UFC 107 Preview: Can Diego Take BJ's Belt?

I’ve been waiting months now for this UFC event! UFC brings us UFC 107 live from Las Vegas on Saturday, December 12, 2009 on pay-per-view one of the better cards of the year. It has three tremendous fights that will greatly impact the careers of all involved. After going 2-3 at last weekend’s TUF 10 finale, here are my picks for UFC 107.

MAIN CARD
Paul Buentello vs. Stefan Struve – These heavyweights clash in the classic striker vs. grappler fight. Buentello can turn the lights out with one shot. Struve can contort himself into many positions to submit an opponent. This is a tough one to predict but I’m going to take Struve via decision.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce – Pierce is a great striker but can he match Fitch on the ground? Few can but he’ll have to as no way does Fitch not go to his steady dose of ground and pound he hands out to opponents. I look for Pierce to make it a challenge for Fitch but he’s not at Fitch’s level. Fitch via decision.

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida – Florian is back after a disappointing loss to B.J. Penn in a fight many, including myself, thought he was winning before being submitted. Clay Guida is a great fighter as well who could make for a difficult match-up for Florian. Guida is very aggressive and likes to push the pace, Florian is a patient fighter who waits for an opening. Both men are good strikers, Guida can get the takedown but Florian has ground skills also. This fight will come down to who leaves an opening for the other. Does Guida’s “maniac” style leave him wide open for a Florian elbow or will his constant pressure tire Florian and allow Guida the chance to ground and pound? I think this one goes the distance. Clay Guida via decision.

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo – A big fight for both men in what’s now a strong heavyweight field in the UFC. The winner stays in contention for a shot next year at the title. The loser will have a long climb back. Mir is the best submission artist in the division and Kongo packs superior power in his strikes. I look for Kongo to try to come out and land some kicks early to keep Mir at a distance and avoid the fight going to the ground. Mir has improved stand up and can trade blows with most in the heavyweight division. He will look for a spot to take Kongo down. While Kongo has improved on the ground, Mir will control this fight if it hits the floor of the Octagon. I think Mir wins via submission in round 2.

MAIN EVENT
B.J. Penn (Champion) vs. Diego Sanchez – Diego Sanchez will be the biggest challenge of Penn’s career at 155. Penn has impressively beaten many of the division’s best fighters already in his career. Sanchez hasn’t been at 155 for long but has had a great career since winning season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter. These two will enter the Octagon for Penn’s Lightweight Championship for a possible five rounds. Diego has said he’s going to the center of the Octagon and isn’t afraid to trade blows with Penn, one of the best boxers in the cage ever. Sanchez needs to push the pace in this fight. He’s got to keep B.J. on the defensive. Diego needs to push him up against the cage and repeatedly fend off take down attempts. Penn needs to keep peppering Sanchez with his jab. Keeping Sanchez at bay and trying to frustrate him. Penn will win this fight if it stays standing up. There aren’t many in the world who could beat him trading blows. Sanchez wins if it goes to the ground. I think he’ll be able to control the fight on the ground and wear B.J. down. This will be an epic fight. Diego Sanchez wins a decision to become the new UFC Lightweight Champ.

This should be a great card and worth the money. You will see great fighters battle in the cage. If you’re a UFC fan, don’t miss this! Find a spot to go watch or how to get it on pay-per-view from UFC.com.

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