Update: Go here for the October 4th Elite XC Predictions
Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson
Sportsbook.com Odds
- Slice (-600) WON
- Thompson (+400)
We have all seen on You Tube what Kimbo is capable of doing to someone’s face. He’s an intimidating, scary man. Kimbo likes to stalk down his opponents and bring the action to you. He prefers to stand and strike, although he has been working on his ground game, which is not a place he’s comfortable. Taking his opponents to the ground is something I’m sure Kimbo fans would like to see. He is always looking for the KO punch to put you to sleep. This fight is going to be another warm up match for Kimbo. They need to put in front of him an opponent with more experience.
James Thompson will have an advantage in that he is taller than Kimbo at 6’5″ and over 250 pounds. He is from Britain and has a record of fourteen wins and eight losses. He also prefers to stand up and strike with his opponents, which should give Kimbo the advantage. He does not have a very strong chin and Kimbo will surely test that out. Even if he can take Kimbo to the ground, which will be his only chance to win, he doesn’t have a very strong ground game. Kimbo will win this fight with a KO late in the first round.
Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith
Bodoglife.com Odds
- Lawler (-220) WON
- Smith (+180)
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler vs. Scott “Hands of Stone” Smith should be a pretty good match up. Lawler currently holds the EliteXC middleweight belt, which he took from Murilu Rua last September by TKO, due to strikes. Lawler has won seven of his last eight fights. He has fifteen wins, twelve by KO, and four losses. He is going up against Scott Smith, who has thirteen wins, eleven by KO and also has four losses. Both of these fighters have very good KO power.
Lawler has a very aggressive style in the octagon. He is known for his strength and punching power. This is his first title defense in the EliteXC. Robbie will always try to finish the fight with a KO and always delivers an exciting performance. He likes to stand and strike with his opponents and has a no fear attitude. He will have his hands full against Smith. Both of their fighting styles are very similar and someone in this fight will get Knocked Out before the five rounds are up. One of my favorite fights was Lawler vs. Diaz at UFC 47. Lawler lost the fight by KO, but it was a great battle.
Smith has won his last two fights with a first and second round KO. Smith was on the TUF4, where he defeated Pete Sail by KO and was 1-4 in the UFC. He was then dropped from the UFC and now has signed with EliteXC. Smith was a solid investment for EliteXC, whereas he has a lot of promise and fight to offer. Smith’s style is standing and trading leather, which makes this fight so exciting. The fans can expect a brawl, with neither man backing down.
This fight is very tough to judge, but I’m giving the advantage to Lawler with a KO in the third round.
Phil Baroni vs. Joey Villasenor
Bodoglife.com Odds
- Baroni (-125)
- Villasenor (-105) WON
This will be another great fight between ‘The New York Badass’ Phil Baroni and Joey ‘Smokin Joe’ Villasenor. Phil is more of a boxer, and prefers standing and trade shots. Baroni has 10 wins. Of these wins, 7 were by way of knock out and two by sumbssion. Joey is more well rounded with his 25 wins. 11 of those wins by KO and 10 by submission.
Phil stands 5’9, with 185 pounds of solid muscle. He is a great boxer with knock out power and has a strong wrestling background. He was a two-time all American collegiate wrestler from Central Michigan University. Phil is very intense and has explosive power. He looks to finish fights with his hands. He has lost 3 of his last 4 fights and desperately needs to win. We should expect to see the ‘New York Badass’ come out on Saturday.
Joey Villasenor come in at 6’0 and 185 pounds. His background is boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has excellent stand up and great submissions. He has been victorious 3 out of his last 4 fights with 1 knock out and two decisions. I see him starting off this fight boxing. If Baroni is getting the best of it he will try to get the take down and look for a submission. Joey has the beter all around game.
This is another tough call, but I see Villasenor taking the victory by decision at the end of the third round.
Jon Murphy vs. Brett Rogers
Bodoglife.com Odds
- Murphy (+220)
- Rogers (-280) WON
I don’t know much about these two fighters. Rogers is coming in at (-225) favorite, while Murphy is (+185) underdog.
Murphy is big and strong at 6’3, 255 lbs. His background is freestyle with an MMA record of 4-2. Rogers is very solid and even bigger at 6’5, 265 lbs. He is also a freestyle fighter, with an unblemished record of 7-0. Rogers would like to make himself a household name, with a big knock out over Murphy.
From what I’ve read about these two fighters, I’m giving Rogers a second round KO over Murphy.
Kaitlin Young vs. Gina Corano
Bodoglife.com Odds
- Young (+275)
- Corano (-350) WON
This should be a pretty evenly matched bout between Kaitlin Young and Gina Corano. I’ve never actually seen a women’s MMA event, so I’m anxious to see how it turns out.
Kaitlin is 5’9 and 135 lbs. She is very strong and has knock out power. Her fighting background is Muy Thai. Kaitlin made her name in November 2007 when she won The Hook and Shoot Event by Bodog Fight. She had three impressive knock outs, totalling only one minute and forty-five seconds in the ring for all three matches total. She is currently 4-1 with 3 KOs. She is coming off her first loss and looking to redeem herself.
Kaitlin’s opponent is undefeated Gina Corano. Gina is 5-0 with two knock outs and one submission win. She stands 5’8, 141 lbs. with a background in boxing, Muy Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She has a Muy Thai record of 12-1-1. Gina will look to strike and use her kicks to end the fight.
Gina Corano is the more experienced fighter, so I’m taking her to win this fight with a decision after the third round.
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