The UFC welcomes back one of its favourite sons this weekend in what is sure to be a blockbuster card.
Not only will George St Pierre make his return to the cage after over a year and a half out, in the co-main event Martin Kampmann and Johny Hendricks will work out who will be next to challenge for the welterweight title.
Also in action will be a string of Canadian fighters all looking to impress their home crowd.
But will it be a welcome back party to be remembered for the home town boy GSP, or will ‘The Natural Born Killer’ spoil the fun? Well sit back, relax and find out what to expect in the latest instalment of The Roaring Predictions.
George St Pierre (22-2) v Carlos Condit (28-5)
There are too many unknowns in this fight for my liking. First and foremost for me is which Carlos Condit will turn up. Will it be The Natural Born Killer who brutally knocked out Dan Hardy, Dong Hyun Kim and Rory McDonald, or will it be the back pedalling point scorer who just scrapped past Nick Diaz earlier this year?
I think his best chance is to use his Muay Thai to rush St-Pierre early, look for a knockout and not let GSP regain his rhythm, because no one plays the tactical point scoring game better than St-Pierre. In the end I expect St-Pierre’s all round class to shine through and take the decision.
Prediction: St-Pierre by decision
Martin Kampmann (20-5) v Johny Hendricks (13-1)
This one is tight, both these guys have knocked off some big names on the way to this match and with a possible title shot on the line neither will be lacking in motivation.
On their feet both these fighters are highly skilled and can produce the big knockout strikes, however Kampmann’s technical superiority and reach advantage may lead Hendricks to take this one to the ground. If Hendricks gets him down there regularly I can’t see Kampmann winning, but on their feet it is a bit more of a toss-up.
Ultimately I’m going to back Hendricks because, while Kampmann has had some tough fights, Johny has gone through Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck in his last two fights and I don’t see Kampmann stopping that kind of momentum.
Prediction: Hendricks by TKO in round 2
Francis Carmont (19-7) v Tom Lawlor (8-4)
This fight shapes up as the classic up-and-comer against the gate-keeper. Lawlor has solid wrestling and plenty of UFC experience but I fancy the up-and-coming Carmont in this one.
The Frenchman, who is now based in Montreal, has a string of victories coming in and, while Lawlor is certainly a step up, I think he will be able to handle the match-up. Carmont has the advantage on his feet but the real test will be if the fight heads to the floor, where Lawlor has a clear advantage.
Prediction: Carmont TKO in round 1
Nick Ring (13-1) v Costa Philppou (11-2)
Both these fighters will be eyeing off a run towards the top of the middleweight division if successful here. Philppou has hung back in his most recent fights, so Ring’s more aggressive style will make it an interesting style clash.
I believe Philppou has the skill to win this one but I think a normally aggressive Ring will gain extra legs fighting in front of the Canadian crowd and will just be too much for Philppou to handle.
Prediction: Ring by decision
Mark Hominick (20-11) v Pablo Garza (11-3)
Both these guys have had a string of recent losses and the loser may well wind up seeking new employment next week, so both will be pumped up for this bout.
Neither of these two have impressed with their recent outings but I am going to side with Hominick who will get an extra bounce in his step from the home crowd. Last time he was in Montreal he matched it with Jose Aldo and I expect he will make it past Garza.
Prediction: Hominick by TKO in round 3
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