Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 75: Barnett vs. Nelson from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event is headlined by former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett returning from a long layoff to take on Roy Nelson. In the co-main event slot, it will be Gegard Mousasi taking on Uriah Hall in middleweight action. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 8 PM eastern time on FOX Sports 2. The action moves over to FOX Sports 1 at 10 PM eastern time for the main card. Enjoy the fights all.
First round: Zapata tried a kick to the head. Anzai working for a takedown. Now throwing punches as he borke. He went for another takedown. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai got him down. Anzai keeping him down but doing no damage. Anzai tried a takedown, Zapata held the cage to block but the ref missed it. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai 10-9.
Second round: Zapata kicked the body. Zapata with punches but Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai landed a punch, Zapata landed several back and Anzai took him down but Zapata right back up. Anzai took him down again even with Zapata grabbing the cage. Anzai got his back now. Zapata got back up and trying for a takedown himself. Anzai 20-18.
Third round: Anzai with a nice right. They called a time out. Zapata hurt his finger. He didn’t want the doctor to look at it. You’re not supposed to stop the fight due to an injury for a time out. The ref realized it and he had to stop the fight since he can’t call a time out.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NAOYUKI KOTANI VS. KAJAN JOHNSON
First round: Johnson landed a right. Johnson landed a left. High kick by Johnson. Johnson hurt him with a right and a high kick. Kotani went for a takedown but couldn’t get it. Spin kick by Johnson. Johnson 10-9.
Second round: Kotani with a body kick. Body kick by Johnson. Johnson dropped him with a right. Johnson landing punches from the top. He’s landing several good shots from the top. Kotani got back to his feet. Crowd popped for that. Knee by Johnson dropped Kotani. Johnson on top landing punches and elbows. Kotani in real trouble. Kotani back up. Johnson staggered him again. Johnson, I’d go 10-8, because he had him in trouble twice, so 20-17.
Third round: Left by Johnson. Kotani took him down. Johnson went for the leg from the bottom. Kotani on top but doing no damage. Kotani with punches and working for a leglock but Johnson out of it. Kotani shooting for a takedown but didn’t get it. Hard right by Johnson at the horn. Kotani’s round, but Johnson should win 29-27.
Scores: Johnson 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27. No 10-8s in round two.
Johnson said that he wanted to fight later this year on the South Korea debut.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NICK HEIN VS. YUSUKE KASUYA
First round: Kasuya threw him down and landed a high kick when Hein got up. Hein kneed him hard in the groin. Kasuya is hurt. Kazuya is laying on his back while it was stopped. He looks really hurt. Kasuya finally got up after three plus minutes. Hein only got a warning. Left by Hein. High kick by Kasuya. Hein landing punches. Hard left by Kasuya. Kasuya shot for a takedown but didn’t get it. Close round, Hein 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing punches. Left by Hein. Hein landed another left. Kasuya with a left and a high kick. Left by Hein. Right by Hein. Kasuya is the one moving forward by Hein is landing more. Hein 20-18.
Third round: Left by Hein. Right by Kasuya. Left and right by Hein. Hein with a low kick. Takedown by Kasuya and Hein reversed and got back up. Hein got his eye poked. Rigth by Hein but a body kick by Kasuya. Hein 30-27 but I actually could see a home town decision with a close first and third round.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for Hein
WELTERWEIGHTS- KEITA NAKAMURA VS. LI JINGLIANG
First round: Both throwing punches. Nakamura dropped him with a left. Jingliang working for a triangle from the bottom. Nakamura landing hammer fists on the ground. Totally boring round. If we weren’t in Japan people would be booing like crazy. A stand-up was ordered. Nakamura landed a right and a knee. Jingliang back with punches. Nakamura 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing. Left by Jingliang. Hard right by Jingliang. Jingliang landing more. Jingliang landing a lot more. Nakamura just standing there. Right by Jingliang. Nakamura with a bloody nose. Jingliang hurting himn with punches and dropped him. Jigliant working to finish him. Jingliang with punches on the ground. Trading punches. Jingliang’s round so 19-19 going into the third.
Third round: Jingliang still landing. Nakamura went for a takedown and not even close. Left by Nakamura. Jingliang took him down. Nakamura working for a takedown and didn’t get it. Nakamura got his back. Crowd going nuts and finished him with a choke. Great come from behind win for Nakamura.
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
UFC: ROAD TO JAPAN FEATHERWEIGHT FINALS- MIZUTO HIROTA VS. TERUTO ISHIHARA
First round: This is the final of the Road to UFC Japan tournament on Japanese television. Winner gets a six figure contract, which doesn’t really mean that much these days. Hard body kick by Ishihara which was a cheap shot since he went to shake hands it seemed. Left by Ishihara. Ishihara landed low kicks. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. High kick by Hirota. Right by Hirota. Hirota has him pinned against the fence. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Hirota. Nice right by Hirota. Hard left by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him at the end of the round. 10-9 Ishihara.
Second round: Ishihara with a left. Now low kicks by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him with a left. Good left by Ishihara. Hirota landing. Hirota connected with a right. Left by Ishihara. Hirota took him down. Ishihara back up with no damage. Spinning punch to the stomach by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. Hirota landed several punches. This is the best fight so far tonight. Both landing punches now. Ishihara 20-18.
Third round: Ishihara dropped him again with a left. Knee by Hirota. Hirota landing punches now. Hirota hurt him with a right. Knee by Hirota. Punches by Hirota and took him down. Hirota has his back. Ishihara back up. Hirota took him down but Ishihara back up. Knee by Hirota. Both throwing and Hirota landed a solid punch. Hirota is working for a takedown. He gave it up. Crowd really hot right now as both are swinging. Hirota’s round, 29-28 for Ishihara.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- KATSUNORI KIKUNO VS. DIEGO BRANDAO
First round: Brandao dropped him with a right and pounding on him. He threw him down and a few more punches and it was over. :28
BANTAMWEIGHTS- TAKEYA MIZUGAKI VS. GEORGE ROOP
First round: Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a knee from close range. Body shot and right cross. Roop back with punches. Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a right. Mizugaki starting to land. Good round. 10-9 Mizugaki.
