UFC 78: Validation goes down tonight in Newark, NJ with some interesting considerations for a few of the combatants. Without further a due, let’s take a look at all of the bouts on this card.
Main Event: Michael Bisping vs Rashad Evans
As I mentioned on Thursday during ‘The Showdown’, as well as on ‘Sportsnet Connected’ last night, I cannot see anything that Michael Bisping can do to Rashad Evans that will garner him a victory in this battle of undefeated light heavyweights. Evans is a better striker, better takedown artist, better ground specialist and his record of victories holds more water than those of Bispings. While Bisping obviously has a puncher’s chance in this bout, I cannot see it happening. This main event has Rashad Evans’ arm raised in victory written all over it .
Thiago Silva vs Houston Alexander
When this bout begins, under no circumstances are you allowed to grab a drink, reach over to grab some popcorn or polish off the last chicken wing on your plate. I am also warning you not to blink. As is common during various long weekend festivities, you do not want to miss the fireworks. These two strikers both pack some serious firepower in their strikes with most experts flipping a coin as to ‘who will knockout who’ in the first round. While this will be the biggest test for each fighters respective careers, I see Houston Alexander winning this fight via KO or TKO late in the second or early in the third round.
Joe Doerksen vs Ed Herman
I had Joe ‘El Dirte’ Doerksen on the show this past Thursday and we spoke about the short notice in stepping in as a late replacement to take on Ed Herman, as well as what his game plan will be. He was pretty clear that even though his cardio would not be what it should be (due to only having two weeks to train for the fight) he does not see any improvement in Herman’s game since they lost fought in 2004 that poses any serious danger to him in this bout. I concur, and see Doerksen pulling off another submission victory in the third round.
Ryo Chonan vs Karo Parisyan
I have pegged this fight as my fight of the night simply because Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan does not have a neutral or reverse gear and only knows how to move forward. Chonan, a Japanese veteran of the Pride organization has a history of never moving back and will be more than happy to engage Parisyan in the Octagon. I see this fight as another text book MMA bout which will showcase the beautiful techniques this combat sport has evolved into over the years. I believe Parisyan will pull out a judges decision and of course, here’s hoping ‘The Heat’ can pull off one his highlight reel Judo throws on Chonan.
Frank Edgar vs Spencer Fisher
While hometown favourite Frank ‘The Answer’ Edgar is coming into this bout as the underdog vs Spencer ‘The King’ Fisher, I am one of the few people who will pick him to pull off the victory. He is an All-American wrestler who is very difficult to take down to the mat, has very quick hands and generally dictates the pace of his bouts. Mind you, Fisher is a little beast, a knockout artist who’s wrestling is not to be taken lightly. I look for Edgar to ground and pound his way to a judges decision.
Undercard Bouts and Quick Predictions:
- Chris Lytle vs Thiago Alves - Alves by judges decision
- Jason Reinhardt vs Joe Lauzon - Lauzon by TKO in the second round
- Luke Caudillo vs Marcus Aurellio - Aurellio by submission in the second round
- Akhiro Gono vs Tamdan McCrory - Gono by submission in the first round
