UFC 154: St. Pierre vs. Condit Preview & Results
Main Card (Pay-Per-View):
170#: Georges St. Pierre (22-2) vs. Carlos Condit (28-5) wins by Unanimous Decision!
170#: Johny Hendricks (13-1) vs. Martin Kampmann (20-5) wins by KO in RD1!
185#: Tom Lawlor (8-4, 1 NC) vs. Francis Carmont (19-7) wins by Split Decision!
185#: Nick Ring (13-1) vs. Constantinos Philippou (11-2, 1 NC) CANCELED
155#: Rafael dos Anjos (17-6) vs. Mark Bocek (11-4) wins by Unanimous Decision!
145#: Mark Hominick (21-11) vs. Pablo Garza (11-3) wins by Unanimous Decision!
Preliminary Card (FX Channel):
185#: Patrick Cote (25-8) vs. Alessio Sakara (15-9, 1 NC) wins by Disqualification!
205#: Cyrille Diabate (18-8) vs. Chad Griggs (11-2) wins by Rear Naked Choke in RD1!
155#: Sam Stout (18-7-1) vs. John Makdessi (9-2) wins by Unanimous Decision!
145#: Antonio Carvalho (14-5) vs. Rodrigo Damm (10-5) wins by Spit Decision!
Preliminary Card (Facebook):
170#: Matthew Riddle (6-3-1) vs John Maguire (18-4) wins by Unanimous Decision!
135#: Ivan Menjivar (24-9) vs. Azamat Gashimov (7-1) wins by Armbar in RD1!
145#: Steven Siler (21-9) vs. Darren Elkins (14-2) wins by Unanimous Decision!
Ultimate Fighting Championship 154 takes place on November 17, 2012 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Facebook fights start at 7 p.m. EST. Preliminary card starts at 8 p.m. EST on FX Channel and Fox Deportes for Spanish language broadcast. PPV begins at 10 p.m. EST. Watch the official weigh-ins LIVE on Friday, November 16th at 4 p.m. EST and “The ‘Countdown to UFC 154’ show debuts at 9:30 p.m. EST Nov. 13 on FUEL TV.
Replays of the Countdown show on Wednesday, November 14 at 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET and again on Saturday, November 17 at 5:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. To watch the FREE prelims on Facebook simply visit their Facebook page and “like.”
Georges St. Pierre vs. Carlos Condit
The major focal point of discussion for this fight is the time away from the octagon that GSP has had due to injury. His last fight was against Jake Shields at UFC 129 in April of last year. Ring rust or no, GSP is more than a handful for just about anyone in his division, however his opponent Carlos Condit is one of the top guys and one of the most dangerous. Regardless of the criticism Condit received in his last fight against Nick Diaz for using movement and footwork as opposed to direct confrontation, his 26 finishes in 28 fights speak for itself.
GSP has been vocal about the criticism directed towards him for having put together a few decision wins in a row. The criticism is that he is playing it safe and doing enough to win. However, the trauma on peoples faces, multiple submission attempts, and fighting only top guys who are doing everything they can to not be finished counter the criticism. Regardless, GSP may be forced into having to finish since the pressure that Condit can place on him will place him in that situation. Even if St. Pierre had other intentions Condit will force skirmishes on him. Confrontation will be inevitable.
NBG Pick: Georges St. Pierre.
Johny Hendricks vs. Martin Kampmann
NCAA D1 champ Hendricks has show that he is much more than a great wrestler by KOing 7 of his opponents. His one punch KO of Jon Fitch at UFC 141 in December sent shockwaves through the Welterweight division. Knowing that you will not be able to take him down and have to box with a guy that can KO anyone with one punch is not a fun proposition for anyone.
His opponent the gritty, well rounded veteran Martin Kampmann is the kind of guy that will not be intimidated in the least. Kampmann’s weakness is that his unflappability means he is aggressive in spite of his opponents’ threats. Having this tactic – throwing defense to the wind – may turn out to be a bad idea against Hendricks. However, even when hurt, on wobbly legs, cut and bleeding and seemingly about to lose, Kampmann finds a way to not only win, but finish. This is an incredibly volatile fight with both fighters coming out of this taking serious damage even in victory.
NBG Pick: Martin Kampmann.
Tom Lawlor vs. Francis Carmont
The ever popular fan favorite Tom Lawlor has had a luke warm career in the UFC so far, having gone 3-3. He continues in spite of his record, because he has only lost to top guys, goes out on his shield, guns for the finish and can finish at any time. His most recent performance was a KO win in 50 seconds over Jason MacDonald at UFC on Fuel 3 in May.
His opponent is the finisher Francis Carmont who is on a current 8 fight win streak. The obvious difference between the two fighters is a terms of their competition, with Lawlor having faced the distinctly better opposition. Regardless, finishing 16 in your 19 wins is pretty impressive. Lawlor needs to not throw caution to the wind, and use his better experience to utilize an effective gameplan.
NBG pick: Tom Lawlor.
Nick Ring vs. Constantinos Philippou
Nick Ring won his first 12 fights until he dropped a decision to Tim Boetsch at UFC 135 in September. He has since had one fight, a unanimous decision over Court McGee at UFC 149 in July, which certainly helped him gain some confidence back. Nick uses his athleticism, strength and grappling prowess to win his fights. With Constantinos Philippou he has an opponent who may actually be stronger, but prefers to keep it standing and strike. Both fighters are a bit on the “decision” making side and hopefully they understand there is pressure to put on an exciting show and get some finishes on the record. Especially since these fighters haven’t faced the cream of the crop and haven’t been able to put together a lot of finishes. It will not get any easier as they climb the ranks.
NBG pick is: Nick Ring.
Mark Hominick vs. Pablo Garza
In what has all the makings of a Fight of the Night, Canadian Mark Hominick will face American Pablo Garza. Both fighters are aggressive and exciting. While Hominick will likely KO/TKO you, Garza will likely submit you. This contrast in styles always makes for exciting fights with each trying to impose their will and strategy and put the fight in opposing areas. Garza will find that Hominick is painted into a corner having lost 3 bouts in a row and a cut looming over his head. Hominick is one of this writer’s favorite fighters and I would love nothing more than to see him back to his winning ways. Hominick is another fighter who throws caution to the wind and doesn’t use much offense, but here is a fight where his opponent will likely grapple and he will need to take a page from the Liddell handbook. Since Garza is in a similar situation having lost his last two bouts we should have two fighters trying to make a statement and save their careers. Should translate into fireworks!
NBG Pick: Mark Hominick.
Come back for the results, updates and animated gifs. What are your picks for the headline fight between GSP and Condit? Does GSP’s ring rust hurt him? Who wins the bonuses?