Event Recap: UFC 141: Lesnar vs Overeem

MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Friday 30th December 2011

Another main show only recap for this show, as once again no televised prelims in the UK and my internet connection was playing up. And I thought they were getting rid of this Gladiator intro nonsense.

Pay Per View

Jimy Hettes vs Nam Phan (Featherweight)

Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1
Early takedown from Hettes. Phan gets back up but Hettes all over him immediately. Hettes locks in a one arm guillotine but uses it to get on top and drop some big punches. Hettes takes Phan's back and is taking some damage, but managing to defend himself. Phan manages to get up and hits a few shots of his own. Hip toss takedown straight into side control from Hettes and quickly transitions into mount. Armbar attempt from Phan, who eats some big punches while defending. Utterly dominant from the youngster.

Score: 10-8 Hettes

Round 2
Hettes gets Phan up against the cage early and scores another takedown. Hettes back to mount and attempts a choke. A bit of transitioning sees Phan on top, but he fails to do anything of note while there and the two stand up. Another trip takedown from Hettes. Hettes scores another takedown with a minute left and lands in side control.

Score: 10-9 Hettes

Round 3
The round starts on the feet and Phan lands some good punches, but gets caught in a clinch and taken down again. Back standing and Phan once again lands some good shots on a tiring Hettes. But Hettes lands another takedown and takes the back of Phan. Hettes into mount and more ground and pound. Vicious ground and pound to finish the fight.

Score: 10-9 Hettes

Final Score: 30-26 Hettes

Official Decision: Hettes by Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)

Rating: *** Absolute domination from Hettes, and more than one round could easily have been scored 10-8. Just a really one sided fight. Phan did well not to get finished and showed how tough he is, but he was totally outclassed here. Another couple of wins like that could see Hettes in title contention.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs Alexander Gustafsson (Light Heavyweight)

Referee: Yves Lavigne

Round 1
A lot of posturing to start the round with neither man looking like they want to be the first one to engage. Gustafsson starts to throw a few strikes from the outside. Gustafsson drops Matyushenko with a big left hand jab, follows up on the ground and Lavigne steps in.

Official Decision: Gustafsson by TKO at 2:13 of Round 1

Rating: ** 1/2 Matyushenko rushed straight into the punch that put him out. Gustafsson looks dangerous, his height and reach will cause problems for a lot of fighters in the division. Not a great fight, but a really good finish.

Jon Fitch vs Johny Hendricks (Welterweight)

Referee: Steve Mazzagatti

Round 1
Hendricks throws one punch and knocks Fitch straight out. Wow. Jon Fitch is on the ground asking Mazzagatti what just happened.

Official Decision: Hendricks by KO at 0:12 of Round 1

Rating: *** Like Korean Zombie at UFC 140, it's too short to give any more than three stars. What a punch from Hendricks. Some will call it a slightly premature stoppage, but if Mazzagatti hadn't stepped in, Fitch could have been seriously hurt. Incredible.

Dong Hyun Kim vs Sean Pierson (Welterweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)

Referee: Yves Lavigne

Round 1
Both men throwing some good looking strikes without doing much real damage. Strong leg kicks coming from both fighters at the midpoint of the round. Kim has thrown a few kicks that have been caught, but his control is incredible and he manages to stay on balance, escape, and avoid being hit. Standing guillotine attempt from Kim. Big takedown from Kim, but Pierson transitions on the ground and takes Kim's back. Entertaining first round, and very difficult to score. I give Kim a slight edge due to Octogon control.

Score: 10-9 Kim

Round 2
The round starts very much like the first with an exchange of strikes. Kim is controlling the distance and range expertly and landing more shots. Pierson clinches at the midpoint of the round, but Kim escapes easily. Massive front kick from Kim that almost puts Pierson out, but Kim doesn't have enough time to follow up and finish as the round ends.

Score: 10-9 Kim

Round 3
Kim lands the better shots throughout the early part round as Pierson still finds the distance difficult to contend with. Good takedown from Kim and passes quickly, although Pierson manages to defend and stand up. Some good clinch work from Pierson on the cage, but Kim lands another takedown. Lavigne stands the two up after a stalemate develops. The fight ends in a striking exchange that neither man really gets the best of. Kim's round due to the takedowns.

Score: 10-9 Kim

Final Score: 30-27 Kim

Official Decision: Kim by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Rating: ** 1/2 Kim spent too much of the fight looking for a highlight reel knockout and didn't give himself a chance to finish like he should have done. Kim is clearly a level up from Pierson, but he only looked in real trouble at the end of the second. Not a great fight, but a good win from Kim.

Nate Diaz vs Donald Cerrone (Lightweight)

Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1
No glove touch and Cerrone comes flying out with a punch. Diaz gets a clinch but fails to get the takedown. An exchnage of punches and both men get hit hard. Diaz throwing wildly but connecting well. More great punches from Diaz, and Cerrone doesn't appear to have an answer for his accuracy. Cerrone with some kicks and knees, just trying to break up Diaz's rhythm. Diaz keeps coming with his punches. So many of these shots are landing. Absolutely incredible round from Diaz, Cerrone just couldn't deal with his boxing.

Score: 10-9 Diaz

Round 2
Exchange from both men and a leg kick puts Diaz on the canvas, but he's straight back up. Another sweeping leg kick puts Diaz on the ground again, and this is better from Cerrone. Cerrone going for the clinch, but Diaz continues to pepper him with shots, although not as powerful as they were in the first. Headkick from Cerrone and both men land on their arse. Another sweeping kick takes Diaz down again, but Cerrone doesn't want to go to the ground. Another trip from Cerrone, but the shots Diaz is landing are so accurate. Cerrone wobbled off a tame looking punch, but he rallies. Very close round, and the sweep kicks will have impressed the judges, but Diaz hit the more punishing shots again. Cerrone's round though for the takedowns.

Score: 10-9 Cerrone

Round 3
Double fingers from the classless Nate Diaz before the round starts. Great fighter, but an absolute clown of a person. Taunting from Diaz, but he's backing it up with punches. Cerrone can't get near Diaz here, and he needs to do something drastic. Diaz is landing all the shots, but gets tripped again. Good knee to the body from an exhausted Cerrone. Diaz just continues his relentless assault, but gets taken down again by the sweep kick. Cerrone goes for a flying knee but it's blocked. Headkick almost lands from Cerrone and another trip. Cerrone's face is messed up. And they eventually shake hands at the end of the fight. Comfortable win from Diaz, but let's see if any of the judges gave Cerrone the second round for the trips, as they should have.

Score: 10-9 Diaz

Final Score: 29-28 Diaz

Official Decision: Diaz by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Rating: **** Really good performance from Nate Diaz, but Cowboy wasn't at the races on this occasion. I have no idea what was wrong with him, or if Diaz just surprised him by how strong and accurate he was. Either way, Cerrone is out of the title picture, and Diaz may just be one win away from entering it. He's really stepped up with this performance.

Brock Lesnar vs Alistair Overeem (Heavyweight)

Referee: Mario Yamasaki

Round 1
Tentative start from both men, and unbelievably it's Lesnar who strikes first with a leg kick. Overeem stuffs a takedown attempt. Blood streaming down Overeem's face early as he lands a good shot to the body. Knees to the body are hurting Lesnar. Knee to the body hurts Lesnar badly and he follows up with more huge shots. Lesnar is down and covering up and Yamasaki steps in.

