UFC 173 emanates Saturday, May 24, 2014, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Last Word on Sports’ MMA Department brings to you their fight picks and analysis for the upcoming event.
Renan “The Monster” Barao vs. TJ Dillashaw
James Carlucci, Mark Modeski, Todd Parkinson, Chumbo Lex: Barao
“I’ve been a fan of Dillashaw’s since his days on The Ultimate Fighter, but I’m feeling even worse about his chances than the odds are indicating I should. The Team Alpha Male fighter is essentially a less experienced version of his head coach Urijah Faber, a man whom Barao has trounced twice already. The Brazilian will dominate this fight everywhere and anywhere he wants to take it. Even if this wasn’t the case, I’d pick Barao for the sole purpose that every title fight he has gives me an excuse to watch this video.” – Carlucci
Dan Henderson vs. Daniel Cormier
Carlucci, Parkinson, Lex: Cormier
Modeski: Henderson
“Cormier is headed for the top. I hate to say it because I love him, but Henderson is out of his league and getting a bit old. He came through in his last fight with sheer grit, but Cormier is a class act. You need more than grit to take down the buddha belly. ” – Carlucci
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler vs. Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger
Carlucci: Ellenberger
Modeski, Parkinson, Lex: Lawler
“Ellenberger will feel the power of Lawler’s punches and try to mix it up and take it to the ground. Judging by Lawler’s takedown defense in his last fight, he will be able to stuff Elenberger’s takedowns enough to land kicks and punches that will put Ellenberger on the ground. Lawler wins by 3rd round (T)KO victory.” – Parkinson
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Francisco Rivera
Carlucci, Lex: Mizugaki
Modeski, Parkinson: Rivera
“Rivera will have the power and strength advantages versus Mizugaki. If he avoids tying up with him in the clinch, he will land enough power shots to crumble Mizugaki for a second round (T)KO victory.” – Parkinson
Jamie “C-4” Varner vs. James Krause
Carlucci: Varner
Modeski, Parkinson, Lex: Krause
“Varner’s record lately (1-3 in his last four) doesn’t indicate it, but he has actually fought pretty well recently. He was handily winning his last fight against Abel Trujillo before getting his lights put out. Still, “C-4″ has been known to show flashes of the brilliance he once routinely displayed in the cage, and I don’t think Krause is going to be able to take advantage when he gets the chance.” – Carlucci
Undercard Radar:
Carlucci: “Al Iaquinta, the Serra-Longo teammate and training partner of UFC Middelweight Champion Chris Weidman, has looked markedly improved every time out since his loss to Michael Chisea at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale. I’m very interested to see if he can continue his success in the Octagon against Canadian Mitch Clarke.”
Parkinson: “The preliminary fight to watch out for ins Anthony Njokuani vs Vinc Pichel. Njokuani will throw wild punches and strikes in a barnburner of a fight against the “always game” Pichel. I see Njokuani as the victor by decision and this will be a fun fight to watch.”
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