Originally, Nick Diaz was pulled from his fight at UFC 137 against GSP because he failed to show up for the media. Condit was put in Diaz’s place, but then GSP hurt himself. Diaz went on to face BJ Penn, beating him up for three rounds. Condit was scheduled to face GSP on this card, but Dana White flipped the script and said that GSP wanted Diaz and he’d get Diaz. Then St. Pierre was hurt again and Condit slid into the mix yet again. If I was Carlos Condit, I’d feel a bit disrespected over this entire thing.

The FGB crew along with Stevie J from Angrymarks, have predictions for this fight, as well as Big Country Roy Nelson vs. Fabricio Werdum.

Roy Nelson vs. Fabricio Werdum

Alan: Nelson by 1st round TKO
Duan: Werdum by decision
Stevie: Werdum by 2nd round submission
Big D: Nelson by 2nd round TKO
Cactus Jim: Werdum by decision
GG: Werdum by decision

Alan says:

Would love to see these guys go hold for hold on the ground but I think Roy will try to keep this standing where he has the power to finish the Brazilian. I think he does it early too.

Duan says:

I honestly feel Werdum is the most overlooked heavyweight in MMA. The guy snapped the most legendary win streak in the sport’s history and most people barely even took notice – come on! Outside of the big three of Velasquez, Dos Santos and Overeem, he’s probably the division’s next best. Since 08, he has lost only to the UFC heavyweight champion and the current number one contender. That’s not bad company to be keeping.

He will beat Nelson because he’s better. Better in the stand up, better on the ground, just plain and simply better. Big Country is game; he will hang in there, but he will do so with a punchers chance only. Werdum cruises to a 30-27 in a mostly striking battle.

Stevie says:

Werdum is that heavyweight who could be the top guy in the world if he puts it all together, but seems to shoot himself in the foot whenever he’s about to grab the brass ring. Big Country is exactly the kind of guy he needs to beat if he’s going to get a rematch with JDS, who drummed him out of UFC the last time around with an embarrassing first round KO – ironically the win that vaulted Dos Santos to where he is today as champion. I really like Roy Nelson as a person and a fighter, and I’d say people underestimate him a LOT, but I think they underestimate Werdum even more. However – if he can’t beat Big Country, I don’t think we can ever take Werdum seriously as a contender for UFC heavyweight champion ever again. A loss hurts Werdum more than Nelson.

Big D says:

I love Roy. I think Roy is underrated at times. I think when Roy is in shape (don’t laugh) and ready to rumble, he can leap over a lot of heavyweights in both striking and grappling. Werdum is a black hole of charisma who’s legacy will always be as the first guy to knock off Fedor, and that should be ALL he’s left with. Still, the guy’s got way above average ground game. This is a pick-em fight, but I think Roy will use that big right hand and make Werdum lunchmeat.

Cactus Jim says:

I’m not too stoked on this match. I think both guys have suspect cardio and that by the end of the first round this turns into two drunken bar fighters winging haymakers and praying something lands. Occasionally we may see a sloppy takedown attempt that will sometimes pay off only because of the others guys exhaustion. My prediction is that Werdum can land more punches and will use his kicks to outpoint Nelson on the scorecards. There’s potential for each guy to KO the other with an exaggerated bomb, but wouldn’t bet the house on it.

GG says:

All things being equal, Werdum’s jiu-jitsu is much better than anything Nelson can bring to the table. The key is going to be how he can utilize it to win the fight. Werdum’s strategy has been mind-boggling at times. He’s looked awful in fights before. When he can’t goad someone into coming to the ground with him, it seems that he has no back up plan. Nelson is game and he makes up for whatever he lacks in skill and conditioning with a never-say-quit attitude. I just think that if Werdum’s game-plan is at the very least a B-, he beats Big Country. I’m not sure what Big Country can do with him.

Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz

Alan: Condit by 2nd round TKO
Duan: Diaz by 3rd round TKO
Stevie: Diaz by 3rd round TKO
Big D: Diaz by 3rd round TKO
Cactus Jim: Diaz by 4th round TKO
GG: Diaz by 4th round TKO

Alan says:

How do you pick this fight? These guys are both so talented in all aspects of the game. Condit’s biggest weakness is wrestlers who can smother him. Diaz is not the guy to do that. I think this will stay on the feet and I think that it could go either way easily but I’m going to say that Carlos hits a punch on the button and swarms all over Diaz for the win.

