Preview of UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn
September 23, 2006
By J.C. Weyand
The long awaited rematch between UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes and former champ B.J. Penn is upon us. Before the PPV this Saturday, I'll take a minute to make my picks for the main card of UFC 63.
Matt Hughes vs. B.J. Penn
This is a strange match-up. Although in their last meeting Penn gave Matt Hughes a lesson in just about everything, Hughes is still the favorite to win. It's a really tough fight to call, because Hughes has looked great recently and Penn just lost to GSP. This is definitely not a fight you want to bet on (unless Penn is like +300). It really could go either way, but I see Hughes taking this one. Matt has been so dominant since his loss, and B.J. has been relatively inactive (compared to Hughes). The other factor that you have to consider is B.J.'s cardio. This fight will most likely go 5 rounds, and I don't know if he has the stamina of a guy like Matt Hughes. The fight could definitely go either way, but I think Hughes will be able to GNP his way to a win (especially in Rounds 3-5). However, if B.J. does pull off the win, it puts the Welterweight rankings in some serious chaos, because non-champion GSP would take over the #1 spot.
Winner: Matt Hughes by Decision
David Loiseau vs. Mick Swick
This fight is actually the one I'm looking forward to the most out of the card. Both of these guys love to stand up and bang, so unless Swick tries to take it to the ground, this fight should be very entertaining. I actually just did an interview with Dave, and he is determined to have an exciting fight.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW
Swick is good, but I think he's facing a different level of competition that he's ever fought before. Until Swick beats a Top 10 fighter (which he might do at UFC 63), I have to go with The Crow.
Winner: David Loiseau by TKO
Jens Pulver vs. Joe Lauzon
This fight is good for 3 parties and terrible for 1. It's great for Jens, the UFC, and the fans – it's awful for Joe Lauzon. I hate to write off a fighter, but the UFC is pretty much bringing Lauzon in to get beat. They want to build up Pulver as one of their main guys of the Lightweight Division, and I see this fight doing just that.
Winner: Jens Pulver by KO
Jason Lambert vs. Rashad Evans
I don't really know why I'm excited about this fight, because it will probably be pretty boring. I think I just want to see someone finally beat the biggest Lay N' Pray artist in the history of MMA. I really think this fight boils down to who has the best takedown defense. Both of them will want to get on top and pound away. Lambert has looked unstoppable lately, but Evans always seems to just suck the will out of his opponents. I think Rashad will probably win, but it will kill me to vote for Rashad so I've got to go with Lambert on this one.
Winner: Jason Lambert by Decision
Melvin Guillard vs. Gabe Ruediger
I always thought Melvin was a little overrated, but he looked like a monster in his last fight. Although there's always the chance of an underdog beating Guillard (ala Fickett), I think he's a pretty safe bet for this one.
Winner: Melvin Guillard by TKO
IFL Super Fight – Pat Miletich vs. Renzo Gracie
Although this isn't on the UFC PPV (It's on the IFL show in Moline), I figured I ought to mention, arguably, this biggest fight of this weekend. Pat Miletich is coming out of retirement to fight rival coach Renzo Gracie. Honestly, I predict a Miletich sweep. His IFL team, The Silver backs will beat Gracie's team, The Pitbulls; and I see Pat walking through Renzo. I just don't feel like any Gracie matches up well with any well-rounded fighter. Also, Renzo has got to be thinking about the brutal beating Matt Hughes gave Royce Gracie at UFC 60. Even though he's been out of action for a while, Miletich's skills will be too much for Gracie.
Winner: Pat Miletich by TKO
Overall, this weekend has some great fights. I'll be covering the IFL this weekend live; so check back on Sunday for exclusive results and pics from the IFL show in IL.
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