...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!
By: Jason Bent, MMATorch Columnist The second bout of our evening is another particularly interesting bout contested in the lightweight division between Spencer Fisher and the returning Caol Uno. Uno's comeback is not as anticipated as Cro Cop's to many, but is of particular significance to the lightweight division if in fact he can still bring it. Uno has gone 3-3 in his last six fights while Fisher is 4-2 over his last fights, and is riding a two fight winning streak. Both men should be more than ready and willing to stand and trade in this one and both are capable of pulling off the submissions as well. This comeback may not go as well as Uno plans but this bout is one we all plan on paying close attention to.
Caol Uno is a legendary name to most fans who have been following this sport for some time. He was a constant presence on UFC pay-per-view cards and most famously took B.J. Penn the distance at UFC 41 in a bout many believe he won. His UFC record stands at 3-3-1 and he looks to make it a winning record with a victory over Fisher at UFC 99. This will be no easy task at all as Spencer Fisher stands in his way and will not go quietly into the night.
Uno's career record stands at 25 wins against 11 losses with 4 fights having been ruled a draw. Some of the notable names Uno has beaten include the likes of B.J. Penn, Din Thomas, Yves Edwards, Mitsuhiro Ishida. Some of those who hold victories over Uno include such fighters as Hayato Sakurai, Jens Pulver, B.J. Penn, Hermes Franca, Joachim Hansen, Gesias Cavalcante, and Shinya Aoki. Long story short, Uno has been in there against the very best that this sport has to offer, and often has given his opponents all that they could handle in a losing effort. His grappling is unmatched by many in the lightweight division, and his propensity for pulling off the rear naked choke is the stuff legends are made of. Face Uno and take your chances, but give him your back and it could be over. The new fans of today may not be familiar with Uno, but his performance against Fisher could do well to introduce them to him while instantly making himself a contender in the competitive UFC lightweight division.
Spencer Fisher is a product of the vaunted Miletich Fighting Systems in Bettendorf, Iowa, and is a ten time UFC veteran who has won his last two fights in the Octagon. Fisher racked up a 14-1 record before getting the chance to ply his trade for the UFC, and of those wins came a split decision victory over current UFC top contender Josh Neer. Spencer Fisher was the real deal, and he has not disappointed since getting the call up to the UFC as a welterweight.
Fisher scored a 2nd round submission victory over Thiago Alves in his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2 in 2005. That's right, the same Thiago Alves who will be getting a crack at Georges St. Pierre's UFC Welterweight Championship next month as the co-main event of UFC 100. Spencer Fisher has racked up a ton of wins, rarely has he ever failed to provide the fans with an exciting fight and yet he has never so much as gotten close to getting a bout with a true top contender.
Spencer Fisher holds a career record of 22 wins against only 4 losses, with 11 of his wins coming by way of KO to go along with 8 submissions. Fisher holds wins over such notable names as the aforementioned Thiago Alves and Josh Neer as well as Matt Wiman, Sam Stout and Jeremy Stephens. His most recent outing was against Shannon Gugerty at UFC 90, and he not only won the bout in the 3rd round with a triangle choke, but he also was awarded "Submission of the Night" as well as the added cash bonus which comes with the honors. Fisher has a challenge ahead of him in Uno, but from all accounts is unphased by this and seems to feel a win will cement his status and force him into the championship mix.
Fisher spoke to MMA Unltd. and had this to say in regards to this bout with Uno, "A win against Uno would have to throw me in the mix," and followed this by declaring that, "B.J. Penn is the best in the world right now; he's the man and I would love a shot at him." Fisher continued on and explained his mindset heading into a fight, "My thing is: I'm not going to be out there and fight boring. I always look to finish and expect my opponents to do the same. I'm going out there to knock you out." His confidence is unmatched, and the energy he brings into the Octagon is unrivaled, and I would have to agree that a win over Uno should place him firmly in the queue for a crack at the title, no matter who is the champion after Penn and Florian square off at UFC 101.
Bent's Prediction: Spencer Fisher by way of Unanimous Decision
I believe Fisher is coming to bring the fight, but in Uno he is facing an opponent capable of matching his skills and energy level. This is a fantastic match up between two similarly skilled opponents both in need of a spectacular showing. Caol Uno needs to win for obvious reasons or else he risks bouncing out of the UFC as quickly as he returned, but for Fisher this truly is a way for him to make a case for a future title shot.
Uno does not have the best chin, and Fisher clearly has the power to put his lights out, but I don't believe he will ever get to land the perfect shot on his opponent. Fisher's takedown defense is nothing special, and Uno definitely possesses the wrestling skills to take him down and the submission ability to make it a short night himself. While both have the ability end this one early, it is my belief that neither man will be able to pull the trigger, and as such we will see a highly competitive and fun bout to watch go the distance. It is highly possible that this one may even find itself contending for "Fight of the Night" honors considering their styles; and while I am predicting Fisher to win, we have one hell of an entertaining lightweight tilt ahead of us.
Spencer Fisher should move on to title contention and I see Caol Uno getting the chance to rebound from this loss on a future card.
DON'T GO YET... WE SUGGEST THESE MMATORCH ARTICLES, TOO!
Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
STAFF COLUMNISTS: Shawn Ennis - Jason Amadi
Frank Hyden - Rich Hansen
Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
Interested in joining MMATorch's writing team? Send idea for a theme to your column (for Specialist section) or area of interest (i.e. TV Reporter) along with a sample of writing to mmatorch@gmail.com.
