LowKick.com UFC 129: GSP vs. Shields Predictions
Posted on April 29, 2011, 10:56 AM by Anton GurevichFor in-depth UFC 129 discussion, please tune in to Split Decision UFC 129 pre-fight Podcast!
UFC Welterweight Title Fight: Georges St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields
Top Prediction: GSP via Decision.
Anton Gurevich: It’s hard to pick against Georges St. Pierre against any other Welterweight on the planet. GSP is a complete fighter, in both mind and muscles. St. Pierre’s striking will be the difference in this one, with “Rush” punishing Jake Shields at will before finishing the business in Round 3. GSP via TKO in Round 3.
Joey Santosus: While I believe this fight will be a much more competitive one than the odds suggest, I cannot bring myself to pick against GSP. The champ's signature blend of brains and brawn will lead him to triumph once again. That said, I do not, however, see St. Pierre being the first guy to finish Shields in 11 years. Georges St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision.
Ryan Ventura: Jake is a legit threat to GSP's crown, but all the cards are stacked against Shields. GSP is a much more well-rounded fighter and will use the striking technique that made him famous in the first place. GSP 3rd round TKO.
UFC Featherweight Title Fight: Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick
Top Prediction: Aldo via TKO in Round 2
Anton Gurevich: It will be interesting to see Jose Aldo finally fighting a “natural” striker in Mark Hominick. I’m yet to join Jose Aldo’s hype train, as in fact, I even find it hard to rank the Brazilian among Top 5 P4P fighters in the World. I’ll go with the upset here. Mark Hominick via TKO in Round 2.
Joey Santosus: Any time you put two elite strikers in front of one another, anything can happen. But, while Hominick is as worthy a contender as any at 145, it’s not by accident that he is challenging for the title in front of his hometown crowd in Toronto. Look for Aldo to make a statement in his UFC debut. Jose Aldo via 2nd Rnd TKO.
Ryan Ventura: Jose Aldo is facing his toughest opponent to date for his Featherweight title. Mark Hominick is an opponent who can actually check his kicks, not speaking about challenging for the belt in his hometown. Hominick 1st round KO.
Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida
Top Prediction: Machida via TKO in Round 3
Anton Gurevich: Machida is faster, stronger and… well, younger. Couture’s only advantage on paper is wrestling, and you can’t defeat someone like Lyoto Machida with just wrestling. This way or another, I expect an epic fight and a truly inspirational performance by Randy Couture. Machida via Decision.
Joey Santosus: For Couture to not only take this fight, but to request it, gives you the sense that he knows something that he isn't sharing with the rest of the world. I like the Hall-of-Famer to come in with a great gameplan, execute, and grind out a victory like only Captain America can. Randy Couture via Split Decision.
Ryan Ventura: We've seen what The Dragon has done to fighters who try to close the distance, ask Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans what happened when they tried. With all due respect to Randy, I think Machida could be The Natural's last opponent. Machida 2 Round TKO.
Ben Henderson vs. Mark Bocek
Top Prediction: Ben Henderson via Decision.
Anton Gurevich: Bocek is a beast, but I believe Ben Henderson simply has more tools at his disposal to win this fight. This one can go either way, but I’ll still pick Ben Henderson to get his hand raised via Decision.
Joey Santosus: On a card full of tough fights to pick, this may be the toughest. With that in mind, look for Bendo to survive a couple "close calls" en-route to outpointing the Canadian in what could quite possibly be Fight of the Night. Ben Henderson via Split Decision
Ryan Ventura: Mark Bocek is an awesome ground grappler, but I believe Ben Henderson had what it takes to keep it on the feet. Bocek will be in huge trouble against a hungry Henderson if he can't take him to the ground. Bendo 2nd Round TKO.
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jason Brilz
Top Prediction: Jason Brilz via Decision.
Anton Gurevich: Vladimir Matyushenko has very heavy hands, and can definitely finish Brilz with one well-timed punch. Obviously, there will be a lot of wrestling involved, but I still feel like we might see a finish in this one. My prediction is Vladimir Matyushenko via TKO in Round 3 (Ground and Pound).
