UFC 93: Breakdown

Date January 16, 2009

UFC 93: Franklin vs. Henderson

The UFC stays busy with a big card that isn’t getting much attention. UFC 93 is tomorrow in Dublin, Ireland. It will be available live on PPV at 10 a.m. and then delayed throughout the day for those that can’t see it in the morning.

Good thing I wasn’t able to make my UFC 92 picks thanks to the blackout, because it would have killed my record. Anyway, onto the picks for the main card.

OVERALL: 9-6
LAST: 3-2 (UFC 91)

170: Marcus Davis (20-5) vs. Chris Lytle (36-16-4)

A lot of experts think this will be the best fight of the night. Two guys known for exciting fights and love to throw bombs collide when Davis returns home to Ireland to fight the experienced Lytle. Lytle has fought in the Octagon 16 times and faced guys like Robbie Lawler, Matt Hughes, Thiago Alves and Josh Koscheck. Davis sports a solid 7-2 record in the UFC, with his only knockout loss coming in his debut. I expect a lot of fireworks early, but Davis is the better striker and should be able to eventually catch Lytle with a devastating right hand. Give me Davis by KO in under 5 minutes.

185: Jeremy Horn (88-18-5) vs. Rousimar Palhares (17-2)

Yes, that record next to Horn’s name is correct. The man has been fighting forever. Palhares lost a decision to Dan Henderson, but showed his all-around skills in the fight. I think this is a bounce back fight him against the man called “Gumby”. Horn is probably best known for beating Chuck Liddell. Liddell avenged that loss by defending his light heavyweight title against him a few years ago, and since then, Horn has been mostly off the radar. Getting up in age, this might be Horn’s last chance at relevence on the national stage, but I’m going with Palhares in this one by decision.

185: Alan Belcher (12-4) vs. Denis Kang (31-10-1)

UFC fans will get their first look at Denis Kang, but MMA fans know the former PRIDE star all too well. Kang is one of those guys that brings a lot of hype with him, but seems to come up short in big fights. Void of contenders to Anderson Silva’s middleweight title, at least until Robbie Lawler gets his ProElite contract situation cleared, the UFC is hoping they can establish Kang as a beast at 185 to hopefully set up a fight with Anderson. I think Belcher gets overwhelmed early, and if Kang can avoid the jitters in his Ocatagon debut that has hurt other PRIDE fighters in their first UFC fight, Kang makes quick work of Belcher. Kang by TKO round 1.

205: Mark Coleman (15-8) vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (16-3)

Former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman returns to the UFC in a grudge match against Rua, who returns after his loss to Forrest Griffin in his UFC debut. Rua was considered the best 205-pounder in the world after his dominant run through PRIDE before losing to Griffin. Coleman and Rua crossed paths in PRIDE when Rua broke his arm after landing akwardly in a fight with Coleman. Both camps got into a fracus in the ring after the fight and this marks the rematch. Coleman has a chance here with his wrestling ability. If he can take down Shogun and hold him on the mat for 3 rounds, he could pull out a decision victory. That’s his only chance however as Rua is looking to come back and show UFC fans the reason he was considered the best at 205. I think this is another fight that ends early as Rua’s speed and quickness overwhelms the 44-year-old Coleman early. Quick TKO win for Rua marks the end of Coleman’s legendary career and may set up a fight down the line with Chuck Liddell.

205: Rich Franklin (26-3) vs. Dan Henderson (23-7)

The winner gets to coach on the Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Bisping. Back when Franklin ruled the middleweight division prior to Anderson Silva’s arrival, the dream fight was Franklin vs. Henderson. Some say they are past their primes, but this is still a huge fight that I don’t think has gotten the attention it deserves. Henderson is the only guy to take a round off of Silva while Franklin was crushed in both of his fights against Anderson. Does that say something about this fight though, I’m not sure. Henderson will try to use his wrestling pedigree, but I think Dan’s also willing to stand and trade with Rich and try to catch him with his patented overhand right. That’ll be a mistake as Franklin is a better striker, and because of it, I think Franklin beats Henderson down in a decision victory.

As always, enjoy the fights!

Category Posted in Fights