"What to Look For @: Elite XC HEAT

So for my next installment, I am going to take a look at Elite XC: Heat on CBS October the 4th.  Again the only real predictions will be for the main card.  So first up some notes on the prelims.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Nothing in the prelim card is that intriging minus two fights, that said I hope that Edson Berto comes out looking good because I think if he can put the Yves Edward fight in the back of his mind he has a future in the sport.

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Yoko Takahashi is interesting because if Cyborg can have another stellar win, she all but guarantees a fight with Gina Carrano who is easily the biggest name in female MMA.

Another fight of interest is Seth Petruzelli vs. Aaron Rosa.  Petruzelli is a TUF alum and has had some success in other promotions.  Rosa is a Team Punishment fighter who really needs this win in order to stay on the good side of the Elite XC promoters.  So far he has only 1 win in 3 Elite XC appearances.

MAIN CARD

Benji Radach vs. Murilo "Ninja" Rua- this is one of the fights I'm most looking forward to, because both guys need good showings in order to keep there careers moving forward.  Radach's last fight was a shocking TKO loss to Matt Horwich in the IFL middleweight title fight.  Ninja has looked good since his lost to Robbie Lawler, but to get a shot the title again, he needs this win.  I personally think that this fight is very even, but Ninja should have a slight advantage in the stand-up. I'll go with Ninja via TKO in the second

Gina Carano vs. Kelly Kobald-Gavin- With a huge fight on the horizon with "Cyborg" Santos it could mean trouble for Gina.  When fighter look beyond an opponent it could lead to trouble.  That said Kelly Kobald-Gavin isn't going to be much trouble for Gina.  Her last notable win was in 2004 against Shana Baszler and when he stepped up in competition she has lost handily to both Julie Kedzie and Tara LaRosa.  This should be an easy win for Gina so long as she isn't look ahead.  Gina Carano via TKO early in the first.

Champ Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley(for EliteXC welterweight title)- this is going to be a good test for Jake Shields, because Paul Daley is no slouch.  Jake Shields is easily a top ten welterweight and should come into this fight looking to put on a show.  Daley is a English fighter who has looked unstoppable in the Elite XC and Cage Rage.  Shields will more than likely take this fight to the ground early and often and try and use his superior ground and pound skills.  His black belt in bjj will give him the edge to win this fight.  Jake Shields by RNC in the first to remain the Welterweight champion.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Roy Nelson- This fight should be the main event, but since these guys are  technically signed by Affliction they can't be.  We all know who Arloski is and what he can do, however Roy Nelson is a bit of a wild card here.  Nelson looks the part of a fat hillbilly, but is a serious heavyweight. This big boy had the opportunity to defend his IFL belt twice and had TKO wins in doing so.  That said the "Pitbull" should have the advantage in too many areas to lose.  Andrei will once again show the IFL big boys what a real heavyweight is all about.  Andrei Arlovski via TKO late in the first or early in the second.

Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Ken Shamrock- Now on to the fight that no one really wants to see.  It's a shame that the powers that be are protecting Kimbo so much because we could have seen him fight a legit up and coming fighter, but instead we get Kimbo fighting an over the hill legend in Ken Shamrock.  Lets face it this should be an easy win for Kimbo and another name that the Kimbo folks can hang there hats on.  Shamrocks only chance at winning is if he takes it to the ground and trys and submits him.  Although I'd love to see Shamrock submit Kimbo I just don't think that will happen, instead Kimbo's hand will be raised at the end.  Although reluctant I have it Kimbo Slice via first round TKO, and hopefully we see the last of Ken Shamrock trying to continue his fight career.