SHAUN MCCOY’S UFC 71 PREDICTIONS
Posted on | May 17, 2007 | 2 Comments
Fight Predictions for UFC 71 Liddell vs. Jackson, Saturday, May 26
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell
Rampage’s best hope for victory is that he arrives at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in a 2003 departed DeLorean, fire streaking from its tires and the Back to the Future III soundtrack blasting in lieu of his entrance music. Short of a Time Flux Capacitor Quinton must somehow regain the heart and fury he displayed on his brutal walk through Pride’s 205lbs division. But with Quinton’s heart taken by the knees of Wanderlei and his fury taken by a newfound religious zeal, he seems ill-equipped to face the supernatural power of Chuck’s fists. Judging from his last two lackluster performances against Lindland and Eastman it seems doubtful that he will be in form. Expect a healthy Chuck to take the knockout victory in the second or third round… but keep an eye out for that DeLorean!
Terry Martin vs. Ivan Salaverry
Terry Martin returns on his path to redemption since a loss via flying knee to James Irvin in UFC 54 derailed his promising UFC career. Back on track now after a win in UFC’s little brother, WEC, as well as an impressive victory over veteran Jorge Rivera in UFC 67, his dominant wrestling should give him a solid 3 round decision over the Pankrationist.
Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman vs. Karo “The Heat” Parisyan
Karo, infamous for exploiting American MMA’s over-reliance on Wrestling with his world class Judo techniques, returns for his first fight of the year against Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman. Karo Parisyan’s only recent losses have been in 3 round battles of attrition, but don’t expect this fight to make it so far. Karo should take the fight with a choke or other submission in the first or second round.
Houston Alexander vs. Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine
Striker Houston Alexander has never been knocked out in Professional MMA, but then again he’s never fought in the UFC either. Look for his six fight winning streak, already placed on hold due to a No Contest against Todd Alee in EC 76, to end completely on one of Keith Jardine’s punches. The Dean of Mean’s KO over Forest Griffin was no accident, and his newfound ability to finish hurt opponents will serve him well in this fight.
Kalib Starnes vs. Chris “The Crippler” Leben
While Kalib Starnes was able to overcome Jason Mcdonald, Leben’s last loss, don’t expect this to be a litmus test for the bout. Starnes has almost no chance against Chris Leben, either standing or on the matt.
Thiago Silva vs. James Irvin
Thiago Silva makes his way into the UFC from the vaunted Chute Box team. While he may have a little trouble adapting to the Unified Rules it is unlikely that he will fall to James Irvin. Silva’s high pace and proficient striking should allow him to wear down his opponent. In later rounds Irvin might attempt a flying knee, but Silva is no stranger to such attacks, and should be ready for one should it be thrown.
Sean Salmon vs. Eric “Ravishing Red” Schafer
Both having recently lost to UFC 205 lbs poster boys, these two fighters will be looking to secure future contracts with the UFC. Expect huge heart from both fighters, but Sean Salmon’s conditioning won‘t last all three rounds. While his wrestling may cause Schafer problems, all Schafer needs to do is hold on and wait for Salmon’s gas tank to settle on E.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Din Thomas
“I don’t even know who that guy is,” Din told me jokingly about Jeremy at a small show in Savannah, GA. And he doesn’t need to know, either. Din has been an underrated fighter ever since his loss to Caol Uno in 2002 ravished his bandwagon. This should be an easy fight for Thomas and will help pad his record for a longer stay in the UFC.
Carmelo “The Fury” Marrero vs. Wilson Gouveia
May not be broadcast. In fact, if you see this fight on pay per view it’s probably a sign of the apocalypse. This is not to say this fight doesn’t matter. Marrero’s only loss came at the hands of Gabriel Gonzaga, and no one has a clue about what that means yet. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic lost to Gonzaga, too. On the flip of a coin I give it to Marrero.