UFC 122: Marquardt vs. Okami Preview/Picks

Well, it’s that time again. Time to impart some MMA knowledge on you, the loyal reader. That, and the UFC is putting on another event. This time, the UFC returns to Germany with a pretty decent fight card. I’d say it’s equal to the last overseas event, UFC 120, in fight quality. And like UFC 120, it’s free on Spike TV, so stop complaining. We can all use a “Super Fight Night” event every now and then.

I’m especially interested to see how Kris McCray fares at welterweight, and in the main event between Nate Marquardt and Yushin Okami. That fight will determine the next challenger for Anderson Silva, errrr…winner of Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort.

Anyway, let’s get down to the reason you are here…the picks. My overall record is now 107-81 after going 6-5 at UFC 121. I vow to do much better this time. Yeah, you guessed it, I’m aiming for 11-0. I have a good feeling about this event. Feel free to place your bets using my knowledge. But remember where you got it from.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Welterweight bout: Kris McCray vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha

Welterweight? Weird. I didn’t think McCray looked bad at all when he lost The Ultimate Fighter contract to Court McGee. Maybe his improved training has caused the weight cut. Whatever. It should be interesting, because he’s welcoming an undefeated fighter in Rocha. Rocha will look to get this fight to the ground, but I think McCray’s reach advantage will be able to keep Rocha at bay, and he’ll pick him apart.

My Pick: McCray, Round 3, Decision

Light Heavyweight bout: Seth Petruzelli vs. Karlos Vemola

Vemola will be making his Light Heavyweight debut. He was a small heavyweight, and I agree with the move. But for his first fight, Petruzelli provides several problems for him. Seth can stuff the takedown and has much better striking. If Petruzelli doesn’t gas out, he should be able to get the judges decision.

My Pick: Petruzelli, Round 3, Decision

Welterweight bout: Duane Ludwig vs. Nick Osipczak

Winner keeps his job, loser walks. Gotta love these types of fights. Ludwig hasn’t lived up to his nickname, “Bang,” in quite some time. He definitely has knockout power, and he’s definitely one of the better strikers in the division, but for whatever reason, he can’t seem to get it going. He does have the unofficial fastest knockout in UFC history with his 4 second KO of Jonathan Goulet. People need to learn how to operate clocks. Still, Osipczak is bigger, and should be able to keep Ludwig away with his jab. SHOULD.

My Pick: Osipczak, Round 3, Decision

Welterweight bout: Pascal Krauss vs. Mark Scanlon

Two undefeated fighters going at it, something has got to give. This is basically a coin flip. I’ve watched tape on both of these guys, and I can honestly tell you, I can give reasons why both will win. I’ll lean towards Krauss because I believe his striking is slightly better, but Scanlon is no slouch. Tough call.

My Pick: Krauss, Round 2, (T)KO

Light Heavyweight bout: Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexandre Ferreira

There should be no reason why Matyushenko loses this fight. He’s 6 inches taller and much larger with a ton more experience. If he does, it might be time to start thinking about another career. Lucky for him, I picked him to win.

My Pick: Matyushenko, Round 3, Decision

Middleweight bout: Kyle Noke vs. Rob Kimmons

Noke wins this as long as he can keep is standing. And I believe he will. He has pretty good wrestling, which should negate Kimmons’ attempts to get this fight where he wants it, the ground. When this fight comes down to striking, Noke’s boxing will prove the difference. I see back to back TKO victories for Noke.

My Pick: Noke, Round 2, (T)KO

MAIN CARD

Light Heavyweight bout: Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Goran Reljic

I don’t understand why Reljic dropped to Middleweight in the first place. He was undefeated before, then dropped two straight. It probably had to do with the weight cut. Glad to see him return to where he should be, 205. This will be a tough test, and I think he’ll fall short. I assume both will come out looking to make a statement. I just think Soszynski’s power will be the deciding factor. He’ll catch Reljic and get the TKO victory.

My Pick: Soszynski, Round 1, (T)KO

Welterweight bout: Amir Sadollah vs. Peter Sobotta

Sobotta needs to win this fight in order to keep his job. Loser of two straight unanimous decisions, he needs a good showing against Sadollah or he’ll get his walking papers. Break out the pen, Dana. Sadollah will get this fight to the ground and submit Sobotta.

My Pick: Sadollah, Round 2, Submission

Lightweight bout: Dennis Siver vs. Andre Winner

I like Siver. He always gets in there to finish his opponent. And he has knockout power. But he’s not as fast as Andre Winner. This fight probably won’t ever hit the mat, therefore, speed will be the deciding factor. Siver could land that knockout kick, but I doubt it.

My Pick: Winner, Round 3, Decision

Middleweight bout: Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara

Sakara is an animal. His boxing is crisp, and his ground game will not be questioned. Rivera has put on a nice win streak, and has looked great doing so. But I think Sakara’s aggression, and well placed punches, will be too much for Rivera.

My Pick: Sakara, Round 2, (T)KO

Middleweight bout: Nate Marquardt vs. Yushin Okami

This is a tough fight to call. While many believe Marquardt is the better fighter by a large margin, this is not true. In fact, I could argue that Okami is better all around. Both can wrestle, but I think Okami has a slight advantage standing. Slight, but and advantage nonetheless. And since I highly doubt either fighter will finish the other, standing is where this fight will be won. Okami will out-point Marquardt and finally get his shot at gold. Besides, who really wants to see Marquardt/Silva 2? Not this guy.

My Pick: Okami, Round 3, Decision