Duan says:

I don’t believe there’s anybody in the 170 pound division that can stand with Diaz. He’s just become so good at using his length, judging range, drawing shots and picking counters. He will thud away with the jab-straight, but he can mix it up when he needs to – head and body, hooks and uppercuts. This guy has become a real handful.

I just don’t know what the gameplan can be for Condit here, and I’m not selling him short either. Trust me; I know how good Carlos Condit is. Diaz is just all wrong for him. I don’t think Carlos has the physicality to dictate where this fight takes place. He will be bashed up on the feet, and even if he could get it to the floor, I’m not sure he can do much with Diaz there either. Condit will come to fight; I just don’t think it’s a fight he can win

Stevie says:

Diaz is a better all around athlete, not to mention a more accurate striker and world class at jiu-jitsu. He’s also bat shit crazy, but that’s why people like him so much. I’ve always thought of Condit as a great fighter, going back to his WEC days, but the difference between “great” and “elite” is exactly why Nick Diaz will win this fight.

Big D says:

Diaz is going to pulverize Condit. I predict a series of rabid punches which will only get stronger until Condit falls. I don’t think it’ll be easy and I sort of think it may resemble Diaz’s legendary fight with Gomi, but Diaz will win, possibly by sub, but I’m predicting a TKO.

Cactus Jim says:

On paper this should be an amazing fight. Given the history of each of these fighters I would anticipate a hard fought war. I think Diaz’s striking is really going to be the key to his success. His style will likely stymie Condit. Condit’s best bet is to get the fight to the ground and work a submission, but although we don’t see him in that position very often, Diaz is no slouch on the ground. I have no doubt that Condit will be game and engage with Diaz, I just don’t believe he will be able to finish him before Diaz’s shots add up and suck the life out of Carlos. By the 4th round the cumulative damage will leave him slumped in a pile against the cage and we’ll get to hear an awkward post fight rant from Diaz which very well could include him calling GSP a f***** or some such unsavory term to try to build the feud.

GG says:

I’m not sure what else I can say. The guys have said it all. The only thing I can say differently is that I think it’s going to be a blood stoppage. Nick Diaz cuts easily and if he loses, this is how I see him losing. But he cuts everyone he fights too, and when you land more punches than just about anyone in the UFC, it’s going to take a toll on Condit. For three rounds, I think the fight could be up for grabs. But in the championship rounds, I expect Diaz to take it.

We’ll have play by play of the show tomorrow. Enjoy.

After it looked like Manny Pacquiao would be facing Miguel Cotto in a rematch in the summer, Floyd Mayweather’s team stepped in and pulled the okie doke.

Earlier today, the Nevada State Athletic Commission granted Mayweather a one-fight license to fight on May 5th. Mayweather said his opponent would be Miguel Cotto.

Mayweather is schedule to report to jail on June 1, but mentioned in the hearing that he’s been going to counseling and disagrees that he did what he was charged with. He said that the reason he plead guilty was to save his kids from having to stand trial.

Miguel Cotto’s contract with Top Rank has expired, but our own Duan thinks that he’ll be right back with Bob Arum after this fight. Though, if I’m Arum, I probably feel a little bothered by the fact that Cotto pulled out on him to fight his nemesis, rather than fighting Pacquiao in a big money fight. Now, Arum and Pacquiao may have to turn to Tim Bradley as an opponent, which is a tremendously harder sell than Cotto.

And because of that, my opinion of Raw and the first step in the road to WrestleMania is inflated.

