(I wanted to write “General Purpose Explosive” for the title (Semtex), but what with all the NYC SUVs being filled with poorly-crafted bombs, I thought better of it.)

As if I would put any other pictures on this post.

Lyoto “the Dragon” Machida vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua

I read this, via Twitter, and found it amusingly accurate: “Always harder to beat the guy second time around. So…who’s the Guy?”

Both have to prove that the previous fight was no fluke, both have been working hard to be in top physical condition. But as much as I looooove Machida, I think Shogun is going to bring back all his power and bring home the belt again.

Josh “Kos” Koscheck vs. Paul “Semtex” Daley

I love when they’re cut and dry (well, in my world at least) like this. By now, those of you who find my MMA posts amusing enough to read them know how much I hate bleach-haired fighters. So, not only does Kos have that going against him – up to and including an unimaginative nickname – but the biggest thing he has against him? Oh yeah, SEMTEX. Semtex is fighting someone whose wrestling is as good as his stand-up. Of course he doesn’t want this fight to get to the ground but if it does here’s hoping he has practiced his escape plans like Dan Hardy. Hopefully he can get a win and keep the slurs to a minimum in his speech, though.

Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens vs. Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout

This one i’m still on the fence about. I really like Stout’s Nickname, but I will have to go with the guy who’s center of gravity seems more stable.

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson vs. Matt Mitrione

I don’t have anything to say besides: Just take deep breaths, and don’t get winded. This will be much easier if you TKO, Kimbo.

Alan “The Talent” Belcher vs. Patrick “The Predator” Cote

I have no idea why, but I like Alan Belcher. I expect good things to spring forth from him.

Preliminary Card

Joe Doerksen vs. Tom Lawlor

There are a few fights on this undercard I’m pretty stoked about. First and foremost, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. I think the header of his website says it all. I think this is one fighter that intersects the line of cool guy i’d hang out with/ good fighter. There aren’t too many of them; most of them are one or the other. Former history teacher, interviewee extraordinaire, and questionable facial hair expert = quickly climbing up my Top 5 fighter ranks. I am a firm believer in the Entertainer value of any show. Not only is Lawlor a good showman and self-hyper, but he is a good fighter. I hope he barrels through and finishes Joe.

Marcus Davis vs. Jonathan Goulet
T.J. Grant vs. Johny Hendricks