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  • WWE house show report 1/3: Sheamus vs Roman Reigns Street Fight

    by Rick Velazquez

    Ziggler vs Breeze – Good opener. Despite Breeze and Summer Rae splitting on SmackDown, they came out together and called it a “One Night Only Farewell Tour”. Match was back and forth. Summer got ejected by the ref to a huge reaction from the crowd. As Breeze was distracted, Ziggler went for the Zig Zag, Breeze countered and went for the Uprettier. Ziggler countered and hit a Superkick for the win.

    Stardust vs Titus O’Neil –  Stardust cut a pre-match promo talking trash about Hidalgo and the crowd. Crowd booed. Okay match, nothing too special. Titus hit the Clash of the Titus for the win.

    Damien Sandow & Curtis Axel vs Heath Slater & Adam Rose – Adam Rose cut a pre-match promo in his typical ‘party pooper’ form. This was mainly a comedy type match. It didn’t do too well with the crowd because nobody was really reacting to the match.

    Jack Swagger vs Alberto Del Rio (US Championship) – Swagger came out to a good reaction but it was Del Rio that really lit the crowd up. He came out and patted fans hands. Crowd was cheering for Del Rio throughout the match. This was back and forth. The Patriot Lock and Cross Armbreaker kept getting countered. Del Rio picked up the win after he hit the double foot stomp off the turnbuckle while Swagger was in the Tree of Woe position.

    Kalisto vs Viktor (W/Konnor) – Kalisto got a huge ovation from the crowd. Lots of people doing the Lucha chant. This match wasn’t anything special. Viktor dominated for the most part then Kalisto made the comeback and hit the Salida Del Sol for the win.

    Becky Lynch vs Charlotte (Divas Championship) – Both divas got loud cheers from the crowd. This was originally advertised as a Triple Threat match with Paige. Paige didn’t show up and there wasn’t any explanation. This was in my opinion the best match on the show. Good chain wrestling sequences that surprisingly got loud cheers. Charlotte got the win by roll up and a handful of tights.

    Sheamus vs Roman Reigns (WWE WHC Street Fight) – This was a solid match. Reigns got the loudest ovation of the night. Sheamus got loud boos. This match was pretty much similar to the ones we’ve already seen. Sheamus put Reigns through a table with the Irish Curse. Later, Reigns speared Sheamus through a table for the win.

  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10 full preview series

    Pre-Show Match: New Japan Rumble The New Japan Rumble, more affectionately known as the Rambo, has become a Wrestle Kingdom pre-show tradition as of last year. You’ll see legends, Young Lions, and the leftovers/those who didn’t make the main card. It’s over the top rope elimination rules. Every minute, a new participant will enter. Last year’s Rumble was fun for the surprise names, but it wasn’t much of a match until the last few minutes. Read More →

    IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championship Match: Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta Speaking of traditions, this year we get another IWGP Jr. Tag Title match with a thousand teams. OK, four teams, but still, would it kill them to make a straightforward tag team match for the titles? Oh well. Good thing is all four teams are great and it should be a Dragon Gate-esque spectacle of a match. Just don’t ask me to pick a winner. Read More →

    NEVER Trios Championship Match: Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano vs. Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale Mark, Jay, and Yano. This I must see. New Japan is introducing trios titles at this year’s show, and the winners of this match will be the first ever champs! With the Bullet Club team being New Japan regulars, you’d expect the belts to go to them, but if it turns out this is more than a one-time deal for the Briscoes, they might be taking home some gold on their debut. Read More →

    ROH Championship Match: Jay Lethal vs. Michael Elgin The ROH World Title will be defended in New japan for the first time ever at Wrestle Kingdom. The two Americans might have a tough time winning over the massive Japanese crowd. One thing they have going for them, besides both being very good wrestlers, is that the fans are familiar with Elgin and he’s gained a pretty good following in his short time in New Japan. Read More →

    IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match: Kenny Omega vs. Kushida Two men who’ve dominated New Japan’s Junior division in 2015 will face off for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship. At one win apiece, this will be the rubber match to decide who which man truly is the Ace of the Junior division. Read More →

    IWGP Tag Team Championship Match: Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma The tag titles might not mean what they used to, but the crowd is going to be loud for this one, and that’s about 95% because of Honma. The forever underdog is teaming with his G.B.H. partner Togi Makabe on his quest for that elusive championship. It’s more or less the same story as last year’s title match, except with different challengers. And you know what, if it plays out the same way, I don’t even mind. Read More →

    Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito The only match on the show not for a title, the Samurai and the Ingobernable are meeting in a good old fashioned grudge match. Expect a lot of Ingobernable shenanigans from EVIL and new member BUSHI. While not for a title, the winner will likely move on to feud for one of the major titles. Read More →

    NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata No backstory. No reason. This match is just happening and it’s probably going to steal the show. It’ll be interesting to see if Shibata will finally get his hands on some singles gold. To say he’s long overdue is an understatement. Either way, this match is going to be something else. I just hope the dome can handle it. Read More →

    IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. A.J. Styles Yeah, so, this is going to be great. Like, the greatest. A.J Styles is a phenomenal wrestler. I mean, that’s his thing. He’s the Phenomenal One. He has phenomenal matches time after time. Shinsuke Nakamura always brings it on the big stage. His match this time last year with Ibushi was one the greatest. Put these two together, my god, we’re in for a treat.  Read More →

    IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada It’s the champion, Okada, against the Ace, Tanahashi. So much history, so much emotion, so many stellar matches together. This is the culmination a story that’s being going for years. Okada’s never beaten Tanahashi at the Dome, and he’s on a path to redemption after last year’s loss. This feels like it could be the end of an era. The passing of the torch. But don’t expect Tanahashi to move over without a fight. Read More →

  • Daily Update: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10, UFC 195 fall out

    We have a show up with Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez and Tom Lawlor covering last night’s UFC show, the Rizin show from New Year’s Eve and some wrestling.  We will be doing a show on the Tokyo Dome tomorrow afternoon and then on Raw later that night.

    Hope everyone had a Happy New Year.  We’re very appreciative of all the support you’ve given us over the past year and hopefully this next year will be a good one for everyone. 