Based on what happened at the Royal Rumble Sunday night and Raw last night, here’s where it looks like things are going for WrestleMania:

- John Cena vs. The Rock is the headliner of all headliners. However, since Rock is probably still a month away from being on a WWE show, the Kane vs. John Cena feud must continue. Kane attacked (sort of) Eve and told her that until John Cena embraces the hate, he’s going to continue punishing Zack Ryder and by proximity, her. Cena ran down to the ring and was more intense and violent than usual as he hit Kane with the steps a couple times and smiled. He’s also the worst Luke Skywalker of all-time. They are probably going to have a match at the Elimination Chamber, but the key to this will be to see if they turn John Cena full-on heel, or just amp up his violence. He’s going to be the heel against Rock at Mania anyway, so he might as well Stone Cold Steve Austin it up and wrestle as one. Of course, let’s hope he also doesn’t end up with Vince McMahon at the end of the night.

- The Undertaker vs. Triple H should be the semi-main. I didn’t understand this all that much. On the day after WrestleMania XXVII, HHH said he’d want to give it one more go ’round with Taker in 2012. So when the Undertaker came out, allowing Johnny Ace to live another day, HHH looked irritated and a bit disinterested. All of a sudden he doesn’t want to wrestle Taker? He came the closest to beating Taker at Mania than anyone ever has before and now, after Taker has been gone for a year and is seemingly injured beyond end, HHH has second doubts? Or is he showing pity for the Deadman? The match will be fantastic, but I didn’t like not understanding HHH’s reaction.

- CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho looks like it’s a go. And here’s why I didn’t like Sheamus winning last night. If the idea was that Jericho is facing Punk, shouldn’t he have been the one antagonizing the World or WWE Champion since he interfered in the match between the two champs anyway? And when he hit Punk with his Codebreaker, that could’ve been his decision. Of course, he could’ve gone to Smackdown and done the same thing to Bryan giving us a bit of a build up. Instead? We get the happy Irishman Sheamus who likes to say fella a lot. I like Sheamus, but his act seems midcard rather than top of the card. Which leads me to …

- Are we really getting Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan? But if Sheamus hasn’t chosen yet, and Jericho clearly wants Punk, does that narrow Sheamus’ choice down only to Bryan? If it were me, I’d have Randy Orton face Bryan because if anyone gives Bryan his comeuppance, it should be Orton, since he’s the most over guy on Smackdown. Unless the idea is to have the palest World Championship feud, I’m not too hot on this one. They’ll have a good match, but it doesn’t feel special at all. You could shove Orton in here as a three-way, but I don’t think it improves it much. And it looks like they may still be doing the Orton vs. Wade Barrett angle, even though Orton tossed him out of the Rumble like his name was Jey Uso.

They still have work to do. They already promoted that the Raw Elimination Chamber match is set and it’s CM Punk facing Chris Jericho (so early?), The Miz (who just lost to Kofi), R-Truth (a Rumble jobber), Ziggler (jobbed out to Orton) and Kofi who is now more famous for walking on his hands than anything else he’s done in his wrestling career. Because there’s really no stipulation to the match, the only storyline seems to be right now that Punk possibly loses his title to Jericho and has to regain it at WrestleMania.

I’m glad that we’re two months away and we already have the top three matches figured out and they should all be good. And maybe because the top three are strong for the show, they can take a chance with Sheamus and Bryan, or whoever has the title by then. I just worry that Sheamus’ Royal Rumble victory turns out to be unimportant. I’d hope not because it could kill the Royal Rumble stipulation.

We’ll see where they go next week!

The Royal Rumble was not a good show and we’ll talk about why. We discuss all the matches and go through the entire Royal Rumble, all the way down the the head-scratching conclusion.

Then, we discuss the second UFC On Fox show, which was also not as good as we’d hoped from an entertainment perspective, but seems to have done its job from a ratings perspective. We’ll go over all three fights and discuss where those fights should lead to.

We then talk about the build up to Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit, and preview the rest of UFC 143, which is this weekend. Lastly, I give a 30 second review of Gina Carano’s Haywire.

Thanks for listening.

Right click to download or stream below.

1. Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. The Big Show

The story of this match is that Daniel Bryan is a pinball and he’s bouncing around for Big Show and Mark Henry. Mark Henry couldn’t really do anything. He was not the world’s strongest man tonight. He could barely get his foot off the ground.

Bryan went to the top of the cage to try and leave, but the every so swift Big Show kept catching him. Big Show trapped Daniel Bryan’s arm and then also had him by his head so it looked like Bryan was hanging from the top of the cage, which was pretty cool. Show had a grip on him and Bryan was hanging from Show’s wrists, and finally let go and won the match.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Bryan did the “Yes” screams after the match. (Photo sent in by my friend Jenn who is there live.)

