UFC Live 6: Cruz vs. Johnson Preview

This Saturday, October 1st, the UFC will run their sixth "UFC Live" event at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. 

The bantamweight title will be on the line in the main event where Dominick Cruz will take on challenger Demetrious Johnson. 

The card will also be carrying Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman.

Even though it is a free UFC event, it is looking like the matchups could bring some serious excitement. 

Here is a quick breakdown of some of Saturday's fights at UFC Live 6. 

Matt Wiman vs. Mac Danzig

Matt Wiman and Mac Danzig will be meeting Saturday in a rematch of their UFC 115 matchup. 

At UFC 115, Matt Wiman came away with a controversial submission victory. Wiman applied a guillotine choke in the first round and referee Yves Lavigne stopped the fight. 

However, Danzig never tapped out and was still conscious the entire time. 

Danzig hasn't fought since last December where he knocked out Joe Stevenson. Wiman's last fight was a loss to Dennis Siver this past July. 

Danzig has been inconsistent in the UFC thus far with a 4-4 record. However, he was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter season six competition. Which is most likely why he is still around. 

Wiman has shown that he can finish the fight anywhere and has beaten some solid competition during his UFC stint. 

Both fighters are well rounded, but Wiman is the better grappler. I think this will be the difference in the fight.

My Prediction: Wiman defeats Danzig by unanimous decision.

Pat Barry vs. Stefan Struve

The highlight heavyweight matchup on the card is Pat "HD" Barry vs. Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve. 

This matchup was set with the idea of a big finish in mind. Both Barry and Struve are known for their striking abilities. 

However, Struve brings some excellent grappling skills to this fight having 14 submission victories in his career. Although it has been almost two years since his last submission win. 

Struve, 6'11", also has a clean foot on Pat Barry. This could be huge in all phases of the fight, but it means that Barry will have to close the distance in the striking game if he plans on having any success. 

Struve has suffered some tough losses in the striking game including being knocked out by Roy Nelson and Travis Browne. 

Both fighters have the potential to finish this one quickly on the feet. I expect that to be the case. 

My Prediction: Pat Barry defeats Stefan Struve by first-round knockout.

Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman

Charlie Brenneman shocked the world the last time he fought on UFC Live. 

Brenneman stepped in for Nate Marquardt to take on the promising Rick Story. Brenneman was able to take Story down repeatedly and grind his way to a victory. 

He will be taking on Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Johnson's last fight was a decision victory over Dan Hardy at UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis. 

Johnson is a very talented wrestler as well, but also brings some great striking to the table. If he can neutralize Brenneman's wrestling, then he will certainly have the advantage in this fight. 

Brenneman's best chance may be to use his cardio. If he can continually press Johnson early, he may be able to wear him down as the fight progresses. 

Johnson did show he can go the distance against Hardy, but Brenneman's cardio is on a different level. Still, I think that Johnson's stand up ability may be the difference. 

My Prediction: Anthony Johnson defeats Charlie Brenneman by second-round TKO.

Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson

UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will look to defend his title for the second time against Demetrious Johnson. 

Cruz brings a combination of excellent defensive wrestling with one of the most unorthodox striking styles in MMA today. His footwork and movement keeps all of his opponents guessing. 

Johnson relies on his wrestling to win his fights. He has a great motor that makes him an incredibly frustrating opponent. Johnson has solid submission skills to match his ground and pound ability. 

The biggest factor in this fight will be whether or not Johnson can take down Cruz. 

In the past, wrestlers like Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez have failed to get Cruz to the ground. It is going to be hard to imagine that Johnson will have much better success. 

Unless Johnson can wear Cruz down, he is going to have a lot of problems on the feet. 

My Prediction: Dominick Cruz defeats Demetrious Johnson by unanimous decision.