Official Decision: Overeem by TKO at 2:26 of ROund 1

Rating: ** 1/2 Highly disappointing main event, as Lesnar just had no answer to the body shots. The intestinal surgery has clearly taken more of a toll than he thought it would, as his body just appeared to crumble. His post fight announcement of retirement seems to confirm this as well. Overeem looked good, his shots had a lot of power, but that wasn't the Lesnar we hoped we'd see. He was more of a pussycat than a monster here. Overeem vs Dos Santos is going to be an all out war though, as they are the two best strikers in the heavyweight division.

Manny Gamburyan vs Diego Nunes (Featherweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)

Referee: Steve Mazzagatti

Round 1
Nunes throwing some strong looking kicks while Gamburyan throws some punches, but very little from either man is actually connecting. Gamburyan goes for a takedown, but good defence from Nunes. Another takedown attempt stuffed by Nunes, but Gamburyan gets third time lucky. Nunes defends well and stands. Hard leg kicks are landing from Nunes. Nunes stops another takedown attempt and lands a solid leg kick again. The round to Nunes for the damage done to Gamburyan's lead leg.

Score: 10-9 Nunes

Round 2
Gamburyan closes the range, but Nunes gets back to his preferred distance. Gamburyan gets in close and lands a huge right hand. Clinch up against the cage, but Nunes defends well and counters. Gamburyan attempts to get controlling position, but Nunes' defence is excellent and they break. Gamburyan gets Nunes down, but up against the cage isn't able to do much with the position. Back to the feet again to end the round.

Score: 10-9 Gamburyan

Round 3
Furious striking exchange to start off the round with both men landing well. Nunes throwing some good looking kicks, while Gamburyan is having success when he closes the distance. Nunes stuffs a takedown attempt at the midpoint of the round and the striking exchange continues. Another takedown attempt foiled by Nunes. The striking continues and Nunes hits Gamburyan low causing a timeout. Very close fight and this could go either way. I give it Nunes for the damage done by the kicks to the leg and body.

Score: 10-9 Nunes

Final Score: 29-28 Nunes

Official Decision: Nunes by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Rating: *** Entertaining fight with some good exchanges throughout. The decision was correct in my eyes, although it was very close.

NFL Predictions: Week 16 Monday Night Football

After a Christmas Day win for the Packers sealed their number 1 seed in the NFC, it's between teh Saints and the 49ers for the second bye. The 49ers are half a game ahead with their win on Saturday, and the Saints can level things up again tonight with a win against their divisional rivals the Falcons to take it down to the last day of the regular season. The Falcons still have an outside chance of winning the division, if they win both games and the Saints lose both, while the Saints clinch the division and at least one home playoff game with a win at the Superdome tonight.

Atlanta (9-5) at New Orleans (11-3)
When the Falcons have been good, they've been really good, and when they've been bad they've been awful this year. Matt Ryan has an impressive 26 touchdowns, but his 12 interceptions have hampered the Falcons badly. Rookie wide receiver Julio Jones has enjoyed a productive debut season, while veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez is having one of his best ever seasons.

Drew Brees needs just 307 yards to break Dan Marino's single season passing yards record. With 37 touchdowns thrown among those yards, Brees is having an MVP calibre season, and he's having a lot of help! Second year tight end Jimmy Graham needs 120 yards to break the record for most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end, while four other receivers are over 500 yards receiving. With the star of free agency Darren Sproles well over 1,000 all purpose yards, the Saints will be a force against whoever they come up against in the playoffs.

At home, they've looked unstoppable, and I feel the Saints will have far too much for the Falcons on this night.

Prediction: Atlanta 17 New Orleans 41

NFL Predictions: Week 16 Christmas Day Game

(This was written a full 24 hours before the game last night but I forgot to post it as I was busy! Got the bloody score right as well. Will preview Falcons at Saints later on tonight.)


After a Christmas Eve programme where very little was settled, Cam Newton became the greatest rookie quarterback of all time, and Tebow Time well and truly ran out, the Christmas Day game between the Packers and the Bears at Lambeau Field promises to be a Christmas Cracker.

Chicago (7-7) at Green Bay (13-1)
The Bears must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, Josh McCown, the veteran journeyman will start in quarterback in place of the hapless Caleb Hanie. McCown hasn't started a game since 2007 when he was at Oakland, but Lovie Smith has trusted the 32 year old to step up. With Matt Forte out and Marion Barber doubtful, it's hard to see where any Chicago offence will come from.

The Packers lost their perfect record in Kansas City last week, and had an absolute nightmare in the process. But against a Bears team with little offensive options they should bounce back. A win here secures the number 1 seed in the NFC, and they will want to secure that homefield advantage. However, do expect to see Matt Flynn and some other backups getting significant gametime, especially if things go well early, as resting and protection for the playoffs come into play.

Prediction: Chicago 21 Green Bay 35

NBA Season Preview: Playoffs

They may be a long way away, but the playoffs are what every team aspires to. Having looked at the individual divisions in depth, and I know look at who I think will be battling for silverware come June.

Eastern Conference

1. Miami Heat (Southestern Division Champions)
2. Chicago Bulls (Central Division Champions)
3. Boston Celtics (Atlantic Division Champions)
4. New York Knicks
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. Orlando Magic
8. Philadelphia 76ers

First Round

Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Miami (4-1)

Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic
Prediction: Chicago (4-0)

Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Atlanta (4-3)

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons
Prediction: New York (4-2)

Semifinals

Miami Heat vs New York Knicks
Prediction: Miami (4-1)

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Chicago (4-2)

Conference Finals

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls
Prediction: Miami (4-2)

I predict a repeat of last year's Conference Finals, with the heat once again going to the big dance. The Hawks will have a good run, while the Celtics stumble.

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Clippers (Pacific Division Champions)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (Northwest Division Champions)
3. Memphis Grizzlies (Southwest Division Champions)
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. Phoenix Suns

First Round

Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers (4-1)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers
Prediction: Oklahoma City (4-0)

Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks
Prediction: Memphis (4-3) - with at least 2 overtime games

Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)

Semifinals

Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers (4-3)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: Oklahoma City (4-1)

Conference Finals

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Oklahoma City (4-1)

The Lakers will come good late in the season, especially if they obtain Dwight Howard from Orlando, but the Thunder will be flying. Youth is on their side, and after tasting the conference finals last year, they willbe desperate to go one further. The Clippers will fall short but will be back, while the Suns and Blazers will do well to just make up the numbers.

NBA Finals

Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder (4-2)

The Thunder are my (maybe surprise) pick to win it all. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka may not quite have the name value of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, but they have just about as much talent. The Heat will choke in the finals again, but I do feel their time will come. It's going to be a good season.

NFL Predictions: Week 16 Christmas Eve Programme

It's almost a full programme of NFL games on this Christmas Eve Saturday. I've been cooking all day the past few days, and haven't had time to do full predictions on the games today, so some short score predictions will have to do. I'll probably do the same for tomorrow's Christmas Day game between the Bears and the Packers, but normal service will resume for Monday Night Football when the Falcons visit my Saints.

