My Predicition: Penn by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: In classic fashion Diaz was able to impose his usual gameplan of overwhelming his opponent with a steady stream of punches from bell to bell. In the first round Penn was able to match Diaz's striking and even was able to get Diaz's back briefly but was unable to get the hooks in but he still took the round on all 3 scorecards. In the 2nd Penn continued to trade with Diaz but Diaz was able to gain momentum working in the clinch landing body shots and knees to Penn's head up against the cage. Diaz was really able to open up in the round badly hurting Penn and putting him in survival mode. The 3rd round saw much of the same with the stand up battle and Penn was still willing to trade punches with Diaz. Diaz was up to the task though and continued his assault and really showed he wouldn't be running out of gas anytime soon. A great re-introduction into the UFC for Diaz while a gutsy effort by Penn to keep going. The post fight interviews had just as much excitement and drama as the fight as the winner Diaz claimed St. Pierre was faking his injury and didn't want to fight anyone and had the following to say ""I don't think Georges is hurt. I think he's scared. I think he's scared to fight everyone right now".
Future matchups to make: Carlos Condit seemed to have his title shot secured regardless of the outcome of this bout but after Diaz's performance and post fight comments it seemed to have enraged St. Pierre enough to request he fight Diaz instead. For Penn retirement is very well possible as he said in his post fight interview ""Hats off to Nick Diaz, He's the man. Joe, this is probably the last time you see me in here. I want to perform at the top level. ... I've got a daughter. I've got another daughter on the way. I don't want to go home looking like this". As a Penn fan though I still am holding out hope he will reconsider after the dust settles and takes some much needed time off.
My Predicition: Mitrione by TKO 1st Round
My Rating: $
What Happened: A pretty lackluster affair as the first 2 rounds (especially the 1st) showed little action with both fighters being very timid occasionally trading strikes. In the 3rd Kongo was able to take over as he landed some big punches and as predicted he went for and succeeded in taking down Mitrione to secure the win.
Future matchups to make: He wants another shot at Velasquez but he's not going to get it with a fight like this. Shane Carwin, or the potentially debuting Fabricio Werdum could be interesting bouts for Kongo.
My Predicition: Cro Cop by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Nelson was able to survive a scare in the 2nd round where Cro Cop had him hurt and covering up against the cage. Nelson though was able to survive and most likely won the round anyway when he got Cro Cop to the ground and in the crucifix position and closed the round with punch after punch to the defenseless Cro Cop. The 3rd saw Cro Cop looking for the finish again came out swinging but a slip allowed Nelson to get Cro Cop again to the mat and this time Cro Cop was not able to survive and the fight was called to a stop as well as Cro Cop's legendary career.
Future matchups to make: The weight loss proved to be a benefit for Nelson who snaps his 2 fight losing streak. Dave Herman could be an interesting fight for Nelson.
Scott Jorgensen defeated Jeff Curran by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
My Predicition: Jorgensen by Decision
My Rating: $1/2
What Happened: Jorgensen was able to control the first 2 rounds with his wrestling to shut down Curran while avoiding any submission attempts Curran had. In the 3rd Curran was able to keep the fight standing defending Jorgensen's takedown attempts well and land some strikes on occasion, enough to win the round on 2 judges scorecard but ultimately not enough for the fight.
Hatsu Hioki defeated George Roop by Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Future matchups to make: Jorgensen taking on Demetrious Johnson would be an excellent matchup between the 2 top 10 Bantamweights.
My Predicition: Hioki by Submission 2nd Round
My Rating: $1/2
What Happened: Hioki was able to do enough with clinch work, takedowns and a controlling top game in the first 2 rounds to get the close decision in his favour. Roop in the 3rd round was able to get his own takedowns but Hioki was able to defend well off his back.
Future matchups to make: A tougher fight than he most likely expected but it is still a win. The winner of the upcoming Dustin Poirer vs Pablo Garza bout could be in the cards for Hioki.
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