Strikeforce at the Mansion 2: Predictions
September 18, 2008
Joe Riggs vs. Kazuo Misaki
In what is easily the most competitive fight of the night, former UFC standout Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-10-1) is going to have his hands full with Japanese star and judo black belt Kazuo Misaki (20-8-2).
Misaki has not always been the most consistent fighter, but he has a number of great wins, including a unanimous decision over Dan Henderson, a guillotine choke over the notoriously hard to finish Akira Shoji, and a dominating performance against Yoshihiro Akiyama, although that one was unfortunately changed to a no contest following an illegal blow.
This matchup promises to be another installment in the eternal series of striker vs. grappler. There can be no denial that Riggs has better standup, both in terms of technique, and punching power. Similarly, there is no debate to be had about who is the better grappler. Riggs, while a decent wrestler, is a fish out of water on the ground, while Misaki is a world class judo player with extremely slick submissions. I see Riggs controlling the fight early, landing some hard shots from a distance, but ultimately Misaki should be able to close the gap to the clinch, trip Riggs up, and secure an arm. Misaki by submission late in round 2.
Josh Thomson vs. Ashe Bowman
A huge mismatch, as the talented and versatile Josh “The Punk” Thomson (15-2) takes on the relatively unknown Ashe “The Machine” Bowman. Thomson, who trains out of AKA, has fairly good standup, great cardio, and a dangerous submission attack. Bowman has a pretty good ground game, decent hands, and likes to look for leg locks/ heel hooks. Look for Thomson to set up a takedown with his punching before quickly wrapping Bowman up for the submission win in round 1.
Terry Martin vs. Cory Devela
UFC veteran Terry Martin (17-6) will square off with Corey “The One” Devela (9-2).
Devela has been hot, going on a seven fight win streak, including a victory over Joe “Diesel” Riggs. His only two losses have been against game opponents, in Ed Herman and Matt Horwich. Corey will come into this fight with a big height and reach advantage over Martin. Corey is a very good wrestler, grappler, with a strong muay thai base.
Martin is always fun to watch, he brings an all or nothing attitude to the fight. He is short and compact, but carries very heavy hands and likes to throw them. Terry has good boxing and wrestling skills. Martin has faced very tough competition over the years and taller opponents such as Devela, so he will know what he needs to bring into the fight. He has lost three out of his last four fights.
Look for Martin to come out and put a stop to Devela’s win streak. I see Martin keeping the fight standing, closing the gap between them, and out striking Devela to a split decision win.
Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Justin Wilcox
Pride veteran Mitsuhiro “Endless Fighter” Ishida (16-4-1) will fight on U.S. soil for the first time against Justin “The Silverback” Wilcox (5-2).
Wilcox trains with AKA, and brings a strong wrestling game (former NCAA wrestler and body builder) a killer right hand, and like to take the fight to the ground.
Ishida also a very strong wrestler, who likes to score ponits using it and controlling his opponent from the top. Ishida has superb cardio and can keep a high pace through out the entire fight if needed. He has also faced much tougher competition and is best known for being the first fighter to defeat former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.
I see Ishida controlling the fight scoring on take-downs and and landing cleaner strikes with a unanimous decision win.
Ed Herman: Profile
September 18, 2008
Ed Herman
- Nickname- “Short Fuse”
- Born- Vancouver, WA, USA
- Age- 27
- Height- 6′2″ (188 cm)
- Weight- 185 lbs. (84 kg)
- MMA Record- 16-5-0
- Fighting out of- Portland, Oregon
- Strengths- Wrestling, clinch, ground & pound
- Team/Association- Team Quest
Last 3 fights
- Loss against Demian Maia via triangle choke at UFC 83
- Win against Joe Doerksen via KO at UFC 78
- Win against Scott Smith via rear naked choke at UFC 72
Notable wins
- Dave Menne
- Scott Smith
- Joe Doerksen
UFC Fight Night 15 updated odds
September 17, 2008
Sportsbook.com Odds
Nate Diaz vs Josh Neer
- Nate Diaz (-270)
- Josh Neer (+210)
Betus.com Odds
- Nate Diaz (-200)
- Josh Neer (+150)
Clay Guida vs Mac Danzig
Betus.com Odds
- Clay Guida (-155)
- Mac Danzig (+125)
Sportsbook.com Odds
- Clay Guida (-145)
- Mac Danzig (+115)
Ed Herman vs Alan Belcher
Betus.com Odds
- Ed Herman (-240)
- Alan Belcher (+190)
Sportsbook.com Odds
- Ed Herman (-275)
- Alan Belcher (+215)
Houston Alexander vs Eric Schafer
Betus.com Odds
- Houston Alexander (-230)
- Eric Schafer (+180)
Sportsbook.com Odds
- Houston Alexander (-260)
- Eric Schafer (+200)
Alessio Sakara vs Joe Vedepo
Betus.com Odds
- Alessio Sakara (-140)
- Joe Vedepo (+110)
Wilson Gouveia vs Ryan Jensen
Betus.com Odds
- Wilson Gouveia (-400)
- Ryan Jensen (+300)
Joe Lauzon vs Kyle Bradley
Betus.com Odds
- Joe Lauzon (-600)
- kyle Bradley (+450)
Jason Brilz vs Brad Morris
Betus.com Odds
- Jason Brilz (-230)
- Brad Morris (+180)
Drew McFedries vs Mike Massenzio
Betus.com Odds
- Drew McFedries (-240)
- Mike Massenzio (+190)
Dan Miller vs Rob Kimmons
Betus.com Odds
- Dan Miller (-125)
- Rob Kimmons (-105)
Parlay Picks for UFC Fight Night 15
September 17, 2008
Favorite picks
Betus.com Odds
- Ed Herman @ (-240)
- Joe Lauzon @ (-600)
- Wilson Gouveia @ (-400)
- Houston Alexander @ (-230)
Put these 4 fighters down for a parlay @ Betus.com with a bet of $50 and win $98.21, with a bet of $ 100 and win $196.42.