Early Games 


Cleveland (4-10) at Baltimore (10-4)
Prediction: Cleveland 13 Baltimore 27

Denver (8-6) at Buffalo (5-9)
Prediction: Denver 24 Buffalo 17

Tampa Bay (4-10) at Carolina (5-9)
Prediction: Tampa Bay 24 Carolina 41

Arizona (7-7) at Cincinnati (8-6)
Prediction: Arizona 24 Cincinnati 21 (OT)

Oakland (7-7) at Kansas City (6-8)
Prediction: Oakland 16 Kansas City 20

Miami (5-9) at New England (11-4)
Prediction: Miami 24 New England 34

New York Giants (7-7) at New York Jets (8-6)
Prediction: Giants 27 Jets 30 (OT)

Jacksonville (4-10) at Tennessee (7-7)
Prediction: Jacksonville 17 Tennessee 24

Minnesota (2-12) at Washington (5-9)
Prediction: Minnesota 13 Washington 17

Late Games 


San Diego (7-7) at Detroit (9-5)
Prediction: San Diego 17 Detroit 29

Philadelphia (6-8) at Dallas (8-6)
Prediction: Philadelphia 38 Dallas 24

San Francisco (11-3) at Seattle (7-7)
Prediction: San Francisco 19 Seattle 21

NBA Season Preview: Western Conference

Western Conference


Northwest Division


Denver Nuggets
Last Year: 2nd (Lost in Conferfence 1st Round)
Prediction: 4th

Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 5th

Oklahoma City Thunder 
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference Finals)
Prediction: 1st


Portland Trail Blazers
Last Year: 3rd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 2nd

Utah Jazz
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 3rd

Analysis: The Thunder stormed the division last year, and their young squad, anchored by Kevin Durant (last season's overall top scorer) and Russell Westbrook will thrive in the compressed season. The Nuggets lost Carmelo Anthony late last season and haven't replaced his talent. Their squad is solid, but lacks that spark that will push them into the upper echelon. The Blazers will benerfit from the Nuggets misfortune, and should make another playoff run, while the Jazz could be an outside bet for the #8 seed. Minnesota are quite simply terrible, and while Kevin Love will be joined by Derrick Williams out of Arizona, and the enigmatic Spaniard Ricky Rubio, it won't be enough to stop them being the division's basement boys again.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors
Last Year: 3rd
Prediction: 4th

Los Angeles Clippers
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 1st

Los Angeles Lakers
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference Semifinals)
Prediction: 2nd

Phoenix Suns
Last Year: 2nd
Prediction: 3rd

Sacramento Kings
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 5th


Analysis: LA is very much a Laker city, but their noisy neighbours might just have something to say about it this year. With Chris Paul joinging up with Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin, and the further acquisition of Chauncey Billups, the Clippers have never looked this good. The Lakers on the other hand are a worse team than last year with the loss of Lamar Odom, but may have a chance at obtaining Dwight Howard, who would be a massive acquisition for them. The two Los Angeles clubs will fight it out for the division, with the Clippers winning by a couple of games. The Suns ageing roster could be a problem, with key players Grant Hill and Steve Nash 39 and 37 respectively. Nash's trade value is still high though, and a move away, as much as it would pain me to see him leave, could be the best thing for the team - provided there is good enough talent coming back. With shrewd drafting the last few years (Robin Lopez and Markieff Morris especially) the Suns should make a decent run for the playoffs. The Warriors and the KIngs will battle over the wooden spoon, and another season as basement boys could facilitate the Kings much talked about move to Anaheim.

Southwestern Division


Dallas Mavericks
Last Season: 2nd (NBA Champions)
Prediction: 3rd


Houston Rockets
Last Season: 5th
Prediction: 5th

Memphis Grizzlies
Last Season: 4th (Lost in Conference Semifinals)
Prediction: 1st

New Orleans Hornets
Last Season: 3rd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 4th

San Antonio Spurs
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 2nd

Analysis: Without question the strongest division in the NBA last season, there will be a major shakeup in the Southwest this time around. The Mavericks may have won it all in June, but their squad is starting to show its age. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd will still have major influence, and the pickup of Lamar Odom will see them well, but don't expect another championship year. The Grizzlies were the surprise package in the playoffs lat year, and with youth on their side, will enjoy themselves again this season. The Spurs were impressive in the regular season last time round, but fell short in the playoffs. Ginobli, Parker and Duncan may be getting older, but that trio will still win games. Houston finished bottom of the division last year, but 9th in the conference. However, they will be basement boys again, as even after losing Chris Paul, the Hornets still have a lot of talent. Although being owned by the league may not work in their favour.

NBA Season Preview: Eastern Conference

It's been a long time coming, but the lockout delayed season that looked like it may not happen finally gets underway on Christmas Day. The Mavericks stunned everyone (especially the Heat) to win it all last season, and it's time to start all over again. This preview will be in three parts, this one will look at the Eastern Conference. The second will look at the Western, and the third and final part will look at my predictions for the playoffs.


Eastern Conference


Atlantic Division


Boston Celtics
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference Semifinals)
Prediction: 1st

New Jersey Nets
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 5th

New York Knicks 
Last Year: 2nd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 2nd

Philadelphia 76ers
Last Year: 3rd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 3rd

Toronto Raptors
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 4th

Analysis: The Celtics dominated the division last year, and I expect more of the same this time round. The Knicks will run them closer this season, but in a shortened season, the quality that the Boston team have will not have time to rest on its laurels. Rajon Rondo will have an MVP candidate year, and the only thing going against the Celtics is thir age. Carmelo Anthony will have a good first full season in New York, and Baron Davis is a good pickup for the team, but the Knicks will fall just short of taking the division, although will get themselves a high wildcard seeding. The 76ers will put themselves in contention for the playoffs again, and I feel that the Nets in their last season in New Jersey before moving to Brooklyn, will take the wooden spoon from the improving Raptors.

Central Division


Chicago Bulls 
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference Finals)
Prediction: 1st

Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 4th

Detroit Pistons
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 2nd

Indiana Pacers
Last Year: 2nd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 5th

Milwaukee Bucks
Last Year: 3rd
Prediction: 3rd

Analysis: This is quite simply the Bulls' division. Derrick Rose was league MVP last year and is still getting better, and his teammates have a lot of talent themselves - see Noah, Joakim; Deng, Luol; Boozer, Carlos. The Pacers finished second in the division last year, but they have no depth in their squad, and a single injury to Danny Granger or Roy Hibbert and they are done. The Cavs won't be as bad as they were last year when they won just 19 games, but can't rely on their #1 Draft Pick Kyrie Irving, a teenager with just 11 college games under his belt. The Pistons will return to the playoffs while the Bucks will be be just there. Again.

Southeast Division


Atlanta Hawks
Last Year: 3rd (Lost in Conference Semifinals)
Prediction: 2nd

Charlotte Bobcats
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 4th

Miami Heat
Last Year: 1st (Lost in NBA Finals)
Prediction: 1st

Orlando Magic
Last Year: 2nd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 3rd

Washington Wizards
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 5th

Analysis: The Hawks will run them fairly close, but I can't see past the Heat taking this division again. LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are a trio up there with Jordan, Pippen and Rodman in pure talent, and they will go a long way this year. The Hawks will build on their Confgerence semifinal appearence from the spring and go onto the playoffs again. I particularly look forward to seeing what Joe Johnson can produce. The Magic will suffer from Dwight Howard not wanting to be there, and I expect him to leave through the season. It depends what kind of deal the Magic can do in the trade, but their season will suffer. The Bobcats and the Wizards will plod along as usual, but the division belongs to Miami.

