Ben and for Ben to keep this fight on the feet. 

Josh’s Pick: CAIN DEC

Josh Neer vs. Gleison Tibau

Josh Neer is a good fighter standing and can submit anyone; he is tough as nails and has a huge heart.  Gleison Tibau is a tough wrestler and Jui Jitsu fighter that is a big 155lber.  Tibau trains at American Top Team that is a great camp so he will be ready for anything. 

 Keith’s Pick:  Gleison Tibau by Decision

Tibau is a world class Jiu-jitsu fighter with a strong game.  Neer is a jack-of-all-trades; he is good at all aspects of fighting and will never back down.  In order for Tibau to defeat Neer, he needs to keep Neer on his back.  Even though Neer is good on the ground, I believe he needs to keep this on the feet. 

Josh’s Pick: NEER TKO RD 3

Joe Stevenson Vs. Spencer Fisher

This fight could be a good one but I think it will go like every other fight Spencer Fisher has against a good wrestler.  Joe Stevenson will take Spencer down and grind out a decision.  Spencer Fisher has excellent stand up but it will not stay standing long.

Keith’s Pick:  Joe Stevenson by decision.

Both of these guys are top contenders in the 155-pound division.  Joe is looking to get back in the title hunt with a big win over Spencer.  Just like every other fight on this card, it looks like another classic match up of striker vs. grappler.  Spencer has killer striking and good Jiu-jitsu.  We all know that Joe is a stud on the ground.  Can Spencer keep it up on the feet?  If he can he will win.

Josh’s Pick: Stevenson DEC

Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

Anthony Rumble Johnson is a huge Welterweight with devastating ststrikes.  Yoshida is a good fighter with decent submission skills.  I feel this fight will  end quickly with Rumble Johnson getting the win.

Keith’s Pick:  Anthony Johnson KO round 1

If you are from Japan and fight in the UFC chances are that you are going to fight the toughest guys every fight.  The UFC is pushing Johnson hard to be one of their top stars.  Yoshida has great Judo and decent striking but on paper this fight looks like it will be a one way beating.  Look for Johnson to finish this fight early. 

Josh’s Pick: Johnson KO rd one

Keith and Josh @ i-Supplements.com

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