Fight Picks – UFC 173: Sean Sheehan Vs Brian Moore

This event’s “Sean Sheehan Vs” sees Sean taking on SBG Ireland’s Brian Moore in a battle of UFC 173 fight picks.

Every UFC event Sean and his opponent will break down the reasoning behind their main card picks and will give quick picks for the undercard.

We start with the main event Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw for UFC bantamweight title

Renan Barao is a MONSTER. The Brazilian is the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world according to Dana White (and absolutely nobody else) and shouldn’t have too much trouble here. Dillashaw has improved no-end in the last few years, adding beautiful technical hands to an already strong wrestling game. But it still won’t be enough against Barao. Speed and power are in abundance for Barao and he uses both frequently and well.

Sheehan’s Pick – Barao via TKO/KO

You’ve got to admire TJ Dillashaw’s rise since TUF and his rapid improvement especially his striking since working with Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig. But it is too much too soon against one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. Barao will find his range early on and win by TKO round 1.

Moore’s Pick – Barao via TKO/KO

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Daniel Cormier vs. Dan Henderson

Just like the main event, this is another blow out. Dan Henderson doesn’t even have a punchers’ chance. He looked awful against Shogun last time out and won’t get the same opportunity to take Cormier out. For DC, he has the experience of fighting (and dismantling) Roy Nelson recently who basically has an identical style to Henderson. Cormier will take Henderson down at will and outstrike him.

Sheehan’s Pick – Cormier via TKO/KO

Dan Henderson is a living legend of the sport, as tough as old boots and capable of winning a fight at anytime with one of his signature ‘H-bombs’. Add Olympic level wrestling and a long list of wins against the who’s who of MMA’ s best and it’s hard to bet against him. That being said, Daniel Cormier comes in unbeaten, with arguably the best wrestling in MMA after spending years beating up much larger opponents. With power in both hands, he will remain undefeated and beat ‘Hendo’ by UD.

Moore’s Pick – Cormier via UD

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Jake Ellenberger vs. Robbie Lawler

This can go one of two ways. The on-point Jake Ellenberger will show up, take down Lawler and beat him up on the floor. Or, the tentative Ellenberger will show up, he’ll be afraid to do anything and Lawler will beat him up on the feet. Lately, the latter has become more the norm. This is a huge make or break fight for Ellenberger and I’m not sure if he can cope with the pressure.

Sheehan’s Pick – Lawler via TKO/KO

I have been drooling over this match up since it was announced. I have been a fan of Ellenberger even before his UFC debut and of Lawler I seen his older UFC footage. Both possess a lot of power, both are experienced and well rounded. The two men will also be looking to prove something. Lawler will be eager to bounce back after his loss to current champion Johnny Hendrix while Ellenberger will want to make a statement after his trigger-shy performance against Rory MacDonald. I’m going to go with Ellenberger with the upset win via decision.

Moore’s Pick – Ellenberger via decision

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Takeya Mizugaki vs. Francisco Rivera

Takeya Mizugaki’s main strength is his ability to eek out decision victories due to being slightly better in more areas. In this one, though, I think Rivera’s size and grappling ability will see him through.

Sheehan’s Pick – Rivera via decison

There is a lot of momentum behind both these guys coming into this fight and it should be a very interesting encounter. Although Mizugaki is more well-rounded and experienced I predict Rivera to stop the fight in the second by KO.

Moore’s Pick – Rivera via KO

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James Krause vs. Jamie Varner

I’m really not sure about this one. Krause is a well rounded fighter and there was no shame in losing to the in form Bobby Green last time out. Varner blows hot and cold. In his four fights since the terrific over Edson Barboza, Varner has only managed to win one. It all depends on which Varner shows up.

Sheehan’s Pick – Krause via submission

I am a fan of Jamie Varner’s style and he has surprised many with his performance since his return to the big stage. That being said, he is on a two fight losing streak but I do predict he will win a decision in a back and forth fight.

Moore’s Pick – Varner by decision

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Sean Sheehan’s undercard quick picks:

Michael Chiesa (wins via decision ) vs. Francisco Trinaldo

Tony Ferguson (wins via KO/TKO) vs. Katsunori Kikuno

Chico Camus vs. Chris Holdsworth (wins via submission)

Mitch Clarke vs. Al Iaquinta (wins via KO/TKO)

Anthony Njokuani (wins via KO/TKO) vs. Vinc Pichel

Aaron Phillips (wins via decision) vs. Sam Sicilia

Jingliang Li vs. David Michaud (wins via KO/TKO)

Brian Moore’s undercard quick picks:

Michael Chiesa – Submission
Tony Ferguson – TKO/KO
Chico Camus – Submission
Al Iaquinta – TKO/KO
Anthony Njokuani – Decision
Sam Sicilia – TKO/KO
David Michaud – Submission

Rules: Every correct pick made is equal to 1 point. If the competition ends in a draw then method of victory will be used to decide a winner

And for the Sean Sheehan bet of the week…

My bet this week is a sneaky treble of Krause, Renan Barao via TKO/KO and Cormier/Hendo finishing in under 2.5 rounds which is just about a 12/1 shot.