PRIDE Fighting Championships

March 16, 2003 - Japan

Pride is only days away, and what a Pride it will be. Many thought that the Pride Organization was going to go down hill after the passing of the president of Pride. Well, that is not the case and this upcoming card proves it. There are eight incredible match-ups on the card.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, twin brother of the Pride heavyweight champ, will face Kazuhiro Nakamura. This should be an interesting fight due to the fact that both fighters know the ground game. Nogueira is well versed in Jiu-Jitsu while Nakamura is more judo. Nogueira should be able to win the fight since he does strike on top or on the ground. I give it to Nogueira by ref stoppage.

Another great fight will be Alex Steibling vs. Akira Shoji. This is a tough one to call. Both fighters have about equal ground and striking skills. If Steibling does not finish Shoji within the first minute or so, I expect
it will go the distance and to the judges score card. The decision will go to Steibling.

Next on the card is Alexander Otsuka vs. Kenichi Yamamoto. This fight will probably go the distance although Otsuka will try to finish it quick. You never know, Otsuka might pull it off in the first round. Doubtful but not impossible. Otsuka by decision.

Carlos Newton vs. Anderson Silva. This fight should be a great one. Newton is a incredible grappling technician but on the other hand, the Chute Boxe team says that Silva is one of their best grapplers. Both these fighters are quick, strong, and very skilled - one mistake will cost one of them the fight. I have to give this fight to one of my favorite fighters - Carlos Newton by SUBMISSION  - can’t wait to see this one!

Another great fight on the card is Dan Henderson vs. Shungo Oyama. We all saw Henderson battle it out with Noguiera (Pride Heavyweight champ) and at times, it seemed that Henderson had a chance to win that fight. Oyama is a little different opponent however.  Oyama is a hard hitter and is going to go for the knock out. I still give it to Henderson though - ref stoppage from blows.


Kazushi Sakuraba will fight Antonio Schembri.  Both of these men are great grapplers but will Schembri have the answers to beat Sakuraba when four Gracies couldn’t?  I doubt it but we will see. I hope Sakuraba is healthy. Sakuraba by ref stoppage due to punches.

One of the fights that every one is talking about is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Kevin Randleman.  The winner of this fight will be the number one contender for the middleweight title. Randleman will come out to prove that he is the best in his weight division but Jackson has something to prove too. Jackson is no joke and always finds a way to win. We spoke to Jackson not long ago and asked him how he felt about fighting Randleman. He told us that Randleman is very strong and very quick but that he is training specifically for him. I also asked if we would see the Rampage slam that he does on all his opponents.  He said "Randleman is too strong and is a great wrestler,  I don’t think I will be able to do that to him but if he gets caught slipping, I will take that chance and slam him too." I will go out on a limb and call it Jackson by TKO if Randleman doesn’t hold him on the ground too much.

And finally, the fight we've all been waiting for - Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fedor Emelianenko.  This will be a war between two great fighters but only one will win (we hope). I expect the same ole, same ole from Nogueira - he will tough it out in the beginning waiting to sink in a submission. Emelianenko will be able to avoid some submissions and at the same time, he will deliver some punishing blows (if you don’t believe me, ask Heath Herring, he can tell you). But even with Emelianenko delivering punishing blows, I still believe that Nogueira will win by SUBMISSION (perhaps a triangle?).

Talk to you after the fights,

Al

(3/14/03)