ufc 115 (6/12)

ufc 115 (6/12) Just getting some feedback on this event. Lidell vs Franklin What do you think and why. I'm torn on this fight. I'm tempted just to take the prop that the fight won't go the full 3 rounds at -150. Lidell has won one fight in his last 5 and has only fought 3 times in almost 3 years. He looked like he was working on growing his gut from what I would see on the Ultimate fighter show. I wonder if he can make it 15 minutes (3 rounds) after a 14 months off. Franklin isn't better then Lidell but I'm pretty sure Lidell will gas out and he knows it and will be forced to press from the word go and it ends in a TKO or KO.

Liddell can only get lucky early to win. He has nothing left in the tank and is just there for the payday, so lean to Franklin.

[QUOTE=Alf M;22672]Liddell can only get lucky early to win. He has nothing left in the tank and is just there for the payday, so lean to Franklin.[/QUOTE] I've struggled with this thought for the last few boxing matches and it has rolled over to this fight. It won't apply to all fights especially in the UFC. Who does the UFC want to win this fight? It may not apply as it could be a one and done for Liddell, but I just can't see that with Tito's absence from this card, that Dana White and his guys would get Liddell in a situation that he loses unless he's completely done. This isn't like Foreman vs Cotto, where Arum is the promoter for both fighters and either way he can't lose. If Franklin wins this fight, it does little to nothing for the UFC. Franklin is a gatekeeper and nothing more. If Liddell wins, He can headline another fight and make everyone a ton of money. Tito backs out and Franklin is hand picked for this fight. I'm sure Liddell probably even had some input into the decision that Franklin would be his opponent. I think we all know that Liddell has faded and at 40 should have stayed retired, but I just get this feeling that everything is slanted to favor Liddell as he's the meal ticket. This will end up being a stand up fight as Liddell probably still has some of the best takedown defense in UFC history. The standup will probably favor even a faded Liddell, its not like Franklin isn't faded as well at 36. Does Liddell show up looking like Mark Coleman, where he's got nothing left? That is the big question....

any opinion on tonights espn 2 friday night fight card? as usual, much appreciated.

[QUOTE=marcus;22788]any opinion on tonights espn 2 friday night fight card? as usual, much appreciated.[/QUOTE] I just couldn't pull the trigger on Vera as a few serious boxing writers favored Demers. Stupid, should have gone with my gut at that great price. Demers looked terrible but Vera is a very up and down fighter who had beaten a very good prospect but loses to a few gatekeepers as well. Lemieux probably by KO or TKO but Ayala has a very good chin. No value with Ayala as he doesn't have great power, but Lemieux has been a crude fighter and he will be exposed in the next year or so.

[QUOTE=truushot;22790]I just couldn't pull the trigger on Vera as a few serious boxing writers favored Demers. Stupid, should have gone with my gut at that great price. Demers looked terrible but Vera is a very up and down fighter who had beaten a very good prospect but loses to a few gatekeepers as well. Lemieux probably by KO or TKO but Ayala has a very good chin. No value with Ayala as he doesn't have great power, but Lemieux has been a crude fighter and he will be exposed in the next year or so.[/QUOTE] Lemieux with a first round KO. WOW. Keep an eye on this guy, his punches are so short he have the makings of a very good fighter. Tough weight class these days. Ayala's defense was nonexistent. We'll be seeing more of Lemieux without a doubt. Stepping up against the likes of Martinez and Williams is a complete different ballgame and I doubt he'll be rushed. I wonder about his chin as it really hasn't been tested much.