Second round: Mizugaki landing two solid punches. Roop pressing him against the fence. Roop with knees. Mizugaki with punches and a knee and Roop pushed him against the fence. Roop bleeding from the nose. 20-18 Mizugaki.
Third round: Roop landed a right. Roop took him down but Mizugaki immediately back to his feet. Mizugaki landed a left. Knee by Mizugaki. Close round. Mizugaki 29-28.
Scores: All three have it 29-28 for Mizugaki.
They have just announced that both Hirota and Ishihara have gotten six figure contracts so they are co-winners of the Road to Japan.
FLYWEIGHTS- KYOJI HORIGUCHI VS. CHICO CAMUS
First round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Punches and a kick by Horiguchi. Camus got behind him on a missed spin kick. Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi with a body kick. Horiguchi 10-9.
Second round: Horiguchi came out fast landing a lot of punches and tried to get his back but Camus out of trouble. Camus cut under the right eye. Horiguchi continues to land. Another flurry by Horiguchi. Both landing and a body kick by Horiguchi. Camus landed and Horiguchi bleeding from the nose. Right by Horiguchi. Horiguchi 20-18.
Third round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi landed a series of punches. Horiguchi got his back standing for a second. Body kick by Horiguchi. Knee by Horiguchi. Body kick by Horiguchi. Head kick by Horiguchi Horiguchi trying to finish but Camus back with several punches that landed. 30-27 Horiguchi
Scores: All three have it 30-27 for Horiguchi.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- GEGARD MOUSASI VS. URIAH HALL
First round: Takedown by Mousasi. Crowd is into Mousasi. Mousasi working from the top. He’s working for an arm triangle. He’s got full mount. Hall trying or a leglock but has nothing. Mousasi moved to side control. Hall has a Kimura. Mousasi pulled out of it. Mousasi has his back and throwing punches. Mousasi working for a choke but doesn’t have it. Crowd liked this round. 10-9 Mousasi.
Second round: Great spin kick landed right to the face on Mousasi and a hard knee. He’s landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall with a ton of punches and it was stopped. Big upset. Crowd going nuts.
HEAVYWEIGHTS- JOSH BARNETT VS. ROY NELSON
First round: Barnett got a big pop. Barnett landed a kick. Nelson took Barnett down. Ref Steve Perceval ordered a standup. Barnett with a knee. Barnett with more knees. Nelson landed to the body. Anohter knee by Barnett. Nelson didn’t get a takedown. Barnett landing to the body. Barnet landing from the clinch. Nelson got a second takedown. Nelson landed a few punches from the top. 10-9 Nelson.
Second round: Nelson landed the right. Nelson started to land. Low kick by Barnett but two uppercuts by Nelson. Barnett landed a right and an uppercut. Both traded punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing big punches and a knee. Barnett landed several punches and a knee. Elbows by Barnett. Barnett with several knees. Hard knee by Barnett. Uppercut and knees by Barnett. Elbow and knee by Barnett. Great head kick by Nelson. Barnett back with punches. More punches by Barnett. Knees and uppercuts by Barnett. Barnett stomping on his foot. Barnett’s round 19-19.
Round three: Uppercut by Barnett. Nelson trying for a bodylock takedown. Nelson throwing knees to the thigh. Ref ordered a break. Barnett moved in and landed but both ended up by the fence. Barnett with uppercuts,. Barnett with knees. Barnett landing. Nelson landed and trying for a takedown and Barnett defending it. Nelson tried for a takedown but Barnett blocked it. The ref broke them up again. Body kick and knee by Barnett, Nelson with a body shot. Very close round. Barnett 29-28.
Round four: Elbow by Barnett. Knees by Barnett and a punch. Nelson got him down but Barnett right up. Elbow by Barnett. Knee and punches by Barnett. Barnett with a lot of punches, knees and elbows. Nelson seems in trouble. Nelson is taking them. Hard elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Hard elbow by Barnett. Elbow and backfist by Nelson with a takedown and Nelson has his back. Barnett back up. Another break called. Barnett landing punches and knees. These two aer exhausted. Knee to the body by Barnett. Barnett 39-37.
Fifth round: Barnett with spinning back kick. Body kick by Nelson. Barnett moved and landed more punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing all kinds of punches. Elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Elbow by Barnett. Elbow by Nelson. Knee by Barnett. Taekdown by Nelson. Nelson punching the body. Barnett back up. Uppercut by Barnett. The ref ordered a break. Nelson with a body shot and punch. Barnett kicked the body. Nelson landed punches. Barnett with a body kick. Very close round. Nelson’s round so I’ve got 48-47 Barnett. Could go the other way easily.
Scores: 48-47, 48-47 and 50-45 Barnett.
Barnett said it proves pro wrestling is strong. He said his clinch work wasn’t good enough, nothing he did was good enough but it was a good staring point. Barnett did his interview in Japanese. He said he loves this country. He called Nelson over. He put over Roy Nelson. He said Roy fights like a warrior and he gave Roy everything he had and Roy took it.
This past week saw more noteworthy news out of the cage than in it, lowlighted by the revelation that the UFC may have been a little less than aggressive when investigating Vitor Belfort’s testosterone levels prior to his light heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 152 two years ago, as well as the continued fallout from the Nevada Athletic Commission’s 5-year ban of Nick Diaz just over a week ago.
While the MMA faithful are bothered by what’s going on, you don’t feel like these wrongs and issues are being addressed by those in power. Why? Because the most powerful sports media entity in the world — ESPN — frankly doesn’t give a damn about MMA.
With similar scandals involving the NFL or Major League Baseball (like anything with the word ‘gate’ attached to it), we hear about it non-stop which creates a public outcry to get resolution. As of Saturday morning, we still haven’t heard anything from the UFC on the Belfort situation.