    We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 10 at the Tokyo Dome as well as last nights’ UFC, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re also looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in  Hidalgo, TX (Roman Reigns vs Sheamus for WWE title) and Corpus Christi (Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title; Kane vs. Bray Wyatt).

    NEW JAPAN WRESTLE KINGDOM 10 – Follow along with Dave Meltzer here.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada for IWGP heavyweight title is the main event of this year’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom show. AJ Styles will attempt to win the Intercontinental title from Shinsuke Nakamura, not Dean Ambrose. Wrestle Kingdom 10 will also have a large presence of ROH including some surprises in the New Japan Rumble. This could be a very long show given they do not have American PPV time constraints. It’s too early to say, but from the line up, this could possibly be the show of the year. Click here for a New Japan Rumble spoiler entrant…

    Check out Zach Dominello’s full preview series.

    NEW JAPAN WRESTLE KINGDOM AT 2:15 A.M. LATE SUNDAY/EARLY MONDAY ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    There will be both a English and Japanese language feed for the show 

    New Japan Rumble

    Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta for IWGP jr. tag titles

    Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano vs. Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale for Never trios championships

    Jay Lethal vs. Michael Elgin for ROH championship

    Kenny Omega vs. Kushida for IWGP jr. title

    Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma for IWGP tag team titles

    Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito

    Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata for Never Open weight championship

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs. A.J. Styles for IC title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada for IWGP heavyweight title

    Raw will be Monday night from San Antonio with Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus for the WWE title with Vince McMahon as referee.

    NEW JAPAN NEW YEAR’S DASH AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TUESDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    No matches have been announced for the “Raw after Mania” show, but Kevin Kelly and Matt Striker will be calling the show in English and there will also be the Japanese feed..

    The first Smackdown on the USA Network will be taped on Tuesday night in Laredo.  Mauro Ranallo debuts as announcer and John Cena will be on the show.

    TNA ON POP TV AT 9 P.M. FROM BETHLEHEM, PA

    Matt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III

    Bobby Lashley vs Eric Young

    Winners of these two matches meet for the vacant TNA title

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 12/28/2015: Gawker files to dismiss Hogan lawsuit
    Details on Gawker filing to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit, plus other news.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    We have our annual business year in review as the lead of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week. We cover our awards balloting year from 12/1/14 to 11/30/15 looking at the biggest events and biggest draws, with the year’s biggest crowds, records set in several different companies, Cena compared to those in similar positions on the all-time list, the year’s PPV buys for every wrestling, MMA and boxing show, how this year compared with other years.

    Dwayne Johnson returning for WrestleMania, different ideas of where he may fit in, and his recent track record of WrestleMania matches.

    The history of New Japan on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome. The first New Japan Tokyo Dome show and its main event, what drew the first house, what Lou Thesz said to Antonio Inoki after the show and why Thesz thought the result was a good thing and why it ended up being a waste. We look at how this year’s show will differ from last year as well as a match-by-match rundown and a look at the history of the New Japan big four, Tanahashi, Okada, A.J. Styles and Nakamura, with all of their previous Tokyo Dome matches.

    Jonathan Coachman on HGH usage in WWE, why usage is so prevalent in certain types of sports and entertainment.

    WWE injury coverage, why WWE stars are doing more NBC media, how movies with Sting are doing at the box office, how the WWE’s head of medical came across in the movie “Concussion” plus a concussion expert on Daniel Bryan situation. Update on Nikki Bella, NXT sellouts, Brock Lesnar’s next match, Cena facing a surprise opponent, Chris Jericho on future, Royal Rumble, Sin Cara injury update, NXT in Dallas, the go-home show for WrestleMania, two international stars about to start with WWE and the Bayley character on the main roster.

    The holiday show in Madison Square Garden coverage, Ben Askren talks about One’s possibly revolutionary weight cutting regulations that could be the catalyst for changing MMA.  We look at the first Rizin show, the sad spectacle of Sakuraba, the pro wrestlers on the show, the mentality behind why certain people were on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Business year in review, Rock at Wrestlemania 32, tons more.

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    UFC 195 was No. 10 for most searched items on Google at 200,000, which would indicate a lower level PPV number, which most were expecting. 

    Carlos Condit’s talk about retirement last night wasn’t a spur of the moment emotional thing as he had talked about it for months, that if he didn’t win the title he was considering retiring. Condit landed 82 more significant strikes then Lawler, which is the greatest difference in strikes of any fighter who has ever lost a decision in UFC history.  What’s notable about the judging last night is that there were five close decisions, four splits and the unanimous decision win by Justine Kish over Nina Ansaroff.  Of those five fights, the media and judges disagreed on four of the five, all by significant margins.  For the Condit-Lawler fight, media scores were 15 for Condit, three for Lawler and two had it a draw.  We did our own poll which was 29% for Lawler, 64% for Condit and 7% had it a draw.   

    50,000 dollar performance bonuses were given Stipe Miocic and Michael McDonald. While Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler earned fight of the night. 

    F4WOnline.com’s staff prediction results: John Pollock went 5-0, Josh Nason, David Bixenspan, Mike Sawyer, Steve Juon, Mike Sempervive and Ryan Fredrick were 4-1, Paul Fontaine, me and Front Row Brian were 3-2.

    Cheeseburger and Delirious are both in Japan.  Cheeseburger will be in the Rumble tonight (opener at the Dome).  Delirious is there for business reasons.

    The talk from TNA on “The Miracle” debuting refers to the debut of Michael Bennett.

