UFC 60 Hughes vs. Gracie Preview by Matt Friezo

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UFC 60 Hughes vs. Gracie Preview
by Matt Friezo , Team IronLife.com Staff Writer



May 27 2006 at the Staples Center , Los Angeles, California, USA

- Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie

Legend takes on the best welterweight fighter in UFC and most likely MMA history. Royce an MMA legend been here since the first UFC with a record of 13-2-3.. Both loses with his family "Camp" throwing in the towel. Hughes sporting a 38-4 record, right there we see who is more active. Perfect example is this; Gracie's last fight's show as follow.. 1 fight in 2003, 1 fight in 2004, and 1 fight in 2005.. only 5 fights..from 2000 till 2005.. Not very active.. While Hughes has 10 Fight's since 2002. I think this is a big factor.. To the Unknowing "MMA" Fan they see the name Gracie especially Royce and think of him and his past and what he did.. But This is 2006.. and In Royce's Last fight about 5 months ago he took on a much smaller Hideo Tokoro and that Fight went to a Draw.. But if you watch that Fight.. Tokoro Won Hands down.. A much Smaller fighter took out Gracie..So now Gracie and Hughes meet.. But im sorry this is not gonna be a epic battle.. Hughes should pretty much Man Handle Gracie.. He just has to watch for Gracie's submission game... and I feel he'll pretty much over power Gracie and get out of every hold Gracie Puts on. I think it will go 2 rounds or a Decision with Hughes being the Winner. In closing Gracie has a chance.. Just like in every fight.. But his chance is About 22% to beat The Much Bigger stronger Talented Hughes.

- Brandon Vera vs. Assuerio Silva

This fight will be on a highlight reel somewhere soon.. Brandon "The Truth" Vera who is 6-0 a New comer shall we say taking on A beast from Brazil in Assuerio Silva.. Vera coming off a Impressive high kick KO victory over Justin Eliers.. And Assuerio coming off a Loss over Newly crowned Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia. This Fight boil's down to who wants it more.. and I think It's the new comer Brandon Vera.. In a short Period of time he showed he has alot of heart and talent. Silva on the other hand put on a good fight with Big Tim. but seemed lack luster or very tired during his past fight..But he stood most of the fight trying to win with strikes... This fight should be a stand up fight from start to finish.. and Who knows how Vera reacts to a Big shot if one gets Landed by the bigger Assuerio? But we'll soon see.. Im not a fortune teller but Im a pretty good analyzer of The sport.. and I can only see a Victory for "The Truth".. I think By a head kick again.. Could be knee's.. But Im going with Head kick.. 1st round KO For Vera.

- Diego Sanchez vs. John Alessio

These two do not like one another.. Alessio has been calling out Diego for awhile now.. This fight was supposed to happen awhile ago but Diego got sick and had to pull out because they wouldn't allow him to fight.. Alessio Thought Diego was just lying so he can get out of the fight with him.. There is alot of hatred For Diego From many fighters.. Why? Because he is cocky? because he back's up what he says? because he was on a show and people think that because he was on that he is who he is? No He's always been amazing.. And should never be taking Lightly.. Alessio has 7 loses.. 5 coming from Submission.. Diego's submission/ground and Pound Style speaks volumes against John.. John's only chance is a KO standing.. Which I doubt happens.. Diego should Win this one and Soon Get a Title Shot.. Diego TKO Late 2nd round.

- Joe Riggs vs. Mike Swick

"The Diesel" takes on "Quick" in a fight that almost all "MMA" Fans can't wait for.. Riggs is coming off a very close good hard fought battle with Nick Diaz.. and Swick with a very impressive Guillotine I mean Swickotine Choke over the dangerous Striker Steve Vigneault.. This fight has War written all over it..I see a great striking battle on the feet with not much of a ground game.. If Swick get's tagged He'll take down Riggs and go for a Sub.. Rigg's Is a Power house cutting weight so easy like taking a chainsaw to his arm just.. <-- that’s a joke. But he is amazing considering how he goes up and down weight so easily.. He's gonna have alot of problems in this one.. If Nick Diaz pretty much out boxed him.. Swick will do that and do that with alot more power..Plus Swick will have a better reach and faster Punches.. I like Mike "Quick" Swick in this Battle.. I say Swick late second round Submission. Hopefully a Swickaconda.

- Jeremy Horn vs. Chael Sonnen

This is Number 3 in the now Trilogy of Horn Vs. Sonnen.. Both those past fights going to Horn and both fights taking place in 2004. Sonnen 14-7-1 has Fought alot of big names.. and Has done Well.. And A past win Against Trevor Prangley was Big.. Horn with one of the SICKEST record's In "MMA" 76-14-5 who also is coming off a win.. against who? Trevor Prangley..So now they meet again.. Horn with 47 Wins by Submission's should get the submission in this Fight also.. Sonnen should put on a good fight and earn another fight in the UFC BUT!.. This is "MMA" and we might see some basbeball rules if Horn takes out Sonnen with a quick win. Three Stikes and Sonnen is out.. Horn will win this Trilogy and should work up to more big name fights in Upcoming UFC's. Sonnen only chance is TKO Or KO..But I don't see that taking place now.. or ever.. Horn 1st round Submission.

