More MMA Media predictions for UFC 91: Couture vs Lesnar
Here is another UFC 91 prediction from a member of the MMA Media, Pramit of FightTicker.com:
“While it might be easy to scoff at Brock Lesnar’s relative MMA inexperience going into his title fight against Randy Couture at UFC 91, Lesnar is certainly no Kimbo Slice. In fact, while it’s not necessarily easy for me to say this, Lesnar has proven in his short career that he might actually deserve the hype.
Lesnar is only 1-1 in the UFC but both fights showed us a fighter with innate talent that may be difficult for future opponents to overcome as Lesnar adds experience and more tools to his skillset. Lesnar is already a very, very solid wrestler but he also has tremendous strength, quickness, and athleticism. Add to that what appears to be a developing stand-up game (see his right hand that caught Heath Herring) as well as good cardio fitness and what you have is the makings of a true force in the fight game.
Does Lesnar have a lot to learn? Yes. We haven’t seen much in the way of his stand-up game (beyond that right) and no evidence of any real submission game or the ability to defend or attack on his back.
Which leads us to Couture. While Couture is getting up there in age and has been off from the fight game since his dominating title defense victory over Gabriel Gonzaga in 2007 (a span of over a year now) and has been tangled up in legal battles during that time, Couture is the consummate thinking man and professional. He can compete at a high level no matter where the fight goes. And, we all know Couture will walk in with a flawless gameplan. Couture has already proven (in defeating Tim Sylvia earlier in 2007) that he can take time off and not get rusty and that he can more than hold his own against the bigger fighters. So, I don’t believe age or cage-rust will be factors in this fight.
I’ve counted out Couture before and I’ve been wrong and regretted it. This time, I’m going with the wily veteran to win a grueling five-round decision over the man who may be the future of the division.”
Pramit Mohapatra
Owner, FightTicker.com
nice. i’m picking randy too. copy cheater.
Wow …
I appreciate your optimism, however Brock is 50 lbs plus the size of the wily veteran, as much as I would like to see Couture retain his title I just think this uphill battle is going to be much.
Time will tell.
And, Tim Sylvia was 6 inches taller and 40 pounds heavier and Gabriel Gonzaga was the next big thing. We’ve all heard similar doomsday scenarios for Couture in the past.
Look, on paper, Lesnar is a very tempting pick but I’m going with my gut on this — and the fact that Couture burned me twice in 2007 when I picked against him.
Brock didn’t finish Herring and he will have a tough time finishing Couture. He could outpoint him but the longer it goes the more it favors Couture.
Brock is a wildcard though because right now he is a baby in MMA (the largest baby you’ll ever see in the cage), and his learning curve is huge.
Anyways, Couture by decision.
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