2. The Bellas, Natalya, and Beth Phoenix vs. Alicia Fox, Eve, Kelly Kelly, and Tamina

Beth Phoenix tagged herself in by slapping one of the bellas pretty hard, immediately gave Kelly Kelly the Glam Slam for the win. Beth projects her character better than most of the dude wrestlers.

Winner: The Bellas, Natalya, and Beth Phoenix

3. John Cena vs. Kane

Your biggest star is used as the backdrop dor a terrible angle where Kane just keeps beating up Zack Ryder. The match was actually okay. Cena did a pretty sweet “You Can’t See Me” fist drop from the top rope.

They were both counted out and they brawled to the back. Earlier in the show, Zack Ryder was wheeled into the arena and Johnny Ace gave him a room to relax in. As they were brawling in the back, Kane found where Zack was, beat him up, brought him back to the ring and beat him up some more. For whatever reason, Cena was no where to be found. Eve was pleading with Kane, but to no avail. It was tombstone time. He was put on a stretcher and taken to the back.

Winner: No one (double count out)

And right after that brutal bullying, they ran an anti-bullying ad. Hmmm.

4. Drew McIntyre vs. Brodus Clay

And here we all thought that Drew was fired. He might as well be. Brodus with the squash.

Winner: Brodus Clay

5. Dolph Ziggler vs. CM Punk

It’s too bad that the Johnny Ace/CM Punk feud was given more importance than this match because it could’ve been so much better. It was still good. Lots of back and forth, but it was mostly hurt by the constant interfering by Ace. Punk had the match won a couple of times, but there was a ref bump and Ace was the ringside enforcer and wouldn’t count the pin. Punk had him up for a GTS and clipped Ace who was upset and wouldn’t count the pin again. Dolph hit the Fame Asser for a near fall. Punk hit the GTS again and Ace came in to help the referee count the pin. Odd finish.

Winner: CM Punk

6. Royal Rumble

Miz eliminated Riley fairly easily and now has to face Truth. Miz eventually eliminated Truth. Mick and Ricardo eliminated Gabriel. It looks like Mick is going to pair up with anyone and everyone. Santino gave Ricardo a wedgie before throwing him out. Foley and Santino did a socko vs. cobra stand-off. Epico was quickly socko’d out.

Cody tossed out Foley from behind. Lawler came out, hit the fist drop and was thrown out by Cody. Cody and Miz are cleaning up. The Great Khali comes back and immediately eliminates Khali and Big Zeke. No wonder Jinder hates him. Booker came in and only had a shirt and tie on. He must’ve been pantsless. Miz tossed out Kofi, but Kofi did a handstand so his feet didn’t hit the floor and he walked on his hands to the steps so he’s still in the match. Awesome. Duggan wasn’t long for this match. Cody and Miz are still running things.

Kharma, Booker, and Lawler eliminated Cole. Kharma press slammed Hunico out. After Kharma did her move on Ziggler, he threw her out. Sheamus tossed out Kofi. Barrett tossed out Road Dog. It was fun while it lasted. Orton tossed out Barrett like he was Jey Uso. He also threw out Jey Uso. Jericho didn’t run around the ring and slap fives with fans. He immediately eliminated David Otunga. Show eliminated Miz, Rhodes, and Ziggler.

Show, Jericho, Sheamus, and Orton are the final four. Orton eliminated Show and Jericho eliminated Orton. It’s Jericho and Sheamus. Holy crap. Sheamus won.

