Music to listen to: Youth (live) by Matisyahu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rEGqoMHiVw
Before we delve into UFC 173, some quick thoughts on Bellator 120
-I thought it was a decent effort for the promotion’s first foray into pay-per-views. Having Eddie Alvarez pull out of the main event lightweight title fight against Michael Chandler a week before the event hurt the cause but unfortunately when you’re in the combat sports business, these things happen. Its actually something that can be recovered from.
Having Chandler lose to an inferior opponent in Will Brooks will be tougher to overcome. Brooks earned the victory by using a strong wrestling base to keep Chandler off balance and grinded out the victory. Many of us were looking forward to Chandler/Alverez 3 but that looks like it will have to wait.
-Most people including myself had Mo Lawal winning the fight against Rampage Jackson but the judges saw it another way. It was a close fight and I wouldn’t be opposed to a rematch because both guys are past their primes and not title contenders. They talk a good game and provide entertainment, why not let them get back in the cage once again.
-Tito Ortiz won his fight against Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko was a bad look for the promotion. Even though Shlemenko is a small middleweight and Ortiz is a legit light heavyweight, most will look at it as a champion losing to a washed up competitor. Perception isn’t always reality but has a way of shaping it.
UFC 173 comes at an interesting time in the MMA calendar. The summer is right around the corner meaning that it’s mega-fight time when people are less active with other commitments.
The original main event for this card was supposed to be middleweight champion Chris Weidman against Vitor Belfort but if you’re reading this post, you know why that fight didn’t go down.
Instead the spotlight shines on bantamweight champion and top-five pound-for-pound fighter Renan Barao who defends his title against up-and-comer T.J. Dillashaw. While Jon Jones has taken the mantle as best fighter in the world, the injuries/sabbaticals to Georges St. Pierre, Cain Velasquez, Anderson Silva and others, Barao has the chance to slide into the second spot.
Barao has arguably the best kicks in MMA in relation to strength and accuracy, particularly to his opponent’s legs and body. He’ll do this to keep distance between him and Dillashaw who has strong wrestling . The Brazilian can be reckless at times with his standup and that may leave opening for Dillashaw to get takedowns. Barao will also have a strong size advantage in the bout.
Prediction: Barao by fourth-round TKO
Dan Henderson vs. Daniel Cormier:
Henderson was taking a major beating in his last fight against Shogun Rua before scoring the early candidate for knockout of the year and earning the crucial victory back in March. Henderson was able to know exactly where Rua was going and picked him apart with the standup in both of their matchups. Cormier won’t allow this opportunity as he brings more movement and diversity to his fighting style.
While we have two Olympic wrestlers in the cage, Henderson has abandoned his grappling skills years ago and sticks to going for the knockout. Cormier is also having his second fight as a light heavyweight and would figure to be even better at that weight class.
Furthermore, Henderson will not be allowed to use his testosterone replacement therapy process that’s become a major part of his training procedures the past few years.
Prediction: Cormier by decision
Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Ellenberger
Potential fight of the night. Lawler came so close to beating Johny Hendircks for the welterweight titie in March but now must recover to face Ellenberger who’s last fight was in July 2013, losing to Rory MacDonald. Lawler’s career revival has been impressive to see and will have too much power for Ellenberger.
Prediction: Lawler by decision
The Sports Inquirer 
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