Why haven’t we? Because they don’t feel the need to answer the call of MMA media that doesn’t collectively carry the stroke that ESPN does. Because when ESPN makes something important, especially a scandal, and when sponsors that are indirectly involved to a scandal feel the heat, the public gets the answers they both want and need.
And part of that is something that we all know deep down in our hearts: that the business of fighting isn’t the most reputable one in the world. There’s lying and corruption and dollars being made off the back of people making dimes, but that’s how it’s been since long before we were all around. Fighting is a spectacle and while many great people have done their part in covering MMA like a true sport deserves, it’s ESPN that really matters. That’s why Dana White appears on SportsCenter, not MMAFighting.com, to make a big announcement. The casual sports fan matters, not the lot of us excited to see Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson on Saturday.
If a potential cover-up doesn’t get ESPN excited, nothing will. Then again, perhaps if Deadspin has published the Josh Gross story in the summer when football season wasn’t in full swing or found a way to tie Vitor Belfort into SpyGate, maybe ESPN then would have taken a look.
– Jack Encarnacao (84-33 | .714) Sherdog Rewind host, The Lapsed Fan podcast co-chair, Steve Austin impersonator – Steve Juon (78-39| .660) AngryMarks founder, MMA Mania writer – John Pollock (75-42 | .633) Fight Network personality, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, The MMA Report host – Mike Sempervive (75-42 | .633) Wrestling Observer Live co-host | Big Audio Nightmare – Front Row Brian (74-43 | .625) MMA newsbreaker, Twitter personality, podcast host – David Bixenspan (73-44 | .616) Figure Four Weekly writer, Observer Daily Update writer, podcast host – Dave Meltzer (70-47 | .589) Wrestling Observer founder & writer, smoke dectector battery expert – Mike Sawyer (69-48 | .589) Tough Talk MMA, 2014 picks panel champion – Josh Nason (68-49 | .571) Wrestling Observer digital media and content guy, WON Twitter enabler
*****
Josh Barnett (33-7) vs. Roy Nelson (20-11) Heavyweights
I wish that Barnett fought more often, but as I mentioned on this week’s JNPO, he’s got so many outside interests that fighting is just one part of the Wheel O’Barnett. This bout makes it into ‘Interesting Fight’ territory given the location and opponent. Barnett last laced ‘em up in December 2013 where he lost in 60 seconds to Travis Browne’s elbow, snapping a two-fight win streak. I doubt he’ll ever get another crack at the UFC heavyweight title, but in the current landscape of the division, he could get a shot at UFC 200 — it’s that tumultuous.
The 39-year-old Nelson has really hit the career skids, dropping four of his last five. Three of those losses were decisions, and there’s no doubting his ability to take punishment. However, there is a lot of doubt in his ability to get a ‘W’ against anyone of note.
Gegard Mousasi (37-5-2) vs. Uriah Hall (11-5) Middleweights
This is an interesting fight as Hall replaces the injured Roan Carneiro. After a listless defeat to Jacare Souza a year ago, the emotionally listless Mousasi has back-to-back victories over Dan Henderson and Costas Phillipou. If he can pick up another two or three wins, he should find himself in line for a title shot at this time next year. Sometimes listless, sometimes violent, but always head scratching to watch, Hall is coming off a first round destruction of Oluwale Bamgbose. If there was ever a time for Hall to unleash the potential, it’s tonight.
The 25-year-old Horiguchi got a title shot against Demetrious Johnson way too soon in his career and managed to last nearly 25 minutes before submitting with just one second remaining in the fight. That loss snapped a nine-fight win streak and a 4-0 mark in the Octagon. The always game Camus is a tough fight, but is just 2-3-0-1 since 2013. He’s coming off a close decision loss to Henry Cejudo in June.
Takeya Mizugaki (20-9-2) vs. George Roop (15-11-1) Bantamweights
The 33-year-old Roop has been on the shelf for more than a year, but he wasn’t lighting the world on fire before that, going 3-2 in his return to bantamweight. His last three defeats have all come the way of T/KO, so he’s showing an increased propensity for seeing the lights at the end of the fight. After a nice five fight win streak, the 31-year-old Mizugaki has suffered back to back defeats at the hands of Dominick Cruz and Aljamain Sterling.
Katsunori Kikuno (23-7-2) vs. Diego Brandao (19-10) Featherweights
The 33-year-old Kikuno is 2-2 in the UFC, and has been knocked out in the first round in both of his defeats. The 28-year-old Brandao’s career hasn’t taken off like many thought following his TUF 14 season victory. He’s 5-3 in the Octagon and has lost two of his last three. He is coming off a first round TKO (doctor’s stoppage) win over Jimy Hettes in April, so maybe there’s hope for him yet. His last KO win came in 2011, so I think Kikuno is safe…for now.
Bellator just announced on tonight’s broadcast that TNA’s Bobby Lashley(13-2) will face James Thompson (20-14,. 1 no contest) on 11/6 at the at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Lashley vs. Thompson will be on Bellator’s final major event this year, a show that features two championship matches.
Patricio Pitbull Freire vs. Daniel Straus for the featherweight title will headline the show, along With Will Brooks vs. Marcin Held for the lightweight title.
Thompson was interviewed on tonight’s show from Hidalgo, TX, and told Lashley to stick to pretend fighting.
Thompson defeated Lashley via decision on May 6, 2012, in India. Lashleyvs. Thompson has been scheduled twice this year, in February and again in June. Lashley pulled out of the first fight with a hand injury and Thompson pulled out of the second fight due to injury.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC Fight Night 75: Barnett vs. Nelson weigh-ins from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan kicking off at 11 PM eastern time. The event airs on Saturday on FOX Sports 1 at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off on FOX Sports 2 at 8 PM eastern time. This is the UFC’s fourth straight year making a trip to Japan to host an event.