NFL Predictions: Week 16 Thursday Night Football

It's the penultimate week of the regular season and there are still a handful of playoff spots available in both conferences. There's a full programme of games on Christmas Eve, which will be fully previewed before kick off, but there's one Thursday night game this week before all that.

Houston (10-4) at Indianapolis (1-13)
Houston have already wrapped up the division handily, and with a number of injuries may decide to rest some of their big hitters. With a possible first week bye still to play for though, they will still need to take the now no longer winless Colts seriously. Dan Orlovsky led the Colts to their first win of the season on Sunday against the Titans, but there's a possibility that someone up top may want that to be the only win, in order to preserve the #1 Draft pick, with the Vikings and Rams also stinking the place up. With all that said, I'd still imagine the players to want to win, however, I feel that the Texans, even with a depleted squad, should still have enough.

Prediction: Houston 34 Indianapolis 17

NFL Predictions: Week 15 Monday Night Football

NFL Sunday was absolutely brilliant this week, and full of surprises. The Packers lost, the Colts won, the Seahawks blew out the Bears, Drew Brees staked a claim for MVP and Tebow time ran out against the Patriots. And that was all before the Ravens fell badly at the Chargers. The Monday night game has a lot to live up to, but on paper it could be the game of the week.

Pittsburgh (10-3) at San Francisco (10-3)
I left it late to do this prediction tonight, as I was waiting to see if Ben Roethlisberger was going to make it. He has, and that is a big big boost for the Steelers. Big Ben has a career starting record of 79-32. That is insane. The Steelers also have the chance to take over the lead in the AFC North with a win, and cement themselves as first seed in the AFC, having already beaten the Patriots. Good on offence, and great on defence. A win here could put them in the hunt for yet another Superbowl run. Add that to the fact that they must be buzzing after featuring heavily in the new Dark Knight Rises trailer that got released today!

The 49ers have lost two of their last 3, and will drop to 3rd seed in the NFC with a loss here tonight. Their home advantage though, could be a big thing for them, they have lost at home just once all season. Jim Harbaugh has come in and revitalised this team, who were quite frankly terrible last year. Alex Smith is having the season of his life, just 3 touchdowns and a little more than 200 yards away from eclipsing his previous bests (2009 and 2006 respectively). With their experienced defence also playing well, we could have an absolute shootout.

If Big Ben can stay fit for the entire 60 minutes, I fancy the Steelers to take this. On a four game winning streak, and given up just 19 points in their last 3, Mike Tomlin has his team playing well, and I feel they will have just too much for the 49ers tonight.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 34 San Francisco 27

NFL Predictions: Week 15

Atlanta blew out Jacksonville on Thursday night, and Dallas blew past Tampa Bay on the Saturday night special. With the Steelers visiting Candlestick on Monday night, there's 13 games on Sunday, including the Sunday Night Football game on NBC. I once again have time on a Sunday to do a proper report, so here we go!

Early Games


Miami (4-9) at Buffalo (5-8)
The Dolphins' good run has stuttered in the past few weeks, but the team are definitely better off for havin Matt Moore as starting quarterback rather than Chad Henne. With Reggie Bush finding the form that saw him win the Heisman (yes, I know he vacated, but he still bloody won it!), their running game has something that it hasn't had in some time. Of course, the team are technically coachless, having fired Tony Sparano on Monday, but whoever inherits this team does have a decent stepping stone. The Bills started the season fantastically well. However, they haven't won since October and are on a horrific six game slide after a 5-2 start. Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown 9 interceptions in those six games, but hasn't actually been playing badly. I do feel though, that the Dolphons will pick up a narrow victory.

Prediction: Miami 31 Buffalo 27

Seattle (6-7) at Chicago (7-6)
To keep their very slim chances of a wildcard berth alive, the Seahawks must win this game. The fact that it would put them ahead of Chicago in the race would be another bonus. Tavaris Jackson hasn't performed badly as a starting quarterback, but it's been Marshawn Lynch at running back who has been the key to the Seattle offence all season. They do have some injury problems on the offensive line though, and it will be a large task for Jackson and Lynch to avoid a strong Bears defence. The bears also have major problems on offence. Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are out, and while Marion Barber genrally ran well last week, it was his two big mistakes that cost the Bears the game against Denver. With Caleb Hanie looking exactly like a backup, and having lost wideout Sam Hurd to what looks like a long prison sentence if found guilty, the Bears are stretched. That said, their defence is better than Seattle's and cold weather forecast at Soldier Field, the Bears will run out scrappy winners.

Prediction: Seattle 13 Chicago 16


Carolina (4-9) at Houston (10-3)
Carolina have already won twice as many games as they did last year, thanks in no small part to Cam Newton, who has accounted for 28 touchdowns and over 4000 yards in his rookie season. While he is still learning and making some mistakes, he is showing signs of being a franchise player, and is the main reason for the Panthers new found dynanicism this season. The Texans have already secured the AFC South and therefore the playoffs, but there are two ways that they could enter this game. They either want to ensure they stay ahead of the pack for the AFC number 2 seed, or they realise that injuries are mounting up and decide to rest some key players. Either way, TJ Yates has coped admirably after stepping in for the injured Matt Schaub, and the Texans have their first ever trip to the playoffs to look forward to. I expect a close game, but the home side to take it and keep in the hunt for a bye.

Prediction: Carolina 31 Houston 34

Tennessee (7-6) at Indianapolis (0-13)
The Titans still have a decent chance of making the playoffs as an AFC wildcard, and even if Matt Hasselbeck doesn't make the game, Jake Locker showed enough in last week's loss to the Saints to show that he is a more than capable understudy. With Chris Johnson seemingly now remembering how to play, the Titans offence is looking pretty good, and should quite frankly rip through the Colts. The Colts haven't quite confirmed themselves as the worst in the League yet, as Minnesota and St Louis appear to fancy Andrew Luck as well, but they are quite simply awful, and don't look like beating anyone, never mind a team looking to secure playoff football. The Colts hierarchy can start to plan their draft pick now, and the only way it's not Luck, is if Payton Manning decides he'll be fit next year, and doesn't want the young pretender sniffing around.

Prediction: Tennessee 41 Indianapolis 10

Green Bay (13-0) at Kansas City (5-8)
The Packers look unstoppable. A win tonight ensures them homefield advantage through to the Superbowl, and what an advantage Lambeau is, the Packer shave lost at home just 3 times in 16 postseason games. Aaron Rodgers has been outstanding all season, accounting for 41 total touchdowns, and his receivers have shared the wealth admirably. This is quite simply an even better team than last year's championship winners. The Chiefs have stumbled around all season and have looked no better than average, while being pretty shocking in a number of games. Their 24th ranked defence will not be able to cope with the Packers, and Green Bay will move to 14-0.

