The Ultimate Fighter Finale Preview and Prediction

TUF 10 was...well...terrible!  Now we get to the Finale, and hopefully, we will get some action.  Here is my preview and prediction from the televised card for the event!  Some of my picks may surprise you!  If you disagree, let me know, I love a good debate.

Marcus “Big Baby/The Darkness” Jones vs. Matt “Meat Head” Mitrione

This will be the first bout of the TV card and one that many want to see. 

Meat Head aggravated people all season and most will be rooting against him in this fight.  Davis became the favorite of the show as his size, strength, and huge teddy bear appeal warmed the hearts of his viewers (and plants).

Prediction:  Both of these guys are very green. Meat Head could very well KO Jones. 

Both are former football players, and at some point this one will go to the ground. When it does, Jones will dominate.

Jones by submission

Frank Edgar vs. Matt Veach:

Edgar is starting to put together a nice title run under his belt.  He has won two-straight over game opponents in Sean Sherk and Hermes Franca.  His only UFC loss is against up-and-comer Gray Maynard. 

Veach is undefeated and looking for a step-up in competition.  He is fresh off of a round-one stoppage against Matt Grice and a win here would be huge.

Prediction:

On paper this one shouldn’t be that close, Edgar is the superior fighter, who has fought better competition and should win this fight in dominating fashion.  That is why they fight…So that they can prove that paper correct…

Edgar by TKO

Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander:

TUF 10 will forever be known as the season of Kimbo.  Believe it or not, a lot of the hardcore MMA fans started coming around and rooting for Kimbo, but the constant pressure of Kimbo down your throat and him not stepping up to fight changed most of their minds. 

Houston, on the other hand, is the UFC’s version of Kimbo…No ground game, hated on by many… This could actually be a decent fight.

Prediction:

Kimbo has never fought anyone that can bang like Houston.  When Kimbo denied the chance to fight for the contract, it made me question his motives.  If he doesn’t want this and is pressured by Alexander, then he may fold.  That is what I expect! 

Houston by TKO!  If Houston does not win, expect the UFC to hand him his walking papers.

Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones:

Matt Hamill is a fan favorite.  He started out as the good guy opposite Michael Bisping, and that has never changed.  Hamill looked okay against Rich Franklin, but his refusal to use his wrestling is hurting his career. 

Jon Jones, on the other hand, used his wrestling to make a statement.  He put on a clinic against Stephan Bonnar and has been climbing up the ranks ever since.  A win here would solidify Jones as the future of this division.

Prediction:  You can look far and wide for a fighter with the upside of Jones, but it would be hard to find.  Jones is an incredible fighter that has the youth, athleticism, and intelligence that reeks champion.  He has a few losses to eat before he does win that belt, but I don’t think this is one of them. 

I will say that I think this is a lot closer of a fight than many.  I expect Jones to win by decision, maybe even split.

Roy Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub:

This is the fight for all of the money.  The UFC contract that TUF is all about. 

Since day one the all-around favorite to win the tournament was Roy Nelson.  He had the most experience, better resume, and biggest belly.  Not sure how the last helps, but it is true. 

Schaub is the last hope for all of the Nelson haters.  The former football player will be ready to go.  Nelson will have to do more than lay and pray to win this one.

Prediction:  I may be alone on this prediction, but I feel that Roy is going to be ready!  He has experience with fighting in big spots, and he will not have as many nerves as Schaub. 

Expect the championship version of Nelson to show up and win the contract, only to get destroyed by the UFC’s cream of the crop big guys.  Nelson by decision.

It is going to be a great fight, check in from time to time for all of the most up to date news, comedy, and smiles at The Curtis and Kyle Show.