    WWE

    • We’ll see how this turns out, but as of yesterday the plan was for heavy promotion of Smackdown on Raw tomorrow since it’s the week it moves to USA.
    • Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and HHH are at today’s Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium and they were publicizing WrestleMania at the game.  
    • Natalya, who hasn’t been in the ring in eight weeks, is in Corpus Christi for the house show. so that would seem like she’s starting back tonight.
    • Suggestions for WWE in 2016 from WhatCulture.com

    UFC/MMA

    • The T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao title change will air on Monday night on FS 1 at 10 p.m.
    • A Bellator 2015 highlight video
    • In Victoria, Australia, state licensed agencies can’t take best on MMA

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • We are looking for reports from last nights’ PWG show in Reseda but we did get this:

    *Sam Roberts, Marina Sharif and a singer from Tool were at the show

    *Brian Cage beat Chris Dickinson

    *Timothy Thatcher beat Drew Gulak in a good technical match

    *Sami Callihan beat  Trevor Lee in an okay match

    *Drew Galloway beat Jack Evans in a good match

    *Adam Cole beat Speedball Mike Bailey in a good match

    *Zack Sabre Jr. beat Akira Tozawa.  Huge reaction for both and a great match.  People chanted match of the year at them when it was over

    *Roderick Strong beat Chris Hero to retain the PWG title

    • There was a question on the audio show about the origin of the name Iron Mike, which has been a pro wrestling nickname for guys named Mike dating back to the 40s if not earlier.  It’s a slang term for a Marine that is believed to have originated in World War I.  It was at first the name of a piece of equipment on a ship but was later used for Marines that were really tough, and there are Iron Mike statues at various military bases and academies around the country. (thanks to Karl Stern).
    • Also, to make it clear, regarding Asen Yamamoto, I’ve confused at times his father because Miyu Yamamoto was married three times.  His biological father is Nobuyasu Ikeda, a famous soccer player.  The Olympic skier, Akira Sasaki, was his stepfather.  He was using the name Asen Sasaki as an amateur wrestler when competing internationally.  He got really over on the New Year’s Eve show, but as Tom Lawlor noted, if his goal is the 2020 Olympics, he really should stay away from MMA.  Because rules and tendencies and reflexes are different, a lot of great wrestlers have gone into MMA as regulars and it has taken the edge off their competition wrestling. (thanks to Robert Sandholzer)
    • Here are the names listed for the Icons of Pro Wrestling convention on 4/16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia (before a Tommy Dreamer House of Hardcore promotion show):  Mil Mascaras, Shawn Michaels, Dreamer, Ricky Steamboat, Stan Hansen, Ron Bass, Abyss, Billy Gunn, Bill Apter, Justin Credible, Brian Cage, Cliff Compton, Kevin Thorn, Maven, Curt Hawkins, Amber Gallows, Danny Cage, Blue Meanie, Sabu, Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards.
    • MTV did a story on why your girlfriends love pro wrestling
    • LLE today at Arena Mexico has Caristico vs. Negro Casas in a singles match and Black Warrior & La Mascara & Rush vs. Cibernetico & Sharly Rockstar & Mephisto, who are the new Hell Brothers.
    • Real Sports on HBO highlighted stories from the last 20 years in its December episode available on VOD.  There was a clip of Vince McMahon that made it, as did Chris Nowinski in a 2007 story about football players and concussions.  Roddy Piper’s interview on the deaths of wrestlers wasn’t on it, nor was anyone from wrestling besides Vince (thanks to Jeff Cohen)
    • Masked Republic’s LuchaShop.com is having a 2016 sale with all merchandise 16% off through midnight Pacific time tonight using the code NY2016.  There is a ton of Lucha Libre merchandise there.
    • In Your Face Wrestling on 3/12 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center featuring Bob Holly, Scott Norton and Cody Deaner.  They also run on 1/16 in Albany at the Polish Community Center.
    • Magen Boys Entertainment and Action for Autism on 1/27 in Vaughan, ONT at The Avenue Banquet Hall with Nikolai Volkoff, Brodus Clay, Rhino, Brutus Beefcake and Virgil.
    • Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 1/16 in Ottawa, ONT at 379 Waverly St. with a 20 man Rumble.
    • Declaration of Anarchy III on 2/7 in Toronto at The Rockpile.
    • A show on 1/16 at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando is billing Santana Garrett vs. Barbi Hayden with the winner getting a tour to Japan in February.  Garrett is booked on the tour but she’s putting up her spot on the tour in a billed stipulation.  Results from last night’s show:  Santana Garrett & Lince Dorado b Slade Porter & Rex Bacchus, Tyranus b Alexx Light, Brandon Scherer b Steve Weiner, Braydon Knight b Chico Adams, Mike Reed & Josh Hess b Gabriel Black & Josh Parker, Rhett Ghiddins b Ace Andrews, Jonny Vandal & Aaron Epic b Michael Patrick & Leo Brien. (thanks to Al Haft)
    • Brain Buster Pro Wrestling on 2/13 in Hollywood, FL at VFW Post 2500.   
    • A story on the pro wrestling holiday tradition in Florida
    • A story on what live theater can learn from pro wrestling

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (01/03): Freebirds win WCCW 6 Man Tag Team Titles

  • NJPW Festival 2016 report: New rookies debut

    Here is what went down tonight at NJPW Wrestling Festival 2016, a Axxess-like event featuring matches between wrestlers who are not on the main WrestleKingdom 10 card. It will also feature the debut of two new rookies, Kanemitsu Teruaki and Kawato Hirai as they face off against long time young lions Sho Tanaka and Yohei Komatsu, respectively.

    Hirai Kawato  vs. Yohei Komatsu

    Hirai is only eighteen. Just to compare, Yohei is 27. Okada is 28. Weird how some guys start older while some start younger. He looked fine here as it was mostly a chain grappling match. People were behind Kawato immediately, chanting his name. I guess that’s because it’s his first match. Komatsu won with the Boston crab.

    Teruaki Kanemitsu vs. Sho Tanaka

    Same deal here. First part of the match was chain grappling. Kanemitsu busted out a dropkick and a gutwrench, but ultimately Tanaka got the win with a Boston crab. Interesting to see both of the older younger lions control the match. Kanemitsu looked fine here as well for his first ever match.

    Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Jay White vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & David Finlay

    Another short match. It was good enough for what it was, which was a typical New Japan six man. White was pinned here via a Dorada Screwdriver by Mascara Dorada.

    Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Juice Robinson

    This got more time than the other matches. Another solid match. CNJ, Nagata and Nakanishi worked as the heels. CNJ did the Mongolian chops to irritate Tenzan and the crowd booed. They all worked on Robinson for a bit. One funny spot was Robinson doing his punches, hit the last one, and Nagata responded by doing a Flair flop. Kojima got the pin for his team with a diamond cutter followed by a lariat.

    Other show notes:

    At one point Yuji Nagata came out and introduced two new young lions, Oka and Kitamura. Oka is a national wrestling champion that’s been in the dojo off and on for a while while Kitamura is a freestyle wrestler who was undefeated from 2008 to 2010. Kitamura in particular looks gigantic and already has a presence about him. Let’s just say WWE would probably sign him on the spot if he weren’t 5’11.

