LowKick.com TUF 13 Finale Staff Predictions
Posted on June 3, 2011, 08:50 AM by Anton GurevichAttention: TUF 13 Finale fight card is now fully updated. Please go to the events section to submit your picks.
Ramsey Nijem vs. Tony Ferguson
Top Prediction: Nijem via Submission in Round 2
Joey Santosus: Its always difficult to predict how each fighter has progressed between the the show's conclusion up until fight night, but from what we've seen alone, this would seem to be one of the more competitive TUF Finale's in recent memory. Both have legitimate wrestling credentials, so this one could very likely be contested in the stand-up, where I'd give an advantage to the more experienced Ferguson. Tony Ferguson via Unanimous Decision.
Ryan Ventura: Ramsey Nijem in this season of TUF has proven to be a threat in all aspects of the game. Tony Ferguson has shown off superior MMA striking during his time in the house. This fight could be close and both are tough, but I believe Tony has the skills to not be grinded out for three rounds. Tony via Decision.
Anton Gurevich: I'm not a big fan of Ramsey Nijem. Tony Ferguson, at least in my opinion, is a more well-rounded Mixed Martial Artist, especially when it comes to striking. My pick is Tony Ferguson via TKO in Round 3.
Clay Guida vs. Anthony Pettis
Top Prediction: Showtime Pettis via Decision
Joey Santosus: Many have questioned whether Pettis truly belongs among the Lightweight elite in the UFC and "The Carpenter" is just the test needed to provide answers. Its a tough call, but if anyone can keep up with Guida's frenetic pace, its Pettis and I expect "Showtime's" dynamic striking to give him an edge on the scorecards. Anthony Pettis via Split Decision.
Ryan Ventura: Clay Guida is a fighter that has a gas tank that could last him ten rounds and always delivers exciting performances win or lose. Anthony Pettis right now is one of the hottest stars in the sport fresh off his "Showtime Kick" victory from the last WEC event. Clay has the advantage in experience but I don't see how he can prepare for someone that is even more unpredictable than he is and more technical as a fighter. Anthony Pettis via 2nd round TKO.
Anton Gurevich: I think Anthony Pettis will struggle against Clay Guida, just like he struggled against Shane Roller. Guida is a very dynamic fighter, with a neverending gas tank. He will bring the fight to Anthony Pettis in both stand up and on the ground. It will be too much for "Showtime", who I feel, still has to finish his development process as a fighter. My pick is Clay Guida via Decision.
Ed Herman vs. Tim Credeur
Top Prediction: Herman via Decision
Joey Santosus: The odds have this one down as a pick 'em and I'd have to concur. Both fighters are returning from nearly two year layoffs and will be looking to impress in their first trip back to the octagon. With that said, Herman has shown holes in his submission defense, something that will likely cost him against Credeur. Tim Credeur via 2nd Rnd Submission.
Ryan Ventura: Ed Herman has wonderful wrestling and most of his wins are via submission. Tim Credeur is a black belt in BJJ and Judo with majority of his wins via submission as well. I believe Tim is a much better fighter on the ground and on the feet as well. I can see Tim walking away with a 2nd round submission victory.
Anton Gurevich: Both fighters are coming off a very long layoff. The pace will be low, so it's really about who can finish the fight with one single strike in any given moment. Tim Credeur has 4 TKO/KO and 8 Submission victories on his record, as I expect his finishing ability to be the main factor in this match-up. Credeur via TKO in Round 3.
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Fabio Maldonado
Top Prediction: Kingsbury via TKO in Round 3
Joey Santosus: While both of these fighters have the kind of power in their hands to end things in a hurry, Kingsbury showed a great deal of speed and explosiveness in his 21 second TKO victory over Ricardo Romero in February. This coupled with a marked wrestling advantage should allow him to outwork the Brazilian before putting him away late in the bout. Kyle Kingsbury via 3rd Rnd TKO.
