Event: UFC Fight Night 23
: "Fight for the Troops 2"
Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 9 p.m. ET on Spike TV
Location: Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas
Main Card:
Evan Dunham vs. Melvin Guillard
Luke Thomas: I do agree Guillard is massively improved and will make this a very legitimate scrap, but I'm betting he's still got instincts built in from years of BJJ avoidance. We've also seen Dunham storm back after being rattled early. I like Dunham to win a very close one. Dunham by submission.
Kid Nate: Breaks my heart to have to pick against either guy here. I think Greg Jackson will be the difference in this fight. Guillard by decision.
Brent Brookhouse: If I was picking with my brain I'd probably say Dunham. I don't think that Guillard quite has the same amount of tools but I trust that he'll be able to scramble if he gets taken down and can just win the striking battle standing up. So I'm going to roll with it. Melvin Guillard by TKO, round 2.
Mike Fagan: Dunham needs to avoid going to a decision. Judges seem to view his style as lazy or ineffective (as all three of his UFC decisions have been split among the scoring officials), and Guillard has a style that makes him appear to be more active than he actually is. Fortunately for Dunham, seven of Guillard's eight losses are by submission. Evan Dunham by submission, round two.
Nick Thomas: I'm a big fan of Dunham. Dunham takes this to the ground and ends it there. Dunham by submission.
Leland Roling: I'm excited to see some balls being grown by Nate on his pick. Guillard is a solid upset bid here, but I'm going with the safer bet here in Dunham. After getting the shaft against Sherk, he should bounce back strong. Evan Dunham via submission.
Anton Tabuena: Dunham is by far the more complete fighter overall, but Guillard has a very real chance of scoring an upset here standing up. I don't expect it to happen though. Dunham utilizes his length very well, and mixes up his strikes with his takedowns beautifully. Evan Dunham by Submission.
Duane Finley: Dunham has shown resilience and all of the tools necessary to make the UFC believe he has a possible title in his future but Guillard will not be easily disposed of. Since joining Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn in Albuqurque, Guillard has looked sharp, quick and most importantly, patient. I think Guillard will look to keep it moving but Dunham's grinding style will eventually set up a fight ending submission. Dunham by submission.
Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Hague
Luke Thomas: I like Mitrione here. I suspect he'll even take a big shot from Hague, but I just don't really see enough of a finishing ability for me to think Hague will shut down and stop Mitrione. Mitrione by TKO.
Kid Nate: Mitrione should outclass Hague by a wide margin here. Mitrione by decision.
Brent Brookhouse:Hague just doesn't quite have the same ability to inflict damage as Mitrione and honestly Beltran was a harder fight. So pretty easy here. Matt Mitrione by decision.
Mike Fagan: I lived in Indiana for a few years, and I still find the accent so incredibly bizarre. It's some bizarre amalgamation of a Southern drawl, Midwestern plainspeak, and Universal Redneck Voice. Neither of these guys should be appearing on my TV screen, and whoever loses this fight doesn't deserve a UFC contract. Matt Mitrione by decision, and hopefully he fires someone else on live television.
Nick Thomas: If Hague doesn't get Mitrione to the ground, Hague is in trouble. Mitrione by TKO.
Leland Roling: Duke Roufus is the only man in mixed martial arts teaching the defensive mechanics and offensive diversity in the kickboxing department. Both are crucial to success, and Mitrione will put that on display against Hague's historically bad defense to kicks. Mitrione via TKO.
Anton Tabuena: I have not been impressed with Mitrione at all, but I still expect him to defeat Hague. This will probably lead to his third, and most probably his final, UFC release. Mitrione by TKO.
Duane Finley: "Meathead" has shown continuous improvement each time out and the trend continues against Hague, who subsequently choked out Mitrione's good friend and teammate Pat Barry. The MMA veteran and Canadian product may have size and experience on Mitrione but it won't be enough. Mitrione via a second round TKO.
Mark Hominick vs. George Roop
Luke Thomas: Hominick should be able to go long enough in the fight to be a drag on Roop's cardio while using superior angles and combinations to stop Roop. Hominick by decision.
Kid Nate: Hominick should be polished enough to out point Roop. Hominick by decision.
Brent Brookhouse: Roop had a swell KO over Jung, but he's not actually all that good. Hominick is much better (but not quite as good as everyone is suddenly trying to sell him as). Mark Hominick by decision.