The event will be headlined by a five-round battle in the heavyweight division as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett returns from a near two-year layoff to take on former TUF winner Roy Nelson, who has lost four of his last five fights. In the night’s co-main event, former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi looks to inch closer towards a title shot in the middleweight division as he takes on late-notice replacement Uriah Hall, who is looking for the biggest win of his career as a big underdog.
Chico Camus originally missed weight, coming in at 126.5 pounds. He came back later and made the official limit for his bout at 126 pounds.
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT): Josh Barnett (239) vs. Roy Nelson (261) Gegard Mousasi (186) vs. Uriah Hall (186) Kyoji Horiguchi (126) vs. Chico Camus (126) Takeya Mizugaki (136) vs. George Roop (135) Katsunori Kikuno (145) vs. Diego Brandao (146) Mizuto Hirota (146) vs. Teruto Ishihara (146)
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 2- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT): Keita Nakamura (170) vs. Li Jingliang (171) Nick Hein (155) vs. Yusuke Kasuya (156) Naoyuki Kotani (156) vs. Kajan Johnson (156) Shinsho Anzai (170) vs. Roger Zapata (171)
The question of who is wrestling Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania has apparently whittled down a couple of the biggest names.
Steve Austin on Twitter said, “You can take my name off the rumor mill as a Brock Lesnar opponent at WrestleMania 32. Bullshit reporting.”
With Lesnar vs. Undertaker no longer one of the scheduled main events at WrestleMania, the question became who would be the new opponents for both at Texas Stadium next year.
Austin had said a few months ago that it wasn’t going to happen. He would likely have been the biggest drawing potential opponent, but hasn’t wrestled in 11 1/2 years and has given no indication he was going to ever wrestle again. His doing a podcast with Lesnar on 10/19 fueled some speculation, but he appears to have shut the door on it again.
Sources close to the situation have also told us that Dwayne Johnson is currently not scheduled to be wrestling Lesnar on the show.
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. The event is headlined by a bantamweight title eliminator bout as former Bellator Bantamweight Champion Joe Warren takes on L.C. Davis. The co-main event is a middleweight contest between Joey Beltran and Kendall Grove. The main card airs on Spike TV at 9 PM ET with preliminary card action on Spike.com beginning at 6:30 PM ET. We will post prelims results as they happen and start live play by play when the Spike broadcast begins.
Prelims results:
Jose Flores (5-0) 1st round KO (kicks) over Gilbert Jimenez in 2:17
John Teixeira (20-1-2) SD win over Gleristone Santos (28-29, 29-28 x 2)
Dan Charles (10-3) 2nd round KO (punches) over Chase Gormley
Darrion Caldwell (8-0) by 1st round submission at 2:35 (rear naked choke) over Shawn Bunch
Steve Garcia (6-0) by 1st round TKO at 4:59 (punches) over Eduardo Bustillos
Amador Ramirez (5-4) UD win over Saul Elizondo (29-28 x 3)
Abdul Razak (4-0) 1st round KO (punch) over Bryce Sheppard-Mejia in 1:26
And we’re live with the main card and the fighters are in the ring!
Heavyweights Vinicius Spartan (7-3) vs Ewerton Teixeira (3-0)
Big John is the referee for the opening bout. Spartan with a takedown 1:00 in. Quickly gets into side control and lands punches and elbows to the head. Teixeira sweeps into top position at 2:30. Spartan working for a triangle from the bottom but Teixeira out and to his feet. Standup is pretty even, with Spartan controlling the pace. Spartan with a flash takedown at 4:30 but Teixeira right back up. 10-9 Spartan
This is the first action in over 2 years for each guy, Sean Grande informs us. Ken Shamrock is in the building. The announcers were going on about the “new scoring system” again in the prelims. Teixiera looks to be cut between the eyes from the damage done by Spartan in round 1. Spartan with a takedown at 1:45. Not much happening on the ground but Spartan is trying to advance and working for an armbar. Spartan landing elbows to the head and body around 3:30. Spartan gets an arm triangle and the tap after a series of elbows to the head to get the win.
WINNER – VINICIUS SPARTAN (8-3) by submission (arm triangle) at 4:00
Featherweights Emmanuel Sanchez (10-2) vs Henry Corrales (12-1)
Both guys are considered prospects but have losses to former Bellator champions. Randy Couture was just shown on camera at ringside in the background but not identified. His son was scheduled to fight in the prelims but his opponent missed weight by SEVENTEEN POUNDS.
Corrales getting the better of the standup early on, opening up a cut on the forehead of Sanchez. Sanchez with a flying triangle at 2:15 and it seems in pretty tight. Sanchez grabs an arm in an attempt to tighten the grip but Corrales escapes and ends up in top position. Sanchez escapes and to his feet at 4:15. Sanchez’ face is all bloody but he’s winning the round. 10-9 Sanchez
They are going to re-air the Shawn Bunch/Darion Caldwell fight from the prelims. That was a great performance by Caldwell. Sanchez backs up Corrales with a punch/knee combo and takes him down at 1:30. Corrales to his feet at 2:30. They are going to announce Bobby Lashley’s opponent for Vengeance later tonight. Standup again is pretty even. Corrales with some bruising and swelling under his right eye. Sanchez takes Corrales’ back standing and takes him down right before the end of the round and gets a rear naked choke right at the end of the round. 10-9 Sanchez
Sanchez controlling the pace early in the round. Punches are coming much slower on both sides now. Sanchez connecting with a lot of kicks to the body and head while Corrales is almost exclusively punching. Corrales with a nice litle flurry of punches at 4:00 and then defends a takedown attempt by Sanchez. Sanchez got a takedown right at the end of the round. Close but probably Sanchez’ as well. I’ve got it 30-27 Sanchez
WINNER – EMMANUEL SANCHEZ (11-2) by split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28). No idea how anyone in their right mind could give Corrales all 3 rounds there. That judge should not be judging MMA.
