I would be shocked if Griffin beats Aurelio by submission, that guy's BJJ is really on a different level and as good as Griffin is I don't think he'll be able to tap him out.
Griffin is overall the more complete fighter, his wrestling base is outstanding and while he doesn't have powerful strikes he's got fast hands and isn't afraid to sit in the pocket and let them go. His downside is his size, that guy is really really small even for 155. And because of his size and lack of power in the strikes area, in the UFC he's had to rely on fights going to decision and for the most part outpoint his opponents. And if he doesn't do that hopefully get a gift from the judges (see his fight with Guida).
So it's probably going to be Griffin by decision.
I think the same can be said about Tibau catching Stevenson with a sub. Personally I think Joe Stevenson is actually the better fighter when it comes to submissions. Tibau's style personally reminds me more of a wrestler who comes out and uses his takedowns, keeps position and uses G&P to win.
Also, Tibau's ground game is good when he's able to secure the top position but when he's on the bottom that's where the holes in ground game start to appear. And if he gets stuck, I don't know if he'll be able to withstand many elbows from Stevenson or be able to stop them.
I wonder about Tibau's heart, will he be able to grind it out against Stevenson. But I've got the same questions about Joe Stevenson as well, this is his first fight after that crushing loss to BJ Penn. Where is this guy at mentally?
I think Stevenson but it's going to be close by decision.
If Forrest is to win, I think he'll win by decision as well. He's the better striker technically while Rampage has the advantage with power. The last thing Forrest wants to get into is situations where he'll have exchange with Rampage for extended periods. He can get KO'd or at the very least get cut, he tends to cut very easily. It will be interesting if it goes to the ground, Forrest's guard is pretty damn good and very underrated. While he pretty much schooled Shogun down there I'm wondering if he'll have the same success with Rampage.
I think Forrest's game plan is get in and out quickly with his strikes always keeping on the move forcing Rampage to follow and chase.
Forrest by decision here as well.
I think all three fights are very very close and the only fight I'll be betting on tonight will actually be Melvin Guillard's fight.  |