    The first Lion’s Gate show will be on 2/25. This was the concept introduced last year where young wrestlers would be brought in from various promotions. The new young lions debuting tonight (Kanemitsu and Kawato) will be a part of that show.

    Rest of the stream, besides a few comedy segments with celebrities and Ryusuke Taguchi, was dedicated to promos for tomorrow’s show. Nothing noteworthy other than good promos from Elgin and Tama Tonga. Kushida said his second was about to arrive in Japan for tomorrow’s show, which is probably Shelley if I were a betting man.

  • UFC 195 feedback, Lawler vs. Condit fight of the night

    UFC 195

    Thumbs way up. Some upsets, burst bubbles, and stylistic surprises, and as expected an off the chart main event. Some questionable decisions but what else is new.

    Best fight: Lawler-Condit

    Worst fight: wasn’t one

    Best performance: Condit even losing

    KO: Stipe

    Sub: Ortega

    Sheldon Westcott eats a couple of Edgar Garcia right hands and very quickly takes it down, ties him in knots, and gets the rather late TKO off about a zillion unanswered punches. Michonori Tanaka aggressive early but Joe Soto threatens off his back throughout and comes on very strong in the 3rd. Entertaining and competitive. 29-28 split Tanaka. Soto would have won by whole fight but by the rounds/points system you can see how it went that way. Dustin Poirer looks outstanding back at LW busting the Joe Duffy bubble, taking a wide but also entertaining and competitive UD with one 30-26.

    Striker Drew Dober surprisingly widely dominates the TD game and takes the 29-28 upset UD over wrestler Scott Holtzman. Similarly, Nina Ansaroff outstrikes Justine Kish, who seems overanxious, and Kish comes on late to dominate the ground game. Could go either way. Kish takes the the UD with two 30-27s, which seems weird, as Ansaroff certainly looked to win the 1st. Alex Morono takes a dubious 29-28 x 2, 27-30 SD over Kyle Noke in a very close one. Michael McDonald looking very rusty after two years off gets used as a mat rag by Masanori Kanehara but somehow reverses a sunk-looking arm tri into RNC for the tap in the 2nd. 

    Tony Sims looks good early at long range and stuffing Abel Trujillo’s TD, but Trujillo counters a power double with a Guillotine for the tap. He’s so strong he didn’t even need proper position, getting pressure using his neck, shoulder and chest. Facially Trujillo and Roman Reigns could be twins.

    Diego Brandao outboxes and outwrestles Brian Ortega for 2 1/2 rounds but misses a punch badly in the 3rd allowing Ortega to get position to chain subs till he locks up a triangle for the tap.

    Very interesting fight that might have been too subtle for the audience. Basically Lorenz Larkin’s low kicks vs. Albert Tumenov’s body punches. Very close. Like the earlier fight whole fight scoring would be Larkin who finished strong but points go 29-28 split Tumenov. Not popular decision. Both looked very good.

    A bigger bubble bursts as Stipe Miocic catches Andrei Arlovski’s always questionable chin with a short right that rocks him and does not let him off the hook and it’s over in 54s. Stipe screams at Dana for a title shot, which seems unarguable. Stipe was just ranting (not in a bad way) and I think on his promo he said at one point ‘I’m CM Punk, bro.’

    Carlos Condit turns in a career-best performance in his WW title challenge to Robbie Lawler. Most fluid and instinctive he’s ever looked. Pattern is set in the 1st with Condit constantly moving and leading and Robbie looking to counter after Carlos scores a flash KD. He then dictates the rest of the round, 10-9. Pattern holds in the 2nd but Robbie finds the range and drops Carlos, a lot harder and has him in brief trouble and evens it up. The 3rd is the swing round as it turns out with Carlos again just much much busier and Robbie throwing very little but landing most of it clean and hard. I thought the sheer volume made it Condit’s round. The 4th was similar until late when Carlos rocked Robbie late and had him in some trouble and I thought was enough for a 10-8. The corner told Robbie he needed a KO and he went out and tried to get it, hitting Carlos with everything but the kitchen sink, but he couldn’t drop him and Carlos fought back every time. Early round of the year candidate and fight of the year also. Robbie took the 5th, borderline but IMO not quite 10-8. Both collapsed against the fence at the bell. I had Condit 49-46 but the judges went 48-47 split for Robbie. No losers here. A rematch could be called for but Carlos said he may retire.

    Crimson Mask

    Good morning Dave, 
    I ordered the show on UFC.tv with a fight pass discount.  I definitely got my money’s worth.  A solid thumbs up show, with very good prelims, and a great main event.  I think a rematch at UFC 200 or that weekend HAS TO happen (sorry Tyrone).  And have a #1 contender fight on standby that weekend.  I scored the main event 47-47, with the champ winning rounds 2, 3, 5 @ 10-9.  I scored Condit winning 1 @ 10-9 and 4 @ 10-8.  Lawler did nothing in 4 and CC’s striking stats showed I was justified having a 10-8 score.  

    Happy WK Eve,
    James Brown

    Thumbs up

    Best fight Robbie Lawler vs Carlos Condit

    Worst fight Drew Dober vs Scott Holtzman

    Best KO Stipe Miocic

    Best Sub Michael MacDonald

    Best Performance Robbie Lawler & Carlos Condit

    Robbie and Carlos was a war, scored it for Condit but 3rd round was so close that i cant be upset about it, way more upset over the Kyle Noke decision. Poirier vs Duffy was also a great fight that is gonna go unnoticed because it aired on Fight Pass and due to the main event euphoria

    Wade Haugen

    Thumbs Up

    Best Fight: Lawler vs. Condit

    What a terrible decision.  I could see a draw if you gave Lawler a 10-8 2nd round and a 10-9 5th but I can’t see how you give him the fight.  Rest of the show was fun if not inconsequential outside of the Miocic KO win.  

    Mike Hiscoe

    Thumbs up show fight of the night lawler vs condit. Worst fight was Justine kish vs Nina Anasaroff. Just an awesome main event. I think the reason I had lawler winning 48-47 was in that third round even though condit threw more, a lot of the punches didn’t land while when they were exchanging lawler got the better of him. Three was the only close round. Every other one was solid by condit in 1 and 4 while lawler in 2 and 5. Again great show.

