By Lance LeVan
( C) Jon “Bones” Jones (19-1-0) vs. (#2) Glover Teixeira (22-2-0)
This is a light heavyweight title fight and it is going to be a battle. Everyone knows how athletic and versatile the Champ (Jones) is. He throws elbows and knees from all kinds of angles and positions. And these are the kinds of elbows and knees that will destroy your face and end the fight. But…Teixeira is a 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and an accomplished wrestler. Not to mention that he spent several years training with Chuck Liddell, so I’m fairly sure he has heavy hands and knows how to use them. This is going to be an awesome battle…but I don’t think it will go all five rounds. My prediction: Teixeira gets the TKO in the fourth round.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI4JB8ZsbyM
(#4) Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (12-1-0, 1 NC) vs. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (16-4-0)
This is not a title fight but it is going to be a fight to watch at light heavyweight. Davis is returning to the UFC after some time off and riding a six-match win streak in other organizations. At the same time, Davis is coming off an impressive win over Lyoto Machida. Johnson used to fight at middleweight but had issues making weight. He has since moved up to light heavyweight and has even fought at heavyweight recently. Both of these guys are fast…but I give the speed to Johnson. In the submission department, I have to give Davis the nod here. Both of these guys like to bang and throw punches-in-bunches. But in the end, I think this fight will be decided on a submission. My prediction: Davis wins this fight by rear naked choke.
(#6) Luke Rockhold (11-2-0) vs. (#11) Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch (17-6-0)
This middleweight fight is going to be extremely entertaining. Rockhold is an extremely athletic and quick fighter who is very intelligent (which is dangerous). Boetsch is an animal in the octagon. Like his nickname, “The Barbarian,” he fights with reckless abandon. Boetsch is a wrestler, Rockhold is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter. This fight will most likely go to the ground. Neither of these fighters are likely to stall, since they both like to maintain the action every single round. But since there can be only one prediction… My prediction: Rockhold wins by submission.
Disagree with me about the UFC 172 matches? Let me know via twitter @BlitzWeekly and we’ll see who has better picks the night of the fights.