Mauricio Shogun Rua Vs Jon Bones Jones: UFC 128 Predictions
Compiled by Sean Farrell
This weekend the UFC presents UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones in what should be a stacked night of fights from start to finish. Three of the feature fights on the card are between MMA and Kickboxing Legend Mirko Cro-Cop trying to regain his stride, taking on Ultimate Fighter alum and ex-Atlanta Falcon Brendan Schaub in a heavyweight tilt, Urijah Faber is making his UFC debut against one of the WEC’s best in Eddie Wineland, a fight which should go a hundred miles an hour from start to finish, and in the main event of the evening featuring UFC light-heavyweight champion and MMA icon Mauricio Shogun Rua as he defends his title against the 24 year old phenom Jonny Bones Jones.
UFC 128 should end up being another spectacular night of superb MMA action, tune in this Saturday night for the prelims on Spike TV followed by the main card only on Pay-Per-View.
Our MMA team here at RSR have submitted our predictions for this Saturday’s main bouts along with our insight as to why, enjoy.
Mauricio Shogun Rua vs. Jon Bones Jones
Ben Bieker
Shogun at 100 percent wins this fight, but I don’t believe he is. The ring rust alone can change the tide of this fight. Look for Jon to take the title from him with a third round TKO, but these two will meet again once Shogun gets his fighting legs back.
Kevin Nelson
Jones and Rua are similar in that they were both hyped cant miss prospects. Jones is coming off a win over Bader in which he stuffed many of his takedowns. Rua has not fought in a year after having his 3rd knee surgery in as many years. I see Rua winning however due to his experience and Jones inexperience. Although there are no glaring weaknesses in Jones game I do think that Rua is just too well rounded and fans have not seen Rua at his very best yet and having the extra motivation of being the underdog in this fight will give Rua all the ammunition he needs in providing a KO stoppage of Jones.
Sean Farrell
I have Jones winning this fight by TKO or submission within the first 3 rounds. Rua has been on the shelf far too long and the rust will be apparent especially coming off of his 3rd knee surgery of his career. Jones will be able to utilize his agility and unorthodox striking to take advantage of the rusted Rua and earn a stoppage. Is Rua 100% out of this fight? Not by a long shot, but all the advantages are leaning towards the white hot Jones in this one.
Mirko Cro-Cop vs. Brendan Schaub
Ben Bieker
9 times out of 10 if Brendan trades with Mirko he goes to sleep. He was overconfident in his hands in the Roy Nelson fight and look where that got him. He also does not have the best power in the world either not being able to finish Gabriel Gonzaga. SO, I’ll take Mirko by second round TKO.
Kevin Nelson
I think Roy Nelson exposed Schaub in repeatedly landing the right hand on him in their fight. The Chris Tuchsherer fight did not impress me and I think his win over Gonzaga was over a shot former contender. Cro-Cop is past his prime but still possesses a good ground game I see Crocop stopping Schaub in this bout.
Sean Farrell
Mirko Cro-Cop is a seasoned striker. Thats all you can say about Cro-Cop, Schaub needs to realize that even though he attempted to trade with Nelson it wasn’t very bright and trading with Cro-Cop would be just as foolish. Cro-Cop in my opinion still has the power to end the fight with one trademark head kick and if Schaub is weary of this and no longer respects Cro-Cop’s ability he may fall victim to the long list of highlight KOs Mirko and his left leg are known for dishing out. I am going with Cro-Cop by KO
Urijah Faber vs Eddie Wineland
Ben Bieker
Urijah is finally at a weight class that suits his body. If you don’t want to take his last fight as proof then he will define it here with another first round submission.
Kevin Nelson
Faber is one of the best lighter weight fighters and although I give Wineland the standup advantage I see Faber winning a closer than expected decision win over Wineland.
Sean Farrell
Urijah Faber making his UFC debut against anyone is a big deal, Faber is the premiere fighter of the lower weights with the exception of Cruz and Aldo. Faber has all the skills necessary to get Wineland down and submit him at any point during the fight. On the feet however, Wineland can trade with the best of them and Faber may want this fight on the ground early and often. Faber should test the stand up early then shoot from there and work from the ground. Faber should win by submission.