UFC 124 Predictions



Sorry guys, might have to deal with a little bit of bias in this one...

Main Card:

Welterweight Championship: Georges "Rush" St-Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck

Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle

Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira

Joe Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig

Thiago Alves vs. John Howard

Shawn's Predictions:

Thiago Alves vs. John Howard: Alves via Unanimous Decision

- To start off the night we have two big time brawlers ready to duke it out. Alves is coming off consecutive loses to St-Pierre and then Jon Fitch, while Howard is coming off a loss to Jake Ellenberger. I think this fight can be fast paced and very interesting to watch, but on the other hand, I believe it also has the chance to be a snooze fest. Whenever two agressive guys known for their knockouts get in the ring it either goes two ways: somebody is going unconscious, or its a 15 minute smoke-break. Both of these guys are gonna be looking for the knockout, but neither of them will allow it to happen. Alves will be more agressive in this fight and he will control most of it. He'll land some big deciding shots but they wont be too damaging to Howard as he does just enough to keep himself from losing 3 fights in a row with a decision victory.

Joe Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig: Stevenson via TKO

- This is a very important fight for each fighter. Danzig has to prove he is an Ultimate Fighter winner and has to deal with coming off such a shitty "loss" where he was "submitted" by Matt Wiman (Referee Yves Lavigne stopped the fight because he thought Danzig tapped but he really didnt...moron). Joe Stevenson still has to prove he is relevant in the LW division after losing to the highly touted George Sotiropoulos at UFC 110. I think Joe is gonna come out guns blazing and use his wrestling to try and take top position. I dont think Danzig will have much to do in this fight, and I don't think he will put a dent in Stevenson. Joe Daddy will gain top position and pound out Danzig exactly like he did to Spencer Fisher at UFC 104. Unfortunately for Danzig, this might be his last fight in the UFC.

Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira: Miller via Unanimous Decision

- Both of these guys are up and coming lightweights. Jim Miller is on a 5 fight win streak in the UFC and Charles Oliveira is coming off a dismantling of former TUF Season 8 winner Efrain Escudero. I think Miller's experience on the main stage will help him in this fight. Also, Miller's only two losses in his career are to the two best LW's in the UFC, Gray Maynard and LW Champ Frankie Edgar. I think he will know the proper ways to dismantle the young Oliveria, with his wrestling. He will try to go for the submission, but Oliveria's BJJ might prove to be too good as he will defend everything. This is a hard fight to choose though. One minute I'm believing Oliveira's hype and the next I think Miller's experience will play a factor. Im switching my opinions everday but as for now, Im gonna go with Miller as he uses takedowns to wrestle his way to a decision victory.

Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle: Struve via Submission

- Both of these guys are huge and need to establish themselves as relevant in the HW division. McCorkle will try to back up his trash talk and the reserved Struve will be out to shut him up. The Skyscraper will try to use his range to keep McCorkle away for a while and probably eventually take him down for a submission. McCorkle will try to use his size to get on top of him and work into a submission from there. I think McCorkcle will make the mistake of getting in Stuve's dangerous guard, and he will pay for it. This one could go either way, but I say Struve by Submission.

Georges St-Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck: St-Pierre via TKO

- Here's where it gets a little biased. The reigning Canadian champ is in his home town this saturday and is more motivated than ever. Get ready for the biggest/loudest boo-fest in the history of sports. Koscheck has been calling him out and insulting him since the day he beat Paul Daley and Canadians arent happy. Rush wont let it slide either, because he's out to be the greatest. Koscheck will try to be the better wrestler in this match, but he will also use a lot of his striking, as he believes that his striking is far superior to to Georges'. I believe Koscheck has improved alot since their last fight in 2007, but Georges' striking is very underrated. I believe once again, Koscheck wont be able to take Georges down, and wont be able to stuff Georges' takedowns. St-Pierre will take down the #1 contender with ease, and will gain top position. We will see a very upset and frustrated Koscheck as he will be constantly on his back trying to get back up. From the top, Georges will do something he hasnt done in his last two fight, and that will be finish his opponent. Koscheck wont be able to take the pressure and will fold, as Georges will retain his championship for the 5th time. Its gonna be a great night for me, other GSP fans, and the the majority of the Canadians in Montreal.