A Quick UFC on Versus 6 Preview

As I am still lamenting over Rampage’s loss this weekend, I decided to get my mind off of the subject by previewing this weekend’s FREE UFC on Versus 6 card. This preview may be a little less in depth than my previous entries, but it should give viewers a good idea of what to expect from the solid free card presented on Saturday.  Rarely does the UFC show a title fight for free, but that is exactly what they are doing this weekend with the bantamweight title bout between Champ Dominick Cruz and challenger Demetrious Johnson.  The card also features an exciting bout between two young heavyweight contenders, Pat Barry and Stefan ‘The Skyscraper” Struve.  Fights highlighted by perennial Octagon contestants, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson and Mac Danzig, round out the four-fight card.

Mac Danzig (20-8) v. Matt Wiman (13-6)

In the first booking of the evening we see a rematch between two Ultimate Fighter contestants. Danzig was the winner of Season Six, while Wiman was a contestant on Season 5.  Their first fight at UFC 115 was controversially won by Wiman when used a guillotine choke to technically submit Danzig. Referee Yves Levigne’s decision to stop the fight was deemed too quick by the Danzig camp, as Danzig claims he was still conscious and had not submitted to the choke. Therefore these two grapplers will be going all out to put an end to the controversy at hand.

Prediction: I think Danzig will be looking to avenge his controversial loss and grind his way to a three-round decision victory. Danzig by Decision

Anthony ‘Rumble Johnson (9-3) vs. Charlie Brenneman (14-2)

This welterweight fight features two promising prospects for the division. Johnson is a superior athlete who has incredible kickboxing skills. His striking will only get better as he trains with one of the most skilled strikers in the fight game, Cung Le.  Brenneman is a great athlete in his own right, as he won the first season of the reality show Pros vs. Joes, that puts one-time professional athletes in competition against regular ‘Joes’. Brenneman was one of those average ‘Joes’, and after winning the show decided to focus his life on a his fledgling mixed martial arts career.

Prediction: Both fighters have shown promise in their early ventures into the cage, but I expect Johnson’s eight-inch reach advantage to be decisive in this fight. Johnson by TKO.

Pat Barry (6-3 MMA, 13-6-1 Kickboxing) vs Stefan Struve (21-5)

This is a heavyweight booking that features two of the most promising fighters in the division. Struve at just 23 is still learning to adapt his massive 6 foot 11 inch frame to best suit him in the cage, while Barry is attempting to cater his devastating strikes to earn him victories in the UFC.  Struve has run through the lower ranks of the heavyweight division, but when presented with higher level competition like Junior Dos Santos, Roy Nelson, or Travis Browne, he has succumb to knockout losses.  Barry has also struggled against top-flight fighters, with his losses coming to Cro Cop, Cheick Kongo, and Tim Hague. Barry is focused on striking, while Struve is predominantly looking for a submission. Each fighter proves to be a foil of the other’s style.  With both fighters looking to assert themselves into the conversation for contention within the heavyweight division, I think whoever imposes their own style into the early moments of the fight will eventually gain the victory.

Prediction: This is a tough one to call but if Struve can get Barry to the ground, I believe he will be able to use his lanky frame to submit the striker. Struve by Submission.

I think the tall guy might win...

Bantamweight Title Fight

Champ Dominick Cruz (18-1) vs. Demetrious Johnson (10-1)

Neither of these fighters want to have two losses when they leave the cage on Saturday night.  Cruz is coming off an impressive title defense against Urijah Faber, where he outpointed ‘The California Kid’ in five rounds, whereas the diminutive Johnson is coming off a gutty decision victory over former champion and the ever-dangerous Miguel Torres.  Even for the Bantamweight division, Johnson is considered small. He is only five foot three inches compared to the champ who is five foot eight inches.  Johnson plans to use his smaller frame to drive Cruz to the ground and use his exemplary wrestling skills to control Cruz from the top.  But I believe Cruz is too well rounded of a fighter to be dominated by a wrestler; if Faber couldn’t put a stop to Cruz’s title run I don’t think Johnson stands much of a chance either.

Prediction: Look for Cruz to have the advantage while striking and on the ground. Johnson must catch Cruz early and deliver damage to hurt the Champ’s chances at retaining. But I think Cruz cruises (Yes, I did that) to victory.  Cruz by Decision.

That was my quick rundown of Saturday’s event. Let us know what you think will happen in the comment section. As always, enjoy the fights!