HOLLI’S UFC 74 PICKS
Posted on | August 24, 2007 | No Comments
Lady’s Choice: UFC 74 Respect Picks
By Holli Yargo Hearne
Representing a growing percentage of the mixed martial arts fan base, these UFC 74 Respect picks are lady’s choice. Tomorrow night will tell how well this lady knows her UFC.
While many of the fights on the 74 card will likely not be televised, the stacked line up is still certainly worth mentioning in its entirety. Not one of these fighters has a shabby record, though some clearly have more experience than others.
A few of the fights appear mismatched when just looking at the numbers but all of tomorrow night’s combatants have tremendous skill. At least one contender is already legendary with others nipping at his heels for similar status.
Couture vs. Gonzaga
After retiring following his 2006 KO loss to Chuck Liddell, Randy “The Natural” Couture returned to the cage in grand style. In true David versus Goliath fashion, Couture took an impressive and unanimous decision win over Tim Sylvia to gain the UFC Heavyweight belt this past March.
Gabriel Gonzaga dropped the jaws of MMA fans around the world when he knocked out Cro Cop with devastating head kick. Looking at Gonzaga’s remarkable record, it is clear that he is comfortable on the ground and on his feet.
This is a tough fight to call with one fighter being an icon and the other being 4-0 in the UFC and coming in with a respectable 9-1 overall professional record. Still, I’m giving this fight to Couture. He’s in the best shape of his career and frankly, I just want him to win. He’s Captain America, for crying out loud. I’m predicting Couture winning by submission.
Huerta vs. Crane
Both fighters have impressive records but Huerta clearly has the greater experience. Huerta impressed UFC fans with his dynamic fight against newcomer Leonard Garcia at UFC 69. Although Crane has an 8-0 professional record, Huerta has had over 20 fights with his only professional loss being to IFL’s Ryan “The Lion” Schultz. I believe Huerta, as cocky and adorable as he is, will take this fight by (T)KO.
Koscheck vs. St-Pierre
Josh Koscheck showed he was more than a wrestler at UFC 69 when he and Diego Sanchez kept it on their feet for what was a technically great boxing match, even if it was a snoozefest of an MMA bout. Fans at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX found the two fights that broke out in the stands far more entertaining. Nevertheless, his new fistic skills should keep GSP from taking the wrestler for granted. I’m picking Georges St-Pierre to win by (T)KO.
Pellegrino vs. Stevenson
Kurt Pellegrino has a very nice 16-2 professional record but is missing any big named opponents. Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, on the other hand, has walked through fights with the charismatic likes of Melvin Guillard and Yves Edwards. Stevenson has twice as many fights as Pellegrino, sporting a potent record of 32-7. Stevenson should pull out a win and I’m expecting it to come by (T)KO.
Patrick Cote vs. Kendall Grove
Having lost in the past to Tito Ortiz, it can’t be lost on Patrick Cote that he’s going up against Tito’s 6’9” mini-me. Grove is a lanky Hawaiian who is freakishly flexible on the ground with patented Team Punishment ground and pound. Cote has defeated proven opponents such as Jason McDonald while Grove has lost to Joe Riggs and the IFL’s Savant Young. They’re pretty evenly matched but Grove seems a little more aggressive. I expect Grove to win by (T)KO.
Jensen vs. Leites
Ryan Jensen and Thales Leites have very similar records but Leites has had the better fights. I’m feeling the Brazilian will finish this bout with a submission win.
Sobral vs. Heath
Renato Sobral has taken some flack for losing spirit after his loss to Chuck Liddell. There is no shame in losing to a champion, so I am not believing the negative hype. I imagine Sobral doesn’t either. This is definitely one of the fights I am very interested in seeing but it probably won’t be televised. That’s a shame. I fully expect Sobral to walk through this one, winning by submission.
Mir vs. Hardonk
Following his 2004 motorcycle accident, Frank Mir returned to the cage heavier than ever with a noticeable deficit in his cardio. He lost 2 of his first 3 fights upon his return but he’s expected to be in top shape tomorrow night. Antoni Hardonk is an accomplished kickboxer who has yet to demonstrate any effective ground skills. If the old Frank Mir shows up and gets the take down, he’ll win this fight by submission. Hardonk has lethal legs and Mir shouldn’t take him for granted. No matter how this fight ends, Mir is already making a name for himself as a very good color commentator for the WEC.
Guida vs. Aurelio
Clay Guida has a 21-5 record but is coming off a two-fight losing streak. Prior to that, he defeated the IFL’s nearly undefeated Bart Paleszewski and the compelling IFL lightweight alternate Joe Martin. Marcus Aurelio has a 14-4 record but is a veteran of Pride Fighting Championship. My sources tell me that Guida will defeat Aurelio by (T)KO.
I’m no clairvoyant, but only time will tell if my predictions are correct. Come on fellas, what do you think? Have I nailed this thing?