    Corey Lieb

    Thumbs up. Best fight lawler vs condit. Think fight is great but being overhyped. Maybe best round 5 I’ve seen, but lot of fight was lawler failing to get off. I scored 3 to 2 for condit. Lawler would have won pride rules. Enjoyed lawler macdonald and lawler Hendricks both times better. Wish Hendricks hadn’t missed weight as I still think he and lawler is best fight to make. Love condit but don’t think he’s top 3 in division at moment. Other than lawler , think Hendricks, woodley, and macdonald all beat him. Don’t think this decision was any more controversial than Hendricks lawler 2 which I thought was more clearly for Hendricks than this was for lawler. 

    All that said, loved the fight. 

    Mark Libell

    Thumbs way up.
    Best match was obviously Lawler/Condit. One of the best fights ever, I think. Hope they run it back, I’d pay double to watch it.
    Worst match I’d say Kish/Ansaroff for lacking anything that looked like pro-level technique.
    With that main event, easy thumbs up, but the co-main was a great performance and Brian Ortega and Michael McDonald had 2 outstanding submissions. Fun show on the whole.

    Jeremy Sexton

  • Daily pro wrestling history (01/03): Freebirds win WCCW 6 Man Tag Team Titles

    1952

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Heart of America Champion Bob Orton Sr. beat The Masked Monster 2/3 falls (“Masked Monster” unmasked revealing Slim Zimbleman)
    – Chief Big Heart and Dutch Hefner drew in 45-minutes 
    – Jim Coffield beat Dick Hatcher  

    1957 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Stan Mykietowich and Ted Stefanyk defeated Frenchy Champagne and John DePaulo for the Madison Wrestling Club Tag Team Title 

    Amarillo, Texas:
    – Dizzy Davis defeated Jim Wright to win the Amarillo version of the NWA North American Heavyweight Title

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Tag Team Champions, Ernie Dusek and Joe Dusek beat Mighty Atlas and Bob Orton to retain titles
    – Sonny  Myers beat Mario DeSouza  

    1963

    Rochester, Minnesota:
    – Non Title:Doug Gilbert & Dick Steinborn beat AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne no contest Rocky Hamilton
    – Gene Anderson beat Pepe Gonzales

    1964 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Destroyer defeated Mad Dog Vachon to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    1965

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Pat Patterson defeated Pepper Martin for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Johnny Valentine defeated The Sheik to win the Toronto version of the NWA United States Heavyweight Title

    1970

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon beat Flying Redheads Red Bastien & Billy Red Lyons
    – The Crusher beat Luke Graham
    – Dr X beat Joe Scarpello
    – Blackjack Lanza beat Bob Windham
    – Lars Anderson beat Buddy Smith

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Bill Watts
    – Chain Gang Jim Dillinger & Jack Dillinger beat Wilbur Snyder & Moose Cholak
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Larry Hennig
    – Pepper Gomez beat Angelo Poffo

    1974

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Mike George & Jim Brunzell defeated Chuck Riley & Taro Kabayoshi
    – Tokyo Joe defeated Jim Ledford
    – Baron Scicluna & Bob Orton defeated Frank Diamond & Danny Little Bear
    – Bob Brown defeated Pat O’Connor via DQ
    – Lord Alfred Hayes & Roger Kirby defeated Harley Race & Rufus R. Jones in three falls

    1976

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher beat Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Pampero Firpo beat Baron Von Raschke
    – Greg Gagne beat Kim Duk
    – Jim Brunzell no contest Bobby Duncum
    – Larry Hennig beat Frankie Hill
    – Jos Leduc beat Don Wade
    – Khosrow Vaziri beat Paul Perschmann

    1977

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Bruiser Brody defeated Fritz Von Erich to win the World Class American Heavyweight Title 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Dutch Mantel and David Schultz defeated Danny Little Bear and Chief Thundercloud for the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title

    1978

    Birmingham, Alabama:
    – Randy Savage defeated Don Kent for the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title 

    1980 

    Jackson, Tennessee:
    – Jimmy Valiant won the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title from Jerry Lawler

    1981

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher beat Jerry Blackwell & John Studd by countout
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Robinson
    – Tito Santana beat King Kong Brody dq
    – Bobo Brazil beat Bobby Vann
    – Spike Huber beat Ali Hassan
    – Steve Regal drew El Bracero
    – Jerry Graham Jr beat Buck Zumhofe

    1983

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – The Great Kabuki defeated Al Madril to win the World Class Television Title

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – Tully Blanchard defeated Bob Sweetan in a tournament final for the vacant Southwest Championship Wrestling Southwest Heavyweight Title

    1986

    Dallas, Texas:
    – The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy, Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts) defeated Brian Adias and Kerry and Kevin Von Erich to win the World Class Six-Man Tag Team Title

    1987

    Topeka, Kansas:
    – Bill Dundee defeated Sam Houston to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title 

    1988 

    Montgomery, Alabama:
    – Moondog Spot defeated Tom Prichard for the NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Abdullah The Butcher & TNT beat Jumbo Tsuruta & Great Kabuki
    – Non Title: AWA Champion Curt Hennig dcor John Tenta
    – Genichiro Tenryu & Ashara Hara & Samson Fuyuki beat Yoshiaki Yatsu & Wajima & Ishikawa
    – Shohei Giant Baba & Akira Taue beat Kimura & Gori Tsurumi
    – Buddy Landel beat Toshiaki Kawada
    – Tiger Mask II & Nakano beat Pete Roberts & Paul Harris

    1993

    Windsor Locks, Connecticut:
    – The Tazmaniac defeated Flex Wheeler in a tournament final to become the first Century Wrestling Alliance Light Heavyweight Champion 

    1996

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich win the USWA Tag Team Title defeating Jesse James Armstrong and Tracy Smothers 

    1999

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Rip Rogers defeated Doug Basham for the OVW Heavyweight Title

    2000

    Greenville, South Carolina:
    – David Flair and Crowbar defeated Kevin Nash and Scott Steiner in the finals of a one night tournament to win the vacant WCW World Tag Team Titles

    Miami, Florida:
    – Triple H defeated the Big Show to win the WWF Title

    2004 

    Bayaman, Puerto Rico:
    – Abdullah the Butcher won the Universal Heavyweight Title from Carly Colon
    – Jose Rivera, Jr. defeated Eddie Colon for the vacant WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title

  • Carlos Condit talking retirement, other UFC 195 post-show notes

    Dana White said he believed Carlos Condit won the fight 3 rounds to 2.  Media scores had 15 for Condit, three for Lawler and two had it a draw.

