Machida vs. Shogun 2 is the highlight of UFC 113.
The last time UFC ventured in to Canada at UFC 97 in April 2009, the crowd got a mixed bag of an event as “Shogun” Rua pummeled Chuck Liddell in a first round knockout and then Anderson Silva puzzled everyone in his performance against Thales Leites, and enraged most of the people in attendance (as he did in his most recent performance).
But as UFC 113 makes its way into the Bell Centre in Montreal, a big main event should not disappoint the Canadian fans as the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line as the big rematch from last October’s show, pitting champion Lyoto Machida versus the previously mentioned “Shogun” Rua. Former internet brawler phenom Kimbo Slice will be making his first proper UFC pay-per-view match against newcomer Matt Mitrone. Here are my picks and analysis of the big matches at UFC 113:
Light Heavyweight Championship: Lyoto Machida (16-0-0) vs. “Shogun” Rua (18-4-0): One of the most hotly contested decisions in recent memory took place in October as Machida barely held onto his title after Shogun put on a stellar performance to almost steal the belt from the champ. Fast forward 7 months, and this may just be one of the most eagerly anticipated rematches in UFC history. Can Shogun finally get over that hump and beat the unbeaten Machida? In the UFC, and especially in the light heavyweight division, the title seems to change hands every two matches- so with my theory- Shogun should score redemption and take the title. This time, I am going against my usual judgment and say that Machida and Rua fight diligently for the first two rounds, before Machida takes over and this one never makes it to a decision.
PICK: Machida wins via knockout in the 3rd Round.
Josh Koscheik (16-4-0) vs. Paul Daley (23-8-2): With a title match versus Georges St. Pierre on the line, you know these two welterweights are going to pull out all the stops for the victory. Both fighters are coming off big wins, and now the trash talk (which has become far more heated than usual) is picking up. Koscheik may be quicker, but I think Daley’s jabs and knockout power could be the difference maker here.
PICK: Daley wins via unanimous decision.
Kimbo Slice (4-1-0) vs. Matt Mitrone (1-0-0): It has been a strange trip for You Tube star Slice, who went from main star attraction in Elite XC, to “Ultimate Fighter” contestant and now to another contender. Putting Kimbo against newcomer Mitrone (another “Ultimate Fighter” contestant) might have been a nice first pay per view match to ease Kimbo into the big time. I can see Kimbo winning this one, just for the reason of more experience than a guy who has one professional fight under his belt. But I don’t except the heavyweight to get any easier for Kimbo as time goes on.
PICK: Slice wins knockout in the 2nd Round.
[...] off: I’d really like to apologize to anybody that bet with my picks for UFC 113. Usually I’m able to pick at least 50-percent or more of the fights correctly, but with UFC [...]