Given the relative weakness of UFC 78: Validation, we are breaking from tradition and only previewing the main event. While the Chonan/Parisyan bout certainly looks interesting, the Bisping/Evans encounter is the only match on the card that has any title ramifications.
You can bet that if either Rashad or “The Count” take the win in convincing fashion, they will be thrust right into the mix in the Light Heavyweight Title hunt. So who’s gonna win?
Looking at the pair’s past few fights, Rashad is coming off a draw with Tito, but previous to that had 2 very impressive stoppage victories over Sean Salmon and Jason Lambert.
While Bisping is coming off a win, it was a very questionable split decision over arch-rival Matt Hamill.
Evans has unquestionably faced the stiffer competition in the UFC, but struggled to finish fights until his bout with Lambert. Bisping’s most impressive win was last December against Eric Shafer, where The Count was able to defend Shafer’s relentless take down attempts and eventually finish him.
Rashad’s Pros & Cons: Evans does not have quite the wrestling pedigree of Matt Hamill, however Rashad is no slouch. He is incredibly explosive with his takedowns and was at times able to manhandle Ortiz in their bout, which is no easy task. Both Schafer, and especially Hamill proved that while Bisping’s takedown defense is solid, it is anything but impenetrable so expect to see the fight go to the ground should Rashad decide to take it there.
Rashad also has very good boxing. He is confident in his hands and will likely keep it standing until he gets caught. His confidence may be a little unwarranted as he has mainly fought other wrestlers to this point with Stephan Bonnar being the best striker he has faced to date. Bonnar gave Rashad all sorts of trouble standing up forcing Rashad to resort to a “Lay and Pray” strategy.
Bisping’s Pros & Cons: While Bonnar may have an edge on The Count in strictly boxing, I have no doubt that Bisping has the better kickboxing game and based on the way Bonnar troubled Evans in the stand up department, this could prove to be Rashad’s downfall. Bisping has surely been training for Rashad’s takedowns and may serve up a knee to Mr. Evans’ grill should Rashad telegraph a shot.
If Evans get Bisping to the mat, it’s questionable what The Count will be able to do from his back. Bisping was unable to finish the less experienced Hamill from his gaurd while spending the majority of their tilt in that position.
Verdict: I would have to agree with Vegas here and give Rashad (-300) the advantage. I simply don’t see The Count (+220) being able to avoid Rashad’s takedowns for 15 straight minutes. Rashad is a smart fighter and will not keep it standing if he’s taking abuse. Unless he eats a knee on the way in for a double leg and goes directly to sleep, look for the TUF 2 winner to have his hand raised in a unanimous decision victory.
(8 votes, average: 4.88 out of 5)
I don’t usually respond to blogs or articles that I read, but after reading this blog I had to respond. In a nutshell, I would say that the writer of this blog has read my mind. I have many friends who are Evans haters and Bisbing lovers. I have had a hard time explaining my prediction for this fight. I actually really like both fighters and I see both being top contenders in this division for a while. It’s actually a great match up.
I also believe that the only scenerio where Bisbing comes out on top is if Evans “slips” trying to shoot and he eats a knee or any other hard shot. The thing is, we’ve seen Evans do this before and he usually recovers from big shots. He’s actually matured and knows how to shake of big shots since his head-bobbing/weaving days of TUF 2.(Matt Hughes’ favorite tactic of Evans) Bottom line….Evans is a bit of a smarter fighter.
While Bisbing matches up physically with Evans, I just don’t see him having the mental stamina to work through a tough ground fight with Evans. If Evans is stupid enough to continuosly stand up and try to trade with Bisbing…….lights out. I just don’t think that will happen.
I see this as a decision for Evans unless Bisbing tires out and gets caught in a submission.
THANK GOD FOR HOCKEY!GO HABS GO!
A great response for a non-writer! I really like both too but swaying towards “the Count” Can’t wait for UFC 79! Decent card.
What the Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t order the fight due to a fire in San Diago! No PPV’s will come through. They say that the signal is not coming through. Don’t knowe if San Diago cannot send or we cannot receive due to the fire. Piss me off. I put the order in as usual but may not receive it. Damn!!!!!!
I am good to go. Bring it on c’mon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
had respect for bisping until the hammer beat him fair and square. so the judges were blind i guess? but tonight karma otherwise known as rashad will take what is right!matt we all know it took a big man to handle the nonloss proud of you! you will get another shot i am sure, dana is too cool. bisping is amouth mouth runner lets see it get closed tonight! super fan
Man I’m PISSED OFF!!!! Anybody else miss F***in near 3 minutes of the first round of Rashad Bisbing??? and then the first minute 12 seconds of the second round due to pay per view trouble????? Mr. White technical difficulties during the MAIN EVENT!!!!! Better look at a free one for all the fans man! Glad Rashad won but as stated missed alot of the fight to form an opinion. I do however agree that Bisping should NOT of gotten the win over Matt Hamil. Matt kicked his A** for three solid rounds. Disappointed with Houston’s battle tonight. Houston fight your fight if you’d of come out guns a blazon you would of had three victories in the UFC! Ya why is it pay per view VIEWERS only see part of the entire fight card??? We paid our hard earned cash like everyone else so WTF???
isnt karma a bitch!
WOW what a shock! Bisping has now been beaten and may be off to middleweight and Houston Alexander got TKOd!
close fight! Seems to be the trend. Between controversial decisions; Tito/Rashad to split decisions. “Someone’s O must go” Sucks for Bisping but close. Thiago said it in the peakfight introductions that Houston has some holes in his game. Didn’t think he would getTko’d though. Taking a fight on short notice didn’t pan out too well for Deorksen; good record though 39-10. Not so good outcome. Ryo did okay for his first UFC fight. He will learn more as he goes. Always cool to see a new guy fight! First fight sucked. Just my opinion but the warrior guy at the beginning of the PPV needs to go. Should be more suited to the fights to pump you up. JMO
Called it, didn’t I?
yup