UFC 134 Predictions

The UFC is returning to the MMA Mecca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and they put together a great card to do so. Joe Maass and I will do our best to Break down this Saturdays match ups for you. IT IS TIME!

• Lightweight bout: Ross Pearson vs. Edson Barboza

Dr. Jamez- Pearson was on a tear before his shocking loss to Cole Miller but bounced back with a strong win over Spencer Fisher. Barboza may have the home town advantage but Pearson is a huge jump up in competition and the home crowd can’t help him once the cage door closes. I expect Pearson to Grind out a win.

Joe- I always hated Barboza in the Pirates movies so I’m not flipping here. Pearson all the way.

• Heavyweight bout: Brendan Schaub vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

Dr. Jamez- I just can’t pick Nogueira, he’s basically the Stephan Bonnar of the heavy weight division. I Know Big Nog might be able to submit him if it gets to the ground but I think its more likely he’s transitioning in to a Chuck Liddell phase where everyone is going to start viciously knocking him out now that hes not fighting in a company where the refs don't wear ear pieces.

Joe- I Googled both these guys and this is what I learned: Brendan Schaub looks kinda like a really white Kellen Winslow and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s forehead looks just like George W Bush’s. Going with Schaub.

• Light Heavyweight bout: Maurício Rua vs. Forrest Griffin

Dr. Jamez- I’ve never been impressed with Shogun, Forrest finished him the first time they fought and I don’t care if Shogun claimed he was injured he should have pulled out if that was the case like he did when he belt jacked the UFC for nearly a year. If Forrest and can finish this fight and make it out without serious injury he should be in line for a title fight if Rashad’s thumb keeps him out longer than expected. If not I would say a title eliminator with Machida would make the most sense. I say this because I can’t see an area where Shogun can best Forrest. Forrest might not have the KO power Shogun does but I also dont think Shogun’s KO power is enough to stop Forrest. I think Forrest will just over power Shogun and win a decision.

Joe- I cant stand people that have like six names..what do I call them Maruicio, Shogun, Milani? I don’t really like Forrest unless we’re talking about Gump but I’m left with no choice going Forrest.

• Middleweight Championship: Anderson Silva (c) vs. Yushin Okami

Dr. Jamez- I’m in a pickle here cause I absolutely will not pick Anderson Silva because he and Philip Rivers are probably the people I dislike more than just about anyone on the planet. That being said Silva has already knocked Okami out once (although it was an illegal strike) so it shows he has the abilty to stop Okami. The other side is Okami has been working with the one man to truly beat Andy, Chael Sonnen. At the end of the day I wouldn't put money on Okami but he does have the tools to win this fight he just needs some luck.

Joe- If he can’t shoot wed or climb up walls he shouldn’t be called the Spider it’s too confusing. I’m going with Okami

Preseason Power rankings version 2

Dr Jamez

As Promised here is round two of the preseason power rankings with free agency almost done.

1. Colts- This team will win the Superbowl this year.
2. Packers- I’m hesitant to say this team is better than Superbowl champion form but the will be healthier than last year.
3. Eagles- This team has oddles of talent but Vick isn’t going to get it done. I expect Vick to not be very good and he and Desean Jackson to not finish the season. Adding Asomugha was great for them and everyone in the AFC but the corner situation is no better than the Jets.
4. Jets- I hate the Jets as much as someone outside of Boston can as much as I love the idea of The Pats having to stare the harbinger of perfect failure in the face twice a year I think Plax going to the Jets will make the least impact he possibly could have. God, Sanchez sucks.
5. Patriots- I don’t know what to say, they aren’t very good and Bellichick is a joke. “An all Road Kill defense doesn't make you a good team” -Warren Sapp
6. Falcons- I don’t want to look like a fool so I’m going with the smart money but this division really depends on if Talib plays or not.
7. Ravens- Ed Reed will be there at the start of the season hopefully they will fix the play calling issues and Boldin should be more comfortable this year. Some Key losses could change this team though.
8. Giants- This year was as much of a tossup as last year between The Giants and Eagles until the Eagles made some big preseason moves while the Giants are having trouble getting people back to the team facility.
9. Raiders- They looked good last year didn’t lose a division game. The Chiefs took a few personnel hits. WHY THE HELL IS THE GUY WHO PLAYED WOLVERINE THE COACH OF THE RAIDERS?! Man! Al Davis is nuts.
10. Chiefs- see above
11. Bucs- This team baffles me. Could win the NFC south, could be one of the worst in the league. Looks like Talib will play this year so we’ll see just how legit the Bucs are.
12. Steelers- This team has a history of missing the Playoffs after a Superbowl appearance and is going absolutely nuts in the off season I dont feel good about them as a team.
13. Bears- You know who should have gotten Julio Jones? The Bears. Signing Roy Williams and Marion Barber could be huge for the Bears.
14. Rams- Apparently I hate the NFC West. This is the only team from the west outside of the bottom 10 and they are Fourteen. To put that in context 12 teams make the playoffs and one team from the west has to go.
15. Lions- One year away from the best defense in the league. Could make serious noise if Stafford can stay healthy (AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAAH HA. I SAID IF STAFFORD CAN STAY HEALTHY LIKE ITS POSSIBLE.)
16. Saints- I hate them.
17. Cowboys- Offense should be banging. I just don’t like Jason Garret.
18. Browns- I Love me some Colt McCoy, I hope they do better then I think.
19. Broncos- I still don’t understand how they finished so bad last year.
20. Dolphins- I’m not exactly sure what their problem is.
21. Vikings- Aging defense isn’t good, but best running back in the league and best rookie qb in this class is good. We’ll see how it evens out. I know they said theyre playing McNabb but I see this as the start of the Ponder era.
22. Seahawks- Will have a place in my heart forever for what they did to the Saints last year but
23. Redskins- I…don’t….know …. What to say. Shanahan …..SO…..crazy.
24. Jaguars- what do they got? a Coach that’s going to get fired in season, a Rookie QB taking all the snaps? MJD is coming off knee surgery and as of now looks 40 lbs over weight...Yes, I’m still stung they got Session.
25. Bengals- Seriously, Even Carson Palmer is done with this team.
26. 49ers- Do they have a QB? I thought Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens.
27. Cardinals- I said they could make a jump when they get Kolb but...they didnt....
28. Texans- So, they didnt get Asomugha. Cushing and Foster aren’t practicing. They lost leach and they are going to convert to a 3-4 with 2 weeks of off season practice. They are going to be awful but they will always be slinging the ball so Andre Johnson’s Fantasy Value on my team has skyrocketed.
29. Chargers- Suck
30. Bills- probably better than last year?
31. Titans- ….Ahem… Do they have a coach?! a QB? They are going to be awful.
32. Panthers- Boo!