UFC 84: Ill Will

Who isn’t talking about this PPV event coming up on Saturday? Well, other than my mom and dad, who isn’t talking about this?

I’m a big fan of The Fightworks Podcast, and listen regularly, as well as subscribe to the RSS feed over there (NOTE: If that last part doesn’t make sense, check out this post by Karl at Secondhand Tryptophan who posted all about RSS feeds and feedreaders and personally offered to walk you through it if you just don’t get it. Caleb has a great explanation of Google Gadgets at the Fightworks Podcast).

Anyway… where was I? Oh yeah. So, Caleb ALSO runs a website called MMAPredictions.com. On MMAPredictions.com you can sign up and… well, make predictions on just about all of the upcoming events. It’s not a fantasy league, per se. It’s just fun. What’s even scarier is that he REALLY IS using those same commercials for another year. I thought it was an empty threat. If you listen to his podcasts, you’ll know to what I am referring. Caleb. Dude. Throw us a friggin’ bone.

As you can see, I’m not all that great. I still enjoy it. I like looking at the upcoming cards and learning a little more about the fighters. Of course, I also like being right and, conversely, not being wrong. Heck, I even ended up being one of the MOST RIGHT predictors for an event not too long ago. So, if you haven’t already, go check out the website. It’s fun.

Now, as for who I have predicted to win, here’s where I went:

Penn over Sherk. Frankly, I’ll be surprised if this one is even close. If BJ Penn is in shape (and I’ve read nothing to the contrary), Sherk just doesn’t have the tools to win. All I’ve ever seen out of him is strong wrestling and formidable “lay and pray.”

Silva over Jardine. I honestly view this one as a toss up. The Axe Murderer has been on a decline, but is still a force to be reckoned with. Jardine hits hard, has a good chin and strong leg kicks. I’m picking Silva because I just can’t NOT pick him.

Machida over Ortiz. I actually like Tito Ortiz. I like him largely because I thought he was a good coach on TUF. I think that this one will be a decision, and it’s going to go to Machida. Ortiz will start strong, but if he can’t finish The Dragon in the first round, he’s done.

Salaverry over Palhares. I have to pick Ivan.
Sokoudjou over Nakamura
Gouviea over Reljic
Thiago Silva over Mendes
War Machine Koppenhaver over Yoshida
Dong Hyun Kim over Jason Tan
Rich Clementi over Terry Etim (too bad this is on the undercard, cause it would be a fun fight to watch)
Carwin over Wellisch

Have fun this weekend and take some time to think about our Vets this Memorial Day, those who gave their lives for us and those who are still risking their lives every day!