Joey Santosus: Though Brilz impressed me with his unofficial victory over Nogueira last May, he's been sidelined with a back injury since. Returning from nearly a year long lay-off against a dangerous veteran like Vladdy is a tough task, and while I wouldn't put it past Brilz to surprise me again, I expect Matyushenko to come out ahead on the judge's scorecards. Vladimir Matyushenko via Unanimous Decision.
Ryan Ventura: Going into this fight I believe Brillz is the younger, faster opponent. But experience and technique could be The Janitor's keys to victory. Vladdy via Decision.
Photos: Francis Specker
Comments
no love for brillz
I don't think Couture and Machida are into dating services. (oh, and yes. you're banned).
banning me is the only way anyone will ever take over my thrown on lowpicks
* throne
Nobody fancy a Bocek sub?
who r u?
your long lost daddy
I agree, Hominick is good, but that's wishful thinking to pick him to win, especially by K.O.
see if i were a betting man witch i am in the sky casinos i would bet on aldo but im from themsford ont so ill be rooting for mark all night like i loved the countdown showing the local fishing spot n stuff loved it all !!!!!
I seriously believe Hominick has the tools to win the belt as long as the fight doesn't go to the ground.
We'll see man, Aldo going to Holland to train with Andy Souwer will most definitely help him out a lot.
We've seen it time and time again - someone makes their debut in the UFC and its not at all what we expected. I do believe that Hominick will pull off the upset. Aldo is supposed to win but that doesn't mean he will. Call it a hunch.
Aldo via what he feels like. I think people who are picking Hominik are probably the same people who picked Belfort. No insult intended, there are good reasons to do so but it isn't going to happen.
Homick has been in the UFC, and he has never been beaten in the UFC
GSP
ALDO
COUTURE
BENDO
VLADDY
i dont know why people are weaking you. i respect it and could very well happen
Ben Henderson again being underrated!
He will make a quick work over Bocek you will see!
Is GSP by Decision or a late TKO after Shields gas and cant keep up with GSP!
Jose Aldo by TKO round 2 or 3 after a war!
Machida by quick TKO in starting Round 2.
i agree with all your predictions 100%. i have tons respect for couture, how could u not, but i dont see how any one thinks hes actually going to win this. i think hes in way over his head, especially at 48 years old. but thats just my opinion.
These many was that GSP can win but don't expect it to be because Shields gassed. Shields has great cardio go watch the Hendo fight again with his cardio he would've lost for sure.
ben didn't make weight so idk man i think he will be drained who shows up for there first ufc fight n shows up over weight
there's*
im surprised at so many people ruiling out boceck. i think he gonna win easily. not taking away anything from ben
I agree with literally every pick Joey made
Joey usually is on point with predictions
Thanks guys... We'll see : )
GSP
ALDO
MACHIDA
HENDERSON
MATYUSHENKO
Shields Via Sub - round 3
Aldo Via an embarrassing KO - round 2
Machida Via Decision
Henderson Via whatever
Matyushenko Via Decision, but can go either way.
GSP via KO.
Aldo via KO.
and sadly machida via TKO.
Shields via desision or submition
Aldo via TKO
Mashida via TKO
And the winner of GSP vs Shields definitley the n1 P4P
i dont even read your comments, i just weak your punk ass when i see your name
GSP is not going to TKO Shields. GSP via decision UNLESS Shields manages to make this a ground fight. If this thing spends the majority of the time on the ground Shields will win.
Jakes going to submit GSP, sadly. But Hominick is going to KO Aldo. And Couture will TKO Machida.
Wouldn't that be a crazy card? You never know tho, thats what makes MMA so great : )
I have Machida and GSP winning but if their opponents come out on top I won't be at all surprised. I will be shocked if Aldo loses.
GSP via TKO (Headkick & Jab) Round 3.
Aldo via Submission (Rear-naked choke) Round 2.
Machida via TKO (Knee to the body) Round 2.
Brilz via Split Decision.
Henderson via Unanimous Decision.
Honestly the hardest match-up to predict is Brilz-Vladdy, both have similiar styles and about the same experience.
If GSP does get a TKO (I bet he won't) it will start with a head kick but the follow up will be GNP not a jab. Ever since the Kos fight everyone talks like GSP has superhuman jabs. He has a good jab but it isn't like it is a secret weapon, it's just a friggin jab! Your second and third predictions seem a bit too specific. agree 100% on Henderson.