The Ultimate Fighter Live Finale Predictions

Dave’s Picks

First off I would like to inform you all that my beautiful wife predicted every single fight correctly except one this entire season of TUF. No, she does not help me with my predictions…but maybe she should..

Main Card

Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampmann: What a great fight. I love watching these guys but in my opinion Ellenberger is on another level at this point. Kampmann is a dangerous guy who can beat anyone if they get careless but Jakes is just a monster. Kampmann is almost impossible to finish but I think Jake needs to do that early on or he may be in trouble. Jake has shown that his gas tank can run dry due to his insane pace he keeps up and this one is a 5 rounder. If I was Jake I would intelligently try and finish this quick and I believe he can. I see Jake putting on pressure, getting a knockdown and then finishing Kampmann with crazy ground and pound. = Ellenberger by TKO in round 2. My Pick for KO of the Night!

Mike Chiesa vs. Al Iaquinta: Anything could happen in this fight but knowing that Al trains with Matt Serra makes me put some faith in him. The other thing that gives me great confidence in picking Al is that when I interviewed Urijah (Click here for that interview) he said he thought Al would win. Urijah coached both of these guys the entire time and he is choosing Al. I think Al has much better standup and better wrestling but Chiesa has a knack for pulling off crazy stuff. But I feel pretty safe picking Al. = Al by unanimous decision.

Max Holloway vs. Pat Schilling: Max Holloway is a little monster. The kid is only 20 and has crazy standup skills. Go watch his youtube highlight video. I really like this kid a lot. We interviewed him recently (Click here for that interview) and you can tell he is just a great kid loving his time in the big leagues. But Schilling is no joke as well. This fight could be closer than I am expecting but I see Holloway dominating. = Holloway by TKO in round 1.

Jonathan Brookins vs. Charles Oliveira: I can’t wait for this one. This will be a very fun fight. Brookins is coming off the greatest win of his career by absolutely destroying Vagner Rocha and Oliveira is coming off a successful featherweight debut. If you were to ask me about this fight a year ago I would have likely picked Oliveira by a close decision but after their last couple fights I have to go with Brookins. However, this fight will be very close and expect some fireworks on the feet and on the ground. = Brookins by split decision. My Pick for Fight of the Night!

Prelims

Justin Lawrence vs. John Cofer = Lawrence by unanimous decision.
Myles Jury vs. Chris Saunders = Jury by split decision.

Daron Cruickshank vs. Chris Tickle = Cruickshank by unanimous decision.
Cristiano Marcello vs. Sam Sicilia = Marcello by 3rd round submission. My Pick for Submission of the Night!
John Albert vs. Erik Perez = Albert by unanimous decision.
Jeremy Larsen vs. Joe Proctor = Proctor by unanimous decision.

Sam's Picks

Main Card

Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampmann: In a welterweight clash that will undoubtedly be an amazing fight, the winner is next in line for a title shot. At least, that’s how I feel about it. Apparently, Johny Hendricks is the next one to receive a title shot after Condit but I disagree. Hendricks is 4-1 in his last 5: decision loss to Story (not impressive), TKO victory over TJ Waldburger (pretty impressive), squeaked by Mike Pierce (not impressive), KO’d Jon Fitch in 12 seconds (extremely impressive), and squeaked by Josh Koscheck (not impressive). I don’t see how that deserves a title shot. Now what Ellenberger and Kampmann have done is much more impressive and worthy of a title shot. Kampmann is 3-2 (with the two being very controversial decision losses) and Ellenberger 6-1 in the UFC with the loss also being a controversial decision loss. But hey, lets get back to the fight. Between these two, the most impressive as of late is by far Ellenberger. A 50 second KO of Jake Shields, a dominating decision win of Diego Sanchez (besides the 3rd round), and another KO of a game Sean Pierson. Kampmann on the other hand, was being dominated by Thiago Alves until Alves made a horrible mistake and Kampmann capitalized on it. Personally, I think that the deciding factor will be Ellenberger’s power and momentum in the UFC. But if he doesn’t finish, Kampmann will win by unanimous decision = Ellenberger by 2nd round TKO. My pick for KOOTN and 1st for FOTN!

Mike Chiesa vs. Al Iaquinta: Iaquinta has rolled along the competition in TUF despite his two close fights between Jury and Pichel, he never really took damage in those fights. Chiesa on the other hand, has taken lots of damage in his last fights. Almost being finished by Lawrence with a body shot and submitted by Vick. He has a lot of heart, but simply not the technique that Iaquinta holds. Look for Chiesa to pull off the upset and comeback if he isn’t finished in the first. I will be cheering for him = Iaquinta by 1st round TKO.

Max Holloway vs. Pat Schilling: I see this fight being a one sided beatdown handed by Max Holloway, and no I’m not just saying that because we got an interview with him, its because I thought that the second I saw this fight announced (which was before the interview). Schilling was destroyed by future contender in Daniel Pineda, and he looking terrible and not UFC caliber. Holloway, on the other hand, despite losing in the first round really impressed me in his debut. He was winning the standup against one of the top contenders in Dustin Poirier before being finished with a bizarre mounted triangle/armbar = Holloway by 2nd round TKO.

