The following is a pre-UFC 67 “All or Nothing” opinion-piece by MMANews.com's own Luis Cruz:
INTRO
UFC 67 marks the long awaited debut of three top mixed martial artists, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, 'Lyoto' Ryoto Machida, and Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic , all of whom are not looking to follow in the footsteps of Heath Herring's let-down debut last week. While some of the fights appear to be a bit lopsided on paper, this card has all the makings to show why different styles can make different outcomes than what's expected by most. Let's take a closer look at these history making debuts and other match-ups while I give my predictions.
Prelims
Dustin Hazelett vs Diego Saraiva
A ground battle is sure to ensue between these two submission fighters. There's no real clear edge on the ground but one may give Saraiva the edge as far as defense against submissions. This could turn out to be a stalemate of sorts on the ground where neither man can get an advantage for a while. In the end, I'll have to say Hazelett gets the nod because of more attempts to end the fight in a controversial-decision win.
Prediction- Dustin Hazelett via split decision
Tyson Griffin vs Frank Edgar
Two undefeated Lightweights will clash here. Although they're both undefeated, there's a bit of a gap between their overall skills. Griffin is quickly proving to be one of the best up and coming Lightweights in MMA with his well rounded skills. He brings great intensity to each fight and his striking is powerful. If an opening occurs he will not hesitate to try and end the fight with a submission. Edgar is taking a huge step up in class here and will most likely try to control this fight from the ground. I don't see him being able to hang with the level of skill Griffin is bringing into this fight and he may find himself dealing with his first loss in the sport.
Prediction- Tyson Griffin via TKO round 1
Jorge Rivera vs Terry Martin
Making his return to the UFC, Terry Martin, will be coming back as a Middleweight to challenge UFC veteran and TUF 4 contestant Jorge Rivera. Rivera is always a tough challenge for most fighters having fought some of the top Middleweights in the world including David Loiseau, former UFC Middleweight champion Rich Franklin, and current UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Terry Martin was last seen in the UFC when he took on Jason Lambert and was stopped. I believe this could be an upset as Martin could be in better condition as a Middleweight and have a definative strength advantage. This fight should stay standing with Martin working his range and Rivera trying to go in and work his great clinch. I have a feeling that Martin will pull this off but instead of going with my gut, I will side with experience in this one.
Prediction- Jorge Rivera via split decision
Ryoto Machida vs Sam Hoger
This is a fight that I really wish would've made the main card, as the swing bout at least. Sam Hoger has been in some very close fights as of late and I would say that he was robbed against Stephen Bonnar in that decision. He also had a very close fight with now UFC Light Heavyweight contender, Rashad Evans. Those being his only two losses in the sport outside of TUF 2, Hoger always brings his A-game and comes very prepared for his fights. While he's been begging for a rematch with his rival Forrest Griffin, to settle their personal beef, he now has to step into the octagon against a man who has wins over B.J. Penn, Stephen Bonnar, and the first man to topple and KO Rich Franklin – “Lyoto” Ryoto Machida. Machida is a very dangerous striker with a decent ground game as well. He is bringing his undefeated record to the UFC in hopes of eventually getting a crack at current Light Heavyweight champion, Chuck Liddell. Sam will have to be at his very best and have the best night of his life to pull off the win here. Machida has to be impressive to the suits of the UFC to start getting himself in line for a title shot. While I don't see either guy being able to end this fight, I believe the latter will happen and Machida will be impressive.
Prediction- Ryoto Machida via unanimous decision
Undercard on PPV
Patrick Cote vs Scott Smith
A good opening bout for this card pitting two good strikers in Cote and Smith against one-another. These former TUF 4 contestants will have a chance to set the mood for the night and they shouldn't dissappoint. Cote is coming off his submission loss to Travis Lutter in the finals of TUF 4 which would've secured him a shot at Anderson Silva and the UFC Middleweight crown on this card. Now he must face the very dangerous striker Scott Smith. Smith is coming off his knockout of the year win over Pete Sell in a very exciting fight. Smith showed tremedous heart by taking a body shot from Drago that left him almost imobile, but he reached down while Drago went in for the finish and let go with one last shot with everything he had. It proved to be enough as it sent Drago to the floor almost out cold. This isn't the first time I've seen Smith show heart, as I've seen him come up the ranks in WEC as well. This should be a very good stand up war with a possible Smith/Sell showing and a very hard fight to pick.
Prediction- Smith via TKO round 3
Roger Huerta vs John Halverson
In the swing bout of the evening, Huerta takes on Halverson. This is a big step up for Halverson as he's taking on a red hot Huerta who hasn't tasted defeat in over two and a half years and has a vast amount of skills. I can't see this fight playing out any other way than a highlight showing for Huerta.
Prediction- Huerta via TKO round 1
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs Marvin Eastman
The UFC debut of the only man who holds a win over current UFC champion Chuck Liddell that Chuck has yet to avenge in a rematch. While I must admit, Rampage has not looked like the same hungry fighter I remember in the past, he is still a very dangerous fighter and can awaken at any moment. He's taking on the man who gave him his first professional defeat in Eastman. It was only Rampage's third professional fight and one he took with under two weeks notice yet still managed to put off one hell of a fight. He's looking to get a couple wins to establish his name in the UFC with the UFC fans before taking a rematch with Chuck Liddell. Eastman has kind of been under the radar since his KO loss to Travis Lutter at UFC 50 (yes, I said KO'd by Lutter). But Eastman is no slouch of an opponent and Rampage knows this so I don't expect him to take this fight lightly. Rampage should be able to make a great debut and give the hardcore fans what they've been waiting for, a rematch with Chuck.
Prediction- Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson via TKO round 3
Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic vs Eddie Sanchez
In what could be the most anticipated debut of all time, Mirko steps into the octagon for the very first time. All hardcore fans know the kind of excitement Mirko brings with his devastating kicks and knockouts (he is the number two Heavyweight in the world in most rankings) and the new fans are in for a treat with Mirko in the UFC. For his debut, the UFC is not trying to make it totally easy. He will take on undefeated Heavyweight Eddie Sanchez. In only his seventh professional fight, Sanchez is taking the biggest leap he can in the UFC. He will face a fighter unlike anything he's ever seen before and after a strike from Mirko lands, he will know exactly what he's in against. Sanchez is not lacking confidence though as he has stated in numerous interviews that he is being overlooked. He has heavy hands and we've seen Mirko KO'd by Kevin Randleman, so if nothing else, Sanchez has a puncher's chance. Mirko is a better fighter now than he was then, so I don't see the puncher's chance coming through.
Prediction- Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic via KO round 1
Main Event
Anderson Silva (c) vs Travis Lutter (UFC MW Title)
One of the most devastating strikers in MMA is back in action. Anderson Silva takes on TUF 4 winner, who earned the title shot by winning that competition, Travis Lutter. Most people see a blow-out here on paper, but one thing that can beat Silva is a good submission fighter and Lutter is that, a very good one. If he can weather an early storm, Lutter can give Silva some problems later on but that will be no easy task with Silva. Silva will look to keep this fight at a distance and use his long limbs to keep Lutter at bay and don't give him the opportunity for a takedown. If he happens to come in, expect Silva to try and use his great clinch where he can throw his lethal knees. I can't see Lutter taking this fight down and if he does, I can't see it staying there long. Silva will control him from the outside while continously punishing him with low kicks and strikes.
Prediction- Anderson Silva via TKO round 3 to retain the Middleweight title
OUTRO
All in all, this is not one of my favorite UFC PPVs on paper, although I can't help waiting to see the debut of Mirko in the octagon. This should be a fun UFC to watch, I'm not expecting much more.
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