Heavyweight Explosion

Not since Season 1 has The Ultimate Fighter generated this much buzz and excitement as the Heavyweights’ installment momentum heading into Saturday night in Las Vegas. You have the fight for the six-figure contract, a main event worthy of pay-per-view status, a lightweight poised to take a quantum leap, an undercard bout between two former NFL players that screams an old-school pro wrestling grudge match.

And of course there’s MMA’s cult creation Kimbo Slice, who impressed me throughout the show with his heart and humility. Last I check in with Kimbo was during an interview with Howard Davis Jr. for a boxing/MMA feature to run in TapouT Issue No. 34. Slice’s education from the ground up was making gradual progress with so much to absorb. Whether or not it’s enough to defeat veteran Houston Alexander is part of the intrigue that will unfold Saturday night on Spike.

My fearless forecast:

Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill
This is similar to Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson in terms of a talented future star (Jones) who has yet to swim with the sharks. Hamill has and he unveiled a new dimension to his game with a vicious knockout of Mark Munoz (head kick) at UFC 96. Jones’ game is a dazzling array of moves that blend power with finesse, but one mistake that leaves him open could be his last. “The Hammer” gets the edge in the ground game and he’ll be the first to neutralize Bones’ dynamic offense. Think of it as Bill Parcells' Giants grinding Buffalo's K-Gun to a halt in Super Bowl XXV. Hamill unanimous decision.

Brendan Schaub vs. Roy Nelson
Time to give “Big Country” some deserved credit. He and his girth weren’t supposed to hang with the young guys and his thick head was expected to be his downfall. Alas, Nelson proved what experience can do. His strength is the takedown and if he smothers you, it’s curtains. I love Schaub and he’s going to be a stud, but like Jones he’s treading water surrounded by a dangerous fish. Nelson TKO 2.

Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach
You know Edgar but probably have never heard of Veach. Veach is 11-0 and that’s not cosmetic. He’s a student from the H.I.T. Squad and you saw shades of the school’s master Matt Hughes in Brian Foster during his destruction of Brock Larson. Edgar won’t take him lightly – not a chance. The Answer deserves a spot in the lightweight division’s elite having defeated some big names. His win over Sean Sherk was a revelation. His defeat of Veach will move him one step closer to a title shot. Edgar TKO 2.

Houston Alexander vs. Kimbo Slice
Practical wisdom is that Alexander sends Slice back to the drawing board. Gut feeling says Davis and American Top Team unlocked some new tricks. My guarantee is the fight doesn’t get back the first round. Slice KO 1. (From there, how about a rematch with Seth Petruzelli?)

Marcus Jones vs. Matt Mitrione
Love ‘em both and both deserve spots in Dana White’s stable. Jones is the fan favorite and Mitrione is the villain. Take it from me, Mitrione is a better person that what was portrayed on TUF. Schaub exposed Jones’ chin and Mitrione hits way too hard. Darkness’ only chance is to take Mitrione down. It won’t get that far. KO 1.

Darrill Schoonover vs. James McSweeney
McSweeney defeated Mitrione because he somehow took Mitrione’s best shot and Mitrione make a foolish mistake. Schoonover will grind it out and frustrate him, which is easily done. Schoonover unanimous decision.

Jon Madsen vs. Justin Wren
Wren’s fight with Nelson should have gone to sudden death. He’s 22 and on the rise. Madsen’s chin was also exposed by Schaub. Wren KO 2.