THE CLINCH REPORT

 

 

UFC 141 Main Card Predictions:

John Fitch (26-3-1 MMA) v. Johnny Hendricks (11-1 MMA)

Its been almost a year since John Fitch and BJ Penn fought to a draw in February 2012. Since then Fitch has undergone surgery, and suffered a few setbacks trying to get back into the octagon. His record however, should put all doubt aside. Fitch has notable wins over Thiago Alves, Mike Pierce, Paulo Thiago, Diego Sanchez, and many others. Basically John Fitch has beat everyone except the champion! His fights may be drawn out wrestling matches, that may not be as exciting as two guys standing and trading swollen faces, but his record and toughness silence all. Simply put, all John Fitch does is win!

Johnny Hendricks is looking to continue his rise in the 170lbs division with a solid performance against a very game John Fitch. Hendricks is a former wrestling champion, who has seen his striking improve with every fight. Since losing a decision to Rick Story in December 2010, Hendricks has put together consecutive victories over Mike Pierce, and TJ Waldburger.Hendricks has been recently training with his old collegiate wrestling team, preparing for the ground fighting Fitch.

Prediction: John Fitch via unanimous decision

Nathan Diaz (14-7 MMA) v. Donald Cerrone (17-3-1nc MMA)

This is a fight that should leave us all slack-jawed and hypnotized. Both fighters are virtually evenly matched in all areas of the game. Nathan Diaz has been moving out of his older brother (Nick)’s shadow since winning the Ultimate Fighter. With his latest and most impressive victory over Takinori Gomi, Diaz firmly planted his feet in the title mix for the 155lbs weight class. The Stockton California native is a cardio freak like his older brother, competing in triathlons, and xterra events to stay in pinnacle condition. His boxing skills, combined with Cesar Gracie inspired jujitsu make Nathan Diaz one of the most well-rounded fighters in any division.

Greg Jackson has produced some of the best fighters in MMA, Donald Cerrone certainly adds to that stable of greatness. ‘The Cowboy’ posses a great combination of striking, wrestling, and jujitsu. His latest win over Dennis Siver in dominating fashion pushed Cerrone back to the top of the contender list. Greg Jackson insists that Cerrone is full of tricks, that he plans to display against the very tough Diaz. Both fighters can strike, and grapple, this is going to be a shootout!

Prediction: Nathan Diaz via 2nd round submission

Brock Lesnar (5-2 MMA) v. Alistair Overeem (35-11-1 MMA)

Brock Lesnar is one of the largest and strongest men in the UFC. His wrestling pedigree and sheer size made him an instant contender in the division, simply because he was so massive. His athleticism for a man his size is almost unfathomable. At almost 300 pounds (by the time the fight starts) he shoots faster than most lightweight wrestlers. Lesnar’s critics are quick to point out his striking weakness. His technical striking may be lacking, but anyone he punches will certainly feel differently (ask Heath Herring and his broken orbital bone from a right cross). Every fighter he has faced, he has taken down. He will look to do the same against Overeem.

Dutch strikers usually have a glaring hole in their game, the Dutch are not known for their grappling prowess. Alistair Overeem is the exception to this rule. His record proves this as he has more wins by submission (19) then he does by TKO (14). His vicious legs, knees, and elbows have left a wake of defeated champions behind him. Currently he is the Dream, Strikeforce, and K-1 Heavyweight Champions, and since moving up in weight he has looked unbeatable! Overeem will look to avoid Lesnar’s take-downs by utilizing distance. Once inside, Lesnar had better be aware of Overeem’s tendency to use his patent guillotine choke.

Prediction: Brock Lesnar via rd 2 TKO