LOWKICK PICKS ! TUF 13 FINALE
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. HunterB and edub, proudly bring to you, it’s undisputed LOWKICK, FIGHT PICK CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLLLLLDDDDD… ok I’m done.
The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale is kind of a big deal (As the capital letters in the title, and the rip off from The Road Dogg Jesse James both convey). Two of the most exciting fighters in all of MMA are going against each other in the main event. Frankly, I don’t see how they have anything short of a great fight, let alone a good one (knock on wood). Ramsey Nijem and Tony Ferguson haven’t been in a boring fight since they entered TUF competition. Chris Cope and Chuck O’Neil both like to bang. Kyle Kingsbury and Fabio Maldonado are coming off destructive TKO wins. Ed Herman and Tim Credeur have taken part in two of the best matches in Spike TV history.
Needless to say, this card could be nothing short of fireworks.
On to the picks!
Anthony Pettis (13-1) vs. Clay Guida (28-11)
HunterB – Pettis vs Guida is a very interesting match up. Two outcomes possible in my opinion. If Guida is able to dictate his light speed pace, he will grind out a Decision using his relentless take down offense. BUT, i see the other as the outcome. Pettis is able to stuff the take downs and frustrate Guida, showing off his crisp, and clean striking. Pettis via Decision
edub – I share a lot of Hunter’s thoughts here. Guida really could overwhelm Pettis with his relentless pace, but I don’t think he will. Anthony showed off great take down defense against Ben Henderson, and I think he’ll do the same here. Pettis TKO 2
Tony Ferguson (10-2) vs. Ramsey Nijem (4-1)
HunterB – I’ve only seen the fights off of TUF from these guys, but from what I’ve seen this could be fight of the night. Ramsey is a crazy man who never stops coming forward. Ferguson definitely showed he is the favorite to win this with his fights during the show. I think Ferguson will keep the fight standing, and take the W, but will not be able to finish Ramsey. Ferguson via Decision
edub – Ferguson has looked like the best prospect from the house. He’s quick, hits hard, and seems to be a well-rounded mixed martial artist. Ramsey on the other hand has shown a knack for overwhelming his opposition with good wrestling and sometimes brute strength. Ferguson has a decent wrestling background also, but I think the differences between NCAA Div. 1 and NCWA show up here. Ramsey will have the size advantage and I think he’ll use it wisely. Nijem via Decision
Kyle Kingsbury (10-2) vs. Fabio Maldonado (18-3)
edub – This, to me, is a battle of great athleticism against great technique. Fabio is a wonderful boxer, and his BJJ is getting better all the time (training at Blackhouse makes that a must). Kingsbury is has great strength and speed. He currently has Victor Conte as a trainer, take from that what you will. This fight really could go either way, but great technique with good athleticism usually loses out to extreme speed and power. Kyle Kingsbury TKO 1
Tim Credeur (12-3) vs. Ed Herman (19-7)
edub – Anybody who is a grappling fan should be salivating at this match up. Ed Herman is a great wrestler who doesn’t fit the mold of your typical “control first” fighter. He looks to punish and pass while on the ground (which comes back to bite him on the ass on occasion). Credeur is a bjj wizard, who has showcased great sweeps and submissions in his time in the UFC. If we’re lucky we will get a replay of Ed’s TUF 3 Finale fight with Kendall Grove. Ed Herman via Decision.
Chris Cope (4-1) vs. Chuck O’Neil (8-3)
HunterB – Chuck O’Neil is tough as hell, and to me seems more skilled in all of Chris Copes strengths. I see him dictating the pace and makes it into a kickboxing fight. O’Neil via Decision
edub – I agree with pretty much everything Hunter said here. Chuck just seems to be better in every area. O’Neil TKO 3
Danny Downes (8-1) vs. Jeremy Stephens (19-6)
HunterB – Jeremy Stephens is possibly going to manhandle Downes. Stephens keeps a much faster pace than Danny, the only chance Downes has in this fight is keeping top control throughout the whole fight. I just don’t see it happening. Stephens TKO 2