Winner: Sheamus

Entry order
1. The Miz
2. Alex Riley
3. R-Truth
4. Cody Rhodes
5. Justin Gabriel
6. Primo
7. Mick Foley
8. Ricardo
9. Santino
10. Epico
11. Kofi Kingston
12. Jerry Lawler
13. Big Zeke
14. Jinder Mahal
15. The Great Khali
16. Hunico
17. Booker T
18. Dolph Ziggler
19. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
20. Michael Cole
21. Kharma
22. Sheamus
23. Road Dogg
24. Jey Uso
25. Jack Swagger
26. Wade Barrett
27. David Otunga
28. Randy Orton
29. Chris Jericho
30. The Big Show

Elimination order
1. Alex Riley
2. R-Truth
3. Primo
4. Justin Gabriel
5. Ricardo
6. Epico
7. Santino
8. Mick Foley
9. Jerry Lawler
10. Jinder Mahal
11. Big Zeke
12. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
13. Booker T
14. The Great Khali
15. Michael Cole
16. Hunico
17. Kharma
18. Kofi Kingston
19. Road Dog
20. Jey Uso
21. Wade Barrett
22. David Otunga
23. Jack Swagger
24. The Miz
25. Cody Rhodes
26. Dolph Ziggler
27. The Big Show
28. Randy Orton
29. Chris Jericho

I’m talking the Royal Rumble. Two men enter the ring, and approximately two minutes later somebody else comes in. If you get tossed over the top rope and BOTH of your feet touch the floor, you’re eliminated. After 30 people (man, woman, rooster, tugboat, or mantaur) have entered the ring, the last person with both feet solidly in the ring gets a promise of a title shot at WrestleMania.

The Royal Rumble match itself usually lasts over an hour long, and has a cavalcade of gimmicks, feuds, and moments all rolled into one. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out FGB’s Royal Rumble Preview, of our writer’s Favourite Moments, Most Surprising Moments, and our pick for who’s going to win.

The 2012 Royal Rumble has a surprisingly strong undercard, with both the WWE and World Heavyweight Title being defended. Also John Cena will face off against “The Prophet of Hate” Kane in a match not unlike Professor Moriarty trying to convince Sherlock Holmes to join him, so they can rule London together. Because we’re all tired of the Star Wars references.

Oh, and I’m sure there’ll be a few other undercard matches that haven’t been announced yet.

Let’s run down this sucker match by match.

1. Random undercard match. Let’s say, I don’t know, Tag Team Champs Primo and Epico (WITH ROSA MENDEZ. THAT’S ROSA MENDEZ. DON’T FORGET ABOUT HER!) vs. The Uso’s, who will not try to blow themselves up with their entrance.

The Uso’s are the only “face” tag team in the WWE right now, as the tag team division is once again at a very low point. As a huge proponent of tag teams, I’m amazed the WWE isn’t using their wrestlers on Superstars or NXT as tag teams, even putting a veteran together with an up-and-coming rookie. But I digress. Primo and Epico are a no-name team that most people would probably confuse with Hunico and Camacho, wondering why they’re not riding out on their pimped-up bike. Anyways, the WWE is pushing the once-Beth Phoenix stalker Rosa Mendez as the star of the tag team, with her gyrating hips and other Spanish overtones. The Uso’s, as mentioned, are getting a shot because they’re like Logan Couture or Phil Kessel being picked last in the NHL All-Star team draft the last few years… they’re the only ones left.

WHO SHOULD WIN THIS MATCH THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN: If this match does happen, Team Mendez will find a way to win for the reasons listed above.

WHO WILL WIN THIS MATCH THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN: Team Mendez. Although I am dubious about this match coming on first, if it happens, as they may need to have it before the main event to give everybody a bathroom break.

2. John Cena vs. Kane

Inexplicably, this feud has started and continues, with Kane trying to get Cena to turn to the Dark Side. Cena is on his way to facing The Rock at Mania, and this stopgap of a feud is to what? Make the Miami fans boo him more than before? In the past few weeks, Kane has been getting deeper and deeper under Cena’s skin, making for some cringingly cheesy television. What has Kane to gain from this feud? If he wins the match, where does he go? A heel back to Smackdown to feud with the heel Mark Henry, who injured him in the first place?

WHO SHOULD WIN: John Cena, rising above the hate, facing down all his inner demons, having thrown down his lightsabre and refusing to strike down Darth Vader in front of the Emperor. Then somebody, let’s say Curt Hawkins (Zack Ryder’s former tag team partner), saves Cena from the lightening shooting from Kane’s hands, by throwing Kane down into an abyss. Of course, that will lead to a clone of Kane returning in the future, turning Cena to the Dark Side, with only the love of his friends being able to save him. What?