They just announced Lashley’s opponent in November as James Thompson. Yup, they’re trying to sign that one again. We shall see. Thompson, of course, won the first matchup 3 1/2 years ago and they’ve been scheduled twice since then and Thompson has pulled out due to injury both times.
Middleweights Joey Beltran (16-11) vs Kendall Grove (21-15)
This could be a loser leaves town match with Beltran having lost 3 of his last 5 and Grove 2 of his last 3. Both likely have bigger price tags than the majority of the roster. Hard to believe Beltran was a heavyweight not all that long ago. Kerry Hatley is the ref, so expect some shenanigans.
Grove looks like the one who would be two weight classes above Beltran as he seriously looks like he could trim down to Welterweight, if not lightweight. Both guys keeping their distance early on. Crowd turning on the fight halfway through the first as they may not have landed 10 punches between them. Grove pushes him to the cage and lands a nice punch combo at 2:45. Announcer tonight are talking a lot about The Ultimate Fighter on Spike, in this case relating it to Grove. I find that interesting for some reason. Way more interesting than this fight. Beltran seems to be the aggressor so may be winning the round but neither guy has done much of anything. 10-9 Beltran, I guess.
Sean Grande called that an entertaining first round in his very best Tony Schiavone impersonation. Strikes landed were 27-8 for Grove in Round 1. They threw almost the same amount though. They were actually debating whether that first round could be 10-8 Grove. WHAT? Beltran with a takedown at 1:45 but lets Grove up right away. Nice punch exchange at 2:15. Beltran starting to control the cage at 2:45. Grove bleeding from the mouth after the punch exchange. Beltran starting to land leg kicks at will. Grove just keeping away and throwing from distance. Grove’s leg starting to buckle every time he gets hit at the end of the round. Crowd booing again as Grove is essentially just running away. 10-9 Beltran
Grove landing from distance at the start of the round. Grove also throwing leg kicks of his own. Grove with a nice kick/punch combo at 1:30 that backs Beltran up. But Beltran still basically chasing him around the cage. Beltran gets inside the range and lands a nice combo at 2:15. Grove runs away again. Grove knocks Beltran down with a punch out of nowhere and he was out but got one more punch in before Hatley stopped it. Nice finish but terrible fight.
WINNER – KENDALL GROVE (22-15) by KO (punch) at 2:27 of Round 3
They interviewed James Thompson at cageside. With his thick accent it was hard to make anything out but he seems eager to fight Lashley again. Might be #PlansChange as they are saying the main event is next, meaning no re-airing of the Bunch/Caldwell fight.
Main Event – Bantamweights Joe Warren (12-4) vs LC Davis (13-6)
They aired the walkouts but nothing special. Warren gets a title shot with a win and could be done with a loss as this is the last fight on his contract. John McCarthy is the ref. He stopped the fight where Warren lost the title by verbally submitting where Warren took a tantrum afterward. Warren controlling the action early and gets a takedown 1:15 in. Warren just holding him down and doing just enough to avoid a standup. Warren postures up at 3:15 to land some hammerfists and then right back into Davis’ guard. Davis almost made it to his feet at 4:15 but Warren dragged him right down again. Crowd starting to boo. 10-9 Warren unless you’re going with the alleged “new scoring” and then it’s a 10-8
Davis hit with an accidental eye poke to start the round. Sean Grande does the Michael Cole fake laugh when John McCarthy asks Davis if he can see and then if he’s ugly. Warren takes Davis down immediately on the restart but Davis to his feet right away. Davis pressing the action in this round, connecting with more punches. Warren went for an angle slam at 1:45 but Davis slid off his shoulders. Warren with a takedown at 2:45. Davis landing light punches to the head and body from the bottom as Warren tries to pass. Davis to his feet but Warren takes his back and drags him back down with a Greco Roman throw. Warren back into top position at 4:15. 10-9 Warren
Warren with a takedown 30 seconds in. Davis up quickly but Warren stays on his back and brings him down again. Warren into top position at 1:15. Jimmy Smith gave round 2 to Warren. I guess it was closer than Round 1 but seemed pretty clearly for Warren to me. Davis up but Warren takes him down again at 2:30. Warren takes his back at 3:00, which allows Davis to get to his feet. Warren takes him down again at 3:45. Davis landing punches to the body and head from the bottom. Warren with a couple of hard elbows from the top. Warren into mount at 4:30. Davis works out of it but Warren still all over him. 10-9 Warren
WINNER – JOE WARREN (13-4) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Crowd booed the announcement but that was probably more for the fight than the decision itself. Warren gets a title shot with the win.
Show started great but the co-main and main were kind of awful so it’s hard to give this show a recommendation. Maybe check out the prelims.
Thanks for joining me here for Bellator. See you next time!
Members can now access all the latest audio shows and the new issue of the Observer. HERE
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Toronto (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins; Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens), ROH in California, PA (Briscoes vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Michael Elgin, Matt Taven & Michael Bennett vs. Kenny King & Rhett Titus non-title, Moose & Ray Rowe & Hanson vs. Jay Lethal & Donovan Dijak & J Diesel, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Takaaki Watanabe & Will Ferrara; ACH vs. Caprice Coleman) and NXT in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer
Our only weekend poll will be for New Japan’s Destruction in Kobe show.
New Japan World Pro Wrestling Returns at 8 p.m. Eastern (one hour early) on AXS TV
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Katsuyori Shibata for IC title
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Hirooki Goto for Never title
Lion Fight Muay Thai kickboxing at 9 p.m. Eastern on AXS TV
Bellator tonight at 9 p.m. from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, TX
Vinicius Queiroz vs. Ewerton Teixeira
Henry Corrales vs. Emmanuel Sanchez
Joey Beltran vs. Kendall Grove
Joe Warren vs. L.C. Davis
We are looking for reports on Saturday’s WWE shows in Rochester, NY (John Cena vs Seth Rollins; Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens) and Cleveland (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt; Randy Orton vs. Sheamus), ROH in Lockport, NY (Jay Lethal vs. Stevie Richards non-title, Adam Cole vs. ACH vs. Michael Elgin vs. Moose, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Briscoes, Young Bucks vs. War Machine, Roderick Strong vs. Takaaki Watanabe, Kenny King & Rhett Titus vs. Donovan Dijak & J Diesel, Caprice Coleman vs. Pepper Parks and Veda Scott vs. Sumie Sakai.