Ryan Ventura: Kyle Kingsbury is a wonderful wrestler with some solid striking ability. Fabio Maldonado is a product of Team Nogueira and he is currently on an eleven fight winning streak. With a strong boxing background and legit skills on the ground, Fabio has the tools to win this fight. Maldonado 1st round TKO.
Anton Gurevich: Kyle Kingsbury is a big, strong Light Heavyweight with heavy hands. Maldonado is no joke, especially with 11 consecutive victories. But I still believe Kyle Kingsbury has the edge in this one. I'll pick Kyle Kingsbury to win via Decision.
Chris Cope vs. Chuck O'Neill
Top Prediction: Chuck O'Neil via TKO in Round 3
Joey Santosus: Again, you never know how far along these guys have come since they've began working with professional camps. With that in mind, I'll take "Cold Steel" Chuck O'Neil based on pure toughness. Besides, he'll be fighting for the rightful ownership of the TUF 13 "Dark Horse" title, which was so inexplicably given to Cope during this season's TUF promos. Chuck O'Neil via Unanimous Decision.
Ryan Ventura: Both Chuck O'Neil and Chris Cope have proven in this season of The Ultimate Fighter to be very tough. If Chris can show off the same amazing takedown defense that he displayed on the show Chuck will be in for a long night of failed takedown attempts. Chris Cope via decision.
Anton Gurevich: It's hard not to like someone like Chris Cope. He's always an underdog, and always proves everyone wrong. My bet in this match-up is on Chris Cope learning to let his hands loose, and to be more balanced with his striking. I don't really know where he trains and who are his coaches, but I just hope they improved him as a fighter. Chris Cope via Decision.
Comments
Pettis via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) Round 1.
Ferguson via KO (Punches) Round 1.
Herman via UD.
Maldonando via TKO (Punches) Round 2.
Cope via SD.
i dont get your prediction, you say he will struggle like he did against shane roller... pettis submitted roller, and all roller could do in that figh was take him down, and he couldnt keep him down. so if thats your argument for guida winning its not a very good one.
agreed
Yup Anton is correct, Roller rocked Pettis on the feet, and Pettis was on his way to losing the fight but he sunk in that triangle and didnt let it go to the judges. However, Pettis keeps on getting better, and IMO is much better all around since that fight. I expect Pettis to beat Guida. But it should be a pretty close fight
Guida fought, albeit lose to a few..Sanchez, Florian, Diaz, Gomi, Danzing, and Huerta. Pettis is bringing nothing that is going to amaze him. He can still lose, anyone can, but I got Guida grinding out a decision
Lol ur point? Listen to people that know MMA kid
then you just have to really watch the fight between Pettis and Roller. Roller kicked Pettis's ass on the feet, and was in control for the majority of the fight.
Herman vs Credeur is gonna be one hell of a fight. Tim via Sub!
Guida is pretty unpredictable himself and i know Pettis is very unorthodox but Guida aint gonna go down without a fight and i got him on winning by breaking Pettis down and submitting him after some wierd head moving and various burps
I really hope Tony gets KTFO by Ramsey
MMA is one of the most ironic sports ever. I've never seen so many men cry in my life after beating the crap out of each other.
You kidding Kingsbury by TKO? You know who Maldonado is? Undefeated pro boxer and TKO'd Falcao twice. No way Kingsbury can TKO this guy.
I kind of get why he would pick Kingsbury by TKO, Kingsbury has a pretty solid GnP game, so he could TKO Fabio on the ground.
I'd like to see these predictions a bit more detailed, for e.g.
Kingsbury via TKO (Ground 'n Pound).
Otherwise it makes it look like he stopped him on the feet, which is close to impossible, Fabio can take big shots for days. :D
Guida is renewed since his subscription to jackson's gym but Pettis is just a more well rounded, creative and his cardio will allow him to keep with guida's pace. Mark my words bitches !
With Guida being at Jacksons, there's no doubt he will have a good game plan. It depends on whether he follows the game plan, or gets into a slugfest with Pettis.