Prediction: Green Bay 38 Kansas City 13

New Orleans (10-3) at Minnesota (2-11)
Drew Brees is on course to beat Dan Marino's single season passing record by some way. Today he plays in a dome with no weather hanpering him, against a secondary who simply cannot defend against a quarterback with any accuracy. Mark Ingram is still out, but Chris Ivory quite easily slots into the Saints' three back system, and with Jimmy Graham able to fully participate in practice, Brees has all of his favourite receivers available. The Christian Ponder experiment for the Vikings doesn't seem to have paid off, with their first round pick having more turnovers to his name than touchdowns. There's a good chance that Joe Webb could be in as the Vikings' thirs starting QB of the season. On the bright side, Percy Harvin is playing well and Adrian Peterson is back from injury. But other than that, the Vikes must be hoping the Colts take a different direction in order for them to get "Lucky". Saints win to keep the race fr the NFC #2 seed wide open!

Prediction: New Orleans 44 Minnesota 6

Washington (4-9) at New York Giants (7-6)
The days of the 3-1 start for the Redskins must seem like a long, long time ago now. Going 1-8 since then, they have become one of the worst teams in the league, and only their good start will prevent them from being see as that. Both of their quarterbacks look like backup quality at best, and their defence, especially the secondary, are awful. Mike Shanahan will need to make big changes close season. If he still has a job. The Giants lead the NFC East, but have had a pretty up and down season themselves. Eli Manning has looked brilliant some weeks and poor in others. Second year receiver Victor Cruz has come up good though, and the Giants should put their divisional rivals to more misery.

Prediction: Washington 13 New York Giants 31


Cincinnati (7-6) at St Louis (2-11)
The Bengals have fallen away in the hotly contested AFC North after a great start, and therefore also in the competitive AFC wildcard race. A win on the road at the frankly shocking Rams could put them back in the hunt though. Andy Dalton may have had a few lean weeks, but he has had a fantastic rookie year to this point, as has leading receiver AJ Green. The Rams have won twice, upsetting the Saints in a shock result, and against the almost equally shocking Browns. Sam Bradford has had a poor season following his offensive rookie of the year debut last year, and is likely to miss out again today through injury. AJ Feeley will step in, and wel... it's not even worth betting on the Bengals this week really with the odds on offer.

Prediction: Cincinnati 34 St Louis 12

Late Games


Detroit (8-5) at Oakland (7-6)
The Lions win against the Vikings last week on the back of an incredible defensive display has rocketed them right back into playoff contention. Matthew Stafford hit a stumbling block at midseason, but has refound his form, and aided by Megatron and his defence - now once again featuring Ndamukong Suh after he served his suspension look like the team they did in teh first few weeks. The Raiders have lost the lead in the AFC West, and it has all been their own fault. The loss to Green Bay last week was expected, but Carson Palmer has been atrocious since heading to the Bay. His 14 turnovers compared to 10 touchdowns have been a big part of their downfall and the controversial Terrelle Pryor sits awaiting his chance. The Lions keep their playoff dreams alive with a comfortable road win on the west coast.

Prediction: Detroit 31 Oakland 17

Cleveland (4-9) at Arizona (6-7)
The Browns head to Glendale on a three game losing streak against all of their divisional rivals. Colt McCoy has been abysmal for most of the season, but the hit to the head he sustained at the hands of Pittsburgh's James Harrison last week has forced him out. That means that Seneca Wallace gets the start for Cleveland this week. Seneca Walalce who has thrown just 29 touchdowns in nine seasons in the NFL. It must be tough being a Browns fan just now. The fact that the Cardinals can technically still make the playoffs is baffling. It's even more baffling when their most impressive offensive player is rookie kick and punt returner Patrick Peterson - who is technically a defensive player as a cornerback. His four punt return touchdowns have been a big part of Arizona actually winning games. The Cards should go .500 today, even with Kevin Kolb probably missing out through injury. Kolb has been disappointing, and his backup John Skelton has done pretty well when called upon.

Prediction: Cleveland 13 Arizona 24


New England (10-3) at Denver (8-5)
Confidence is running high at Mile High, but surely this is the week that Tebow comes unstuck? Tom Brady brings his Patriots into town sitting second in passing and total yards, behind only Drew Brees and the Saints. The altitude will only increase Brady's marksmanship, and with Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski both enjoying great seasons, the Patriots could have blown the Broncos away by the time Tebow realises how to play in the fourth quarter. However, the Patriots defence is leaky, and that could play right into the hnads of Tebow, and leading rusher Willis McGahee. If the Broncos can hook things up before the fourth quarter, they will be a major threat to the Patriots. If, like that last few games, it requires a fourth quarter comeback, the Pats run away with this. I'm stuck on how to call this, I feel the Patriots will have too much. But I can just as easily see Tim Tebow continue to show me that maybe he is an NFL quarterback after all.

Prediction: New England 34 Denver 31

New York Jets (8-5) at Philadelphia (5-8)
The Jets are only two games behind the Patriots in the AFC East, but having comprehensively lost the head to head, the wildcard race is their only real chance of the playoffs this season. Currently occupying the #6 spot in the AFC, Rex Ryan knows his team will realistically need to win 2 of their last three to keep them in the hunt. This game, although on the road, looks highly winnable. The Eagles, dubbed the "Dream Team" preseason by some of their own players, have spectacularly failed to live up to the hype. Michael Vick has spent a lot of time injured, and Vince Young has proved himself to be not quite as good as he thinks he is in backup. The Eagles' season has already ended, the Jets' could go on for some time yet, and I feel that the Jets will keep their playoff hopes on track.

Prediction: New York Jets 27 Philadelphia 20

Sunday Night Football


Baltimore (10-3) at San Diego (6-7)
The Ravens lead the AFC North on a tiebreaker, and will want to win to keep themselves in the #2 spot in the AFC. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are a fearsome offensive tandem (and remember Rice has actually thrown a touchdown pass this season!) and their defence is as fearsome as ever. John Harbaugh can be very pleased with the team's progress this year. The Chargers on the other hand, sit third in their division, but still only two games back. Philip Rivers has had a hugely disappointing season by his lofty standards, and that has brought the whole team down. Still, Rivers cant take all the blame, as the defence has struggled, and his offensive line has a tendency to collapse. It's for that reason I fancy teh Ravens to keep their run going, albeit in a close one.

Prediction: Baltimore 27 San Diego 24

Event Recap: World Boxing Classic - Super Six: The Final - Andre Ward vs Carl Froch

Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Saturday December 17th 2011


Kell Brook vs Luis Galarza (Welterweight)


Referee: Alan Huggins

R1: 10-9
R2: 10-9
R3: 10-9
R4: 10-9

Official Result: Brook by TKO at 1:38 of Round 5

Rating: ***

Analysis: At 250-1 on, it always looked like Kell Brook would dominate this fight, and that's exactly what happened here. Luis Galarza, who works as a chef as a full time job, was game, and didn't give up, but was clearly in a class below Brook. Galarza complained about the stoppage midway through Round 5, but he was getting hurt, and Alan Huggins made a good decision. Still, a good, eye catching performance from Kell on his American debut, and one that should set up his future well.

