UFC 129 predictions

[Interrogator]

Here are a few of my predictions. I've only mentioned 3 since those are the only ones I really care about (a know both fighters to some degree).

St-Pierre vs. Shields

St-Pierre wins by decision

I'm fairly certain this fight will play out like St-Pierre's previous 3 or 4 fights, he won't be able to finish it but he will be able to stave off Shield's attacks and land more significant strikes and take-downs. I say this because, despite the hype, I'm not convinced Shields has anything that can really threaten GSP. Yes he has good jiu-jitsu, but GSP has walked over BJ Penn without much trouble, his submission defence should hold. Then of course people talk about the combination of Shield's BJJ with his wrestling, but again, GSP will come off better. His dominant performance against Josh Koscheck shows his wrestling ability, as well as his improved striking. I think for 5 rounds, GSP will keep Shields at a distance with his hands, if grappling ensues then GSP will come out on top, and Shields BJJ will prove ineffective. The only way this may change is if GSP ends up on his back, but I doubt he will.

Aldo vs. Hominik

Aldo wins via TKO in 2nd Round

Much shorter for this one. Hominik has good boxing and good cardio, but so does Aldo. Aldo also has excellent grapplying and BJJ. I think Hominik will be wary in his striking, wanting to avoid getting taken down, and Aldo will find a way through.

Machida vs. Couture

Either Machida wins by decision, or Couture wins by TKO.

My indecision is based on the fact that Couture must take Machida to the ground. If he can then Randy can keep him there and ground and pound Lyoto out. If he can't the Machida will use his trademark avoidance tactics, frustrating and tiring Couture, who will come off worse in the striking battle. I'm cheering for The Natural.

What do you guys think?

 

[Snail Shell]

Machida by another boring, boring decision.

Machida is a stylistic nightmare for Couture. Machida will rush in once or twice with a flurry to secure the victory and run away from Couture the rest of the fight. A really, really lame way for the legend to end his career. Oh well.

Aldo by KO

Jose Aldo may well be the best fighter in the world. I like Mark Hominick, but the only way anyone's going to beat Aldo is to put him on his back and keep him there. Standing and trading is suicide.

St. Pierre by Decision

GSP's key to success as of late his been his karate background. Karate teaches you how to get in, lay down some hurt and get out before your opponent can do anything. Add to that GSP's enormous advantage standing up and a 4" reach advantage and I see this fight looking a lot like the second Koscheck fight. He won't do anything to KO Shields, but he also won't be in any trouble and will walk out with a shutout decision.

SS

 

[Interrogator]

Machida by another boring, boring decision.

Machida is a stylistic nightmare for Couture. Machida will rush in once or twice with a flurry to secure the victory and run away from Couture the rest of the fight. A really, really lame way for the legend to end his career. Oh well.

I'm praying this doesn't happen. Hopefully this won't be a repeat of Machida's last fight against Rampage, I don't expect it to be. Rampage is a one trick pony, he punches, thats it. Machida will have a harder time evading if Couture is throwing in take-down attempts etc. If he constantly pressures Machida as he said he will, instead of letting Machida back off and circle, then he can either take Machida down or grind him against the cage. Big advantages for Couture either way, it just depends if his cardio will allow it, I think thats the key to this match-up.

 

[ShiningIce]

BLASPHEMY! Rampage is NOT a one trick pony.

 

[SlaverTickler]

GSP 4 the Win, thats all I have to say.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

GSP wins via tko in the 4th

Aldo wins by first round KO

Couture wins by decision

 

[The Fallen Angel]

great night of fights, but i was very disappointed in the GSP Sheilds fight, it was almost like Sheilds didn't even try

 

[Interrogator]

great night of fights, but i was very disappointed in the GSP Sheilds fight, it was almost like Sheilds didn't even try

I haven't seen much of Jake Shields prior to his entry into the UFC but from what I can tell, he did OK. His weakness was striking, but he still gave GSP a run for his money, St-Pierre admitted that himself. His takedown attempts did seemed pretty half-hearted, but then GSP has excellent take-down defence, and I'd imagine Shields didn't want to screw it up and then be on the receiving end of GSP's ground and pound.

Still, some of the other fights were amazing. I have a new respect for Hominik and Machida after their performances.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

I haven't seen much of Jake Shields prior to his entry into the UFC but from what I can tell, he did OK. His weakness was striking, but he still gave GSP a run for his money, St-Pierre admitted that himself. His takedown attempts did seemed pretty half-hearted, but then GSP has excellent take-down defence, and I'd imagine Shields didn't want to screw it up and then be on the receiving end of GSP's ground and pound.

Still, some of the other fights were amazing. I have a new respect for Hominik and Machida after their performances.

his striking seemed half hearted to me as well and his clinch attempts if you can call them that had no effort behind them

and Hominik is a warrior that was an excellent fight, and i really thought he was going to finish Aldo in the 5th

 

[Abel14]

The Canadians who were the most impressive IMO were Rory McDonad and John Makdessi.