By Chris Huntemann, Columnist
The new year is here, and the UFC is hitting the ground running by delivering one of the most anticipated title fights in recent memory: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier. Ever since their infamous brawl at a promotional event for the fight last year, and an alleged “off-camera” exchange that somehow found its way on-air (which I continue to believe was planned to further develop interest in the fight), this title fight rivals previous ones such as Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen and Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz on the anticipation scale.
But there are other fights on the card that feature competitors who are a hit with the fans, including Hector Lombard and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Who do I think will emerge victorious on this particular night’s main card? Read on, dear reader.
Hector “Showeather” Lombard (34-4-1) vs. Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman (27-10) (Welterweight – 170 lbs.)
This is Lombard’s first fight in almost a year, which he attributes to fighters being reluctant to face him because he’s allegedly “the most hated guy in the UFC.” Lombard has won three of five in the UFC, with his two losses being close split-decisions. Burkman was kind of a last-minute choice, as he was previously in World Series of Fighting until March of last year. Burkman won four of five in WSOF, with all but one coming with a finish. These guys seem very evenly matched on paper, but I like Burkman to outstrike Lombard for a unanimous decision victory that some might consider an upset.
Winner: Burkman by unanimous decision
Kyoji Horiguchi (14-1) vs. Louis “Goodnight” Gaudinot (7-3) (Flyweight – 125 lbs.)
Horiguchi has been on a tear in the UFC, winning all three of his fights – which includes a TKO of Dustin Pague. Horiguchi’s overall winning streak in MMA goes all the way back to 2012. Gaudinot is coming off a no-contest, preceded by a loss, and I think Horiguchi’s speed and skill will overcome a scrappy Gaudinot.
Winner: Horiguchi by second-round TKO
Brad Tavares (12-4) vs. Nate “The Great” Marquardt (36-13-2) (Middleweight – 185 lbs.)
Tavares rebounded from his loss in The Ultimate Fighter Finale in 2010 to Court McGee by reeling off seven wins in his next eight fights and approaching the fringes of middleweight title contention. Unfortunately, he’s since suffered back-to-back losses to Yoel Romero and Tim Boetsch.
Marquardt is rebuilding his middleweight resume after a run at welterweight, and he's coming off a first-round submission victory over James Te Huna last summer. Tavares loves to scrap, and I’m sure he’ll make Marquardt earn every inch. But, I think the wily veteran Marquardt will show the kid how it’s done.
Winner: Marquardt by unanimous decision
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (25-6) vs. Myles “Fury” Jury (15-0) (Lightweight – 155 lbs.)
Speaking of young guys wanting to make a name for themselves, Jury is quickly rising up the lightweight ranks and boasts victories over the likes of Diego Sanchez and Takanori Gomi. Cerrone continues to follow his “anyone, anytime, anywhere” philosophy with EIGHT fights over the last two years, winning six and managing four finishes in a row before his last bout with Bellator import Eddie Alvarez.
Jury is supremely talented, and an upset win over “Cowboy” would put him in the conversation for a title shot. However, Cerrone combines the experience of a veteran with a devil-may-care attitude and a burning drive to finish every fight. Jury may go on to do great things in the lightweight division, but it won’t be in this fight.
Winner: Cerrone by second-round TKO
Jon “Bones” Jones (20-1) vs. Daniel “DC” Cormier (15-0) (Light Heavyweight Title – 205 lbs.)
The history and animosity between these two is well-documented. Jones was able to run through every challenger he’s faced so far, making it look easy while doing so. The only exception is his last title defense against Alexander Gustafsson, which many fans scored for the Swede. Cormier bulldozed Patrick Cummins, who was slinging coffee a week before that fight, and then he threw Dan Henderson around like a rag doll. Cormier's superior wrestling and improved striking helped him prove that Henderson’s best days are far behind him.
If you’re basing this fight purely on resumes, it should be Jones in a cakewalk. Jones is younger, faster and more dynamic in all areas. Cormier is a world-class, former Olympic wrestler who many think can finally get Jones on the ground and keep him there to grind out a victory. I just don’t see it happening. I truly believe that when it’s all said and done, Jon Jones will be the greatest mixed martial artist we’ve ever seen. Cormier will bring everything he’s got, but it won’t be enough.
Winner: Jones by third-round submission
This pay-per-view is the first in a string of shows that feature marquee fights such as Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz, Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort and Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano. After a tumultuous 2014 that saw the UFC weather injuries to multiple top fighters and other hardships, UFC 182 represents a great opportunity for the organization to start the new year on the right foot.
Chris Huntemann writes about mixed martial arts in the state of Maryland. He also contributes his thoughts to our site on the UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter: @mmamaryland.
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