UFC from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Saturday
FS 2 at 8 p.m.
Shinsho Anzai vs. Roger Zapata
Kajan Johnson vs. Naoyuki Kotani
Nick Hein vs. Yusuke Kasyua
Keita Nakamura vs. Li Jingliang
FS 1 at 10 p.m.
Katsunori Kikuno vs. Diego Brandao
Mizuto Hirota vs. Teruto Ishihara in the finals of the Road to Japan tournament
Takeya Mizugaki vs. George Roop
Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Chico Camus
Gegard Mousasi vs. Uriah Hall
Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson
New Japan Destruction in Kobe airs live at 3 a.m. Eastern Sunday morning at midnight Pacific (Saturday night) on New Japan World
Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu vs. Jay White & David Finlay
Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan & Juice Robinson
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Matt Sydal vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Kenny Omega
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tetsuya Naito
Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. A.J. Styles & Tama Tonga & Cody Hall
Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Alex Shelley & Kushida for IWGP jr. tag titles
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Bad Luck Fale for the Tokyo Dome title shot
Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the IC title
Sunday has WWE in Syracuse, NY (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins; Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens) and Erie PA (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt; Randy Orton vs. Sheamus).
Shooto Brazil live on UFC Fight Pass Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern time
Raw will be live from Buffalo on Monday night. Even though Brock Lesnar is headlining both the MSG special the following Saturday and the next PPV, at this point he is not advertised for the show. That would make sense to change but we haven’t heard that it is.
Smackdown will be taped in Albany, NY. No John Cena or Randy Orton scheduled for Albany.
Our lead story covers the Sting injury, the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match and the interesting back story and questions it brings up, lots of long-term looking at where WWE is headed as well as full coverage of the Night of Champions show. We also cover the second season news for Lucha Underground, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra mask vs. mask match, Akira Hokuto’s announcement about her breast cancer, Bellator’s Dynamite show and what went right and wrong, New Japan’s Destruction in Okayama, ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza, the Pro Wrestling NOAH angle where they tease the end of the company, USADA responds to Thomas Hauser, Josh Gross’ story on the Vitor Belfort drug test and why it’s not nearly as simple as people are making it out to be, AAA’s next major show and record low ratings.
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The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else
Our lead story covers the WWE weekend, notably the Sting injury and Undertaker-Lesnar announcement.
We go through the injury, including Sting’s interview comments after the fact and his description of Seth Rollins and the injury, as well as his current thoughts on if he will wrestle again. We also talk about what he does and doesn’t know, what he’s said publicly about the injury, why the match wasn’t stopped, and what we can learn from it.
We also look at how the Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match changes WrestleMania, and look at those potential changes. We look at the different directions they can go with the key talent for next year’s show. We also look at the rest of Hell in a Cell as far as what is on the books and what name isn’t listed yet in the top matches. We look at the problem in the arena at the end of Night of Champions.
We’ve got complete Night of Champions coverage, with records, business, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
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.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
–Again, want to apologize for all the web site problems which are being fixed right now. Members can now access all the latest audio shows and the new issue of the Observer. HERE
–Expect some angles at Sunday’s New Japan PPV show since they have to set up the undercard for another PPV on 10/12 at Sumo Hall, King of Pro Wrestling, which is the company’s biggest event of the fall season. That’s the show where Kazuchika Okada defends the IWGP title against A.J. Styles.
–Dustin & Cody Runnels will be presenting the trophies on Wednesday to the winners of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Tournament
–WWE has told us for the 10/3 Madison Square Garden show, the entire card will air live on the Network. It won’t be like the Sumo Hall show where the first half hour was cut off. So even though they are only pushing Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show and the New Day vs. Dudleys, all the matches will be airing. As noted before, the New Day vs. Dudleys is not just a house show match but being pushed because there will be a storyline direction that will then lead to Hell in a Cell in Los Angeles three weeks later.
–Judge Joseph Matika put bail on Tammy Sytch at $2,000 today at her hearing after being brought in by police after missing three court appearances. She has another hearing on 10/7 regarding two other DUI cases not related to the case she was arrested for today.
–We don’t have much for today in the international title histories other than a note that on this day in 1981, Fishman beat Perro Aguayo to win the WWF light heavyweight title in Los Angeles, which was an NWA territory although they did work closely with WWF and book talent to New Japan.
–Tyron Woodley, from the infamous Ferguson, MO suburb of St. Louis, threw out the first pitch at the St. Louis Cardinals game last night and did a pregame interview on the broadcast. Woodley faces Johny Hendricks on the 10/3 UFC show in Houston. During the game, the announcers were raving about what a great talker and nice guy he is. Woodley said he was a lot more nervous throwing out the first pitch than he is going into the Octagon. (thanks to Irvin Muchnick)
–WWE.com and the WWE Network received several honors this past week by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The WWE app earned gold awards for Mobile Apps/Sites, Entertainment and Mobile Apps/Sites in Sports (I thought they weren’t sports), and three silver awards for Media Streaming, Best Streaming Video and Integrated Mobile Experience. The WWE network won eight Silver Awards for Best Web site, Best Features and Video Channels and Network Categories as well as Visual Appeal. There were a number of other awards including WrestleMania 30 with silver medals for Excellence in Entertainment Social Media and Sports Social Media.
