TWV Staff Predictions - UFC 149: Faber vs. Barao
With that, The Well Versed combat sports crew is here to help you spend your money well as we give you the winners and the losers.
TWV Pick Stats
Andreas Hale: 43/67
Justin Ivey: 40/67
Danny Acosta:38/67
Anthony Springer: 36/67
Nene Wallace Reed: 36/67
Matt Wright: 35/67
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Bantamweight bout: Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barao
With UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz out with an injury, Renan Barao gets his first shot at UFC gold in Saturday’s main event vs. Urijah Faber. The interim belt will be on the line in Calgary as Barao tries to follow the steps of his Nova Uniao teammate Jose Aldo and defeat “The California Kid.” Faber has remained in the title picture despite a 5-4 record in his last 9 fights, although he arguably gave Dominick Cruz his toughest fight yet a year ago. Faber must improve his low kick defense as they are one of Barao’s favorite techniques, just like Jose Aldo. But that’s where the similarities to the Aldo/Faber bout will end as Barao is a much different striker than his teammate.
Danny Acosta: Urijah Faber def. Renan Barao via 4th round TKO
Andreas Hale: Renan Barao def. Urijah Faber via decision
Justin Ivey: Renan Barao def. Urijah Faber via decision
Nene Wallace Reed: Urijah Faber def. Renan Barao via decision
Anthony Springer: Renan Barao def. Urijah Faber via decision
Matt Wright: Urijah Faber def. Renan Barao via decision
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Middleweight bout: Hector Lombard vs. Tim Boetsch
Hector Lombard makes his long awaited UFC debut as the former Bellator champion takes on Tim Boetsch in a bout with major implications in the Middleweight division. Lombard was originally set to make his UFC debut five years ago, but never got a chance to compete due to an injury. The Olympic judoka is on an amazing 20 fight win streak, but his level of competition has always been the biggest question during his run. Since dropping down from Light Heavyweight, Boetsch has looked like a changed fighter and impressed in his win over Yushin Okami. The underrated Boetsch provides a tough test for Lombard and will be looking to possibly earn his own shot at Anderson Silva.
Danny Acosta: Tim Boetsch def. Hector Lombard via 1st round TKO
Andreas Hale: Hector Lombard def. Tim Boetsch via 2nd round KO
Justin Ivey: Hector Lombard def. Tim Boetsch via 2nd round KO
Nene Wallace Reed: Hector Lombard def. Tim Boetsch via 2nd round KO
Anthony Springer: Hector Lombard def. Tim Boetsch via KO, round 2
Matt Wright: Hector Lombard def. Tim Boetsch via submission
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Heavyweight bout: Cheick Kongo vs. Shawn Jordan
Former LSU fullback Shawn Jordan takes a major step up in competition against vaunted striker Cheick Kongo. Jordan made the transition to the UFC from Strikeforce and earned a win against Oli Thompson back in March. Kongo hopes to get back on track after a disappointing loss to Mark Hunt at UFC 144. Expect to see some standup fireworks as the powerful Jordan should be unafraid to stand and trade with Kongo.
Danny Acosta: Cheick Kongo def. Shawn Jordan via 1st round KO
Andreas Hale: Shawn Jordan def. Cheick Kongo via 2nd round TKO
Justin Ivey: Cheick Kongo def. Shawn Jordan via decision
Nene Wallace Reed: Cheick Kongo def. Shawn Jordan via 1st round TKO
Anthony Springer: Cheick Kongo def. Shawn Jordan via TKO
Matt Wright: Cheick Congo def. Shawn Jordan via TKO
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Middleweight bout: Brian Ebersole vs. James Head
Despite his plan to drop down to Lightweight, Brian Ebersole has stepped up for the UFC to take one last fight at Welterweight. Despite defeating TJ Waldburger just a month ago, Ebersole is stepping in on short notice for the injured Claude Patrick to face James Head. Although he’ll be moving down to 155 lbs. after this fight, Ebersole has had plenty of success so far in the UFC. The crafty veteran hopes to build on his 7 fight win streak while Head looks to earn his second victory inside the Octagon.
Danny Acosta: Brian Ebersole def. James Head via 2nd round submission
Andreas Hale: Brian Ebersole def. James Head via decision
Justin Ivey: Brian Ebersole def. James Head via 1st round submission
Nene Wallace Reed: Brian Ebersole def. James Head via 2nd round sub
Anthony Springer: Brian Ebersole def. James Head via submission
Matt Wright: Brian Ebersole def. James Head via submission
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Welterweight bout: Chris Clements vs. Matt Riddle
Kicking things off the pay-per-view is Chris Clements, the only Canadian on the main card, against The Ultimate Fighter cast member Matt Riddle. You could say Clements dodged a bullet in that he was previously matched up with Siyar Bahadurzada, yet another victim of the injury bug. Riddle has fought his entire career inside the UFC and, as a result, has seen mixed results with a 6-3 record. Clements eked out a split decision in his Octagon debut and is looking to make a more emphatic performance in front of his fellow countrymen.
Danny Acosta: Matt Riddle def. Chris Clements via decision
Andreas Hale: Chris Clements def. Matt Riddle via TKO
Justin Ivey: Chris Clements def. Matt Riddle via 2nd round TKO
Nene Wallace Reed: Chris Clements def. Matt Riddle via 2nd round TKO
Anthony Springer: Chris Clements def Matt Riddle via decision
Matt Wright: Chris Clements def. Matt Riddle via TKO