Mike Fagan: Roop is the leading candidate to take the place of Corey Hill on this year's "Fight For The Troops" show. There are some things - 2 Girls, 1 Cup; goatse.cx; the perpetually bleeding lesions decorating Al Davis's face - that cannot be unseen, and the image of Hill's right shin being snapped in two will be imprinted in the memories of MMA fans forever. Mark Hominick by decision.
Nick Thomas: Striker vs. Striker and training partners here - going with my fellow Canuck. Hominick by decision.
Leland Roling: This should be a solid scrap as both men have some great footwork to showcase, but Roop probably hasn't learned enough to overcome what Wineland was able to do to him previously. Hominick is more skilled than Wineland. He'll take it. Hominick via decision.
Anton Tabuena: Don't expect Hominick to just stand there like the Korean Zombie did. Hominick is much more dynamic on his feet, and I expect him to win a lopsided stand up fight here. Mark Hominick by decision.
Duane Finley: Hominick's hands and feet looked spot-on in his most recent bout with Yves Jabouin and his ability to keep the pace and pressure will determine the outcome of the fight. Not taking anything away from George Roop, who landed a highlight reel worthy head kick knockout over the Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung, but Roop's length and reach will not be enough to stop Hominick from earning his title shot. Mark Hominick wins via unanimous decision.
Pat Barry vs. Joey Beltran
Luke Thomas: Yeah, Pat Barry. Big time. Barry by KO.
Kid Nate: Barry should beat Beltran up pretty bad for a highlight reel KO. Barry by KO.
Brent Brookhouse: Barry should absolutely win this fight but at the same time I think I'm going to go ahead and go with Beltran to just ugly out a decision. Joey Beltran by decision.
Mike Fagan: If I was Dana White, I would have cut Pat Barry immediately after UFC 115. I can't stand the lovey-dovey hugging and glove-tapping garbage that goes on in the Octagon. You're there to fight! I love guys that go for the fake glove tap only to pull back and throw a punch. It's such a delightfully evil move. Pat Barry by TKO, round one.
Nick Thomas: If Mitrione can beat Beltran, Barry can beat Beltran. Barry by TKO.
Leland Roling: I hesitate in picking Pat Barry because he seems to get blinded by visions of grandeur quickly. Gameplan out the door, and stupidity steps into the cage. If he sticks to a gameplan of kicks and power punches, he should win. Pat Barry via TKO.
Anton Tabuena: Don't let the Crocop fight fool you, he was completely outclassing the PRIDE legend until he broke both his hand and his foot. I like Beltran, but I don't think he stands much of a chance here standing up with a very dangerous striker in Pat Barry. Barry by TKO.
Duane Finley: This is a fight that Pat Barry should win but if Beltran swallows his pride and passes on the stand up war he has a shot of winning this fight. Barry is a powerful striker who knocked Cro-Cop around and if Beltran's warrior mentality keeps him in the pocket Barry could end it in exciting fashion. This fight is a "pick em" but I'm going against the odds and taking Beltran. Joey Beltran by KO.
Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman
Luke Thomas: Surprised to see the Wiman picks. He's obviously a very talented fighter, but I see Miller as being aggressive enough to just make Wiman play defensive. If he can force a mistake he can force a tap. Miller by submission.
Kid Nate: Wiman is the more well rounded but Miller is a gamer. Wiman by decision.
Brent Brookhouse: Very good fight. Cole Miller is gutsy, Wiman is a hell of a tough fighter himself. Matt Wiman by decision.
Mike Fagan: Every time I watch Cole Miller fight, I get the feeling that the second you put some pressure on him that he'll fold up shop and call it a night. He just has that nerdy look to him. His profile picture on Wikipedia shows his face clad with scrapes and bruises, and I still have a hard time believing that mean-mugging expression on his face. But every time out, the kid proves he's tough as nails. And I wrote all that up to predict Matt Wiman by decision.
Nick Thomas: Miller has the height and reach advantage and at some point takes this to the ground and wins. Miller by submission.
Leland Roling: Wiman is a game opponent, and this could have Fight of the Night written all over it. Miller is at a disadvantage in terms of pace and wrestling, but his submission game is becoming very dangerous and his stand-up continues to improve. I'll take Miller here, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Wiman pull it off. Miller via decision.
Anton Tabuena: Cole Miller is longer, and has a better ground game. As long as he utilizes his reach advantage, he should be able to avoid getting hit flush on the chin in time to take Wiman down and submit him. Miller by Submission.
Duane Finley: In this matchup both Miller and Wiman are capable in all areas so it will come down to who wants it more. With Wiman coming off an injury he might not be up to speed and I see Miller via unanimous decision.
Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 9 p.m. ET on Spike TV
Location: Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas
Main Card:
Evan Dunham vs. Melvin Guillard
Luke Thomas: I do agree Guillard is massively improved and will make this a very legitimate scrap, but I'm betting he's still got instincts built in from years of BJJ avoidance. We've also seen Dunham storm back after being rattled early. I like Dunham to win a very close one. Dunham by submission.Kid Nate: Breaks my heart to have to pick against either guy here. I think Greg Jackson will be the difference in this fight. Guillard by decision.
Brent Brookhouse: If I was picking with my brain I'd probably say Dunham. I don't think that Guillard quite has the same amount of tools but I trust that he'll be able to scramble if he gets taken down and can just win the striking battle standing up. So I'm going to roll with it. Melvin Guillard by TKO, round 2.
Mike Fagan: Dunham needs to avoid going to a decision. Judges seem to view his style as lazy or ineffective (as all three of his UFC decisions have been split among the scoring officials), and Guillard has a style that makes him appear to be more active than he actually is. Fortunately for Dunham, seven of Guillard's eight losses are by submission. Evan Dunham by submission, round two.
Nick Thomas: I'm a big fan of Dunham. Dunham takes this to the ground and ends it there. Dunham by submission.
Leland Roling: I'm excited to see some balls being grown by Nate on his pick. Guillard is a solid upset bid here, but I'm going with the safer bet here in Dunham. After getting the shaft against Sherk, he should bounce back strong. Evan Dunham via submission.
Anton Tabuena: Dunham is by far the more complete fighter overall, but Guillard has a very real chance of scoring an upset here standing up. I don't expect it to happen though. Dunham utilizes his length very well, and mixes up his strikes with his takedowns beautifully. Evan Dunham by Submission.
Duane Finley: Dunham has shown resilience and all of the tools necessary to make the UFC believe he has a possible title in his future but Guillard will not be easily disposed of. Since joining Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn in Albuqurque, Guillard has looked sharp, quick and most importantly, patient. I think Guillard will look to keep it moving but Dunham's grinding style will eventually set up a fight ending submission. Dunham by submission.
Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Hague
Luke Thomas: I like Mitrione here. I suspect he'll even take a big shot from Hague, but I just don't really see enough of a finishing ability for me to think Hague will shut down and stop Mitrione. Mitrione by TKO.Kid Nate: Mitrione should outclass Hague by a wide margin here. Mitrione by decision.
Brent Brookhouse:Hague just doesn't quite have the same ability to inflict damage as Mitrione and honestly Beltran was a harder fight. So pretty easy here. Matt Mitrione by decision.
Mike Fagan: I lived in Indiana for a few years, and I still find the accent so incredibly bizarre. It's some bizarre amalgamation of a Southern drawl, Midwestern plainspeak, and Universal Redneck Voice. Neither of these guys should be appearing on my TV screen, and whoever loses this fight doesn't deserve a UFC contract. Matt Mitrione by decision, and hopefully he fires someone else on live television.
Nick Thomas: If Hague doesn't get Mitrione to the ground, Hague is in trouble. Mitrione by TKO.
Leland Roling: Duke Roufus is the only man in mixed martial arts teaching the defensive mechanics and offensive diversity in the kickboxing department. Both are crucial to success, and Mitrione will put that on display against Hague's historically bad defense to kicks. Mitrione via TKO.
Anton Tabuena: I have not been impressed with Mitrione at all, but I still expect him to defeat Hague. This will probably lead to his third, and most probably his final, UFC release. Mitrione by TKO.
Duane Finley: "Meathead" has shown continuous improvement each time out and the trend continues against Hague, who subsequently choked out Mitrione's good friend and teammate Pat Barry. The MMA veteran and Canadian product may have size and experience on Mitrione but it won't be enough. Mitrione via a second round TKO.
Mark Hominick vs. George Roop
Luke Thomas: Hominick should be able to go long enough in the fight to be a drag on Roop's cardio while using superior angles and combinations to stop Roop. Hominick by decision.Kid Nate: Hominick should be polished enough to out point Roop. Hominick by decision.
Brent Brookhouse: Roop had a swell KO over Jung, but he's not actually all that good. Hominick is much better (but not quite as good as everyone is suddenly trying to sell him as). Mark Hominick by decision.