Andre Ward vs Carl Froch (WBA and WBC World Super Middleweight Championships)

Referee: Steve Smoger

R1: 10-9
R2: 10-9
R3: 10-9
R4: 10-9
R5: 9-10
R6: 10-9
R7: 10-9
R8: 10-9
R9: 10-9
R10: 10-9
R11: 10-10
R12: 9-10

Final Score: 118-111

Official Decision: Ward by Unanimous Decision (115-113, 115-113, 118-110)

Rating: ****

Analysis: Andre Ward reminds me very much of Floyd Mayweather Jr. His style is very similar, he looks as hard to hit, and looks as if he may stay unbeaten for a long long time. Carl Froch turned up, tried his absolute best and gave his all, but was quite simply beaten by a better fighter. Froch will beat most other fighters in this division, and will get another crack at a world title in the future, but a rematch with Ward won't be his preferred route. Ward is the real deal, and marketed in the right way, should be an absolute megastar. Got to say, two of the judges were very kind to Froch in the scoring. I cannot see how he won 5 rounds, but still a comfortbale win for Ward.

NFL Predictions: Week 15 Thursday Night Football (Saturday Night Special)

I'm just giving tonight's Saturday Night Football its official (ridiculous) title in the post title. Anyway, I actually forgot there was a game tonight and it's just about to kick off, so there's no time to analyse. Sorry, but here's the prediction.

Dallas (7-6) at Tampa Bay (4-9)
Prediction: Dallas 33 Tampa Bay 13

NFL Predictions: Week 15 Thursday Night Football

Jacksonville (4-9) at Atlanta (8-5)

The Jaguars finally got a win on Sunday when they blew out Atlanta's divisional rivals Tampa Bay. It was the highlight of Blaine Gabbert's career so far, and Maurice Jones-Drew came up with a huge game just when they needed it. It's been a poor season for the Jacksonville team though, and they will struggle against an Atlanta side who have stuttered, but are very much still in the playoff picture.

The Falcons also picked up a win on Sunday, beating the Carolina Panthers. Matt Ryan hasn't found the form he had last season, but on his day is capable of putting up big numbers. The Falcons defence is short of a few players through injury, and Jones-Drew's running could exploit that. However, they should have enough to see out the Jags. They're two games behind the Saints in the NFC South, and will keep up the pressure here, but their real goal is to stay ahead in the Wildcard race.

Prediction: Jacksonville 17 Atlanta 31

NFL Predictions: Week 14 Monday Night Football

A really entertaing Sunday, where Tebow (well, the Denver defence) did it again, Rob Gronkowski broke records for a tight end, Mark Sanchez found his form and the Packers stayed undefeated, has been tainted by Monday Night Football being between the Seahawks and the Rams. Oh well, the Slammy awards are on Raw this week if you want something else to watch. Though that will probably be pretty bad too.

Monday Night Football

St Louis (2-10) at Seattle (5-7)

I thought flexible scheduling had come in. How did this stay in primetime? The Rams are rotten, and with Sam Bradford and AJ Feeley both out, Tom Brandstater has been promoted from the practice squad will start as quarterback. Brandstater is a third year pro without a single NFL snap to his name, and has actually been released by two teams already this season. The Rams being one of them. Expect running back Steven Jackson to be busy, and the Rams to try out the Wildcat a few times tonight.

In contrast, the Seahawks look like a decent team, and actually won against the Eagles the last time they played 11 days ago. After an extra long week they will be fresh, and the layoff has given Tavaris Jackson significant time to heal his pectoral injury, and I have just heard that he will indeed start the game. The Seahawks have a very much outside chance of the playoffs (it would involve 4 straight wins and other results to go their way) and will be buoyed by that fact. This could be a blowout.

Prediction: St Louis 3 Seattle 38

NFL Predictions: Week 14

Score predictions only again this week as I have quite simply run out of time. Normal service will resume for Monday Night Football.

Early Games

Indianapolis (0-12) at Baltimore (9-3)

Prediction: Indianapolis 10 Baltimore 31

Atlanta (7-5) at Carolina (4-8)

Prediction: Atlanta 21 Carolina 24

Houston (9-3) at Cincinatti (7-5)

Prediction: Houston 24 Cincinatti 27 (OT)

Minnesota (2-10) at Detroit (7-5)

Prediction: Minnesota 13 Detroit 31

Tampa Bay (4-8) at Jacksonville (3-9)

Prediction: Tampa Bay 14 Jacksonville 17

Philadelphia (4-8) at Miami (4-8)

Prediction: Philadelphia 24 Miami 31

Kansas City (5-7) at New York Jets (7-5)

Prediction: Kansas City 6 New York Jets 41

New Orleans (9-3) at Tennessee (7-5)

Prediction: New Orleans 38 Tennesee 24

New England (9-3) at Washington (4-8)

Prediction: New England 41 Washington 3

Late Games

San Francisco (10-2) at Arizona (5-7)

Prediction: San Francisco 28 Arizona 27

Chicago (7-5) at Denver (7-5)

Prediction: Chicago 24 Denver 27 (OT)

Oakland (7-5) at Green Bay (12-0)

Prediction: Oakland 17 Green Bay 35

Buffalo (5-7) at San Diego (5-7)

Prediction: Buffalo 13 San Diego 17

Sunday Night Football

New York Giants (6-6) at Dallas (7-5)

Prediction: New York Giants 24 Dallas 27 (OT)

Event Recap: UFC 140: Jones vs Machida

Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Saturday 10th December 2011

Haven't watched the prelims once again, so we're directly into the pay per view portion of the evening.

Pay Per View

Chan Sung Jung vs Mark Hominick (Featherweight)

Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1

Fight's started. Fight's over. Sorry to quote Friends, but wow. Jung cracks Hominick square on the chin and follows up on the ground and puts him out cold. Mark can complain all he wants, but he is out cold.

Official Decision: Jung by TKO at 0:07 of Round 1

Rating: *** Too short to get any more than 3 stars, but absolutely explosive from the Korean Zombie. Hominick will be devastated to get blown out like that in his hometown. Zombie's stock has just risen even further.

Brian Ebersole vs Claude Patrick (Welterweight)

Referee: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1

Ebersole has the Tapout logo shaved into his chest hair. That is taking sponseship to a new level. Ebersole spent almost the entire round failing to take Patrick down. He had him against the cage for a long time, but didn't do much from the position. When it did go to the ground, Patrick locked in a deep guillotine choke, but Ebersole defended expertly. The submission attempt gives Patrick the round, although the judges may see Ebersole's Octagon control as a winning factor.

Score: 10-9 Patrick

Round 2

Pretty much the entire round spent up against the cage again, with neither man able to really get an upper hand. Both men failed on takedown attempts and managed to hit only a few shots. Patrick lands a few good punches at the end of the round, and that flurry gives him the round.

Score: 10-9 Patrick

Round 3

Ebersole finally manages to score a takedown, after managing to end up in Patrick's guard following a failed transition. From there, it was more posturing and transitioning from both men. A submission attempt from Patrick is easily thwarted by Ebersole. A late takedown attempt from Ebersole has another guillotine attempt from Patrick. Impossible round to score, I nudge it to Patrick again, making my score 30-27. That's a really wide score for this fight, that the judges could score absolutely any way.

Score: 10-9 Patrick

Final Score: 30-27 Patrick

Official Decision: Ebersole by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Rating: ** It was close, but there's no way Brian Ebersole won that fight. Shocking decision from the judges. A horrible stylistic matchup as the two men completely negated each other's offence for the entire fight. Usually in this situation, I'd say rematch, but I don't think anyone wants to see it. Both men move on.

