***ESB's Official UFC 98 Predictions***

rashad 1st rnd ko

Serra 1st rnd ko

 

Finally got the time right then?

 

Machida UD
Hughes TKO 2
Pokam tko 1
Sonnen TKO 2
Edger UD
Larson sub 1
Barry tko 2
Nover sub 1
Gusmao sub 2
yoshida ud
kaplan ko 1

 

Machida-UD
Hughes-UD
Pokam-sub-2...rear naked
Sherk-UD
Miller-tko-2

Barry-tko-1
Larson-UD
Sozsynski-sub-1-kimura
Roop-UD
Yoshida-sub-1-rear naked
Nover-tko-2

 

I believe Machida wants to be mma's Muhammad Ali. Ali fought the way he did because he had the athleticism to do so, and he did not want to get hit. We later found out Ali had a great resolve, and responded well when he was hit. Machida fights the way he does for the same reasons Ali did. We have yet to see if Machida has Ali's chin and resolve. Evans cannot pressure Machida the way Ali was pressed by Frazier. But if anyone in the division has the speed to time Machida it is Evans. Evans also has the courage to swing for the fences. I won't be surprised to see most other's predictions of Machida come true. Still...

Evans tko 3

Serra tko 3
Xavier UD
Miller sub 3
Edgar UD

Larson UD
Hague tko 2
Nover sub 2
Soszynski UD
Yoshida UD
Roop sub 2

 

Machida UD
Serra TKO 3
McFedries KO 1
Miller Sub (Guillotine) 2
Sherk UD

Pyle UD (Mike Pyle is a last min replacement for Chris Wilson)
Barry TKO 2
Nover TKO 2
Soszynski UD
Yoshida Sub (Armbar) 1
Kaplan UD

 

Does the Pyle-Wilson fight still count....kind of last minute...for predictions I think we may have to void that fight.

 

I'll stick with Larson, don't no either fighter to be quite honest.

What, you don't think Matt "Minnie Tyson" Serra can spark Hughes? But seriously...

Sometimes I like to predict an uncommon projected outcome.

I have never been impressed with Hughes' boxing when observing footage of his gloved sparring sessions. I believe that Serra probably believes in his punch especially after his first fight with Pierre, and will be willing to punch with assertion should the moment arise. I think that when fighters have a mutual respect for each other's grappling, openings for strikes can occur.

I won't be surprised by any outcome in this one, including a Hughes victory by stoppage. Hughes has more experience at a higher weight, was thought of as unbeatable by some a few years ago, and though he's been losing it was to top notch fighters.

 

As much as I hate to say it I think Evans catches Machida and ends all the Machida elusive talk. I so hope I'm wrong.

 

My prediction:

Lots of gays hugging each other on the floor