    Every judge agreed that Lawler won rounds two and five and Condit won one and four.  It came down to the third round, where Tony Weeks gave it to Condit, while Chris Lee and Derek Cleary gave it to Lawler.

    The big surprise post-match is that Condit talked of retiring.

    “It’s not an emotional thing,” said Condit, who didn’t appear mad at all about losing the decision, even though he said he felt he won rounds one, three and five. “I’m not really dejected. I have to evaluate, but there’s a possibility this fight will be the last one. I’ve been doing this a long time, over 40 professional MMA fights.  I came up short tonight.  I don’t know.  Tonight was kind of a do-or-die moment for my career.  I was all in.  If I got the strap, I was going to keep on fighting.  If I didn’t, I’d have to see if I can continue to do this.”

    White pushed pretty strongly that he agreed Stipe Miocic deserved the next heavyweight title shot, but was noncommittal about whether Condit would get a rematch.

    We will have more on this story, UFC 195, the Tokyo Dome and more weekend news on the new Wrestling Observer Radio.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (01/02): Arn Anderson wins WCW TV Title

    1947

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Bobby Bruns 2 out of 3 falls
    – Ray Villmer beat Ernie Dusek 2 out of 3 falls
    – Ed Virag defeated Karl Von Herbert 

    1958 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Herb Freeman and Henry Lenz defeated Kurt Von Himmler and Juan Oinada for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Champion Dick Hutton beat Thor Hagen 2 falls to 1 to retain the title
    – Ronnie Etchison and Sonny Myers beat Lou Plummer and Tommy O’Toole 2 falls to 1
    – Otto Von Krupp beat Bobby Bruns 

    1959

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Fred Blassie defeated Ray Gunkel to win the NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Title

    1963

    Fargo, North Dakota:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Moose Evans
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff beat Larry Hennig & Pepe Gonzales
    – Karol Kalmikoff drew Pepe Gonzales

    1965

    Waterloo, Iowa:
    – Sonny Myers defeated Tom Clark for the Central States version of the NWA United States Heavyweight Title 

    1970 

    Dothan, Alabama:
    – Dick Dunn defeated Rocket Monroe to win the NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title

    1971

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Ripper Collins defeated Johnny Barend for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title

    1976

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Terry Funk beat Pat O’Connor
    – Dick the Bruiser & Rocky Johnson beat Ox Baker & Stan Stasiak
    – Missouri State Champion Harley Race drew Rufus R Jones
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel no contest Joe Blanchard
    – Jerry Oates beat Lord Alfred Hayes dq

    1977

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Cage match: The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell & Bill Francis beat Pierre Poisson & Moose Morowski & Baron Von Raschke
    – Larry Hennig beat Bobby Duncum
    – Roger Kirby beat Peter Maivia dq
    – Chris Taylor beat Rodeo Jones

    1979

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Dick Slater defeated Jos LeDuc to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title 

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Randy Alls (Randy Rose) defeated Dick Murdoch to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title 

    1980

    San Francisco, California:
    – Ox Baker defeated Bruiser Brody for the World Class American Heavyweight Title 

    1981 

    Orlando, Florida:
    – Mike Graham and Barry Windham defeated The Cowboy Connection (Bobby Jaggers and R.T. Tyler) to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Title 

    1982

    Hampton, Virginia:
    – Jimmy Valiant defeated Ivan Koloff for the NWA Television Title 

    1983 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jacques Rougeau defeated Sabu the Wildman (Coco Samoa) to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title 

    1987

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The MOD Squad (Basher and Spike) defeated Todd Champion and Dave Peterson for the NWA Central States Tag Team Titles

    1988

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Yoshiaki Yatsu & Jumbo Tsuruta beat Genichiro Tenryu & Ashara Hara
    – Wajima beat Abdullah The Butcher dq
    – John Tenta won battle royal
    – Tiger Mask II (Misawa) beat AWA Champion Curt Hennig COR
    – John Tenta & Great Kabuki beat Black Assassin & TNT
    – Akira Taue & Shohei Giant Baba beat Buddy Landel & Paul Harris

    1990

    Gainesville, Georgia:
    – Arn Anderson defeated The Great Muta to win the NWA World Television Title

    1991

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Danny Davis defeated Joseph Magliano (Joey Maggs) for the USWA Junior Heavyweight Title 

    1996 

    Morresville, North Carolina:
    – The Equalizer and George South defeated The Italian Stallion and Star Ryder to win the Pro Wrestling Federation Tag Team Championship

    1997

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Brian Christopher defeated Wolfie D to win the USWA Heavyweight Title

    2015

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Mascara Dorada defeated Negro Casas Jr in a tournament final to win  the vacant CMLL welterweight title

    FLORIDA WRESTLING HISTORY (thanks to Barry Rose) 

    1941 – Roland Kirchmeyer beat Bulldog Lee Henning

    1964 – Eddie Graham beat Bob Orton Sr. via DQ (Jacksonville)

    1965 – Corsica Joe & Corsica Jean beat Lou Bastien (Lou Klein) & Dick Steinborn (Lakeland)

    1967 – Lester Welch & Sammy Steamboat beat The Infernos (Fort Myers)

    1967 – Don Curtis & Jose Lothario drew Duke Keomuke & Taki Yamaguchi over 60:00 (Orlando)

    1968 – Joe Scarpa (Jay Strongbow) beat Johnny Valentine (Tampa)

    1969 – Jack Brisco & Nick Kozak beat The Medics (Interns) (Jacksonville)

    1973 – Dick Slater beat Bob Griffin in a loser leaves town match (Fort Myers)

    1974 – Dusty Rhodes beat Paul Jones via DQ (Miami Beach)

    1979 – Harley Race drew Terry Funk over 60:00 to retain the NWA title (Tampa)