Mike Fagan: Roop is the leading candidate to take the place of Corey Hill on this year's "Fight For The Troops" show. There are some things - 2 Girls, 1 Cup; goatse.cx; the perpetually bleeding lesions decorating Al Davis's face - that cannot be unseen, and the image of Hill's right shin being snapped in two will be imprinted in the memories of MMA fans forever. Mark Hominick by decision.
Nick Thomas: Striker vs. Striker and training partners here - going with my fellow Canuck. Hominick by decision.
Leland Roling: This should be a solid scrap as both men have some great footwork to showcase, but Roop probably hasn't learned enough to overcome what Wineland was able to do to him previously. Hominick is more skilled than Wineland. He'll take it. Hominick via decision.
Anton Tabuena: Don't expect Hominick to just stand there like the Korean Zombie did. Hominick is much more dynamic on his feet, and I expect him to win a lopsided stand up fight here. Mark Hominick by decision.
Duane Finley: Hominick's hands and feet looked spot-on in his most recent bout with Yves Jabouin and his ability to keep the pace and pressure will determine the outcome of the fight. Not taking anything away from George Roop, who landed a highlight reel worthy head kick knockout over the Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung, but Roop's length and reach will not be enough to stop Hominick from earning his title shot. Mark Hominick wins via unanimous decision.
Pat Barry vs. Joey Beltran
Luke Thomas: Yeah, Pat Barry. Big time. Barry by KO.Kid Nate: Barry should beat Beltran up pretty bad for a highlight reel KO. Barry by KO.
Brent Brookhouse: Barry should absolutely win this fight but at the same time I think I'm going to go ahead and go with Beltran to just ugly out a decision. Joey Beltran by decision.
Mike Fagan: If I was Dana White, I would have cut Pat Barry immediately after UFC 115. I can't stand the lovey-dovey hugging and glove-tapping garbage that goes on in the Octagon. You're there to fight! I love guys that go for the fake glove tap only to pull back and throw a punch. It's such a delightfully evil move. Pat Barry by TKO, round one.
Nick Thomas: If Mitrione can beat Beltran, Barry can beat Beltran. Barry by TKO.
Leland Roling: I hesitate in picking Pat Barry because he seems to get blinded by visions of grandeur quickly. Gameplan out the door, and stupidity steps into the cage. If he sticks to a gameplan of kicks and power punches, he should win. Pat Barry via TKO.
Anton Tabuena: Don't let the Crocop fight fool you, he was completely outclassing the PRIDE legend until he broke both his hand and his foot. I like Beltran, but I don't think he stands much of a chance here standing up with a very dangerous striker in Pat Barry. Barry by TKO.
Duane Finley: This is a fight that Pat Barry should win but if Beltran swallows his pride and passes on the stand up war he has a shot of winning this fight. Barry is a powerful striker who knocked Cro-Cop around and if Beltran's warrior mentality keeps him in the pocket Barry could end it in exciting fashion. This fight is a "pick em" but I'm going against the odds and taking Beltran. Joey Beltran by KO.
Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman
Luke Thomas: Surprised to see the Wiman picks. He's obviously a very talented fighter, but I see Miller as being aggressive enough to just make Wiman play defensive. If he can force a mistake he can force a tap. Miller by submission.Kid Nate: Wiman is the more well rounded but Miller is a gamer. Wiman by decision.
Brent Brookhouse: Very good fight. Cole Miller is gutsy, Wiman is a hell of a tough fighter himself. Matt Wiman by decision.
Mike Fagan: Every time I watch Cole Miller fight, I get the feeling that the second you put some pressure on him that he'll fold up shop and call it a night. He just has that nerdy look to him. His profile picture on Wikipedia shows his face clad with scrapes and bruises, and I still have a hard time believing that mean-mugging expression on his face. But every time out, the kid proves he's tough as nails. And I wrote all that up to predict Matt Wiman by decision.
Nick Thomas: Miller has the height and reach advantage and at some point takes this to the ground and wins. Miller by submission.
Leland Roling: Wiman is a game opponent, and this could have Fight of the Night written all over it. Miller is at a disadvantage in terms of pace and wrestling, but his submission game is becoming very dangerous and his stand-up continues to improve. I'll take Miller here, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Wiman pull it off. Miller via decision.
Anton Tabuena: Cole Miller is longer, and has a better ground game. As long as he utilizes his reach advantage, he should be able to avoid getting hit flush on the chin in time to take Wiman down and submit him. Miller by Submission.
Duane Finley: In this matchup both Miller and Wiman are capable in all areas so it will come down to who wants it more. With Wiman coming off an injury he might not be up to speed and I see Miller via unanimous decision.
