UFC on FOX 2: Preview and Predictions

UFC on FOX 2 takes place in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, January 28th. Only 1 fight will be shown on Facebook at 5:00pm est, followed by the Fuel TV prelims that run until the main card on FOX at 8:00pm est. There are no titles on the line in this event (although Chael would have you think otherwise) but there are two title shots up for grabs. Rashad Evans takes on Phil Davis for the pleasure (or displeasure) of fighting Jon Jones for the title, and Chael Sonnen squares off against Michael Bisping for a shot at the legendary Anderson Silva. Here are my predictions for the main card.

Rashad Evans (16-1-1) vs Phil Davis (9-0)

Evans has a wrestling base, but over the years, he has developed some very dangerous striking abilities. Apart from his speed and agility, Evans has knockout power and a black belt in BJJ. As the former champion, Evans has faced some of the best fighters in the world, but lately, injuries have kept him out of commission for almost 6 months now. Davis is a very powerful wrestler who regularly manhandles his opponents. He’s currently undefeated at 9-0 and he has been fighting steadily tougher opponents, but this will be his toughest test ever.

When two wrestlers go at it, the wrestling tends to become a non-issue and we end up seeing a striking war. If that happens, Davis will be in some serious trouble, and he would be best advised to grab Rashad and work the clinch as much as he can. If you allow Evans enough space to move around, he will pick you apart. If Davis is able to get the fight to the ground, Rashad will have a very tough time working off his back, but he may be able to get back to his feet with a quick scramble.  I see Evans landing more punches than Davis, but I don’t see a knockout happening in this fight. Davis is very strong and I think he will persevere to the end, ultimately losing the decision to Evans.

Winner: Rashad Evans

Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) vs Michael Bisping (22-3)

Sonnen is a very large middleweight with a wrestling background who uses powerful takedowns to control his opponents. Although his striking is not particularly technical, he does have heavy hands, and he utilizes them to greatest effect from the top position. Bisping is a kickboxer with very good technique and movement, but he is somewhat lacking in knockout power. Over the years, he has worked hard on his BJJ which has made him a very competent grappler as well.

Sonnen will definitely be tough enough to take anything that Bisping can throw at him in the striking department, but he will likely get out-boxed trying to land that one big punch. When it comes to wrestling, Bisping has improved his skills, but he is no match for someone like Sonnen. I think Bisping will end up on his back in this fight… a lot… and that’s not where you want to be against Sonnen. Historically, Sonnen has been vulnerable to submissions, which could come into play in this fight if he becomes too reckless from the top position. He’s a veteran of the sport and (though it’s hard to tell sometimes) he’s a very smart fighter who looks for the “W” first and foremost. I see a unanimous decision victory for Sonnen here, as he goes on to fight Anderson Silva for the title in Brazil.

Winner: Chael Sonnen

Demian Maia (15-3) vs Chris Weidman (7-0)

Maia is a submission specialist with world class BJJ, winning multiple titles on the international circuit. Apart from that, Maia has been working on his striking for years under guys like Wanderlei Silva and Raphael Cordeiro. Weidman came from an amateur wrestling background before making the move to MMA, but he has also competed on the international circuit in submission grappling. He’s a Matt Serra purple belt, and his striking skills are coming along nicely under the steady hand of Ray Longo.

This is a very interesting fight, they both have excellent submission skills, but Weidman has the wrestling to ensure he ends up in the top position. At the same time, being in Maia’s guard is a very risky proposition, and if Weidman get’s too aggressive in there, Maia is very capable of capitalizing on the tiniest mistake. In the striking department, I think Maia will be a bit more technical, while Weidman will have more power behind his shots. Ultimately, Weidman has the advantage here in being able to dictate where the fight takes place, which is why he is the favorite in this fight. I’m picking Maia to pull off the upset and catch an over-zealous Weidman with a crazy submission hold.

Winner: Demian Maia

REMINDER: Don’t forget to make your picks for this event on the playground.  Good luck to all!

categories Uncategorized | | January 26, 2012

3 Responses to “UFC on FOX 2: Preview and Predictions”

  1. bvrasp says:
    January 28, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    LINKS -

    Prelims

    http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/30928/1/ufc-on-fox-prelims-live-stream-online.html

    http://www.firstrow.tv/watch/104570/1/watch-ufc-on-fox:-preliminaries.html

    http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/28637/1/magic-tv-live-stream-online.html?from=magic

    Main Card

    http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/25184/1/ufconfox:-evans-vs-davis-live-stream-online.html

    http://www.firstrow.tv/watch/104570/1/watch-ufc-on-fox:-preliminaries.html

    http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/28637/1/magic-tv-live-stream-online.html?from=magic

    These are the early links, check back around fight time for more.

    Reply
  2. dashamas3000 says:
    January 28, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    Thanks. It was more difficult to find a stream for the FX card last time than it was for any ppv event. And for some reason, you can’t watch these cards on ufc.tv.

    Reply

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