    1980 – Dusty Rhodes beat Bugsy McGraw in a lights out match (Miami Beach)

    1983 – Barry Windham & Ron Bass beat Jake Roberts & Kevin Sullivan in a double bullrope match (Orlando)

    1984 – Blackjack Mulligan beat Ron Bass in a chain match (West Palm Beach)

    1985 – Ric Flair beat Sweet Brown Sugar (Skip Young) to retain the NWA title (Miami Beach)

  • UFC 195 Lawler vs Condit: The Observer ’16 Picks Contest

    After a great year in terms of both business and fight action, UFC rings in the New Year with UFC 195. While this show won’t break any business records, it’s quite likely that we’ll get an early contender for Fight of the Year in the main event as welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler defends his belt against Carlos Condit. We’ve also got a de facto #1 contender bout at heavyweight as Andrei Arlovski tries to turn back the hands of time and get another shot at a UFC title in the latter part of his career. But he’ll have to get past the ultra-tough Stipe Miocic, coming off a brutal 5-round destruction of Mark Hunt.

    There are some changes to our panel this year and also in terms of the fights we’ll be picking. With UFC putting more emphasis on their Fight Pass streaming service, the biggest fights aren’t always going to be on the main card. In this case, we’ll be looking at three fights from the main card, one from the Fox Sports One prelims and one from the Fight Pass portion.

    Here’s the panel this year. With 2015 Champion Jack Encarnacion retiring after a great 2015, Stevie J is the man to beat from this group:

    • Dave Meltzer – Wrestling Observer founder
    • Mike Sempervive – Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
    • Front Row Brian – MMA newsbreaker, Beloved internet personality, Podcast host
    • John Pollock – Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
    • Steve Juon – MMA Fighting/Wrestling Observer writer. Angry Marks founder
    • David Bixenspan – Figure Four Weekly writer, podcast host
    • Mike Sawyer – Tough Talk MMA
    • Josh Nason – Host of Josh Nason’s Punch Out; writer/editor WrestlingObserver.com, WON Twitter guy
    • Ryan Frederick – WrestlingObserver.com UFC reporter
    • Paul Fontaine – MMADraws.com founder, WrestlingObserver.com writer

    *****

    > UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler (26-10-0-1) vs. Carlos Condit (30-8)

    Lawler won the title after battling former champion Johnny Hendricks in two straight five round wars that most had as a dead heat. He defended the belt against Rory McDonald at UFC 189 in the co-main event underneath Conor McGregor-Chad Mendes in what most consider the fight of the year. Condit is the former WEC welterweight champion and UFC interim welterweight champion who will try to reclaim title glory here. He was last seen knocking out Thiago Alves in a two round destruction back in May upon his return.

    Lawler(very slight favorite): Stevie J, Nason, Fontaine, Bix, Pollock. Sempervive
    Condit: Front Row Brian, RFred, Sawyer, Meltzer

    > Stipe Miocic (13-2) vs. Andrei Arlovski (25-10-0-1)
    Heavyweights

    Miocic destroyed Mark Hunt in his last fight, a fight that was probably stopped about a round and a half late. He’s seemingly been on the verge of a title fight for years now but with a win here is virtually guaranteed to get it. Arlovski returned to UFC in 2014 and has since rung up four straight wins, last beating Frank Mir in a lackluster three round fight last September. It would be a great story if he were to win, but our panel doesn’t give him much of a chance.

    Miocic (big favorite): Stevie J, Front Row Brian, RFred, Sawyer, Nason. Bix, Pollock, Sempervive, Meltzer
    Arlovski: Fontaine

    > Brian Ortega (9-0-1) vs. Diego Brandao (20-10)
    Featherweights

    Ortega is an unbeaten fighter who competes for the third time in UFC on Saturday night. He was first seen with a dominant submission win that was later overturned due to a drug test failure in 2014. He returned to KO Thiago Tavares after serving his suspension. Brandao is a former TUF winner who has rattled off two straight early KOs since being knocked out by Conor McGregor in the main event of the first UFC Dublin show.

    Ortega(favorite): Stevie J, RFred, Sawyer, Nason, Fontaine, Bix, Pollock, Sempervive, Meltzer
    Brandao: Front Row Brian

    > Michael McDonald (16-3) vs. Masanori Kanehara (25-12-5)
    Bantamweights

    The big story here is that Michael McDonald returns after over 2 years away. The former title challenger is still just 24-years old and could be a player in that division with an impressive win here. Kanehara is not being given much of a chance by our panel or the oddsmakers. He is coming off a decision loss to non-contender Rani Yahya, so perhaps that opinion is not unwarranted. Who knows if the ring rust will be a factor here for McDonald though?

    McDonald (massive favorite): Stevie J, Front Row Brian, RFred, Sawyer, Nason, Fontaine, Bix, Pollock, Sempervive, Meltzer

    > Dustin Poirier (18-4) vs. Joe Duffy (14-1)
    Lightweights

    This will be the Fight Pass “headliner” and in the eyes of many, it’s the third biggest fight on the card. This fight was originally scheduled to headline the Fight Pass show from Dublin a few months back but Duffy had to pull out due to injury so we get the fight here on Saturday night. Poirier has looked absolutely unstoppable since moving to 155, scoring dominant first round KO’s in both of his fights.  Prior to losing his last featherweight fight to current champion Conor McGregor, he’d also rung up two straight KO’s at 145. Duffy is, of course, the last man to beat McGregor (early in both men’s careers) and has looked great in UFC, kicking off his career with 2 straight first round stoppage wins. This fight should be quick and violent.

    Poirier: Front Row Brian, RFred, Pollock
    Duffy (moderate favorite): Stevie J, Sawyer, Nason, Fontaine, Bix, Sempervive, Meltzer

    *****

    The show kicks off at 6:30 eastern with the UFC Fight Pass portion of the show. At 8 pm eastern, action moves over to FS 1 for the prelims and the PPV kicks off at 10 pm eastern. Dave Meltzer will have live fight coverage here and Ryan Frederick will provide live Twitter updates throughout the show as well.

  • UFC 195 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

    The UFC kicks off 2016 on Saturday with UFC 195 from Las Vegas. It also marks the second year of UFC action on DraftKings, and they are celebrating with a big contest. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid in helping you set your line-ups for this weekend’s big event.