Tito Ortiz vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Light Heavyweight)

Referee: Yves Lavigne

Round 1

Tito comes out all guns blazing at the start of the round and puts Little Nog up against the cage. Nog throws an overhand right and rocks Tito, and follows up with a massive knee to the ribs that puts Tito on the canvas. Nog follows up with some huge shots to the face and the ribs and Yves Lavigne steps in. Impressive stuff from Little Nog

Official Decision: Nogueira by KO at 4:48 of Round 1

Rating: **** Highly impressive performance from Little Nog, who absolutely destroyed Tito there. Some of those shots to the body looked absolutely devastating, and Tito must have some broken ribs. Tito says he has one fight left in him, and I hope he gets the sendoff he deserves. Little Nog probably only needs one more win to put himself in title contention.

Constantinos Philippou vs Jared Hamman (Middleweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)

Referee: John McCarthy

Round 1

Philippou starts throwing almost immediately and hammers Hamman with several shots. Hamman ends up on the canvas and somehow manages to get back up. Philippou smashes another huge shot into the face of Hamman and drops him again, but unbelievably he gets back up again. Four times, Hamman takes shots that would knock most men out, but he keeps on going, and is finally stopped when he just can't take any more.

Official Decision: Philippou by KO at 3:11 of Round 1

Rating: *** 1/2 Constantinos Philippou is an absolute monster! He absolutely destroyed a very tough fighter in Jared Hamman, who must be wondering what just happened. The 31 year old Cypriot will now be looking at a big fight to put him into title contention.

Frank Mir vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Heavyweight)

Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1

The fight starts with both men feling each other out. Big Nog hits Mir with a great left hook and follows up with a good straight right. Nog pounds on Mir and almost has him out, but Mir survives. Nog hooks in a choke, but Mir escapes and transitions into side control. He takes hold of a kimura and Nog is in severe pain. He somehow manages to reverse the position, but Mir reverses it straight back. Nog is refusing to give up, but his shoulder has been dislocated and he is forced to tap. Absolutely unbelievable ground exchange and submission. Joe Rogan thinks it may be a broken arm. It looks like a dislocation, but it was nasty eitehr way.

Official Decision: Mir by Submission at 3:38 of Round 1

Rating: ***** Absolutely outstanding. It looked like Nog had it won with the punches, but Frank Mir turned it round absolutely incredibly. That was one of the greatest submissions I've ever seen, and quite possibly the best single round of the year. Incredible fight and incredible finish. Nog refused to submit until his body literally broke. The two best heavyweight submission artists of all time. Brilliant.

Jon Jones vs Lyoto Machida (UFC Light Heavyweight Championship)

Referee: John McCarthy

Round 1

Cautious start to the round from both men, and Jones throws the first strike. Machida starts throwing some good looking strikes, and is coming forward in a way that Jones struggles to deal with. Jones looks wary of engaging with Machida, and he's falling behind early.

Score: 10-9 Machida

Round 2

Jones comes out engaging more, but the harder shots are coming from Machida. Jones shoots a big takedown and drops a huge elbow to the head of Machida which lacerates him immediately. They stand and Jones has the clinch against the cage. John McCarthy calls a timeout to check the cut, which is nasty. Thumbs up from the doctor and they go back into the same position. Jones grabs a standing guillotine and twists it in tight. Machida goes limp and the fight is stopped. Machida drops like a ragdoll to the canvas, but he's ok.

Official Decision: Jones by Submission at 4:26 of Round 2

Rating: **** 1/2 What a comeback from Jones, who looked as if he had no answer for Machida in the first round. He came out, used his devastating elbows and finished the fight in spectaular style. A really good fight and a great performance.

Additional Aired Prelim Fights

John Makdessi vs Dennis Hallman (158.5lb Catchweight)

Referee: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1

Hallman comes out swinging early, and takes Makdessi down and takes the back. He lands some shots, but Makdessi keeps the hands up and rolls into mount. Hallman lands some more ground and pound, and most of the shots are successful. He takes the back again and locks in a rear naked choke to finish things.

Official Decision: Hallman by Submission at 2:58 of Round 1

Rating: *** Absolutely dominant performance from Hallman, although he says he's going to continue at Lightweight despite missing weight this time. Either way, good win.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs Igor Pokrajac (Light Heavyweight)

Referee: Yves Lavigne

Round 1

Pokrajac comes out swinging and absolutely blasts Soszynski. He puts him on his back and jumps in with some vicious shots to the head. Soszynski is out cold and it's done.

Official Decision: Pokrajac at 0:35 of Round 1

Rating: *** Bang bang and we're done. Pokrajac destroyed Soszynski with his strikes very very quickly indeed and could see himself move up in the rankings after a performance like that.

Rich Attonito vs Jake Hecht (Welterweight)

Referee: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1

Attonito starts the fight on the front foot and lands some good strikes. Attonito takes Hecht down and gets into his guard. Hecht looks dangerous from the guard, but isn't managing to do anything, and finds himself eating some punches. Hecht tries to transition, but Attonito ends up in half guard and lands some good ground an pound. Attonito takes the round in dominant fashion without ever looking like ending it.

Score: 10-9 Attonito

Round 2

Hecht avoids several takedown attempts and drops two elbows onto the head of Attonito. Attonito drops to the canvas and Hecht lands several unanswered shots until Rosenthal steps in.

Official Decision: Hecht by TKO at 1:10 of Round 2

Rating: ** 1/2 Pretty good first round from Attonito without ever looking like he was going to finish things. Hecht managed to avoid the takedown in the second round, and just dropped Attonito. Good win and a nice way to debut in the UFC.

Event Recap: Amir Khan vs Lamont Peterson

IBF and WBO World Light Welterweight Championships

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.

Saturday 10th December 2011

Referee: Joe Cooper

Round 1: 10-8 (Peterson down, standing 8 count)

Round 2: 10-9

Round 3: 9-10

Round 4: 9-10

Round 5: 10-9

Round 6: 10-10

Round 7: 8-10 (Point deducted from Khan)

Round 8: 9-10

Round 9: 10-9

Round 10: 10-10

Round 11: 9-10

Round 12: 9-9 (Point deducted from Khan)

Final Score: 113-114

Official Result: Peterson by Split Decision (115-110, 112-113,112-113)

Rating: ****

Analysis: Amir Khan basically forfeited his two World Titles by persistently fouling. The two points deductions were totally justified (no matter what Khan will have you believe). He was lucky he wasn't deducted more points. He was warned several times during the fight, but kept on with his dirty tactics that ultimately cost him his titles, as he would have won a unanimous decision had he not had the points deducted. Khan's post fight interview was absolutely shocking and made him sound like a petulant child.

That said, I'd love to see a rematch, as it really was a great fight. Khan came out like a train, and looked like he was going to finish the fight quickly. Massive respect to Lamont Peterson who came back in a way that no-one expected and turned the fight into something that he was comfortable with. Khan will come back from this, but he has to cut out the fouls.

NFL Predictions: Week 14 Thursday Night Football

Cleveland (4-8) at Pittsburgh (9-3)

The AFC North is a quality, tight division. Apart from the Browns. The Browns are shocking. They're not good on offence. They're not good on defence. And they're not good to watch. Colt McCoy has 14 touchdowns, but also has 9 interceptions. He's also passed for just 2524 yards in twelve games. Browns do not look good.

