Elite XC: Primetime Predictions



The free event is this Saturday on CBS at 9pm. I’m glad MMA is finally mainstream. Big props to CBS for taking a risk on Elite XC. Hopefully Elite XC will have a better production value and also take out the classless strippers. Below are my predictions for the event:

Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson
Kimbo has good hands and should knock out Thompson in less than a minute. Thompson is known for his Pride FC freak show fights. He has no chin and his hands are pretty bad. Since they’re still hyping him up, this is a perfect opponent for the internet legend, Kimbo. From talking with casual fans, it seems like a lot of people know him. So I guess Elite XC is doing good in the promotions. Thompson looks like a monster so once he goes down, it’ll get Kimbo more hype.

Prediction: Kimbo

Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith
Robbie Lawler defends his middleweight belt. This should be a slugfest since both are strikers. I was surprised with Lawler’s performance against Murillo Ninja. It seems like he’s really concentrating and training hard. Scott Smith is a good striker but I think Lawler will push the fight and get a knockout in the second round.

Prediction: Lawler

Joey Villasenor vs. Phil Baroni
This is the toughest call of the night because both have weaknesses that can cost them the fight. Villasenor stand up defense is suspect. He seems to rely more on outstriking his opponents but when it doesn’t go his way, he buckles. Baroni can throw bombs but usually gasses after the first round. I’ll give Villasenor the benefit of the doubt and pick him to win in the third round via TKO. Hopefully he’ll be smart enough to stay away from Baroni’s punches and have enough cardio to finish him.

Prediction: Villasenor

Gina Carano vs. Kaitlin Young
Sure, Carano is hot but she’s over-hyped, just like Kimbo. This will be Carano’s real test and she will fail. Carano has a slim chance of winning because she is stronger but everything else goes to Kaitlin Young. Young is more natural in MMA while Carano doesn’t look too comfortable inside the cage. Kaitlin Young by choke in the second round.

Prediction: Young

Brett Rogers vs. Jon Murphy
This will be another slugfest. I have only seen both fighters fight once and they knocked out their opponents. Rogers looks to have better striking skills so I’ll choose him to win by first round knockout.

Prediction: Rogers