    STUDS

    Michael McDonald ($11,000)

    Michael McDonald is the biggest favorite and has the highest salary of all of the fighters on the UFC 195 card, and for good reason. Despite being out of action for just over two years, McDonald is still one of the best bantamweights in the world, with knockout power and good submission skills. He is still young at just 24-years-old. He gets a fairly beatable test in his return to action in Masanori Kanehara. Kanehara hasn’t shown to be much of a threat at 135 pounds yet, and is a journeyman fighter of 42 career bouts, but just two in the UFC. He also doesn’t have the most impressive record. This fight is set up as a perfect bounce back for McDonald, and we expect him to get the job done quickly.

    Brian Ortega ($10,300)

    Brian Ortega is a rising featherweight with an undefeated record, and he gets showcased on the main card of UFC 195 as the UFC looks to build his resume. It will be another tough bout for him as he takes on former TUF winner Diego Brandao. Ortega passed a tough test in finishing Thiago Tavares in his last fight, but he was pushed to the limit. Brandao will be a foe that pushes him to the limit too. However, Brandao tends to crack under pressure, and Ortega will bring the pressure. Brandao has never put it together against a top opponent, and while Ortega isn’t there yet, he will be one day. I like Ortega’s chances of finishing Brandao, and he’s a good pick at his salary.

    VALUE PLAYS

    Dustin Poirier ($8,800)

    It is surprising that Dustin Poirier is as big of an underdog as he is to Joseph Duffy, and his salary shows that. I actually think the betting line should be closer, but to his credit, Duffy is 14-1 in his career while Poirier is 6-3 in his last nine fights. Poirier has looked outstanding since making the move up to 155 pounds with two first-round finishes, and his striking has looked crisp. Poirier is a finisher and so is Duffy. It is rare for a higher-ranked fighter to be an underdog, and with Duffy being the one to pull out the last time they were scheduled to fight, that could provide Poirier more motivation to finish Duffy. I like Poirier at his salary.

    Kyle Noke ($8,500)

    This is one everyone should be taking advantage of. When the salaries were originally released for the event, Kyle Noke was scheduled to fight Kelvin Gastelum. He was a big underdog, and his salary reflected that. Gastelum, however, was forced out of the fight. Noke now fights Alex Morono, and DraftKings policy is to not change salaries after they are released, so Noke retains his low salary. With him fighting an opponent making his UFC debut on short notice, Noke is actually a big favorite in the fight. He is coming off a first-round finish of Peter Sobotta in his last bout. With his salary remaining low, Noke should be a must-play on your roster.

    AVOID

    Sheldon Westcott ($10,200)

    Sheldon Westcott is still in search of his first UFC win, and he finds himself in a must-win situation in the opener of UFC 195. His opponent, Edgar Garcia, is in the same position. The loser of the bout is likely cut from the promotion. Westcott hasn’t been impressive during his time inside the Octagon and isn’t a fighter who racks up a lot of points during his bouts. He may get the win over Garcia, but he doesn’t strike me as someone who will maximize value at his salary. I will be avoiding him in my line-ups.

    Nina Ansaroff ($8,700)

    Nina Ansaroff has an umimpressive 6-4 record in her career, but she has won five of her last six bouts. She did lose her UFC debut to Juliana Lima, and had her last fight cancelled the day of the fight when she fell ill during rehydration. She missed weight for that scheduled fight against Rose Namajunas. She makes her return against Justine Kish, a 4-0 strawweight making her UFC debut after dealing with a knee injury. Kish is a solid fighter and a big favorite, and she should get the win. With that, I’m fading Ansaroff in my line-ups.

    OUR LINEUPS:

    RYAN FREDERICK: Michael McDonald ($11,000), Stipe Miocic ($10,500), Brian Ortega ($10,300), Dustin Poirier ($8,800), Kyle Noke ($8,500)

    I like Michael McDonald to get an impressive and quick finish in his UFC return. Stipe Miocic has a good salary and I think he finishes Andrei Arlovski. He is also a volume striker with good takedowns and will come at Arlovski a lot while the fight lasts. Brian Ortega should get the finish of Diego Brandao. I like Dustin Poirier against Joseph Duffy at his salary. Finally, I’m going with Kyle Noke. His salary is too good to pass up against a late replacement who will come in overmatched. I’m sensing all five of these guys winning, and winning by stoppage.

    PAUL FONTAINE: Joseph Duffy ($10,600), Albert Tumenov ($10,100), Abel Trujillo ($10,000), Robbie Lawler ($9,800), Andrei Arlovski ($8,900)

    Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit should have a war with a ton strikes thrown and someone getting KO’d. My money’s on the champion here. Arlovski is a bit of a chance but if he connects, Miocic could get dropped early and Miocic has had a tendency to choke when he gets close to a title shot, as he is now. Tumenov is one of the most underrated fighters in any weight class, although not here by the people that sest the Draft Kings salaries. I like the Russian to ring up his fifth straight UFC win as he marches toward the top 10. Trujillo is either going to get knocked out or knock someone out and I think this is his turn to do the latter. Sims looked good in his UFC debut against Steve Montgomery but not so much in his follow-up fight. I like Trujillo to come out with an early blitz and finish Sims. My last pick may be the fight I’m most looking forward to and that’s Joseph Duffy. I love this fight and I think either guy could win but I think the extra size and power  of the Irishman is going to come into play here and end up with a 3rd straight stoppage win for the last man to beat Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor (couldn’t get through this without saying that!). 

    PEACH MACHINE: Scott Holtzman ($10,400), Albert Tumenov ($10,100), Abel Trujillo ($10,000), Robbie Lawler ($9,800), Dustin Poirier ($8,800)

    I love Lawler to light up Condit big time and score mega points en route to a late stoppage. Poirier is gonna waffle this kid. Just because he’s Irish, everyone’s super into Duffy. DP is gonna stick a potato in his ear. Holtzman is a late replacement but he’s been training solidly for a fight since his first tilt in August and actually asked for a match on short notice. I saw him live in August and just saw him train in Glendale. He’s going to be too fast for Dober and get a finish. Tumenov is going to ground and pound Larkin for three rounds. Trujillo will bounce back from a loss and smash Tony Sims. I’m actually feeling pretty good about my picks this week.