–Steve Beverly, a name some older newsletter and hotline fans will remember, noted to us that the college broadcasting class he teaches that does a Noon newscast, had Dave Brown as the guest yesterday. The usual newscast was scrapped and the show was a 30 minute interview with Brown. If the show gets posted, we will provide links. Most of the show was about his career as a weatherman, his working against drunk drivers and his retirement plans, but the interview did touch on pro wrestling and Lance Russell, and he talked about how Lance Russell first approached him to take the wrestling commentary job in 1967. I’ve always told people what a great guy Dave Brown is. He was only supposed to stay for the interview and he stayed another 75 minutes with the class giving kids individual career advice.
–Beverly also noted that on 10/24 in Jackson they are having a Lance Russell night. It’s a card that will be headlined by a Jerry Lawler vs. Terry Funk match, in Funk’s first match in a long time and I’d say maybe his last, but I’ve thought maybe his last so many times that I’m not allowed to think it even if it may be true.
–Superstars of Wrestling on 10/9 in West Palm Beach at the Armory featuring Matt Hardy vs. PJ Black and Wes Brisco vs. Matt Riddle, plus Ethan Carter III appears. There will also be a 6 p.m. meet and greet with Hardy, Carter III and Riddle.
–Drew Galloway will be back in Evolve on the 11/6 and 11//7 shows in Florida.
–Evolve announced this card for 10/17 at La Boom in Woodside, Queens, NY for an iPPV
Timothy Thatcher & T.J. Perkins vs. Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero
Drew Gulak vs. Trevor Lee – winner faces Thatcher for the title the next night
Antony Nese vs. Andrew Everett vs. Matt Cage vs. Peter Kassa
Tracy Williams vs. Willie Mack
Matt Riddle vs. Jonathan Gresham
–Lucha Underground sent out a release that Shawn Hernandez has been released from his contract. That’s been apparent since he showed up on TNA television and they got into the fight which ended up costing TNA indirectly its entire Beatdown Clan, since MVP was fired since he was the guy who recruited Hernandez, who had a valid Lucha Underground deal in place. Hernandez was the replacement for Samoa Joe, who left since TNA could no longer afford to give him the kind of contract he’d had over the past several years. Since the, Kenny King just quit to go to ROH and Low Ki also left not related to any of this.
–Metro Pro Wrestling on 10/10 in Kansas City at the Turner Rec Center. There will be a Jim Cornette Q&A at 4:30 p.m. before the show. The show will be a TV taping for Time warner Cable SportsChannel.
–Paragon Pro Wrestling announced its TV will be moving from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Eastern and Pacific on Pop TV starting a week from tomorrow.
–An obscure French MMA fighter named Sylvain Potard, who has a 7-5 record, has become relatively famous in the past few days. He did a totally naked photo shoot for a calender called “Les Dieux du Stade” a tradition where male sports stars, usually rugby players, do art nude shoots and it’s a big deal to both women and the gay community. Potard in particular became the talk of the day on social media first, and then it broke throughout France mainstream media and he was on several talk shows. (thanks to Tony Bouin)
–A wake for Jersey All Pro Wrestling promoter Frank Iadevaia takes place on Sunday at the Carmona-Bolen Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
–All Japan’s Oudou tournament finals are tomorrow at Korakuen Hall. the semifinals have Akebono vs. Shuji Ishkawa of Union, and Jun Akiyama vs. Yuji Hino of K-Dojo. The winners meet in the finals that will be the main event of the show.
–Pro Wrestling Phoenix on Saturday in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory.
–The Fight Network in Canada will be doing the prelims for tomorrow’s UFC show from 8-10 p.m. The main card will air on TSN5.
Daily fantasy has taken over the sports world as you consistently see commercials for DraftKings and FanDuel all over your sports channels and sporting events. It has become a huge industry, and the UFC joined in earlier this year when they became a part of DraftKings. With nine months of events in the past, the UFC is here to stay on DraftKings, and there is some money to be made for those willing to participate.
While they do not have the number of games for play as the NFL or the MLB, DraftKings MMA still has plenty of fun to offer. With that being said, starting this week with UFC Fight Night 75, we will be taking a look at ways you could potentially earn some money, if you are willing to take the risk, and perhaps earn some big money.
Let’s start with the basic rules for those who may be unfamiliar with how Draft Kings MMA works. Every fighter on the card is assigned a salary. They are generally coordinated with the current betting odds at the times the salaries are set. A huge favorite will have a large salary while a big underdog will not cost you as much. It involves a lot of risk and taking chances on fighters you may not be sure will actually win. You have a salary cap of $50,000, and your team is limited to five fighters. Generally speaking, depending on the salaries, you are usually able to fit two or three favorites onto your roster, but you will always have to take on two or three betting line underdogs.
The scoring system runs as follows: you get 0.5 points for a significant strike, 1 point for position advancement on the ground, 2 points for a takedown and a reversal/sweep on the ground, and 3 points for a knockdown. You also get points on how the fight ends. You earn 100 points for a first-round win, 75 points for a second-round win, 50 points for a third-round win, 40 points for a fourth-round and a fifth-round win, and 25 points for a decision win. With that system, you should be looking at filling your roster with fighters you expect to win early with a finish.
Every week, beginning with this week, we are going to give you a rundown of who I see as being studs to score you points, some value plays, and then some fighters I am going to avoid. Then, I will be joined by WrestlingObserver.com contributor Paul Fontaine, and occasional Bryan & Vinny show crasher PeachMachine as we give your our lineups that we will be using to make money as well as our thoughts into why exactly we went with the five fighters we did.
STUDS:
Diego Brandao ($10,600)
Diego Brandao has the sixth-highest salary on the UFC Fight Night 75 card, and he has perhaps the best chance to score a finish when he takes on Katsunori Kikuno. Kikuno has lost two of his four UFC bouts, and both of those losses have come by knockout in the first round. Brandao is a violent and dangerous fighter, and his only UFC losses have come to top featherweights. Kikuno has a weird style with the karate background, and Brandao can mentally implode at times. Brandao is coming off a big stoppage win over Jimy Hettes, and he is a finisher, having won 15 of his 19 bouts by finish. Finishes score you the big points, and with Kikuno’s suspect chin and Brandao’s aggressive nature, he has the chance to score you some big points.
