UFC Fight Night 75 Predictions
Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson:
Mike Drahota:
This seems like a potentially fun fight for two aging but exciting heavyweights who will most likely never be title contenders. There are extreme question marks for both fighters, as Barnett has been out of action since a fast knockout loss to Travis Browne in late 2013, while Nelson has looked uninspiring and pedestrian while attempting to plod forward and land his go-to overhand right in his recent bouts. He can certainly change a fight in a second with that punch, but I think the craftier Barnett will be able to win this one with his technical prowess despite the layoff. Using his superior reach and catch wrestling, I expect Barnett to control “Big Country” before softening him up for a submission. Barnett forces the tap in round two.
Rory Kernaghan:
Roy Nelson’s heavy hands are just about the only weapon he has in this fight, as he gives up all other aspects to the more agile, quick and well rounded Josh Barnett. ‘Warmaster’ has the best catch wrestling in the division, and I think he’ll be looking to submit ‘Big Country’ in Japan this weekend. Of course, Nelson could land one of the trademark right hands he’s renowned for, but the chances of Barnett slipping against such a one dimensional foe is slim to none in my opinion. Barnett by submission round one.
Mike Henken:
My prediction for this fight is assuming that Barnett shows up as the fighter we know. He’s been out for nearly two years now, and it’s hard to predict how he will look in his return, but I ultimately feel as if he is the more well rounded fighter. “The Warmaster” put’s on a relentless pace and throws vicious strikes. That being said, he is going up against one of the most durable fighters in the division in “Big Country.” Nelson never seems to stop moving forward either, and he’s extremely hard to put away. However, Nelson relies on his destructive right hand way too much, and if Barnett can avoid that, I see him getting the job done. Barnett by third-round ground-and-pound.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Uriah Hall:
Mike Drahota:
This could be another fun fight depending on which version of Hall shows. We’ve seen a killer version of “Primetime” who’s seemingly able to finish off opponents with flashy and devastating strikes, yet he’s facing by far his biggest challenge in the calm and stifling Mousasi. “The Dreamcatcher” is so stoic in the cage he can lull you to sleep, but make no mistake; he’s as well rounded and dangerous as they come. Mousasi no doubt possesses crisp and diverse boxing and kickboxing skills, yet it’s his underrated grappling that I think will rule the day here. He should look to neutralize Hall’s knockout potential with a judo throw or two, maintaining position until he locks on a rear-naked choke for the win. Mousasi by submission in round two.
Rory Kernaghan:
Gegard Mousasi has some of the most laser accurate jabs in all mixed martial arts, he also possesses high level grappling skills and a controlled gameplan that can often be frustrating for both opponent and viewer. Uriah Hall will attempt to get back to the form that saw him on a three-fight win streak in the UFC, but he does so against the toughest competition of his career yet. If ‘Primetime’ was hoping to stay active then great, as it’s his second fight in two months, but his chances of a win here are minimal. Decision for ‘The Dreamcatcher’ all day.
Mike Henken:
This fight intrigues me quite a bit, as both men are two of the most exciting and skilled strikers in the middleweight division. Gegard Mousasi has a wealth of kickboxing experience, and exquisite movement to go with it. That being said, Uriah “Prime Time” Hall may very well have the best kicks in the division, and he isn’t afraid to throw strikes from unpredictable angles. I think “The Dreamcatcher” will take note of Hall’s striking, and ultimately use his grappling advantage to get the victory. Mousasi by third round submission.