WHO WILL WIN: I have an inkling Kane will pull out a win here, as not to hurt him. He’s back with his mask and hair, he’s a big bad mofo, and he can’t afford to be knocked down a peg. Well, at least that’s the idea. I can see this match going into storyline mode where it doesn’t matter who ins in the first place.

3. WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler, with “Big Johnny” Laurinaitis as the special guest referee. Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger are banned from ringside due to referee incompetence.

So it’s come to this. CM Punk vs. the future of the WWE in Dolph Ziggler. In what should be a match focused strictly on wrestling ability, we have — once again — an authority figure who wants to take the title away from the champion. Because that storyline never gets old. Punk has held the title since November 20, after the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT changed hands 8 times last year. EIGHT TIMES.

Ziggler is a future champion, needless to say, but hasn’t been given the chance to shine recently. His recent big wins, have come at the help of the “well meaning” Laurinaitis. Although Ziggler’s pinned Punk in recent weeks, he hasn’t looked like the man who deserved a title shot.

Most of the time, unless Daniel Bryan is on the card, Ziggler is going to have the best match of the night. If given enough time, and limiting shenanigans from Laurenaitis, this should be a good match. So yeah, at least the match will hopefully get some time.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Triple H fans, as Poochie returns to the camera to chew out Big Johnny. Oh, and CM Punk will probably pull out a win. But who cares about that? Poochie is returning to save us all! Okay, seriously, Punk got part one of his revenge against Laurinaitis by hitting his GTS on him on last week’s RAW.

WHO WILL WIN: CM Punk, with Dolph Ziggler’s credibility hopefully coming in a close second. However, with the return of Chris Jericho and his jacket, he’s promising an REM song at the Rumble. And that REM song, also covered by Newfoundland’s Great Big Sea, he could be referring to Punk, who’s calling himself the best wrestler in the world. It turns out that Jericho is the best in the world at what he does… and what he does now is wrestling.

4. World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry vs. Big Show – Triple Threat Steel Cage match

In one of the most interesting storylines in the WWE today, the undeserving (but capable) champion Daniel Bryan will get his… uh… his comeuppance as he’s trapped in a cage with two huge men? Somehow it doesn’t look right when you read that sentence, but the Bryan character has made it work. He’s been a jerk, and ego maniac, and he made the Big Show cry. He made him cry! He even made the injured (shhh) Mark Henry “run” after him. What a jerk!

And now he’s stuck in stuck in a steel cage with these two monsters. Bryan has made his gradual heel turn work so well, we’re looking forward to seeing him get squashed. However, we then run into a Catch-22 situation. We want to see the Daniel Bryan character get his, but we don’t want to see him lose the title. If he loses to Big Show, then we’ll have some more big man matches down the road. If he loses to Henry, there’s a chance Young Randall Orton (shout-out to GG) will go on to get his win back against Henry… and I’m getting ahead of myself.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Young Daniel Bryan. His character is the freshest thing on Smackdown right now, and will be able to get a good match out of anybody, literally.

WHO WILL WIN: Unlike the Punk match, the result of this match is still a bit of a head-scratcher. Will the WWE realize what they have in Bryan and keep the title on him, or put the title on the bigger man? If Henry wins, it may come down to Randy Orton getting his revenge at WrestleMania. I’ll still pick Bryan here.

5. 30-Man Royal Rumble Match – Winner receives his choice of a WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XXVIII, meaning Santino will once again, not win. Neither will anybody else whom the WWE doesn’t think belongs in the WrestleMania title match.

Participants: WWE has announced that, for the first time, “Every WWE superstar is eligible to compete in the Rumble match.” Which doesn’t mean that much. We do know, however, that Miz will be the #1 participant after losing to R-Truth on RAW last week. Otherwise, I haven’t seen any hints on who’s going to be returning.

As I mentioned previously, the Royal Rumble is my favourite match of the year, even though it doesn’t make sense for the WWE to give away a title shot. Of the 30 names, there’s only about three or four men who could possibly win, which in turn takes away part of the fun of the entire hour-long match.