Underdog pick
- Mac Danzig @ Betus.com (+125) with a straight bet of $50 and win $62.50. I really didnt think Danzig would be an underdog in this fight, this is a good bet to take.
Another Scenario is putting Danzig in on your favorite bet to raise your return. I Like
- Mac Danzig @ (+125)
- Houston Alexander @ (-230)
- Nate Diaz @ (-210)
- Ed Herman @ (240)
- Wilson Gouveia @ (400)
Put these 5 fighters together @ Betus.com with a $50 bet and win $371.94, with a $100 bet and win $743.89
UFC Fight Night 15 Weigh-Ins
September 17, 2008
UFC Fight Night 15 Weigh-Ins
Mac Danzig: Profile
September 16, 2008
Mac Danzig
- Nickname- N/A
- Born- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Age- 30
- Height- 5′8″ (173 cm)
- Weight- 155 (70 kg)
- MMA Record- 19-8-1
- Fighting out of- Los Angeles, CA
- Strengths- Boxing, submissions, toughness
- Team/Association- Xtreme Couture
Last 6 fights
- Loss against Matt Wiman via guillotine choke at UFC 115
- Win against Justin Buchholz via unanimous decision at UFC 109
- Loss against Jim Miller via unanimousue decision at UFC 100
- Loss against Josh Neer via triangle choke at Fight Night 17
- Loss against Clay Guida via unanimous decision at UFC fight Night 15
- Win against Mark Bocek via rear naked choke at UFC 83
Notable wins
- Tommy Speer
- Mark Bocek
Clay Guida: Profile
September 16, 2008
Clay Guida
- Nickname- “The Carpenter”
- Born- Round Lake, Illinois,USA
- Age- 29
- Height- 5′7″ (170 cm)
- Weight- 155 lbs. (70 kg)
- MMA Record- 27-11
- Fighting out of- Johnsburg, IL
- Stregths- Wrestling, strength, heart, cardio, good chin
- Team/Association- Mid West Training Center
Last 5 Fights
- Win against Rafael Dos Anjos via submission (injured jaw) at UFC 117
- Win against Shannon Gugerty via arm triangle at Versus 1
- Loss against Kenny Florian via rear naked choke at UFC 107
- Loss against Diego Sanchez via split decision at TUF 9 Finale
- Win against Nate Diaz via split decision at UFC 94
- Win against Mac Danzig via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 15
Notable wins
- Mac Danzig
- Marcus Aurelio
- Sammy Schiavo
- Josh Thomson
Houston Alexander: Profile
September 16, 2008
Houston Alexander
- Nickname- “The Assassin”
- Born- East St. Louis, Illinois, USA
- Age- 36
- Height- 6′0″ (183 cm)
- Weight- 205 lbs. (93 kg)
- MMA Record- 9-4-1
- Fighting out of- Omaha, NE
- Strengths- Very strong, KO power, athletic
- Team/Association-
Last 3 Fights
- Win against Sherman Pendergarst via TKO at Adrenaline 4
- Loss against Eric Schafer via arm triangle at Fight Night 15
- Loss against James Irvin via KO at UFC Fight Night 13
Notable Wins
- Keith Jardine
- Alessio Sakara
Josh Neer: Profile
September 16, 2008
Josh Neer Bio
- Nickname- ”The Dentist”
- Born- Des Moines, Iowa
- Age- 25
- Height- 5′11″ (180 cm)
- Weight- 155 lbs. (70 kg)
- MMA Record- 25-8-1
- Fighting out of- Bettendorf, Iowa
- Strengths- KO power, submissions, wrestling
- Team/Association- Miletich Martial Arts
Last 3 fights
- Loss against Kurt Pellegrino via unanimous decision at UFC 101
- Win against Mac Danzig via triangle choke at Fight Night 17
- Loss against Nate Diaz via split decision at UFC Fight Night 15
Notable Wins
- Mac Danzig
- Melvin Guillard
- Joe Stevenson
- Din Thomas
Nate Diaz: Profile
September 16, 2008
Nate Diaz 
- Nickname- None
- Born- Stockton, Ca, USA
- Age- 25
- Height- 6′0″ (183 cm)
- Weight- 155 lbs. (70 kg)
- MMA Record- 13-5
- Fighting out of- Stockton, Ca
- Strengths- Jiu Jitsu, boxing, cardio, work ethic
- Team/Association- Cesar Gracie jiu jitsu
Last 6 fights
- Win against Marcus Davis via guillotine choke at UFC 118
- Win against Rory Markham via TKO at UFC 111
- Loss against Gray Maynard via split decision at Fight Night 20
- Win against Melvin Guillard via guillotine choke at Fight Night 19
- Loss against Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision at TUF 9 Finale
- Loss against Clay Guida via split decision at UFC 94
