UFC 88 Mami’s Predictions

Let me start by apologizing for not having written anything for awhile. I know the upcoming UFC 88 fight is around the corner with a great card lined up, but I just can’t seem to wrap my brain around it in terms of predictions. My crystal ball isn’t working or I’m just secretly devastated that I won’t be there in person like I thought I would be…=(

At any rate, here’s my take on the situation. There are 3 seasoned MMA vets that need to make fierce statements in the ATL or risk losing the love & respect of long time fans, not to mention possibly tarnishing their legacies as the best in their respective weight classes once upon a time. Mami's sendin' love to 'em all!!!!

the main event | Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans
Liddell TKO in round 1 or 2. Evans by decision if it goes 3.

I honestly don’t know what will happen here and I seem to be one of the only fans who doesn’t have a definitive opinion. My guts says this: Rashad Evans by split decision.

However, if Chuck has been training with Hack at the Pit and is focused (the belly will tell me), we may seem him finish Rashad in round 1 or 2 by TKO or possibly a true KO ( but not likely). I expect it to be an exciting fight!

I think Rashad’s conditioning will prove superior just by the age factor alone. He’s 10 years younger than Chuck. But if Chuck can bring his A game, he may earn the W because while Rashad is undefeated in the UFC, his list of opponents isn’t particularly impressive. [side note: Michael Bisping—YUCK!] Other than Stephen Bonnar, I doubt his anyone has really tested that chin. He will also be at a disadvantage in terms of reach, standing only 5’11” to Chuck’s 6’2” frame. Hopefully Chuck will leverage his advantages where he can.

I am a long time Chuck fan. In fact, for quite some time Chuck was MMA for me so I’d love to see him the victor. However, there are many outside influences that will impact his game so it’s hard for me to predict.
I believe Chuck’s raw talent sometimes causes him to not train as hard as he should. Something BJ Penn has also suffered from in the past.

I am sure all the hardcore fans saw Chuck get slapped around by Rampage back in May 2007 at UFC 71. While I was bummed, I can’t say I was surprised. I saw Chuck’s belly growing and heard how he partied like a rockstar, rightfully enjoying his hard earned success. But I knew Rampage was hungry and fierce. I didn’t get the sense Chuck was taking him too seriously. We all know what happened after that….TKO baby!

I was in San Francisco watching it at a bar because the hotel where I was staying not only smelled like a cat box, it also didn’t have PPV. I was fascinated that Chuck wasn’t gettin’ much love. It was definitely a Rampage crowd…many yellin’ Glass Jaw Chuck and the like. I wasn’t tryin’ to hear that…I had to roll out after the fight because I was gettin’ vexed and almost yelled “shuddup biiaaches!!!” at group of rather large dudes. *smirk*

Like I said--sad, yes, surprised no. But, what did surprise me was his next loss to Keith Jardine. A split decision rather than a TKO, yet still a loss. As I've said before, Jardine is no punk, but I was worried my favorite warrior was on his way out. Then, in UFC 79 Chuck won a unanimous decision over a formidable opponent in Wanderlei Silva. However, if you saw the fight you would know that Wanderlei, who coincidentally beat down Jackson not once but twice in his days with Pride, didn’t have that killer instinct I’ve seen in the past. So I am not sure the impact of the victory other than it looks good on paper and may have re-established Chuck’s confidence/warrior spirit.

I’m hoping to see the Iceman Cometh at this one. We still love you Chuck, just please...FUCKIN'BRING IT!!! and leave the hoochies alone til AFTER the fight--then celebrate your victory in the VIP room at the Cheetah! mmauuh!!! XOXO!


fight of the night | Rich Frankin vs. Matt Hamill
I have NO IDEA but I’m gonna go with Franklin by decision.

This is the fight of the night for me! While I love Chuck and think that the main event will prove to be exciting, Franklin vs. Hamill really has me juiced because both are true warriors who bring professionalism to the cage.

Franklin’s record is as impressive as they come at 25/3/0. Although other than Anderson Silva, who is 22/4/0 in his MMA career but undefeated in the UFC, I’m not sure who else Franklin has lost to…maybe someone can help me out here because I’m feelin’ too lazy to google it.=)

There is NO SHAME in Franklin’s game. Before Anderson came along, Franklin was the Middleweight that no one could beat. And if Anderson hadn’t come along, I’d be hard pressed to find anyone else who could beat him…except perhaps Matt Hamill. Anderson even stated, at the fight against Hendo that Franklin has been his toughest opponent yet (read: not you Hendo!) which is quite the compliment coming from, in my opinion, the best pound for pound fighter in the world today…sorry Fedor—you’re not the one for Mami! =)

The first time I saw Matt Hamill fight was in UFC 75 against Michael Bisping, where he was handed the loss by split decision by the judges. Most fans, including myself agree that Hamill unequivocally won that fight and thought it complete bullocks that Bisping was given the decision just because he was the hometown favorite. This is just one of the reasons Bisping isn’t getting’ any Mami love—see note above!

Hamill is one of my favorite up and comers in the UFC. I think he shows a lot of promise and a lot of heart. And it’s that heart that will see him through to a victory over Franklin if that is to happen. I think that ultimately Franklin will earn the W, but it won’t be as easy as most are thinking. These boyz are gonna throw down and neither will give up til the very end or until one is submitted or knocked out!

A few words to Rich…
First, you look NOTHING like Jim Carey and stop letting people insult you like that!!! Second, if you really do plan to have a Hollywood career after you’re through in the cage, whatever you do AVIOD any further fights with Anderson Silva…your face can’t afford those knees and elbows unless you plan to play only roles that require a mutilated face! And finally, welcome back man….Mami’s missed seeing you in action!!!
mmauuh xoxo!


Dan Henderson vs. Rousimar Palhares (um…who?)
Best guess—Hendo TKO round 1 or 2, If it goes to 3, Palhares by submission

Let me start by saying that this rarely happens…Mami NOT having an opinion. I see that Palhares fought and won in UFC 84 but honestly, I don’t recall that fight at all. He is 17/1/0 which means he’s not a newbie and must have been fighting in another organization before coming to the UFC. He appears to be a submissions specialist which should prove interesting because Hendo has ground skills and his takedown defense is good so he can keep it standing if it becomes evident that is advantageous to him.

I’ve not seen Hendo fight very much but I’ve heard good things from his days in Pride and he held his own with Anderson despite the loss. He didn’t get the same beatings that Franklin did and came out relatively unscathed...no serious cuts (James Irvin) or broken bones (Rich Franklin) that I’m aware of post Anderson.

If I were Hendo, I’d keep it a stand up war to use the reach advantage. Palhares is only 5’8” and there is no evidence he’s a banger. He probably hasn’t had his chin tested as much as most since he seems to prefer the ground game. I’d try to end it quickly as he’s also only 28, making Hendo 10 years his elder. Conditioning will most likely be a factor although my impression is that Dan trains like an animal. Still, 10 years is 10 years. Hendo must rely on his experience and strategy to win this one. Good luck Hendo!
mmauuh! xoxo