Smashed

On Thursday Junkie ran my feature on Mark Kerr and his latest comeback attempt. The odds were Buster Douglas-like against Mike Tyson, but there was no shocking upset. In fact, it was pretty ugly. Muhammad Lawal literally knocked out Kerr in 25 seconds. Kerr's a real good guy who's cleaned up his life and told me he plans on fighting until the end of next year. To be fair, he had just three weeks to prepare for a rising star looking to make a name for himself in the United States. But Kerr needs to step away. He finally has balance in his life and there's nothing more to prove.

Thursday afternoon I did something different for YES: A feature on a visiting team. The Texas Rangers showed they're for real in taking two of three from the Yankees, but they will be in a war to secure a playoff spot.

Tonight is UFC 102 and a great card is lined up. Here are my quickie predictions:

Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Big Nog offered up no excuses for his KO loss to Frank Mir, but competed with a staph infection. The Natural is still a force even at age 45, but this time Minotauro is healthy enough to pull off one of his patented rise-from-the-dead late comebacks. Nogueira split decision. 

Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva

Both are off losses and their careers are at a crossroads. Jardine's been through the wars and has proven his resilience, but which Dean of Mean will show up> Silva was knocked out cold by Lyoto Machida and will be taught more hard lessons. Jardine unanimous decision. 

Demian Maia vs. Nate Marquardt

This will be the fight of the night. Maia (10-0) is undefeated -  and untested. Marquardt looked awesome in dismantling Wilson Gouveia and has also competed against Anderson Silva and Martin Kampmann. Maia has that invincible aura about him, but his best chance in this, his stiffest challenge, will be keeping it on the ground. Marquardt has an array of skills and is peaking. Marquardt TKO Round 3.

Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt

Both are coming off losses, yet this is Leben's last chance.  He's been given numerous opportunities to stay clean. Here's hoping his life is finally in shape. As for his UFC shelf life, the Crippler makes a statement. Leben TKO Round 1.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brandon Vera

Great opportunity for The Polish Experiment, who steps in for Matt Hamill (knee). The Hammer and his camp have a vested interest in this fight, for it's likely Hamill will take on the winner. Like Jardine, the biggest question about the Truth is whether the good or bad Vera will show up. Soszynski was TUF 8's best competitor and was stopped only by an injury. Vera is re-dedicated to the sport, but hasn't yet shown he can maintain focus. The experiment cashes in on his chance. Soszynski unanimous decision.