UFC 109 Predictions

Randy Couture VS. Mark Coleman

In the main event of the evening, UFC legends Randy “The Natural” Couture and Mark “The Hammer” Coleman will face off, in what I feel to be an unnecessary fight.

Early in his career Mark Coleman was a beast. In fact, he was one of the founding fathers of ground and pound.  Known for his ferocious take downs and brutal ground attacks, Coleman was a two-time UFC tournament winner and former UFC heavyweight champ.  That was the old Coleman…or should I say the “young” Coleman.  Today’s Mark Coleman is worn  and plagued with injuries.  This will obviously impact his training and preparedness for this bout.  However, I don’t believe that even a healthy Coleman can beat Couture.

In his last fight, five-time UFC Champion Randy Couture pulled off a decision by controlling the much younger Brandon Vera.  As I have written before, Randy is a master of the clinch and dirty boxing, and this is exactly how he beat Brandon.  It is no secret that Coleman is going to come in aggressive and try to force the take down.  After all, Coleman did beat Couture in a wrestling match at Oklahoma  State by one point twenty-one years ago.  Randy will out box him, deny take down attempts, and return the favor by putting Mark on his back.  From there, Randy will control the fight and administer his own brand of ground and pound…pulling off the decision.

I say this fight is unnecessary simply because I truly admire both fighters.  Couture (46) and Coleman (45) have both seen better days., and although they can still bring it, I would like to remember them as they were.  I understand their desire to compete, but sometimes you just need to know when enough is enough.

WINNER: Randy Couture - Unanimious Decision

Matt Serra VS. Frank Trigg

Former UFC welterweight Champion Matt Serra will meet Frank Trigg in a match that has the potential to be fight of the night.

I like Matt Serra.  He has good stand up that is often overlooked.  He has rocked Matt Hughes, Karo, and finished George St. Pierre.  Moreover, he has sick ground.  He will stand and trade with anyone, clinch, take you down, and look for the submission.  The problem with Matt is we never know what kind of shape he will show up in, and he has been battling injuries for a few years now.

Frank Trigg is a strong wrestler, who like Matt, will stand and trade.  He likes to clinch, to deliver knees, and when he takes it to the ground, he is very aggressive.  Frank will sit in your guard or side control and punish you with elbows.  Trigg was outclassed by Josh Koscheck at UFC 103, and has not finished a fight in over two years.  His biggest problem for this fight is that he gives up his back…a lot.  You don’t want to do that with Serra.

I believe that overall, Matt Serra is the superior fighter.  This fight has the potential of seeing someone get dropped, but will end up on the ground with Serra taking Trigg’s back and sinking the choke.

WINNER:  Matt Serra - Submission

Nate Marquardt VS. Chael Sonnen

In this Middleweight bout, Nate Marquardt will be fighting Chael Sonnen.  Nate, a true veteran of the sport is looking for another shot at Anderson Silva, and a win here may get him another fight for the title.  Nate is continually improving.  His stand up game is at a very high level and he demonstrated this in recent fights against Kampmann and Gouveia.  He is strong, heavy handed, and has a chin.  His ground is legit, but my concern for this fight is his take down defense.  That could be the key to him winning or losing this fight.  Chael Sonnen does not deviate from his strength…which is wrestling.  He does throw a few strikes, but rarely in combination, and only to set up the shoot.  He is very strong and his wrestling ability can be problematic for any fighter out there.  I do believe that Nate is experienced and technical enough to keep Chael at bay the majority of the time.  Sonnen may get a take down or two, but I do not see him doing anything with them.  I see Nate using his superior striking to pick apart the very “open” Sonnen, while fending off Chael’s attempts.  Marquardt will finish this fight.

WINNER:  Nate Marquardt:  TKO

These picks are courtesy of your brother in MMA,

Robert “The General” Perez
Head Striking and MMA Coach at the 4oz. Fight Club in Houston, TX

Striking Tips from the General

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