Tonight’s Ultimate Fight Night 25 takes place New Orleans – not the biggest UFN of the year, but still some interesting match-ups. Here’s the main card as it stands (compliments of Sherdog.com):
Jake Shields (171) vs. Jake Ellenberger (170)
Court McGee (184.5) vs. Dongi Yang (186)
Jonathan Brookins (145.5) vs. Erik Koch (146)
Alan Belcher (186) vs. Jason MacDonald (185)
Cody McKenzie (155.5) vs. Vagner Rocha (155.5)
Evan Dunham (156) vs. Shamar Bailey (156)
Matt Riddle (171) vs. Lance Benoist (170.5)
Ken Stone (136) vs. Donny Walker (135.5)
Clay Harvison (170) vs. Seth Baczynski (171)
T.J. Waldburger (171) vs. Mike Stumpf (171)
Mike Lullo (146) vs. Robert Peralta (145.5)
Justin Edwards (171) vs. Jorge Lopez (171)
I am not going to breakdown every fight on this card, but as mentioned there a couple I want to talk about that I think could have some excitement to them…
Main Event: Shields v. Ellenberger: First off, my gut tells me that this fight will likely be a snooze-fest; but, my gut has been known to be wrong from time to time. I am going to call Shields in this fight, at any rate. He showed extremely improved stand-up against GSP, and his ground game is one of the tops in any division. Decision, Shields 30-27.
Co-Main Event: Court McGee v. Dongi Yang: Court McGee has been a fighter that has started to gain some respect from me. I wasn’t a fan of his on TUF, but his fights since have been exciting to watch; he always comes out with heart, and has proven he can finish fights. I don’t know much about Yang, but he could be a surprise upset in this one, nonetheless. I’m still calling McGee in this one. 2nd round TKO for McGee.
Jonathan Brookins v. Erik Koch: I am going to keep this one simple – Brookins by submission. 3rd round submission, Brookins.
Jason MacDonald v. Alan Belcher: I may be looking the most forward to this fight over any other. I am really glad to see both these guys back in action; both are always guaranteed to put on a good show. I give the striking edge to Belcher, but MacDonald has a fantastic ground game. I am going to give this one to MacDonald – I think he’ll take this one to the ground and end it from there. 3rd round submission, MacDonald.
While most probably don’t have high expectations for this card, sometimes a card such as this one can end up being the best. There are a lot of young guys on this card who are determined to make name – look for finishes, and lots of them. When all is said and done, even if it ends up being horrible, it’s a free card.
…and that is the last word.
