On Wednesday September 17, 2008 the UFC will host UFC Fight Night at Omaha Civic Auditorium, Nebraska. The event will kick off the new season of the Ultimate Fighter Series that has given rise to many of the great UFC fighter today. The card includes many veterans from the Ultimate Fighter series: Nate Diaz, Matt Danzig, Ed Herman and several of the alumni. This has the potential to be one or the best fight night card the UFC has present, not because of the name because of the talent that will be competing. The UFC should have step it up and put a big name on the card but this is the night to kick off the Ultimate Fighter and the alumni will be show cased.
Nate Diaz Vs Josh Neer
Nate Diaz (9-2) is the winner of the Ultimate Fighter 5 and has won his the last 4 fights. He has a very strong grappling background and is very good on his feet as well. Majority of his victories have come via submission but he has prove he has Knockout power in his fight against Gil Rael. Josh Neer (24-6-1) has far more fight experience and also has good great ground game. He does have a loss to Nick Diaz, Nate’s older brother that could be a little extra fuel for Neer. This could be a great ground fight with some top notch Brazilian Jujitsu on display. I would give this to Nate by submission, most likely a choke.
Clay Guida vs Mac Danzig
Clay Guida (23-6) is an up and comer in the division recently losing to the number one contender in the lightweight division Roger Heurta. He won his last fight via TKO over Sammy Schivo and want to keep the wins going in hopes of getting a match against BJ Penn. Most of Guida wins come via submission he will most likely try to use his great ground game to stop Mac Danzig. Another champion of the Ultimate fighter Mac Danzig (19-4-1) will hope to put himself in the line for a title shot by defeat Guida. Mac is a season pro that has shown great submission skill in his last two fights and during his stint as the on the Ultimate fighter. This is going to be a great match of who can control their opponent expect this to go to the ground, I will give this to Danzig via choke, watch for the rear naked choke.
Ed Herman Vs. Alan Belcher
Ed Heman (16-5) is another Ultimate Fighter alumni looking for his title shot. Herman is a favorite know for pushing the fight and keeping it exciting. He is coming off a submission lose to Demian Maia and should be ready to come out fighting. Alan Belcher (11-4) will also be looking to get back to his winning ways after suffering a TKO lost to Jason Day in his last fight. Belcher has a well round game with wins via submission and knockout. This fight could go either way to the ground or be a stand up brawl. I will give this to Herman by TKO.
Houston Alexander vs. Eric Schafer
Huston Alexander (8-3) exploded on the scene with his first two match both being knock out and both around a minute each. Unfortunately, Alexander has been on the other side of that his last two matches in the UFC losing to Thiago Sliva at 3:25 in the first round and then to James Irvin in one of the fast TKO in UFC history at 8 seconds. This match could be the end if Alexander does pull the win. Then again every match he has been in the Knockout of the night. Eric Schafer (9-3-2) is coming off two loss to top rate fighter is Stephan Bonnar and Michael Bisping making this a must win for him as well. Both of his losses have come via TKO and his only win has came submission victory. This looks like a set up match to have a great highlight real knock. I will give this to Alexander via TKO in the first round.
The under card of the night may not be broadcast but they are:
Alessio Sakara (16-7-1) Vs. Joe Vedepo (unknown)
Wilson Gouveia (10-5) Vs. Ryan Jensen (11-3)
Joe Lauzon (15-4) Vs. Kyle Bradley (13-5-1)
Jason Brilz (15-1-1) Vs. Brad Morris (10-3)
Drew McFedries (7-3) Vs. Mike Massenzio (10-2)
Dan Miller (8-1) Vs. Rob Kimmons (21-3)
Stats located one www.ufc.com