It seems like forever. But in reality, it’s only been 4 weeks since we’ve had a major MMA event to talk about. This weekend, the wait is over as two MMA greats collide for the very first time.
Fedor Emelianenko, the Living Legend that has lost 2 fights in a row (Fabricio Werdum and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva), will be trying to regain some his aura when he faces Dan Henderson (the StrikeForce Light-Heavyweight Champion).
The former Pound-for-Pound King, Emelianenko (31-3-1) looks to rebound after the worse performance of his career, a Doctor’s Stoppage that knocked him out of the Heavyweight Grand-Prix. Many wondered whether or not “The Last Emperor” was done after the loss. Questions abound about whether or not he could compete at Heavyweight any longer, and if he even wanted to continue his career. Compounding the doubt was Zuffa’s acquisition of StrikeForce in March (Fedor’s representation, M-1 Global, has refused to do business with Zuffa without their ridiculous demands being met).
Dan Henderson (27-8) is enjoying a bit of career resurgence, impressively defeating Rafael Cavalcante for the StikeForce Light-Heavyweight Title in March. But, at 40 years old, is “Hondo” going to be able to handle the bigger and younger opponent? The man himself has recently stated that he is confident he can hang with Fedor, and that it didn’t matter where the fight went, he would be ready. We have seen Henderson defy the odds before, so win by him shouldn’t surprise anyone that is familiar with his career.
Also on the card, the Women’s Welterweight Title (135 lbs.) will be on the line, as Champion Marloes Coenen defends against popular Challenger Miesha Tate. Tate (11-2) has won five fights in a row, but has not fought since last August due to a knee injury. Recent interviews we have conducted with Tate on The Ultimate Fight Show have revealed that she is extremely motivated to capture the title, and no amount time off is going to stand in her way.
The Women’s Title fight is also important to the future of Women’s MMA. Many speculate that the success of this fight may factor in Zuffa’s decision to continue promoting Women’s MMA beyond their established contract. Tate told us that she understands the importance of the fight, and her goal (in addition to winning the title) is to put on an exciting performance that she hopes will open the eyes of Zuffa to the value of having women fighting under their umbrella.
The exciting return to action this Saturday night also marks the return of The Roundtable! Joining us this week are the following prophets seeking Roundtable glory:
Joshua Heizer – MMA Senior Editor at UltimateSportsTalk.com, new father, and (alleged) stalker of Ariel Helwani.
Brian Willey – Owner/Operator of Effingham Computer Services, and inspiration for the “Kung-Fu Panda” movies.
Isaac Castillo – Currently in Kuwait, sweating his ass off in the desert for the greater good.
Larry Cassano, III – Boxing Columnist at UltimateSportsTalk.com, and Host of the #1 Rated, Highly Underappreciated, and GREATEST SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF INTERNET RADIO*, The Ultimate Fight Show.
Chris Bragg – Me, Myself, and I. I put this preview together, harass MMA fighters and Pro Wrestlers on Twitter (@TheBraggMan), and Co-Host the #1 Rated, Highly Underappreciated, and GREATEST SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF INTERNET RADIO*, The Ultimate Fight Show.
*The claims made above about The Ultimate Fight Show do indeed represent the thoughts and opinions of UltmateSportsTalk.com, the participants of this Roundtable Preview, and the rest of the free World.
On to the picks!
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Scott Smith
Joshua – Smith via 1st Round KO
Brian – Saffiendine by Submission
Isaac – Smith via KO
Larry – Scott Smith
Chris – Scott Smith should win this fight, but for some reason I don’t think he will. I like Saffiedine by Round 2 TKO.
Paul Daley vs. Tyron Woodley
Joshua – Daley via 2nd Round KO
Brian – Daley by Decision
Isaac – Daley via Decision
Larry – Tyron Woodley
Chris – This fight will go one of two ways. Daley will get a quick, vicious KO, or Woodley will take Daley down early and often, and grind out a Decision victory. I’m picking the latter to happen. Woodley by Unanimous Decision.
Tim Kennedy vs. Robbie Lawler
Joshua – Lawler via Decision
Brian – Lawler by KO
Isaac – Lawler via Decision
Larry – Tim Kennedy
Chris – I’ve got to agree with my Co-Host on this one. The winner of this one probably gets the next Middleweight Title shot, and that is going to be Tim Kennedy via Submission.
CO-MAIN EVENT (Women’s Welterweight Title)
Marloes Coenen (C) vs. Miesha Tate
Joshua – Tate via Decision
Brian – Coenen by Decision
Isaac – Miesha via Submission
Larry – Miesha Tate
Chris – This one is easy for me. I won’t even pretend to analyze this one. Miesha Tate has been a great friend to The Ultimate Fight Show, so I am picking with my heart. AND NEW WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION, Miesha Tate (via TKO).
MAIN EVENT
Dan Henderson vs. Fedor Emelianenko
Joshua – Fedor via 3rd Round KO
Brian – Fedor via KO
Isaac – Henderson via Knockout
Larry – Fedor Emelianenko
Chris – I look for Fedor to bounce back and win this fight. It could be the most important of his career, and he’s not motivated now, he will never be. Hendo will be game, but Fedor wins by 2nd Round KO.
Let’s review the favorites:
Scott Smith 3-2
Paul Daley 3-2
Robbie Lawler 3-2
Miesha Tate 4-1
Fedor Emelianenko 4-1
Well, those are our picks. What are yours?
Please leave me your comments below. You can also contact me directly through Twitter (@TheBraggMan), or send me an email.
Make sure you catch The Ultimate Fight Show this (and every) Saturday at Noon ET, as Larry and I will further break down this card, look back at last weekend’s Amir Khan/Zab Judah fight, and take your calls about whatever is on your mind. You can also follow the show on Twitter (@TheUltFightShow) and LIKE us on Facebook.
Have a great weekend, and enjoy the fights!