Jonathan Brookins vs. Charles Oliveira: This fight is probably the hardest one to pick on the whole card. These guys are both young phenoms who are undoubtedly going to fight for the title in the future. I’m going with Brookins on this on this one because he has been more impressive, knocking out the always dangerous Vagner Rocha brutally in one minute and barely losing to (now) title contender Erik Koch = Brookins by split decision

Prelims
Justin Lawrence vs. John Cofer = Lawrence by unanimous decision. My 2nd pick for FOTN!
Myles Jury vs. Chris Saunders = Jury by split decision. My 3rd pick for FOTN!
Daron Cruickshank vs. Chris Tickle = Cruickshank by 1st round TKO
Cristiano Marcello vs. Sam Sicilia = Marcello by 2nd round submission (choke). My pick for SOTN!
John Albert vs. Erik Perez = Albert by unanimous decision
Jeremy Larsen vs. Joe Proctor = Proctor by split decision

RIP Mr. Chiesa.
 

UFC on FX 2: Alves vs. Kampmann Predictions

Sam’s Picks

Main Card 

Martin Kampmann vs. Thiago Alves: This is a great welterweight fight to have one of these guys back up in the title contention talks. Alves just easily won a fight against the completely overmatched Papy Abedi in a fight that was very unfair but the fight before that he got absolutely destroyed by Rick Story for 15 minutes. Kampmann, on the other hand, is doing a lot better. He looked really good against Story and loss two highly controversial decisions to Diego Sanchez and Jake Shields. Kampmann has looked really good in his last three fights, leading me to believe he will eek out a decision victory = Kampmann by unanimous decision.

Joseph Benavidez vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani: Urishitani will have a good UFC career ahead of him but Benavidez is way too hard to beat. I mean, he’s only lost twice and they’re both to Dominick Cruz AND he’s fighting at his natural weight class of 125 pounds = Benavidez by unanimous decision. My pick for FOTN!

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ian McCall: This fight is much harder to pick than the other semi-final. McCall is used to the underdog status and has pulled through to upset victories like his stunning win over the highly favored (and someone who should come to the UFC NOW) Jussier da Silva. Johnson, however, is much harder to bet against and did very well against the much. Much larger, Dominick Cruz. This fight isn’t going to be as exciting as most would hope because Johnson is most likely just going to outwrestle him = Johnson by unanimous decision.

Court McGee vs. Constantinos Philippou: This is a barn burner. They both come to fight and slug it out, which is going to be a huge deciding factor in this fight. Philippou has a lot of power in his hands as we saw in his brutal KO over Jared Hamman. McGee’s chin isn’t the best which is why I think Philippou will win this one = Philippou by 2nd round TKO. My pick for KOOTN!

Prelims

Aaron Rosa vs. James Te Huna = Te Huna by split decision.
Nick Penner vs. Anthony Perosh = Perosh by 1st round submission (choke) My pick for SOTN!
Cole Miller vs. Steven Siler = Miller by 2nd round submission (choke).
Andrew Craig vs. Kyle Noke = Noke by 1st round TKO.
Jake Hecht vs. T.J. Waldburger = Hecht by split decision.
Daniel Pineda vs. Mackens Semerzier = Semerzier by 3rd round TKO.
Shawn Jordan vs. Oli Thompson = Thompson by split decision.

Dave’s Picks

Main  Card

Thiago Alves vs. Martin Kampmann: Very very tough fight to pick. I can see two possibilities play out. 1) Kampmann gets overwhelmed and gets KOed or Kampmann outpoints Alves to a decision. If Alves is smart he will come out guns blazing…this is sooo freaking hard! = Alves by split decision.

Joseph Benavidez vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani (flyweight-tourney opening round): Sadly this fight will be a one sided beating with Benavidez eventually winning the title = Benavidez by submission in round 1. My Pick for Submission of the Night!

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ian McCall (flyweight-tourney opening round): With this fight I am going against my gut. Ian McCall is a little monster. He is amazingly fun to watch and is currently unbeatable. In my gut I see him winning. But I can’t help but vote for Mighty Mouse. Johnson beat Torres, Yamamoto and went to a decision with 135 champ Cruz. Such a hard fight to call but I’m with Mighty Mouse = Johnson by unanimous decision.  My Pick for Fight of the Night!

Court McGee vs. Constantinos Philippou: These tough picks just won’t stop! Phillippou can be a beast at times but can be very underwhelming. H lost to Nick Catone and barely beat Jorge Rivera and KOed glass jawed Jared Hamman. That resume just doesn’t impress me. On the other handCourt McGee has only lost once and is looking very impressive in the UFC. But Philippou’s power could end this fight at any moment. This is a tight one. = Court by unanimous decision.

