UFC 130 Picks

Question: What are your picks for UFC 130? I'm looking to put some money down in Las Vegas this weekend. What fights will be good?

- Kevin J. - Sacremento, CA

Kevin, the way the card is stacked looks to be poised for some slugfests and quick finishes. The three fights I feel the most confident in are two undercard fights, with my most confidence in Gleison Tibau over Rafeal Oliveira and Michael McDonald over Chris Caraiso.

Gleison Tibau (-330) over Rafaello Oliveira (+280)- Oliveira hasn't beat anyone of great note and doesn't seem to be on the same level as Tibau. An aging Bendy Casmir looks to be his best win, with his last stint in the UFC resulting in a loss to Andre Winner.

Tibau (22-7) is a much larger, stronger and dangerous fighter than Winner. Pretty sure Tibau pulls out a stoppage win. Tibau, a BJJ blackbelt, has defeated Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Neer, Caol Uno and Jeremy Stephens in the UFC.

Michael McDonald (-350) over Chris Cairiso (+305)- McDonald is coming off 5 straight dominant performances with 3 TKO's including Manny Tapia and Cole Ecovedo in Tachi Palace Fights, an armbar over Clint Godfrey in the WEC and a dominant decision over previously undefeated Edwin Figueroa in the UFC.

Fight Night 21 - Big Country

Ultimate Fight Night 21 brought some bigtime action in its two hour run-time. Roy "Big Country" Nelson firmly entrenched himself in the title picture with a big time knock out over Stefan Struve. Kenny Florian took a giant leap back into the lightweight title picture by submitting Pride legend Takanori Gomi.

Kenny Florian def Takanori Gomi via sub (RNC) R1, 2:52- Florian looked crisp with his jab and boxing throughout the fight. Gomi routinely was outclassed, not being able to get his counter hook going.

In the third round, Florian got the fight to the ground, landed in mount, and got the rear naked choke for the victory. Florian may get a fight next with Gray Maynard, Jim Miller, Tyson Griffin or George Sotiropoulos to get closer to a rematch with BJ Penn.
*Florian wins submission of the night bonus

Roy Nelson def Stefan Struve via KO (strikes) R1, 0:39- Roy Nelson was throwing overhand rights from the start, landing a big one off of a Struve jab. Nelson's last punch landed flush, crumpling the 6'10 fighter to the canvas. Expect Nelson to get Cheick Kongo, Cro Cop, Pat Barry or a rematch with Ben Rothwell.
*Nelson wins KO of the night bonus

Jorge Rivera def Nate Quarry via TKO (strikes) R2, 0:29- Jorge was able to work his right hand throughout the fight, smashing Quarry routinely in the chin. Quarry was content to throw leg kicks, but they didn't help. After being wobbled numerous times in the first, Rivera crumpled Quarry again in the second.

Ross Pearson def Dennis Siver via unanimous dec- In an entertaining bout that featured ample kickboxing, Ross Pearson was able to connect on more punches throughout the bout. Siver looked to be the more sloppy fighter, but did land one trademark spinning back kick during the bout. In the third, Ross sealed the win with a takedown.
*Pearson and Siver win fight of the night bonuses

Gleison Tibau def Caol Uno via TKO (punches) R1, 4:13- Gleison dominated the entire fight from start to finish with his power punching. Uno looked to stay low and stick and move, but he was unable to avoid Tibau strikes.

UNDERCARD

Andre Winner def Rafaello Oliveira via unanimous dec
Jacob Volkmann def Ronys Torres via split dec
Nik Lentz def Rob Emerson via unanimous dec
Yushin Okami def Lucio Linhares via TKO (stoppage) R2, 2:47
Gerald Harris def Mario Miranda via TKO (punches) R1, 4:49
Charlie Brenneman def Jason High via unanimous dec

Video of the Day - Tibau v. Camoes

Here is a fight between Gleison Tibau and Fabricio Camoes from Meca Vale Tudo 12 which took place on 7/9/05. Tibau (16-6, 4-3 UFC) is scheduled to fight hard hitter Jeremy Stephens at Ultimate Fight Night 18. Camoes is currently (9-4) and fought twice in the ShoXC division of Elite XC

Who fights the winner of BJ Penn v. Sean Sherk?

Roger Huerta (20-1, 6-0 UFC) and Kenny Florian (9-4, 7-2 UFC) have emerged as the frontrunners in the 155 pound division. Florian has won four straight, all finishes, after his loss to Sean Sherk. Huerta has six straight victories, four ending by early stoppage. Huerta is coming off a battle with Clay Guida in which he may have been down the first two rounds. Huerta was eventually able to get the rear naked choke for the come from behind victory.

*Close behind would have to be Tyson Griffin (11-1, 4-1 UFC) who has three straight decision victories over quality competition.

*Nate Diaz (9-2, 4-0 UFC) needs to fight Tyson Griffin, Florian or Huerta as he is ready to fight the top tier competition. All his victories have come by submission.

*5'6" Frank Edgar (8-1, 3-1 UFC) may want to move to the 145 division after being bullied by Gray Maynard. The time is right for the UFC to start a 145 division bringing over Faber, Pulver and Garcia.

*Quietly, Matt Wiman (9-3, 3-1) has 3 straight victories in the UFC at 155.

*Gray Maynard (5-0, 3-0 UFC) looked dominant in his victory over then undefeated Frank Edgar. He looks bigger than many of his opponents, but needs to finish opponents.

*Gleison Tibau's (15-5, 4-2 UFC) recent loss Tyson Griffin puts him down the ladder.