The biggest UFC match of 2010 happens tonight.
Ok, I didn’t want to do a prediction on Liddell vs. Franklin at UFC 115, because to be honest- I didn’t feel it was worth my time. But in preparation for UFC 116, it’s definitely time to spell out how I feel. The UFC wants you to believe that the Heavyweight title fight between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin is the biggest fight in the promotion’s history. To quote Lee Corso from ESPN- “Not So Fast!”
I will give Dana White & company one thing: Lesnar vs. Carwin is the biggest fight of 2010. But to say the biggest UFC fight ever… a little much to say the least.
This Saturday brings UFC 116 to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and should be a good way to get your MMA fix in for the 4th of July weekend. So, without anymore waiting, here’s my take on the two biggest fights of UFC 116:
Heavyweight Title Fight: Brock Lesnar (4-1) vs. Shane Carwin (12-0):
Even after beating Frank Mir last year at UFC 100, I am still not convinced if Lesnar is the real deal in MMA or just a mildly talented fighter with a crapload of hype behind him. Let’s face it, the guy has always been a jerk even going back to his WWE days and after his little post fight speech at UFC 100, he has become the villain in the eyes of many UFC fans. But this fight against Carwin is a chance to redeem himself after his unfortunate bout with several health ailments
On the other hand, Carwin is the UFC’s version of Mike Tyson (circa 1987, not “In the Air Tonight” in The Hangover) and one of the most underhyped fighters in the promotion’s history. All the guy has done is beat every opponent he faced by knockout in the 1st round. There’s no hype, no excessive crap talking- just a guy who’s focused and ready to knock somebody to the ground.
This fight could go one of two ways: 1) Carwin keeping the fight standing up and knocks out Lesnar cold or 2) Lesnar gets Carwin down to the mat, sits on him and makes him submit like he did with Mir.
I know as much as the UFC wants to build Lesnar to be the next Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell or whoever- I think they are in for a grave disappointment. Lesnar hasn’t fought in 12 months and may suffer from ring rust, much like Rampage Jackson did at UFC 114. This will be Carwin’s first fight that goes past the first round, but I think he wears Lesnar down and gets his knockout and becomes the undisputed champ.
PICK: Shane Carwin wins via KO in the 2nd Round.
Middleweight Fight: Chris Leben (20-4) vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-1)
His fans call him “Sexyama” (fans call him that, not me), Akiyama made an impressive debut against Alan Belcher last year at UFC 100, but hasn’t fought since. Meanwhile, Leben has won his last two fights and is looking to get back into the title picture. Ring rust may play an issue, but Akiyama’s skills should be the difference maker here and get the Japanese fighter closer to a date with the winner of the Silva/Sonnen fight at UFC 117.
PICK: Akiyama via unanimous decision.
For a full fight card and more information, check out www.ufc.com
