UPDATE (6/25)
Disregard everything you see below about the Nate Marquart / Rick Story main event. Not only is Marquardt NOT fighting at the event due to failed medicals, he has been FIRED from the organization as well. Charles Brenneman replaces him against Rick Story and Kongo / Barry has been bumped up to main event status.
Emanating from Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center, UFC LIVE 4 will begin at 3:55 Texas time with all eight undercard bouts airing live on Facebook prior to the four-fight featured portion of the show broadcasting on cable TV beginning at 8PM.
Headlining UFC Live 4 is former King of Pancrase Nate “The Great” Marquardt. The veteran fighter and perennial contender will be making the move down to welterweight against a surging Rick “The Horror” Story in a bid to get his career back on track after mixed results in the last two years at 185, going 2-2 with losses to Yushin Okami and Chael Sonnen. Fresh off a big win over former title contender Thiago Alves, Story is looking to make his own moves at 170 after ringing off six wins in a row under the UFC banner.
In what should be an exciting heavyweight affair, always-exciting kickboxer Pat Barry will take on fellow striker Cheick Kongo in a very interesting matchup. Coming off a victory over Joey Beltran this past January, the usually-comedic Barry will look to continue his winning ways against another opponent that may just be willing to stand with him in Kongo. With nine out of fifteen wins coming by way of knockout, look for the Frenchman to try and match Barry on his feet in what could be one of the more exciting fights of the night.
Speaking of comedians, the always-entertaining and undefeated “Meathead” Matt Mitrione will also be on the main card this Sunday night when he takes on 7-1 Christian Morecraft in Pittsburgh. With a 4-0 record since entering the UFC courtesy of The Ultimate Fighter, Mitrione will likely begin moving up the ladder should he take out Morecraft so look for him to come out focused and looking to prove a point in this bout.
Rounding out the main card will likely be a “loser-leaves-town” type of match as Matt Brown takes on John Howard. Both mean are coming off some unfortunate losing streaks with Brown dropping his last three and Howard losing his last two. It might be “Doomsday” indeed for whoever drops this one so a lot will be riding on the line with both fighters having their back against the proverbial wall. Both fighters are known to be hard-hitters and scrappy fighters at that so look for them to lay it all on the line as they battle for their UFC careers.
UFC LIVE 4 (aired on the Versus network) – Main Card Analysis and Predictions
Fight Analysis – It’s hard to say how Marquardt will handle the weight cut down to 170 with such a huge frame. He was big even at middleweight. Getting past that, both he and Story as big, strong guys with solid hands and solid wrestling. Marquardt was once vastly superior but at this point in his career, this bout will end up being pretty close. This one will end with either Marquardt looking really old, really quick, or with him squeeking out the win.
Prediction – Rick Story via unanimous decision.
Heavyweight bout: Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry
Fight Analysis – This bout should all the makings of standup battle with both guys posessing excellent striking skills. If it does stay on the feet for the duration, look for Barry to do the obvious and try to chop down the Frenchman will leg kicks. Kongo’s the much bigger fighter though, and he is coming off a submission win against Paul Buentello so there’s a chance he could get inside and smother the much shorter fighter.
Prediction – Cheick Kongo via decision.
Heavyweight bout: Matt Mitrione vs. Christian Morecraft
Fight Analysis – If all goes according to plan this fight will be the one that causes people to have to pay attention to the fast-improving Matt Mitrione. He’ll be facing a game opponent in Morecraft but Miltroine should have the edge in both athleticism and technique. Looking for “Meathead” to eventually overwhelm his opponent in this one.
Prediction – Matt Mitrione via TKO.
Welterweight bout: Matt Brown vs. John Howard
Fight Analysis – Matt Brown was once known as the human equivalent to a rabid wolverine, having almost taken Pete Sell’s head off way back when at UFC 96. His first few impressive performances earned him some big fights but unfortunately, he’s been on the wrong side of the win column for his last three. Now he’s on the verge of the unemployment line and likely has this one last shot to keep his job against fellow underachiever John Howard. Look for this to be a tooth-and-nails battle as both guys fight to maintain their relevance on the national scene.
Prediction – John Howard via KO.
UFC LIVE 4 – (aired on Facebook) – Preliminary Card Analysis and Predictions
Prediction – Manny Gamburyan by KO.
Featherweight bout: Joe Stevenson vs. Javier Vazquez
Prediction – Javier Vasquez by submission.
Lightweight bout: Joe Lauzon vs. Curt Warburton
Prediction – Joe Lauzon by TKO.
Welterweight bout: Daniel Roberts vs. Rich Attonito
Prediction – Daniel Roberts by decision.
Lightweight bout: Nik Lentz vs. Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira
Prediction – Charles Oliviera by submission.
Featherweight bout: Ricardo Lamas vs. Matt Grice
Prediction – Ricardo Lamas by decision.
Lightweight bout: Michael Johnson vs. Edward Faaloloto
Prediction – Michael Johnson by submission.
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