When Filipino UFC fighters are talked about, names like Brandon “The Truth” Vera and Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz are often mentioned. However there is one name on the UFC roster that opened a lot of eyes in his last fight. Eddie Yagin, the Filipino-American from Hawaii, was one half of the bloody, exciting featherweight slugfest at UFC 145. In the end, Yagin defeated former title contender Mark Hominick. Yagin showed toughness and heavy hands. His next test will be September 1st at UFC 151 against a tough opponent in German kick boxer, Dennis Siver, who will be making his featherweight debut. Against Siver, Yagin cannot afford to take the damage he sustained against Hominick, and if Eddie rocks Siver, he needs to do the job of finishing him.Two aspects of his game that needed improvement from his last outing.
In the main event of UFC 151, Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his championship against dangerous veteran, Dan Henderson. Compare these fighters by their common opponents. Back in September of 2007, Henderson, the Pride champion faced Rampage Jackson, the UFC Champion in a unification bout. Henderson was out wrestled and lost a decision and his title. While Jon Jones defended the light heavyweight championship against Jackson at UFC 135, easily handling him, then finishing him in the fourth round via rear naked choke. Fight of the year in 2011 was Dan Henderson’s thriller against Shogun Rua at UFC 139. In the fight, Hendo clobbered Rua in the earlier rounds, while Shogun dominated a gassed Henderson in the later rounds. Dan Henderson picked up the win by decision. Jon Jones utterly destroyed Shogun Rua at UFC 128, beating him by TKO in round three to win the championship.
If I were to use those matches as a gauge, I’d say Jones takes this one. He’ll out work the 41 year old veteran, then pour it on in the later rounds, taking the belt home via unanimous decision. But do not count out Hendo. One shot from his right hand it could be lights out. Just ask Michael Bisping. A mad scramble on the ground with Henderson can also be bad news, as it was for Fedor.
Here’s my predictions for UFC 151
Jon Jones over Dan Henderson via unanimous decision
Jake Ellenberger over Jay Hieron via TKO in Round 2
Dennis Siver over Eddie Yagin via TKO in Round 3
Thiago Tavares over Dennis Hallman via unanimous decision
John Lineker over Yasuhiro Urushitani via split decision
Michael Johnson over Danny Castillo via TKO Round 1
Jeff Hougland over Takeya Mizukaki via unanimous decision
Tim Means over Abel Trujillo via TKO Round 1
Henry Martinez over Daron Cruickshank via submission Round 2
Shane Roller over Jacob Volkman via unanimous decision
Kyle Noke over Charlie Brenneman via submission Round 1
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