Prelims

Aaron Rosa vs. James Te Huna: Huna by KO in round 1. My Pick for KO of the Night!

Nick Penner vs. Anthony Perosh: Perosh by submission.

Cole Miller vs. Steven Siler: Miller by unanimous decision.

Andrew Craig vs. Kyle Noke: Noke by TKO in round 3.

Jake Hecht vs. T.J. Waldburger: Hecht by split decision.

Daniel Pineda vs. Mackens Semerzier: Mackens by submission in round 3.

Shawn Jordan vs. Oli Thompson: Jordan by TKO in round 3.

Enjoy the fights!

UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. Miller Predictions

Dave’s Picks

(It's my Birthday, and I'm having a little party with family and friends. So, I hope this card is a fun one!)

Main Card

Melvin Guillard vs. Jim Miller: Great fight. Both guys are coming off losses but are still in the title hunt. Miller lost to Ben Henderson who is now fighting for the title and Melvin was on a tear until he got caught by Joe Lauzon. Anything can happen in this fight but I think this fight hinges on Miller’s ground game. I think Miller needs to do what Lauzon did. Get it to the ground somehow and submit him quick. Standing with Melvin is a bad idea, he can knockout anybody at 155. If Melvin wants to win he has to keep it standing and keep his hands up. This fight is super hard to call but I’m going with Jimmy Read Beard = Miller by submission in round 3. My Pick for Fight of the Night!

Duane "Bang" Ludwig vs. Josh Neer: This fight is also pretty tough to call because these guys are both journeymen and I’m not totally sure where they are currently in their careers when it comes to their mental and physical health. Neer has been on a little win streak lately and has beaten way tougher competition than Ludwig. Ludwig will most likely have the advantage standing but Neer will destroy him on the ground. = Neer by submission in round 2. My Pick for Submission of the Night!

Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian: Easton is a really good talent with a lot of potential. He was beaten Chase Beebe and Jon Dodson. Papazian is a guy who could go either way. Papazian has a lot of experience for a 23 year old but his success has been mixed and inconsistent. I expect Easton to win this and go on to do some big things in the UFC bantamweight division. = Easton by TKO in round 1.

Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft: Morecraft has a good chance at winning this. I’m actually super tempted to pick him but I can’t. Morecraft has been KOed by guys who do not possess the striking abilities that Barry offers. Morecraft’s chin is my main concern in this fight. I don’t think he can withstand 15 minutes in the cage with Barry but don’t be surprised if Morecraft takes it to the ground and submits Barry quick. = Barry by KO in round 1. My Pick for KO of the Night!

Prelims

Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer: Rivera by unanimous decision.

Habib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus: Shalorus by unanimous decision.

Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts: Brenneman by split decision.

Fabricio Camoes vs. Tom Hayden: Camoes by submission in round 1.

Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling: Pineda by submission in round 2.

Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval: Denis by split decision.

Sam’s Picks

Main Card

Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard: This is an awesome fight to headline, a fight that will send these guys back into title talk, at least on Miller’s part. Miller has a really good looking record of 20-3 with those three losses only coming from Ben Henderson, Gray Maynard, and Frankie Edgar. He has beaten some very high level competition with his powerful standup, dominant wrestling, and impressive jiu-jitsu. Miller’s strengths are where Guillard’s weakness are. Although Guillard’s standup is really good, Miller will utilize his dominant ground game to come out on top with the submission win = Miller by 2nd round guillotine choke. My pick for SOTN!

Duane Ludwig vs. Josh Neer: I am really happy to see that Josh Neer is back in the UFC but they didn’t exactly give him a very easy fight in his second fight back. Ludwig has proven to be a very seasoned veteran with overwhelming Muay Thai while Neer doesn’t exactly have very good standup but his ground game is good. Ludwig is going to pick him apart on the feet and take away the dominant decision victory = Ludwig by unanimous decision. My pick for FOTN!

Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian: Jared Papazian hasn’t defeated anybody with a big name, no one impressive but Mike Easton on the other hand has defeated a lot of very impressive people. Easton has defeated the likes of Chase Beebe (split), Josh Ferguson (guillotine), and even John Dodson (split)! Along with Papazian taking this fight on short notice, Easton has the skills to run through Papazian. This is all Easton = Easton by 2nd round TKO.

Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft: Once again, a striker versus grappler match. Morecraft has shown a good ground game with his dominant first round over Struve but has shown a terrible chin for a heavyweight with his fights with Matt Mitrione and Stefan Struve. Although Pat Barry has an absolutely terrible ground game, he still has the punching power to KO anybody, making this his fight stopped due to strikes = Barry by 1st round KO. My pick for KOOTN!

Prelims

Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer = Rivera by 2nd round TKO.
Habib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus = Shalorus by split decision.
Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts = Brenneman by unanimous decision.
Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden = Camoes by 1st round RNC.
Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling = Pineda by unanimous decision.
Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval = Denis by 2nd round TKO.

Enjoy the Fights!!!!!!