Takeya Mizugaki ($10,500)
Takeya Mizugaki is coming into Saturday night’s fight card on a two-fight losing streak, but he gets a favorable match-up against George Roop in his home country of Japan. Mizugaki is on a win streak when fighting in Japan, and is looking to bounce back in a big way. He is a big betting favorite over Roop, which should bode well for his chances. He can score points on a lot of takedowns, and his ground game is well above Roop. Roop has been stopped by strikes in his last three losses, and while Mizugaki isn’t known as a big finisher, he can finish a weak opponent. Roop is a weak opponent. On a card where there might not be a lot of finishes, you should look for someone who has the chance to score the biggest going the distance. Mizugaki is that guy.
VALUE PLAYS:
Roy Nelson ($8,600)
I’m actually a little surprised that Roy Nelson is available at his modest price. I was thinking about whether or not to put him as a value play as his recent record isn’t all that good. Then again, all seven of his wins in the UFC have come by knockout, and he gets an opponent in Josh Barnett who is coming off a near two-year layoff. Barnett was finished in his last fight, and finished quickly by Travis Browne. You know that Nelson is going to be looking for the knockout, and while Barnett can avoid punches quite well, the right hand from Nelson is a difference maker. If you are stacking your team with overwhelming favorites, perhaps taking a flyer on Nelson scoring a finish could make the difference in winning.
Yusuke Kasuya ($8,500)
Yusuke Kasuya is an underdog and a value pick as he is making his UFC debut against a tough foe in Nick Hein. Kasuya has won nine fights in his career, all by stoppage, with seven finishes in the first round. Simply put, from a fantasy perspective, he gets the job done. However, Hein will give him a challenge. Hein has some good wrestling and his striking is improving, and he is well-rounded. Kasuya has a solid grappling and ground game, and if he can score a takedown, he is one who quickly looks for guard passes in looking for a submission. It is a risky play, but a very valuable one should you be looking for an underdog to hit big.
AVOID:
Gegard Mousasi ($11,300)
Gegard Mousasi has the highest salary of the twenty fighters on the card, and he is the biggest betting favorite. He is fighting Uriah Hall, a tough opponent, but one who is taking the fight on short notice. Mousasi can be an enigma. He can finish you fast, but he can also drag fights to the later rounds and squeak out an uneventful decision where not much happens. You can’t really know whether to trust him putting up big points from a fantasy point-of-view. He may score you takedown points, but Hall has good takedown defense. Hall is the kind of opponent that will make Mousasi’s striking attack more methodical over a constant barrage. You don’t quite know what to get from Mousasi in this fight, so I would avoid him. He could put up big points, but at the salary he’s at with the opponent he has, I’m not taking the risk. I do see him winning the fight though.
Katsunori Kikuno ($8,800)
I don’t expect Katsunori Kikuno to get the win over Diego Brandao. He leaves too many openings, has a suspect chin, and his striking skills have seemed to diminish with each UFC bout. He doesn’t have the same head movement, and his head is going to be a target for Brandao. I love Brandao as my top stud on this card, as noted above, which makes Kikuno the one fighter I’m staying away from. He is cheap, and Brandao can get in a wild brawl and lose his head, and Kikuno could definitely capitalize. I still see Brandao getting an early finish.
OUR LINEUPS —
RYAN FREDERICK: Kajan Johnson ($10,700), Diego Brandao ($10,600), Takeya Mizugaki ($10,500), Roy Nelson ($8,600), Yusuke Kasuya ($8,500)
I like Brandao, Mizugaki, Nelson and Kasuya for all of the reasons I stated above. I see Brandao and Mizugaki scoring finish wins early, and Kasuya being an underrated pick. Nelson has the big right hand that can end any fight. I also like Kajan Johnson against Naoyuki Kotani. Kotani is 0-4 in the UFC, and he has been finished in his last three Octagon appearances, and Johnson has scored 16 of his 20 professional wins by stoppage.
PAUL FONTAINE: Gegard Mousasi ($11,300), Diego Brandao ($10,600), Takeya Mizugaki ($10,500), Teruto Ishihara ($9,000). Roy Nelson ($8,600)
I like Nelson as the underdog here and I think he’s good value. Barnett has his foot in too many waters these days and Nelson’s power cannot be overlooked. Mizugaki is a finisher and even though he’s a favorite, there are bonus points for finishes with Draft Kings. Same goes for Diego Brandao. Brandao in particular is facing someone that has suffered two first round knockouts in recent fights. Ishihara is more a bet against his opponent Mizuto Hirota, who has two UFC fights on his resume and lost them both. Ishihara is also 10 years younger. Mousasi is the most expensive pick but I have room for him and feel quite confident he’ll finish the overmatched Uriah Hall in quick order.
PEACH MACHINE: Kyoji Horiguchi (11,000), Roy Nelson (8,600), Yusuke Kasuya (8,500), Kajan Johnson (10,700), Li Jingliang (10,300)
Horiguchi is my lock. I had the pleasure of training with Horiguchi in Guam. He’s a masher. I picked him to beat DJ, and even though he got decimated, he was beaten by the best. Look for him to finish early. KO’s score big points. I picked Nelson ecause I have no faith in Barnett. Bad KO’s change a man, and his last fight was a bad KO. His future is in BJJ. Another KO win for big points. I saw Kasuya decimate Frank Camacho, a monster BJJ Brown Belt, in the PXC in Guam in his last fight. Frank is a monster brown belt at jits and he was subbed by Kasuya. I’m taking him by sub. Johnson trains at Tristar. Anyone under GSP has a good shot anytime he steps in the cage… Except for Francis Carmont coming off a 5 hour delay against Phil Davis. Jingliang is my sleeper pick. This will be a good match so I’m hoping for some high points due to a lot of strikes being thrown, if not the win. My remaining salary is $900. I’ll wager all my extra money on the main event not going five rounds.
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