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PELKEY: UFC 105 Quick Picks and Bets
Nov 13, 2009 - 12:55:42 PM PELKEY: UFC 105 Quick Picks and Bets

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By Matt Pelkey, MMATorch Columnist

I'd love to give you, loyal readers, my usual in-depth, brilliant analysis, but time's not permitting today, so you'll have to do with the abbreviated version. Don't worry, you can still take these little morsels to the bank. Unless I'm wrong, in which case I'll disavow all knowledge of these picks.


Andre Winner vs. Roli Delgado

Winner is a bulldog who got out-bulldogged by Pearson in the TUF finals. Dolgado is a poodle.

Prediction: Winner by TKO in round 2


Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jared Hamman

Two light-heavyweight bangers making their UFC debuts. At least Hamann has a little experience on the (semi) big stage.

Prediction: Hamman by TKO in round 1


Paul Kelly vs. Dennis Siver

We know how this story goes. Good wrestling with limited striking beats good striking with limited wrestling.

Prediction: Kelly by decision


Matt Riddle vs. Nick Osipczak

See above. I'd love to call the upset because I like Osipczak's all-around game, but Riddle is just smothering on top. Time to learn some new tricks Chipper.

Prediction: Riddle by decision


Paul Taylor vs. John Hathaway

How will the Brits know who to cheer for? Hathaway's far superior grappling will keep him undefeated here, but Taylor won't go without a whimper.

Prediction: Hathaway by decision


Terry Etim vs. Shannon Gugerty

Etim is in a three-way tie for being the biggest favorite on the card. After he blows through Gugerty, can we please get him a step up in competition and a main card slot on the next UK show? Pretty please?

Prediction: Etim by TKO in round 2


Ross Pearson vs. Aaron Riley

I LOVE the match-ups for both TUF 9 winners. They're both really tough fights, but fights they can win. Remember: Pearson bulldogs bulldogs. That said, Riley is too tough to be stopped.

Prediction: Pearson by decision


James Wilks vs. Matt Brown

The common thought process seems to be that Wilks needs to get this to the ground. I'm not so sure that's a necessity. I think he's a little better and more technical in all areas. Still ends on the mat though.

Prediction: Wilks by submission in round 2


Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang

Toughest fight of the night to call. Which Kang shows up? Is Bisping's head still firmly attached to his shoulders? Coin says go with Bisping's more consistent track record.

Prediction: Bisping by decision


Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy

Another fight I'm tempted to call the upset on, but I think this fight might tell us that these are two fighters on slightly different ends of the welterweight spectrum right now. Swick is ready for primetime. Hardy is ready for his close-up. Take the focused Swick.

Prediction: Swick by TKO in round 2


Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera

We all want Randy Couture to make another run at a title. I don't think the UFC does though. If they did, they wouldn't have given him a terrible match-up in Vera. Couture relies on bullying his opponents and capitalizing on mistakes. Vera wrestled in college and is stronger than he looks. He's also the better striker by a wide margin. This is the beginning of the end for Couture.

Prediction: Vera by TKO in round 2


FAKE MONEY:

$400 on Vera
$300 on Wilks
$300 on Pearson