by Gila
Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit
Pick: St-Pierre
The biggest and most obvious question about Georges St-Pierre is how the knee injury will affect him after a year and a half out of the Octagon. The current welterweight champion has arguably his toughest task to date in front of him in Carlos Condit. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, fighter is as well-rounded as they come and can pose serious problems for GSP in the striking department. Condit is, hands-down, the most powerful striker GSP has ever faced and we have not seen GSP take a clean shot very often because he is an amazing fighter who is nearly impossible to hit if opponents don’t land it in the opening rounds.
GSP’s takedowns could be the major difference with Condit being a little suspect in his defense. The opening rounds will be very interesting to watch – GSP will definitely partake in a feeling-out process, but he needs to attack Condit from the get-go and make him uncomfortable, forcing him into confusion and making it difficult to find his range. Condit will certainly be looking to pressure his opponent for the entire fight. However, GSP must be careful because Condit is an extremely dangerous counter-striker and GSP definitely respects his opponent in that aspect. Both will be good for cardio and this fight should go the distance.
Expect GSP to start slow, find his groove, and maul Condit on the ground for a hometown victory.
Martin Kampmann vs. Johnny Hendricks
Pick: Hendricks
Johnny Hendricks has been on a tear as of late, shocking the world with victories over Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch. Coming in as the underdog in those fights, he is now poised by the oddsmakers to come out victorious Saturday night in Montreal. He has the power in his hands to do so, but Martin Kampmann is a durable and intelligent technical striker. Kampmann’s kickboxing background could be the difference and throw Hendricks off his game plan. As we’ve seen in the past, Kampmann seems to wear down late in the fight and a few solid shots from his opponent can do serious damage, but he is a tough fighter who is able to take the punishment and keep coming. Hendricks needs to hit Kampmann early and hard.
His last few opponents has given him the confidence to contend for the title and I think he edges Kampmann in a hotly contested scrap.
Francis Carmont vs. Tom Lawlor
Pick: Carmont
UFC veteran Tom Lawlor has all the tools to beat Francis Carmont, but I think the Frenchman will walk away with a victory. He is undefeated in the UFC and has a very underrated skillset. He is good everywhere, but so is Lawlor. The always adventurous and funny Lawlor has good striking, good takedowns, and can pull a submission out of his sleeve. I think Carmont will be too powerful for him; he will impose his will, hit Lawlor hard and could even finish off his opponent by submission. Carmont is on the rise
Mark Hominick vs. Pablo Garza
Pick: Hominick
Mark Hominick knows he is in dire need of a win against Pablo Garza. Winless in his last three fights, Hominick’s recent performances have been rather surprising. He is expected to regain his momentum against Garza, but the North Dakota resident also has his back against the wall and is very dangerous with his submissions.
Hominick needs to come out swinging and must put his opponent in danger early on. If Garza can hang out and weather the storm, he can surprise Hominick with a few tricks of his own.
Nick Ring vs. Costa Philippou
Pick: Philippou
Two big middleweights will square off and hope to make some noise in their division with a victory. Nick Ring is a strong, durable fighter who can impose his strength and grind out victories, but I give the advantage to Philippou based on his striking. Philippou has a lot of power in his hands and he could make quick work of Nick Ring and rise up to face a top five opponent in his division.
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