This year is no different. We’re expecting the return of Randy Orton, who is a favourite to win. Why? Because he’s a big guy who won’t be going over the top easily? No. Because he’s just so good? No, not really. Because the Royal Rumble is in his home town? We’re getting closer. Because he’s one of the top stars who will probably get a title shot at WrestleMania due to his name and history? Ding ding!

Anyways, I digress. The best Rumbles were the ones in which the winner was a surprise. Rey Mysterio in 2006. ___________ (name retracted) in 2004. Even Undertaker in 2007, which probably had the best ending of any Rumble not featuring Ric Flair winning in 1992, as Taker finally eliminated Shawn Michaels to win.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Here’s what I wrote earlier: I’d like to see somebody like Sheamus win, as he’s been getting a good push. But I can’t see him facing either Punk or Bryan (if either of them are still champion) at Mania. Jericho is presumably going to be involved in the Punk/Ziggler match, causing them to eliminate each other in the Rumble match itself. I presume Orton will probably win, but as a fan I hope not. I’d also like to see Daniel Bryan win it, so he can challenge Punk in an effort to unify the titles (if he survives the cage match). Hell, Rock could be a surprise entrant and win.

WHO WILL WIN: (Check FGB’s predictions at http://fightgameblog.com/2012/01/2012-royal-rumble-preview-part-3/)

Fight Game Blog predicts either Chris Jericho or Randy Orton are going to win this year’s Rumble. Whereas neither would be a surprise, the idea of Jericho winning without having to do anything would have made for an ingenious spot at the Rumble.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Another spin-a-roonie?
- Dusty’s boys going at it
- Brodus Clay stealing the show
- Chris Jericho’s entrance taking over two minutes
- Random celebrity / oldtimer appearance who may be a former Rumble winner
- At least 4-5 minutes of “Who is that? No wait, who’s THAT?” as guys from NXT and Superstars make appearances
- A misunderstanding between Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger
- Young Randall Orton exacting some revenge on Wade Barrett
- SOCKO
- The world will end (re: Chris Jericho)

FINAL THOUGHTS

FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

BZZZZT!

Here’s hoping the Rumble will have each wrestler come out every two minutes and not 90 seconds as in random previous years. This is the kind of match I don’t want to end.

However, this card is strong even without the Rumble, as both title matches should be ones to go out of your way to see.

Now go watch the show with some friends, and make sure you do your Rumble drawings. I came THIS close to winning last year as I drew Santino Marella.

I’m sure this year I’ll probably get Hornswaggle.

Curt Menafee says this is the first of four UFC shows on Fox this year. Well, at least if the shows bring in solid ratings or no one is violently hurt.

Menafee, Randy Couture, and Jon Jones are on the panel for the pre-game stuff. Menafee says that if Evans wins, he gets Jones at UFC 145 in Atlanta.

1. Chris Weidman vs. Demian Maia

You have a good wrestler and a great jiu-jitsu guy. Of course the first round is nearly all on the feet. Earlier, Maia seemed to be getting the best of it, but later in the round, Weidman was much more comfortable. Maia is telegraphing his right hand and Weidman was able to avoid it mostly. But Maia did land some nice knees. Weidman was varied with his kicks and punches. Weidman also got a takedown late.

Weidman had an early takedown and he fell immediately into side control. Weidman was tired for most of it and Maia was able to outstrike him, but not in any significant way. Pretty boring round until Weidman was able to secure another takedown and was working for Maia’s back. I think that last takedown and attempt toward submission may have secured him the round.

Maia is also tired and the third round suffered because of sloppiness. Maia was so tired that he went for a takedown, Weidman sprawled and Maia face planted. This isn’t necessarily the kind of fight that’s going to keep an audience. With Weidman having to cut so much weight, it was ripe for the taking for Maia and he just looks absurdly tired. I’d give the fight to Weidman simply because he closed rounds better and fought a smarter tactical fight than Maia did.

Winner: Chris Weidman by way of split decision

The scores were 29-28 once for Maia and the same twice for Weidman.

Bisping called Sonnen the UFC’s court jester. Sonnen cut a Saturday Night’s Main Event-like promo and said that fighting Chael Sonnen is hazardous to your health.

2. Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen

Very active first round. Sonnen was all over Bisping early on and Bisping was on his heels. He took him down seconds into the fight, but wasn’t able to keep him down. Bisping looked flustered, but figured him out. Bisping’s striking was crisp while Sonnen’s was wild. Sonnen’s stand-up was so wild that it looked like he was going to conk Bisping in the head when he missed his left hand.

Sonnen looks all out of sorts on his feet. He hits hard but it’s not smooth, it’s jumpy, and every time he throws, it looks like he’s going to collide with Bisping’s head. But he did secure a takedown and was able to keep Bisping down for a bit. But he wasn’t able to land his signature ground and pound punches.

Sonnen opened up the round with a huge takedown. Bisping’s guard has been so good in this fight. He either keeps his right foot on Sonnen’s hips to push him off, or he’s been able to control his hips by locking his feet on his back. Sonnen got Bisping’s back, couldn’t get the rear naked, nearly got an arm triangle and immediately transitioned into the mount. Sonnen has found something extra in the tank this round. Bisping took him down at the very end. I think Sonnen’s going to win a very close decision. The key is the first round.

Winner: Chael Sonnen by way of unanimous decision

Bisping at first looked bothered at the decision, but he clapped for him. That first round could’ve been a draw round or it could’ve been for either guy. All three judges looked to have given it to Sonnen.

Sonnen cut another WWE-inspired promo. It wasn’t as good as his recent ones, but still pretty darn good.

3. Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans

Davis looks a little nervous. Lots of feeling each other out. Davis threw a kick and Evans caught it and took him down. Evans got him in the little brother position and laid in some heavy punches, but Davis got his arms free and lasted the round.

Pretty boring round. Davis is hesitant to finish his kicks. Evans is fighting a safe fight, while Davis is fighting a scared fight. Evans caught his leg again and took him down near the end of the round.

Davis went for a takedown, but Evans stuffed it. Davis pushed for it, but Evans turned him over and ended up on top. They were tied up against the fence and Evans landed an uppercut that seemed to take the life out of Davis there for a bit. Davis finally got the takedown, which should at least give him some confidence. But Rashad is pitching a shutout.

Davis looks tired energy-wise, but also tired of getting hit. His kicks and punches are in slow motion. Evans is too methodical. He could take it to Davis if he wants to, but seems okay with winning a decision. He pressed on at the end a bit.

Evans caught Davis’ leg again and pounded Davis against the cage a few times before taking him down. Davis got up and kept slipping when throwing his shots, but he didn’t have anything on them anyway. Rashad will win an easy decision.

Winner: Rashad Evans by way of unanimous decision

Diaz says he started doing jiu-jitsu when he was about 15 or 16 and that’s when he met his MMA coach. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 to go into MMA full-time.

His Sambo coach said that he has his own drive and you don’t need to tell him to do things like run. Steve Heath, his MMA coach says that Diaz doesn’t have an off switch. He’s always training. He does marathon’s for fun.

Carlos Condit says that if he wasn’t a fighter, he’d be in the military and says that he’s a warrior. He loves shooting guns.

The Condits get together for family meals with 30 or 40 cousins. His dad says that when he gets closer to fight time, you see the happy Carlos less and less in favor of the determined Carlos.

The Diaz brothers are instructors at their gym. Imagine Nick and Nate instructing your kids in MMA. Nate says that Nick is his life coach. It seems like Nick can love his brother like he does because he can trust him.

Georges St. Pierre says he prays every night that Nick Diaz beats Carlos Condit so he can fight him when he’s healthy. GSP says that Diaz isn’t really crazy and that’s a fake crazy. GSP says he’s probably been in more street fights than Nick has.

Diaz says that in order to love fighting, he has to hate it. And he sort of makes sense in this weird circular way.

Bottom Line: They did a fantastic job of building up Nick Diaz vs. Georges St. Pierre and not such a great job building up Diaz vs. Carlos Condit. They’ve done an interesting angle with Diaz. Rather than show off his crazy side, they’re showing off a sensitive, uncertain side of him. He’s almost child-like. Condit comes off as way too regular kind of guy to be in a main event. The problem isn’t if he loses since Diaz is the star. It’s if he wins.