Editor's Note: Jerry Cattelane was the winner of our UFC 67 Prediction Contest. With these PRIDE 33 predictions, he'll be going head-to-head with MMATorch writer Shawn Ennis for the MMATorch Prediction Championship.
Well, here's a bit from me. I'm an ER doc stuck working 6 nights in a row (including Saturday, which sucks), so I haven't had a whole lot of time to catch up. In any case, a bit of background. Like many readers, I got hooked into MMA through the TUF 1 series. I realize this makes me a bit of a noob, but nowadays, with the availability of so many video sites and MMA forums (i.e. the torch, mmaweekly, etc.), one can close the learning curve very quickly. Hopefully, I've closed it enough to keep up with Ennis tomorrow night.
1 - Joachim Hansen vs. Jason Ireland
This should be a pretty good one. Hansen should pound Ireland, but when you have a guy that knows how to win, I don't think you can ever count him out. Having said that, Hansen's record is pretty impressive, plus he looks like a scary dude. I like his striking and I think that will carry the day. I look for Ireland to put up a fight, but Hansen is too much. Hansen by KO in Round 1.
2 - Kazuo Misaki vs. Frank Trigg
Well now, this should be a dandy. I notice a lot of Trigg fans out there, but I like Misaki's well rounded game. I think he can make Trigg tap and put him behind the mike where he belongs. Kaz might have to eat one to get Trigg down, but I think he's more than capable if he has completely healed up from injury. Misaki by Submission in Round 2.
3 - James Lee vs. Travis Wiuff
Not sure if we're picking this one too. If not, just ignore this. If we are, who the hell is James Lee? Wiuff has a wealth of experience and should have no problem here... I hope. Wiuff by Submission in Round 2.
Editor’s Note: James Lee vs. Travis Wiuff was a late addition to the card, so this match will not be included in our MMATorch Prediction Contest. Lee is replacing Kazuhiro Nakamura, who had to bow out due to injury. Unfortunately, Lee was not named as a replacement until after our contest began.
4 - Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Um, I'm not sure what the catch is here, but I don't see anyway I can pick anything but L'il Nog by Submission in Round 1.
5 - Mac Danzig vs. Hayato Sakurai
This is a tough one for me. I've seen a ton of Danzig clips lately and I have to say I'm a fan. The guy seems to be made out of rubber and springs. Unfortunately for him, he's the designated can for one of the most celebrated fighters in Pride. One Hayato "Mach" Sakurai. This guy seems to do it all. And, oh by the way, he hasn't lost to anyone not named Gomi or Gracie in over three years. I think Danzig can hang with him though. I really do. I just don't know if he has enough to finish Sakurai. I'll throw some "money" his way in the other contest. Right here, I'll say Sakurai by Unanimous Decision.
6 - Sergei Kharitonov vs. Michael Russow
I thought Sergei was whooping Aleks Em until he left his chin open (it looked like he stuck it out actually) and Aleks nailed him. I like Sergei a lot and, that combined with a deficit of knowledge on Russow means I'm going with Kharitonov. It says here, Kharitonov by KO in Round 1.
7 - Alistair Overeem vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Saw the replay of this one and was surprised that Overeem gave Rua a hard time before gassing and getting owned. Rua seems to have only gotten better and better since then, while Overeem has treaded water at 3-3. This would be a big win for Alistair if he has prepared himself from a cardio perspective. Having said that, Rua looks like he has entered his prime and I don't see myself picking against him in this little dustup with Ennis. Rua by KO in Round 2.
8 - Nick Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi
And now, the biggest reason why working the overnight Saturday will suck and that's missing this one live. No matter how hard I'll try, I'll get the result on this before seeing it and that will suck. After watching a few old fights, I believe the hype for this battle. Gomi is damn good, no doubt about it. I love the way he bangs and the pace at which he throws. Diaz is nothing short on the exciting side either. Fearless and not afraid to get in harm's way, I think he poses a strong match-up for Gomi. I am wondering why DSE didn't pick a little more of a can for Gomi's US debut. Having said that, as a fan, you gotta love this. My heart really wants to root for Diaz here. I love a good smack-talker, plus he's playing at home. On the other hand, Gomi is a tough out. I don't think Diaz can really throw with Gomi, but I think he might get a few shots in and be able to get Gomi down. Diaz can take a shot, the catch is not to eat too many. If he gets Gomi to the ground, I think Diaz wins by submission. That'll be a chore though and require a game plan. The easy pick is to take Gomi here and I wonder if Ennis will do that. Hmmm. I'm definitely taking Nick in my real life wagers, so let's go with him here too. I ain't afraid. Diaz by Submission in Round 2.
9 - Wanderlei Silva vs. Dan Henderson {Middleweight Championship}
And, the main event. Silva is younger, bigger and stronger than Henderson. He is scary good and clearly unafraid of anything. He took a hellacious beating at the hands of Cro Cop. If he's recovered fully, then I think he walks over Hollywood, who I think, is biting off a little more than he can chew here. Nothing against Henderson who clearly is a great fighter, but I think he's a little undersized to take down Silva. Henderson puts up a battle, but I think Silva wins it. Silva by TKO in Round 3.
Questions, comments, concerns and the like for Jerry Cattelane can be e-mailed to mmatorch_predictions@yahoo.com
