Fight Picks – “Sean Sheehan Vs” BloodyElbow’s Zane Simon

This event’s “Sean Sheehan Vs” sees Sean taking on BloodyElbow‘s Zane Simon in a battle of UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs Nelson 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 Antonio ‘Big Nog’ Nogueira vs Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson

This is an interesting mid-tier heavyweight fight with not much on the line. Nogueira is in the winter of his career and Nelson won’t be making title waves any time soon after consecutive losses. There are many similarities in their games. Both men have strong jiu-jitsu which they rarely use. Nelson has an iron chin and a nuclear bomb in his right hand. The same can be said for Nogueira on certain occasions but less so as his career has progressed. This one is likely to play out on the feet and, as standard with Roy Nelson, if it goes past round one it’s advantage to Nogueira. Unfortunately for the Brazilian I don’t think it will go that far. It only takes one punch from Nelson to end it and against a old, slow, creaky opponent he should prosper and make it another highlight reel finish.

Sheehan’s Pick – Nelson via KO

I’d love to say that I believe Nogueira has all the tools to beat Nelson, and he certainly has a shot, but I don’t see it happening. His boxing is crafty against punchers without a lot of power, but he’s not known for his slick defensive movement and I think Nelson will catch him and put him down for a TKO win.

Zane’s Pick: Roy Nelson by TKO

Clay Guida vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri

This one should be fun. Guida is a strong wrestler who isn’t afraid to mix it up in the other areas. The Crusher is good everywhere and will be looking for the finish, as he always does. The Greg Jackson trained Guida is notoriously hard to finish (Chad Mendes fight aside) and has been known to grind out a decision – so can’t be ruled out here. At this stage of their careers and at this weight I have to favour Kawajiri. He is the quicker, more athletic fighter with lots of ways to win.

Sheehan’s Pick: Kawajiri via submission

I will ride with a complete heart pick for Kawajiri, though. I could see Guida hopping and smothering for three, but I want magic.

Zane’s Pick: Tatsuya Kawajiri via submission

John Howard vs. Ryan LaFlare

Ryan LaFlare has been ultra impressive in his UFC career to date and will face a though test here. Howard is a veteran wrestler who has been on a solid run of late. LaFlare is a dynamic striker and, as he showed in his last fight with Court McGee, has strong takedown defence and isn’t afraid to mix things up. I see LaFlare extending his unbeaten record.

Sheehan’s Pick: LaFlare via decision

I’ve got to go with LaFlare over Howard. LaFlare has been on a roll and Howard is still his same lackluster decision machine self.

Zane’s Pick: Ryan LaFlare via decision

Ramsey Nijem vs. Beneil Dariush

This is a big step up in competition for the undefeated Dariush against a tough-as-nails warrior. Nijem is a solid litmus test for Dariush after the latter finished Charlie Brennemam with consummate ease in his last outing. Don’t rule Nijem out but it looks like Dariush’s constant improvement should be enough to see him through here.

Sheehan’s Pick: Dariush via submission

I’ll take a flier on Dariush over Nijem. Nijem has slowly improved but is still so wild and flukey. Dariush showed real power against Brenneman and has the kind of top shelf BJJ skills to make wrestling him a tricky proposition. Nijem could fluster Dariush with movement, feints, and level changes, but if Dariush plans well it should be his fight to lose.

Zane’s Pick: Beneil Dariush by submission

__________

Sheehan’s undercard quick picks:

Jared Rosholt to defeat Daniel Omielanczuk (KO)
Rani Yahya to defeat Johnny Bedford (Submission)
Thales Leites to defeat Trevor Smith (Submission)
Chris Camozzi to defeat Andrew Craig (TKO)
Jim Alers to defeat Alan Omer (Submission)

Zane’s undercard quick picks:

Rosholt to defeat Omielanczuk (Split Decision)
Yahya to defeat Bedford (Unanimous Decision)
Leites to defeat Trevor Smith (Unanimous Decision)
Camozzi to defeat Andrew Craig (Unanimous Decision)
Alers to defeat Omer (Submission in Rd 2)

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

*Because both have picked the same winners in each bout, the competition will now come down to Method of Victory picks

And for the Sean Sheehan bet of the week…

My bet for the week is a straight accumulator of Nelson, Kawajiri, LaFlare and Dariush which works out at just over 5/1. An interesting value bet closer to the fight will also be Nelson to win in round one.

And please check out the guys on Twitter – @SeanSheehanBA @TheZaneSimon