Perhaps under the radar being stuck in between 2 PPV events UFC Live 6 event still provided us with some great entertainment in all 4 of the main card bouts. Dominick Cruz looked to continue his dominance of the Bantamweight division and make his case among the pound for pound best in the world. Struve and Barry in the greatest height differential fight in UFC history were looking to not be the one with a 2 fight losing streak and it ended in surprising fashion. Anthony Johnson and Charlie Brenneman both had some question marks in their place in the Welterweight division and the fight ended with perhaps even more questions. And finally Mac Danzig and Matt Wiman were looking to answer their own questions in their rematch to their controversial first bout last year.
My Prediction: Cruz by Decision
My Rating: $$$$
What Happened: Both fighters lived up to the hype as being some of the fastest fighters in all of MMA. In some what of a reversal though it was Johnson perhaps throwing Cruz off with his speed in the stand up and it was Cruz who was scoring the takedowns. Cruz was able to suplex Johnson a few times while also getting some trips to get Johnson to the mat. Cruz even got some submission attempts as it was clear he has been working on his ground game for this fight as he got 2 rear naked choke attempts in the 3rd and 5th rounds that seemed to be pretty close but Johnson did a good job to defend. Back to the stand up Johnson really showed that Cruz can be matched and isn't unbeatable as he never allowed Cruz to really get comfortable with his usual style of bouncing in and out. Great pace great back and forth action that was much more competitive than the score card results.
Future matchups to make: Rematches are in order for Cruz as he most likely will face the winner of the upcoming Urijah Faber vs Brian Bowles fight. And I doubt there would be any complaints for a rematch with Johnson down the road as well. For Johnson the question is do they want to save a matchup against Joseph Benavidez for the Flyweight division if they both elect to make that move. The winner of the Brad Pickett vs Renan Barao fight could also be an interesting matchup for Mighty Mouse.
My Prediction: Struve by Submission 2nd Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: The 2 kickboxers spent most of the 1st round feeling each other out with Struve respecting the power and Barry respecting the reach. The action picked up in the 2nd as they both open up a bit with some strikes but it was Struve who got in close and locked in a standing D'arce choke that got the fight to the ground. Barry was able to get side control once on the ground but Struve was able to adjust and transition into a very nice triangle. Barry was able to get to his feet with Struve's legs still around him, in a last ditch attempt Barry was able to pick Struve up and slam him back down but Struve was able to keep the choke and tighten it up as Barry fell over to the side and was forced to tap.
Future matchups to make: I said it last week so i'll stick with Mark Hunt fighting the winner of this bout.
My Prediction: Johnson by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Johnson had control of this fight from the get go but it still ended in some controversy. Johnson was able to stuff Brenneman's takedown and he was able to keep Brenneman on his knees and his face planted on the mat with one arm. From there Johnson was able to delivery some knees to the body and some strikes to the head. Brenneman was able to scramble to the feet but he was noticeably wobbly and Johnson attacked with a huge left head kick that sent Brenneman to the mat and the ref stepped in to stop the fight. The argument though was Brenneman seemingly was aware and concise almost immediately. Hard call to make for the ref with the brutality and impact the kick made.
Future matchups to make: A matchup against the winner of the Rick Story vs Martin Kampmann may be in order for Johnson who is on the brink or already in the top 10 rankings.
My Prediction: Wiman by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: In a spirited back and forth affair Wiman was able to set the record straight and that the decision victory. With most of the fight taking place in close with alot of dirty boxing and elbow strikes thrown by both fighters with Wiman's landing more frequently. On the ground Wiman had a close arm bar attempt in the first and Danzig had a guillotine attempt as the fight ended but it was probably Wiman's ground and pound striking that inflicted the most damage on the ground.
Future matchups to make: A rematch with Sam Stout could be another exciting bout from their UFC 97 Fight Of The Night performance.
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