There’s a lot of competitive fights on this one so it should be a hotly-contested affair overall at UFC 137. We previewed the UFC 137 undercard featuring Brandon Vera, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and crew just the other day. Now check out our main card predictions below.
UFC 137 Main Card – Preview and Predictions
170 lbs. – B.J. Penn (16-7-2) vs. Nick Diaz (25-7)
This matchup of two fiery fighters has long been considered a “dream fight” type of matchup with Nick Diaz fighting for Strikeforce and BJ Penn in the UFC. Zuffa’s March purchase of their once-rival promotion made this main event a reality (along with a few missed press conferences and an injury or two) and it couldn’t come at a better time with both guys looking at the top of their game as of late.
Diaz reemerges in the UFC for the first time since 2006 having built up quite a pedigree outside the organization. In fact he’s won his last 10 in a row and has been touted by many, including Penn, as the best boxer in MMA. Meanwhile, BJ Penn hasn’t necessarily slowed down in the same time period. Since 2007, he’s really only lost to two fellow champions in GSP and Frankie Edgar while beating names like Matt Hughes, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez, and more plus a draw in his last fight with Jon Fitch.
I’ve always enjoyed watching both of these fighters and expect to see an exciting match of similar skill sets with this one. Will Diaz be able to put out a high punch output on Penn or will BJ be able to use his own jab to keep Nick at bay? I can’t really tell there. Meanwhile, both guys are talented on the ground but could nullify each other there as well. The only place where any fighter has a definitive advantage is with the wrestling – which goes to BJ. Is that enough of an edge in this one? Only time will tell.
► Prediction: BJ Penn by Unanimous Decision. (coin flip pick)
265 lbs. – Cheick Kongo (16-6) vs. Matt Mitrione (5-0)
“Meathead” Matt Mitrione has come a long way since transitioning from the NFL to the MMA after being selected for the cast of The Ultimate Fighter. This fight will be his first against what can be considered ‘top’ opposition. Cheick Kongo may never be a UFC title contender but he’s at the top of the heap right below the cream of the crop, with his hard hitting style and knockout power. The Frenchman has a limited skill set but he can knock people out and win decisions. The only thing he has problems with is huge wrestlers who can put him on his back and keep him there, ironically the type of fighter he is facing in Mitrione. “Meathead” is quietly developing some KO power as well so we’ll go with him in this one. He simply has more ways to win.
► Prediction: Matt Mitrione by TKO, RD2.
265 lbs. – Mirko “CroCop” Filipović vs. Roy Nelson
Both fighters are headed into this fight looking for a win after 2 in a row so it’s crucial for the careers of both men to pick up a win in this one. For Nelson, it’s to get back into contender status after losses to Junior “dos Santos and Frank Mir. For Mirko, it’s simply to go out on a high note or just be able to go on with his once-storied career after dropping losses to Mir and Brendan Schaub by vicious KO’s that have had many calling for his retirement. This fight will tell us if Cro Cop has anything left in the tank or if he’s truly ready for retirement. Sadly, it’s probably the latter with Nelson picking up the victory,
► Prediction: Roy Nelson by TKO, RD1.
145 lbs. – Scott Jorgensen (12-4) vs. Jeff Curran (33-13-1)
Long-time veteran Jeff Curran returns to the UFC for the first time since dropping a decision to Matt Serra way back in UFC 46 in 2004. He’ll face a tough test in his return against Scott Jorgensen, a former NCAA wrestler and WEC veteran that proven himself to be one of the top bantamweights in the world. I’d love to see Curran make another run at the top but chances are that he’s not the same fighter he once was at 34 years old. Jorgensen should take this one going away.
► Prediction: Scott Jorgensen by Unanimous Decision.
145 lbs. – Hatsu Hioki (24-4) vs. George Roop (12-7)
This is a showcase fight for Hatsu Hioki. Make no mistake about that. He arrives in the UFC with the pedigree of being the best featherweight in Japan over the course of the last few years. He’s won his last 4 and 9-1 overall prior to heading stateside with notable wins over Marlon Sandro, Ronnie Mann, and Rumina Sato. Meanwhile his opponent George Roop has been on a much more turbulent rollercoaster and hasn’t won two in a row since 2008. Could he win? Crazier things have happened but we expect Hioki to pick up the W in his first octagon appearance.
► Prediction: Hatsu Hioki by Submission, RD2.
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