Top 100-ranked fighters: weekend preview
Top 100-ranked fighters schedule for action between July 12-July 18 are listed below:
LW
Tatsuya Kawajiri(LW #10) vs. Drew Fickett(LW #78)
This fight does little for “The Crusher” regarding his relevancy as a top lightweight contender. Drew Fickett is a solid veteran, but he’s coming off a loss to Brian Cobb in his last fight. Kawajiri has struggled mightily in his last two fights to elite fighters, Melendez and Aoki. With a lack of competition outside ZUFFA/Bellaor, Kawajiri has very limited options.
Kawajiri will have the striking advantage, and wants to avoid Fickett’s submissions on the ground, so I expect him to keep this fight standing. Hopefully, Kawajiri either takes on Aoki in a rematch or makes his way to a big US promotion.
Chris Horodecki(LW #70) vs. Steve Sharp
Horodecki was an unfortunate UFC release due to abundance of lightweights on the roster following the WEC absorption. Horodecki has been unable to capture the magic that made him a fan-favorite in the IFL, but he can always be counted on to deliver an exciting effort. Horodecki should continue to find success on the Canadian scene, but if he wants to make a serious run in MMA, he needs to drop down to 145.
Update – 7/14: Horodecki signed with Bellator this week and will be making his debut for them against Chris Saunders next weekend, so it is presumed this fight has been scrapped.
Eiji Mitsuoka(LW #88) vs. Bruno Carvalho
Eiji Mitsuoka is one of Japan’s top 155-pound talents, but has sort of faded away into obscurity as Japan’s MMA scene struggles to stay afloat. Mitsuoka holds wins over Gleison Tibau, Brian Cobb, and Joachim Hansen. He will have the definitive grappling advantage over Brazilian striker Bruno Carvalho. Carvalho may a future premier star in MMA, but his ground game is still a big question mark. His striking makes him dangerous, but this will be a perfect fight to see how he fares with a grappler.
WW
Marius Zaromskis(WW #70) vs. Hayato Sakurai(WW #89)
It was almost 2 years ago exactly, that Marius Zaromskis took the Japanese MMA scene by storm, knocking out Jason High and Hayato Sakurai in the very same night. Fast forward to today, and Zaromskis has lost 3 out 4 fights and is a washout from Strikeforce. Sakurai has not fared much better losing his next 3 fights. This fight should be exciting considering the explosiveness of each combatant. Zaromskis should be the favorite coming in as Sakurai’s desire looks to be waning. Zaromskis should heavily consider cutting to 155 if he ever wants to return stateside.
Update – 7/14: Sakurai is out; Eiji Ishikawa has stepped in to replace Sakurai on a few days notice.
Kris McCray(WW #81) vs. Dan Stittgen
This fight may not end up going down according to rumors, but nonetheless we will quickly provide the rundown. McCray is taking a big risk taking on a unknown fighter like Dan Stittgen. Stittgen is 5-1, and has only lost to current UFC fighter Justin Edwards. He may not have the wrestling chops to withstand McCray’s push-forward style, but he has a chance to pull off an upset should McCray underestimate him. McCray is looking to earn his way back into the UFC following 3 straight losses that led to his release. McCray was the runner-up to Court McGee on TUF, and put away a very solid Kyle Noke in the process. McCray also put forth a great fight in his last UFC bout against John Hathaway, but it was not enough to avoid the axe. McCray should benefit from developing his skills on the independent scene, should he stay motivated.
MW
Matt Horwich(MW #45) vs. Jake Rosholt(MW #47)
This a rematch from their 2010 showdown that saw Horwich pull off the upset, something he has accomplished multiple times in his 45-fight career. Rosholt’s attitude has been questioned at times, possibly due to his impressive wrestling career. He has been humbled though by mixed martial arts, and looks to be making all the right steps in gaining a second chance in the UFC. Rosholt should come into this fight fully prepared for Horwich’s skills this time. Rosholt needs to avoid Horwich’s submission game, and he should be able to do that if his conditioning is up to par. Horwich has a straight-forward style and is a gamer, but can struggle on his feet, and being held down by stronger wrestlers. It should be a great fight, but one that Rosholt is focused on avenging.
Jeremy Horn(MW #58) vs. Shawn Marchand
The legendary Jeremy Horn steps back into action against Shawn Marchand this weekend. Horn is 7-2 since being released by the UFC in 2009 following 3 straight losses. Horn is as crafty as they come, but he has struggled to keep up with the athleticism of MMA’s new generation. Horn should have just enough tricks to outpoint Marchand.
LHW
Gegard Mousasi(LHW #12) vs. Hiroshi Izumi(LHW #89)
We finally get to see Mousasi back in action following a controversial draw with Keith Jardine last time out. Mousasi hasn’t fought as often ever since signing with Strikeforce. We don’t know if that was due to issues with management or Strikeforce’s past inabilities to keep their fighters active. Mousasi lost a lot of his luster in his loss to Muhammed Lawal, but one has to remember that Mousasi possesses one of the most impressive resumes in all of mixed martial arts including wins over Jacare Souza, Hector Lombard, and Babalu Sobral. Mousasi should be able to blow out an Judo expert Hiroshi Izumi who is still in the beginning stages of his MMA career.
Trevor Prangley(LHW #24) vs. Tatsuya Mizuno
Trevor Prangley has always been one of the most underrated fighters in the sport. He’s not overtly flashy, but he is effective. He’s coming off an embarrassing loss to Roger Gracie in his last fight. Prior to the loss he had defeated Keith Jardine on the independent scene. Prangley has bounced around a lot of promotions and hopefully will find a home somewhere following this fight with Tatsuya Mizuno.
Mizuno is tough and will put on a solid performance regardless of who he is in the ring with. That paid dividends when he knocked off Melvin Manhoef last year. Mizuno is best fighting at 205, though he’s had fights with Sergei Kharitonov and Mirko Cro Cop in the last few years.
Trevor Prangley better come to fight because Mizuno is going to come out swinging. Prangley is a cagey veteran though and I expect him to weather the storm and pick up a win.
Emanuel Newton(LWH #43) vs. Ilir Latifi
Emanuel Newton is a tough wrestler, who has fallen just shy of getting a call to a bigger promotion. Newton had a rough 2009, going 0-3 to Ryan Jimmo, Raphael Davis, and Trevor Prangley. He has rebounded since, beating MFC veteran Dwayne Lewis and UFC vet Rodney Wallace in his last 2 fights. Newton would be best suited for 185 at the elite level.
His opponent, Ilir Latifi looks to be a developing prospect, so Newton has to use his wrestling and experience to seize this win.
HW
Ricco Rodriguez(HW #43) vs. Karl Knothe(LHW #96)
Ricco Rodriguez is taking a tune-up fight before moving on to Bellator, where he will take on Seth Petruzelli. Rodriguez was attempting to make the cut to 205 last year, but failed in two separate attempts.
Karl Knothe does fight at 205, but he is moving up in weight to fight Ricco. This is Knothe’s big opportunity to make a name for himself. Knothe will likely be the quicker fighter, but if Ricco comes in shape, Knothe lacks the skills and experience to contend with the former UFC heavyweight champion.
John Brown(HW #90) vs. Shawn Jordan(HW #99)
I had heard John Brown was sent back overseas, as he’s part of the armed forces, but it looks as if he is back. Brown is best known for a close decision loss to Jeff Monson, and also being a regular on the Underground forums. He will be taking on Shawn Jordan, who won his last fight in Bellator. Jordan is 10-2 overall, his only losses to solid vets Mark Holata and Kenny Garner.
This should be a great fight between two unknown talented heavyweight commodities.
