Posts Tagged ‘UFC 154’

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

The long hard life fighters lead is extremely different from fighter to fighter. Back-rounds vary, stories differ, however one goal remains true for most fighters; and that is a contract with the UFC. Andre Fili took one more step closer to that goal last night with a unanimous decision victory over a very game Enoch Wilson at Tachi Palace Fights 15 in Lemoore California.

Utilizing his superior length Fili was able to open up the fight by frustrating Wilson with his jab. After eating a few head turning shots, Wilson was able to secure a take-down  but was unable to keep position as Fili was able to reverse into a dominant position and land strikes from Wilson’s guard.

The second round was very similar to the first, however about halfway through the frame Wilson caught Fili with a whiplash like spinning back-fist that immediately gave Wilson confidence to continue attacking on his feet. Even though he was able to close Fili’s eye with a right hook, once on the ground Fili was able to control most of the round, with the only offense from Wilson being a failed kimura attempt from bottom.

With his eye completely closed, and fight seemingly in his favor Fili could have just cruised to a majority decision. However he began the round like a fighter behind, with excellent distance striking and counter punching. Fili was even able to secure a round securing take-down late, that enabled him to sap the last of the fight from Wilson.

Winning 30-27 on all score cards Andre Fili is hoping to make his way to the UFC soon, where he would join his team Alpha Male brothers Urijah Faber, Joseph Benevides, Chad Mendes, and Danny Castillo who are already on the roster.

Fighter Analysis: At 5-10 the Sacramento native is extremely long for 145 lbs. Very range established striker, with deceptively good ground game. Strong athlete, with excellent agility. Able to establish range with both hands and feet! With 11 wins and only 1 loss that was due to a knee injury, he has the record and the pedigree to make the big stage in his very next fight. Andre Fili is a can’t miss prospect in the 145 lbs division, with an established team supporting him I would not be surprised to see him in the UFC by the middle of next year!

UFC 154 Analysis and Predictions!

by: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Welterweight (170lbs)
Martin Kampmann ImageMartin Kampmann 20-5-0
vs
Johny Hendricks ImageJohny Hendricks 13-1-0
Analysis: Both fighters are looking to stake a claim to the next welterweight title shot with a win on Saturday. Martin Kampmann is one of the purest strikers in the division, he is able to use superior footwork to keep his opponent of balance. Johny Hendricks, may have the hardest left hand, in the weight class, with wins over Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, Hendricks has the pedigree, and ability to be a champion!
Prediction: Hendricks via 2rd rd TKO
Middleweight (185lbs)
Tom Lawlor ImageTom Lawlor 7-4-0
vs
Francis Carmont ImageFrancis Carmont 19-7-0
 Analysis: Tom Lawlor recently rebounded from his loss to title hopeful Chris Weidman with a impressive victory over Jason Macdonald that only took .50 seconds. Francis Carmont is riding a 8 fight win streak. A training partner of Georges St. Pierre, Carmont is looking to establish himself as one of the divisions rising stars!
Prediction: Carmont via submission rd 2
Middleweight (185lbs)
Dan Miller ImageCostantinos Philippou 11-2-0
vs
Nick Ring ImageNick Ring 13-1-0
Analysis: This fight is an early candidate for fight of the night! Both fighters have established themselves as grinders, having won most of there fights by decision. Ring possesses a great all around game, with excellent wrestling and submissions skills. Philippou has improved with every fight since his loss to Nick Catone by decision. A member of the Serra/Longo fight team, Phillipou is also no stranger to the submission game, although his strength is striking.
Prediction: Nick Ring via decision
Featherweight (145lbs)
Pablo Garza ImagePablo Garza 11-3-0
vs
Mark Hominick ImageMark Hominick 20-11-0
In wrestling one of the most popular matches is the “Loser Leaves Town” scenario. Although wrestling is fake, this scenario is very real for both of these fighters. Both are coming off of losses, and are on the verge of being cut from the ever expanding UFC roster. Hominick was once considered one of the best in the division. A student of the late great Sean Tompkins, Hominick possesses excellent striking skills, and a pretty solid all around game. Pablo Garza started his career in the UFC impressively winning both of his first two fights. Since then he has dropped two connective fights to Dennis Bermudez and Dustin Poirer. Garza’s back is against the wall,
Prediction: Hominick via 2nd rd TKO
UFC Welterweight Championship

Georges St. Pierre ImageGeorges St. Pierre 22-2-0
vs
Carlos Condit ImageCarlos Condit 28-5-0
Coming off almost a 600 day layoff from his last fight finally GSP is back in the mix. One of the best pound for pound fighters GSP possesses one of the most well rounded games in all of MMA. He can stand and bang, wrestle, box, and he can put you to sleep! One of the most dominate champions in all of Combat sports, GSP is running from a knee injury headlong into a waiting Carlos Condit. His win over Nick Diaz proved Carlos Condit is a legitimate Champion. His Muay Thai, and kick boxing is vicious. And he has been training non stop for this fight, since before GSP had surgery! Both fighters are healthy, and in prime condition. This should be a great fight!
Prediction: Georges St Pierre via decision