UFC 89 Preview
UFC 89 is coming up this weekend for FREE on Spike TV featuring two events with Michael Bisping (17-1) vs. Chris Leben (18-4), and Keith Jardine (13-5-1) vs. Brandon Vera (9-2). These fights are especially intriguing with two match ups highlighting personalities they have a garage load of knockout reels amongst the four fighters. So let’s get it on!
Bisping (17-1) vs. Leben (18-4)
Michael “The Count” Bisping was never a serious contender as a Light-Heavyweight and after a loss to Rashad Evans (which was clearly his best performance at that weight) decided to put down the doughnuts to become a middleweight. His two performances against CPT Miserable and Mr. Doomsday we’re much more impressive demonstrating good hand speed, foot work, and increased power.
With these improvements, he’s going to need all of these skills to dispatch of the hard headed and big bombing UFC veteran Chris Leben. Leben is clearly a brawler and wants to entice “The Count” in trading punches in the center of the Octagon, but I think Bisping will stick to a discipline game plan of scoring points through “in-n-out” jabbing and possible take downs. My forecast will be Bisping in a workman like decision, because Leben is FAR too tough to knockout.
Jardine (13-5-1) vs. Vera (9-2)
This fight is going to be very fun! Both guys are looking for a win and more importantly, to win BIG! This has all the makings of both fighters standing right in front of each other and letting it all hang out. Both have demonstrated knockout power and have the attitudes to back it up. I believe the technical standup of Vera will be edge to this fight. Vera will pick apart the unorthodox Jardine and finish the fight in the 2nd round by TKO.
MMA Punch contributor Jonny T.
