UFC 88: Last Minute Fight Picks.

Since I did not follow up on the Henderson vs Toquinho fight breakdown with the breakdown of the rest of the card, here’s my last minute breakdown of the main card for UFC 88: Breakthrough!

Fight #1: Rousimar Palhares vs Dan Henderson

For a detailed breakdown, check out my breakdown of the fight.

Here’s the quick recap: Rousimar has really strong BJJ from the guard and from the top. Henderson has a tendency to be taken down. If Hendo cannot keep the fight standing and bang Palhares out in the first minute or two, Palhares by decision. Palhares has the better ground skills. I see him sweeping Hendo from top position and showcasing his strong BJJ skills to either get a late tapout or get a grinding decision against the former PRIDE champion.

Prediction: Rousimar Palhares by decision

Fight #2: Yushiyuki Yoshida vs Karo Parisyan

This fight has been scrapped.

Fight #3: Rich “Ace” Franklin vs Matt “The Hammer” Hammil

This is another fight that is interesting. Rich Franklin is coming back to the 205 division after a long time. What made Franklin a dominant champion in the 185 pound division was his strength and size advantage. At 205, Franklin gives up the strength advantage to Hammil. Look for Franklin to utilize leg kicks to keep Hammil at bay and try to tee off on Hammil.

No one knows how good Hammil now is on his feet. He has a track record that shows that he might come in as good as he has ever been. Hammil’s game plan seems to be pretty simple. He will stand with Franklin, move around and get a few power punches in. Hammil will then move Franklin around, get a double leg and let go with his patented ground and pound.

Prediction: Matt Hammil by TKO – Round 3.

Fight #4: Rashad Evans vs Chuck Liddel

This one seems like it is tailor made for a showdown. Chuck Liddel is coming off a long layoff due to injury after his decision win over Wanderlei Silva. Rashad seems to have taken even longer to finally fight Liddel.

Rashad has the speed advantage in this fight. He is lighter, smaller and faster than Liddel. With Greg Jackson’s planning, the gameplan I see them having thought up is simple. Hit and move, create angles in a way that mimicks Liddel’s style. Throw a few good punches and leg kicks in and immediately try and capitalize with either a leg kick or take the fight to the ground.

Here is the problem: Liddel has probably the best sprawl and takedown defence in the game. You can tag Liddel a few times, but without getting tagged yourself. Liddel will definitely look to come in a fresher fighter and similar to his last fight, will draw on his arsenal of tricks again after a long time. Look for a quick second round KO from Liddel. Rashad seems headed towards his first ever loss in MMA.

Prediction: Chuck Liddel by KO – Round 2