ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON FINALE SATURDAY
Las Vegas, NV– Roy Nelson, Las Vegas, NV (13-4 6 KOs, 4 SUBs) vs. Brendan Schaub, Denver, CO (4-0, 4 KOs) The vastly experienced Roy Nelson will head into his first official UFC match against the less experienced but highly athletic Brendan Schaub. What Schaub lacks in experience he makes up for in size, strength and natural talent. Nelson was my initial pick to win the tournament, but Schaub has impressed me and I think he will be able to land a bomb on Nelson before the end of the fight. Prediction: Schaub by TKO.
Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson, Miami, FL (3-1, 3 KOs, 1 SUB) vs. Houston Alexander, Omaha, NE (9-4, 6 KOs, 1 SUB) Both of these guys are in desperate need to gain an impressive performance if they want to stay in the UFC. They both also love to let their hands go and the winner will probably be the one who lands flush first! Prediction: Kimbo Slice grabs a much needed win by KO!
Matt Hamill, Loveland, OH (7-2, 6 KOs) vs. Jon Jones, Rochester NY (9-0, 5 KOs, 2 SUBs) Jones enters this fight undefeated, but he will be taking on his biggest challenge yet as he will stare across the cage at Matt Hamill. A superior wrestler, Hamill may want to take Jones down to avoid his quick fisted foe. Although Hamill has six KOs among his wins, he has some stand up flaws and sometimes gets sloppy with his jab. If this fight stays standing up, look for Jones to counter his man over Hamill’s lazy jab. Prediction: Jones by TKO.
Frank Edgar, Tom Rivers, NJ (10-1, 2 KOs, 2 SUBs) vs. Matt Veach, St. Louis, MO (11-0, 4 KOs, 6 SUBs) Veach will no doubt be in against his toughest battle yet. Edgar is a highly skilled fighter who can be a tough match up for anyone. I think Edgar’s poise will win out here. Prediction: Edgar by UD.
Marcus Jones, Tampa, FL (4-1, 3 KOs, 1 SUB) vs. Matt Mitrione, Indianapolis, IN (pro debut)
If you saw the last episode of The Ultimate Fighter 10, then you know Jones wants this shot at Mitrione. Jones blames Mitrione for the potential career ending injury his friend Scott Junk (6-2-1. 4 KOs, 1 SUB) suffered in his fight with Mitrione on the show. Jones should be able to handle Mitrione as long as he keeps his hands up when he comes in. Prediction: Jones by Submission.
SLICE NEEDS TO REMATCH NELSON
Kimbo was KO’d early in the Ultimate Fighter season by Roy Nelson. Will UFC Prez Dana White put them back together if Nelson wins? Or will the UFC hope that Nelson loses so they can match Kimbo with Chuck Liddell?
Matt Grizzle