So what are the predictions on UFC 116? I'm thinking Carwin by TKO over Lesnar (2nd round) and Akiyama by KO over Leben (3rd round).
Carwin's hands don't seem dangerous unless he's in the pocket or clinch. I'm betting Brock won't ever let him get in the pocket or in range without ending up on his back. Brock's striking seems much better from a distance and both Randy and Heath Herring said they underestimated his reach. Brock by standing KO, or by stoppage on the floor. Akiyama by decision Chris Lytle by KO Soszynski by submissioni (kimura) Sotiropoulos by submission (RNC) Tuscherer by TKO on the ground Don't really know enough about the others to decide.........but that's my pick. I'd really love to see Leben get a knockout.......but I doubt it will happen.
Don't underestimate Carwin Brock is a Division I two time champ in wrestling, but Carwin also won a Division II championship and was twice runner up. Granted most would say Division I trumps II but they are both accomplished Wrestlers. Carwin is a Purple Belt in BJJ, Brock is an apprentice. Carwin has never gone more than one round and beat a bigger and badder Mir in one round, not two like Lesnar. Carwin has meatier legs and can throw leg kicks, Lesnar's are a little spindly in comparison. Carwin has never had to fight longer than 4 minutes. Brock has won a decision after 3 full rounds less than two years ago. Brock missed 3 months of training to heal and has been back training for 7 months while Carwin has been training and working full time without losing a fight. This could be an epic fight and both are beasts, this will be Lesnar's first fight against a beast where his weight won't be his advantage.
Carwin missed multiple takedown attempts against Mir (maybe the worst wrestler in the division?), and got taken down easily by Gonzaga, who again has very poor wrestling. If Brock wants to put him on his back it's gonna happen. Carwin's only chance of winning this fight is to put the pressure on and turn it into a brawl from inside the pocket or in the clinch. That's where Mir and Couture both seemed to do best against Brock, and it's where Carwin seems strongest. The problem is that I suspect if he get's close enough to do this Brock's just going to take him down. From a distance, both of their striking is pretty good, but Lesnar is going to have a 4"+ reach advantage on him. My guess is that Brock is going to try the standup game if he can control the distance....................just enough that the takedown is going to catch Carwin off guard. If Carwin pushes the action and tries to brawl, or clinch, Brock will take him down and either pound him out or win by points on the ground.
As a die hard fan I agree with Rick, Standing Carwin has a 50-50 chance, on the ground I believe Brock will control the fight. I don't believe Brock will come out and stand up very long his bread and butter is on the ground. And the fight will surely go there via Brock take down. Predictions like I said, I agree with Rick those are accurate predictions.
Oh man, I can't wait! This is going to be great! I am heading over to Greeley Colorado to watch at the official Shane Carwin party, he is from Greeley or at least currently from Greeley. I honestly think it is 50-50, I just hope that it is a good fight!
Brock is a prick and needs to lose another fight to get his inflated head back on solid ground, plus he has the gayest chest tattoo in professional sports!
That was a pretty awesome card! The fights just kept getting better throughout the night. I thought Brock was done, the ref did a good job of not stopping the fight. They usually let the title fights go a little longer than most before they will jump in. I definitely see a rematch in the future! Brock is a beast, but he still has a lot to learn. Carwin seems like a great sport and I am sure he is gonna want a knock out next time.
Absolutely, the ref did great. Did you hear that Dana was pissed when he first realized that Herb Dean wasn't the ref for that fight, but after the fight was very pleased with his performance? All the usual UFC ref's are pretty good. I have only seen a hand full of calls that I thought were questionable.