The Steelers have lost twice to the Ravens in division, but Big Ben and his boys have only one other loss on their record (away to the division leading Texans). Roethlisberger has 19 touchdown passes, and Rashard Mendenhall has been bringing his A-game in the past few weeks. The Steelers are on a charge for the plaoffs and I don't see the Browns causing any problems.

Prediction: Cleveland 17 Pittsburgh 34

Socrates 1954-2011

Captain of Brazil's 1982 team, widely regarded as the greatest team never to win the World Cup, Socrates was a maverick of the highest order. He listed his heroes as Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and John Lennon rather than Pele, Garrincha or Jairzinho and started a democracy while playing at Corinthians, in opposition to the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil at the time, and it's treatment of professional athletes.

He graduated from Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, the medical school of the University of Sao Paulo with a doctorate in medicine, remarkably while playing professionally at Botofogo. As a player he was known for his strength and skill, as well as popularising the back heel pass. After retiring, he practised medicine in Brazil, but remarkably, in 2004, at the age of 50, appeared as a substitute for Garforth Town in their match against Tadcaster Albion in the Northern Counties East Football League, the ninth level of English football. He had signed a one month player-coach deal.

Known as much for his beard and off field habits as his football, Socrates was a noted chain smoker and celebrated social drinker. Former Scotland international Willie Miller recalls being unable to urinate in the drug test room after the match at the 1982 World Cup in Seville. While he was taking on water in order to pass urine, Socrates, who had already submitted his sample, sat smoking cigarette after cigarette and drinking bottles of beer. An accurate representation of a remarkable man.

Sadly, an intenstinal infection has taken him at just 57 years old. He leaves a wife and six children. RIP big man.

NFL Predictions: Week 13

Short on time this week, so not analysis, just predictions!

Early Games

Tennessee (6-5) 24 Buffalo (5-6) 20

Kansas City (4-7) 10 Chicago (7-4) 28

Atlanta (7-4) 38 Houston (8-3) 34

Oakland (7-4) 17 Miami (3-8) 31

Denver (6-5) 21 Minnesota (2-9) 24 (I can't predict a Denver win with Tebow at QB yet!)

Indianapolis (0-11) 3 New England (8-3) 61

Cincinnati (7-4) 21 Pittsburgh (8-3) 28

Carolina (3-8) 33 Tampa Bay (4-7) 31

New York Jets (6-5) 24 Washington (4-7) 12

Late Games

Baltimore (8-3) 42 Cleveland (4-7) 9

Dallas (7-4) 31 Arizona (4-7) 17

Green Bay (11-0) 38 New York Giants (6-5) 17

St Louis (2-9) 13 San Francisco (9-2) 42

Sunday Night Football

Detroit (7-4) 17 New Orleans (8-3) 34

College Football: Week 14 Predictions

Oregon crushed UCLA in the Pac-12 title game to go to the Rose Bowl, but their win will be irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Only Georgia upsetting LSU in the SEC Championship will stop an LSU vs Alabama rematch for the BCS National Championship.

Conference Championships

#14 Georgia (10-2) vs #1 LSU (12-0) (SEC Championship) (at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta)

Georgia have gone 10 undefeated after losing their first two, but LSU have looked unbeatable so far this year, and they know that a win will take them 80 miles up the road to the Superdome for the National Championship game. Tryann Mathieu has been a revelation at corner, and Jordan Jefferson has found his form. LSU to go 13-0 and start preparing for January 9th.

Prediction: Georgia 13 LSU 38

#24 Southern Miss (10-2) at #6 Houston (12-0) (Conference-USA Championship)

The other undefeated team, the Cougars of Houston will go to the BCS and play in New Orleans if they win this game, but it will be the Sugar Bowl rather than the National Championship game. This is their first game against ranked opposition, but even at that, the chance to go to a BCS Bowl will be enough for Houston to win again.

Prediction: Southern Miss 17 Houston 24

#15 Wisconsin (10-2) vs #11 Michigan State (10-2) (Big Ten Championship) (at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)

The Badgers and the Spartans had an absolute humdinger of a game in late October, that Michigan State came out on top in. Both teams lost their next game before going four undefeated. Expect another close fought, high scoring game between two of the best offences in college football. With a Rose Bowl berth against Oregon on the line, both teams will be going for it, and I fancy the Badgers to avenge thie loss from six weeks ago.

Prediction: Wisconsin 38 Michigan State 35

#5 Virginia Tech (11-1) vs #20 Clemson (9-3) (ACC Championship) (at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte)

Clemson have lost 3 of their last 4 and destroyed any chance they had of going to the National Championship game. However, a win against a Virginia Tech team they've already beaten this season will still see them go to the BCS and the Orange Bowl. Virginia Tech however, haven't lost since that October 1st loss to the Tigers and have looked the better team since then. The Hokies to win and go to the Orange Bowl.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 41 Clemson 14

Other Top 10 Teams

#10 Oklahoma (9-2) at #3 Oklahoma State (10-1)

It's Bedlam as the Sooners and Cowboys go head to head for the Big 12 Championship. It's not technically a Conference Championship game, but the winner will take the conference and the Fiesta Bowl berth. The Cowboys undefeated season and National Championship contention was destroyed by that double overtime loss to Iowa State a fortnight ago, and the Sooners will take great solace in the fact that they beat that same Iowa State team a week later. With the Cowboys' home advantage however, they will be fired up. This is a game that could go either way, but I do expect the Cowboys to pick up the win.

Prediction: Oklahoma 24 Oklahoma State 30

New Mexico (1-10) at #7 Boise State (10-1)

Despite a better overall record, Boise State will finish behind TCU in the Mountain West as a result of in conference play (unless UNLV stun the Horned Frogs tonight). With their BCS ambitions seemingly gone for another season, the Broncos will just need to go for the win and keep momentum going into whatever bowl game they're selected for. The Lobos pose no threat whatsoever, they've won just three times in three years. This will be a blowout on the blue turf.

Prediction: New Mexico 3 Boise State 58

NFL Predictions: Week 13 Thursday Night Football

Week 12 saw Green Bay remain dominant, San Francisco lose a little ground and New Orleans creep up on the NFC number 2 seed. A weekend of great games saw some excellent play, and the playoff picture start to take shape. Week 13's NFL Network Thursday night game is a battle of the underachievers, and one I don't forsee masive ratings for them here.

Philadelphia (4-7) at Saettle (4-7)

Vince Young put up the best numbers of his career but the Eagles still got crushed at home to the Patriots on Thanksgiving weekend. Michael Vick is still out, so Young will continue at quarterback, but is still without key target Jeremt Maclin, who is still recovering from his hamstring tear. With Nmandi Asomugha and LeSean McCoy both questionable, and from what I gather, unlikely to play, the Eagles could be in trouble as the Dream Team continues to unravel. The Seahawks are coming off a crippling loss to the also hopeless Redskins, and are already 5 games behind the 49ers in the NFC West. The 49ers need just 1 win in their last 5 games to assure their playoff credentials, and the Seahawks can pretty much write their season off already. That said, I fancy them to beat the flailing Eagles and put at least some sort of pressure on San Fran.

Prediction: Philadelphia 13 Seattle 33