- Alessio Sakara vs. Dean Lister

Striker versus Grappler. The famous Classic "MMA" fight. Lister with a 7-4 record with all 7 wins by submission takes on "Legionarius" Alessio Sakara who is 8-3 with 4 KO's and rather stand and throw bombs then go to the ground, makes this a fight worth watching. Lister a great guy and stud when it comes to submisson's and wrestling makes his UFC Debut. With Alessio making this his 3rd Fight in the UFC, with 1 no contest "Got Kicked in the Baby Maker" and 1 win over Elvis Sinosic. I've seen Lister fight 3 times. and Sakara. Never. But I have to go with Sakara. Lister in the fights i've seen him in seems a lil'... I don't wanna say but Sloppy/Lackluster.. He don't fight with confidence. Almost like "oh there's a fight...ohh im in it?..ok i'll fight I guess".. I think Lister is a great guy and a very very good submission artist.. But I don't think he fights with the passion a fighter Has.. I think Sakara will win this fight by TKO late in the 3rd. I hope Lister proves me wrong and wins. But I just don't feel it happening. Sakara in the 3rd round by TKO.

- Melvin Guillard vs. Rick Davis

Melvin is a all around good fighter and loves to fight. He takes on "MMA" new comer Rick Davis, not much is known about Mr.Davis. And for that simple fact, I really can't write alot about this fight. Melvin should be able win this fight on experience Alone. But this Is "MMA" anything can happen.. Melvin is a very impressive fighter and has been through alot.. His last fight against Josh Neer was a Great Fight.. He was beating on Neer.. But Neer got a Triangle on Guillard and took the win away.. And I think Guillard Don't wanna lose again especially on the stage that UFC is.. So Guillard first round KO..Sorry Ricky don't know much about you Guy..

- Spencer Fisher vs. Matt Wiman

Spencer "The King" Fisher WAS Taking on Leonard Garcia..BUT! he had to pull out and now Matt "Handsome" Wiman got the call to Face the King with Less then 2 weeks to prepair for the fight..Wiman sporting a 6-2 Record fighting out of Tulsa Top Team.. Not much is known about this "New kid on the Block" and I think if maybe he was fighting a lower Key fighter he would do great in his UFC Debut.. But come on he's going up against Spencer Fisher.. This guy may be wearing a belt one day soon! Don't let his fight with Sam Stout fool you... I took Stout in that fight for the simple fact Spencer cut 20 pounds in 2 days.. and that gotta drain you.. But Spencer is a Stud.. Im picking "The King" 1st round Submission victory.

- Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Fabiano Scherner

The big boys go at it.. Gonzaga a Submission Monster against Scherner Who actually has a great Submission game himself.. Gonazga 5-1 who Put on one of the worst fights in UFC history in his Last Fight Against Kevin Jordan Gets a ticket back in the UFC.. While Scherner took a loss in his UFC Debut Against Some one who is also on this card in Brandon "The Truth" Vera.. Now this fight is not a big time fight.. and Whoever loses will most likely never fight in the UFC.. I actually think Gonzaga should win.. By submission. If not.. I personally don't care.. Scherner Has the Abilty to KO Gonzaga.. and Gonzaga can't KO Scherner.. This is why this fight is on the Undercard.. And most likely this fight will never be shown unless you are there live to see this fight..My pick is Gonzaga by submission in the 2nd.


And The Picks Are Made!

So there it is ladies and gentleman. UFC 60, told to you by Matt Friezo. Print it out and read it to your kids before they go to bed and tell them the great predictions of a "MMA" GOD. ok I'm kidding.. But thanks for reading.. This should be a nice event considering all the injuries that is plaguing most of the big names in the UFC.. Franklin, Liddell, & Ortiz. But none the less UFC put on a good show of talent as they mostly always do.. Some new names and guys we just wanna see again. And of course a legend "Gracie" and one of the Best in the World today "Hughes" So you can't really ask for anything more.. I can't wait for May 27th to see how these fights go... This is just a preview folks.. Just a little side info for You all to pay attention to so you all can make your own guesses on the action come May 27th..So this is How I think This card will Pan Out..

THE PICKS

- Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie = Hughes by judges decision.
- Brandon Vera vs. Assuerio Silva = Vera by KO in round 2.
- Diego Sanchez vs. John Alessio = Sanchez by TKO in round 2.
- Joe Riggs vs. Mike Swick = Swick by submission in round 2.
- Jeremy Horn vs. Chael Sonnen = Horn by submission in round 1.
- Alessio Sakara vs. Dean Lister = Sakara by KO in round 3.
- Melvin Guillard vs. Rick Davis = Guillard by KO in round 1.
- Spencer Fisher vs. Matt Wiman = Fisher by Submission round 1.
- Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Fabiano Scherner = Gonzaga by submission in round 2.

Thanks for reading and reading my views on UFC 60.. Best of luck with your picks and may the best Man/Woman win. This is your friendly neighborhood Matt Friezo signing off.. Until next time folks.. Stay tuned to IronLife.com for all your "MMA" News =)


No cats were Harmed in the making of this Review (big laugh)

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**********SPOILER*********************

So I went 8-9 and picked 4 in the right method.. so Pay attention to my next write up.. I'll make this my First Official Rank.. so Matty is 8-9.. =)