UFC 140 Jones vs. Machida – Bobby G’s Preview

Tomorrow night (Saturday) the UFC is offering what should be another excellent night of fighting…with a card that boasts some of the biggest names in all of MMA. The main event for UFC 140 features THE most dynamic and exciting fighter in the world today…Jon “Bones” Jones. Jones is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and he faces a former UFC champ in Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida. The card also includes a rematch between former UFC heavyweight champs Frank Mir and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Plus we get to see Tito Ortiz take on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Jones vs. Machida

In my opinion, any card that features Jon “Bones” Jones (14-1-0) is worth the price of admission. If you’ve seen him fight you know what I mean, and probably agree with me. He really is the most exciting fighter in the world right now…and he has the potential to be the best fighter EVER. He is only 23 years old, and is already on his third title defense, having dominated everyone the UFC has put in front of him. He has made more experienced, veteran, world-wide MMA superstars look like they had no clue what was going on. I just can’t say enough about how entertaining this kid is to watch.

Jones is taking on perhaps his toughest opponent yet in Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (17-2-0). Not too long ago Machida was the light heavyweight (205lbs) champ, and it looked like he couldn’t be beat. He eventually lost the belt to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (who then got DESTROYED by Jones), and has battled his way back for a chance to reclaim his title. Machida is a life-long karate practitioner and has a very elusive style. His opponents have always had a difficult time “catching” him or landing any strikes. But he’s never faced a guy like Jon Jones who has a 3-inch height and 10.5 inch reach advantage.

My prediction: I just don’t see Jones losing his title to Machida. The beautiful thing about MMA is that anybody can get caught and knocked out or submitted at any time…but I don’t think that will happen to Jones at UFC 140. I predict Jon Jones wins this fight by TKO…and I guess I’ll say in the 2nd round.

Mir vs. Nogueira

Both of these fighters are undoubtedly toward the end of their careers, and I don’t see either one of them challenging for the UFC heavyweight belt anytime soon. This will be rematch of their bout back at UFC 92.

Frank Mir (15-5-0) has been in the UFC heavyweight division for a long time and is a former champ. He won the belt back in 1994 when he submitted Tim Sylvia via a gruesome armbar (the ref had to stop the fight when Sylvia’s forearm snapped in two). Mir also won the interim heavyweight belt when he defeated Nogueira at UFC 92. Mir has come back from a potentially career ending motorcycle accident, and some pretty nasty knockouts. Mir has always been one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) guys in the heavyweight division, and has really worked on improving his standup in recent years.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-6-1, 1NC) is a veteran MMA fighter from Brazil. “Minotauro” is 35 years old, which isn’t that old for a fighter, but his body seems a lot older than that. Nogueira fought in PRIDE for many years and told a lot of damage. He is known for being able to take a punch, and as one of the toughest guys to knock out. We’ll see if all those years of punishment start to catch up to him. He is also a specialist when it comes to BJJ.

My prediction: That last time these guys fought each other Frank Mir won by knockout. We later learned that Nogueira was weakened by a staff infection before the fight. I expect both men to be in good shape for this fight…but I don’t expect either fighter to finish this fight. I predict this fight will go to the judges and “Minotauro” Nogueira will win by majority decision.

Ortiz vs. Nogueira

Tito “The People's Champ” Ortiz (17-9-1) is one of the most recognizable MMA fighters in the world. He’s a former UFC light heavyweight champion with a ton of experience in the UFC. Simply put he is a wrestler who loves to ground and pound. He’s love to take down his opponents and drop hammerfists and elbows. He has above average submission skills and improved striking. Recently he has expressed interest in fighting Forrest Griffin one more time, and then possibly retiring after nearly 15 years in MMA.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, also known at “Little Nog” is the twin brother of the Nogueira mentioned above, but he fights in the light heavyweight division. His strengths are his boxing and his submission skills. Nogueira (33-6-1, 1NC) is kind of in a “must win” situation. Many folks think that “Little Nog” may be released by the UFC if he is not victorious this weekend.

My prediction: I think Tito Ortiz will win this fight. I think he’s stronger and in better shape. I can see this fight going to ground and Ortiz displaying some of his vintage ground and pound. I’ll predict that Ortiz wins by TKO…and if not, then by decision.

UFC 140 is available on pay-per-view and starts at 9pm. If you've got a few minutes to kill, you can check out a video preview below. Some of the preliminary fights can be seen on ION Television (what the hell is that?) and others can be seen on Facebook.