Sloan: I need to redeem myself here as I am getting killed in these debates! I got lucky with the Tito Ortiz-Vitor Belfort pick because we agree that Vitor truly won the fight. But then I stupidly predicted that Ken Shamrock would beat Rich Franklin and figured Randy Couture would replicate his performance against Chuck Liddell. I am on a losing streak and now I predict that it will end. Franklin will score the win over Evan Tanner and walk away with the UFC middleweight title.
I am tired of picking against Franklin, as he has proven me wrong countless times. Lets see I picked him to lose against Tanner the first time, chose Shamrock over him, predicted that Marvin Eastman would steamroll him and then I figured hed crush Ryoto Machida. This guy is killing me! My string of horrible luck in pre-fight Franklin picks has to come to end some day and on Saturday, youll see ol Sloandiggity redeeming himself.
Were not going to see that same walking corpse waging war within the Octagon like when he fought Jorge Rivera. This time, Franklin the Pet Detective will not only look like himself, he will also look like an unbeatable force of MMA mastery. I just dont see Tanner winning as Franklin will score the win. I just dont know how hell do it, though
And since my good chum Greg Savage is playing hooky this time with the Great Sherdog Debate, our teen idol Editor, Josh Gross, has decided to fill in. Josh, what do you think and who is your pick?
Gross: While I may be pinch-hitting for our loveable (in a Michelin Man sort of way) author of the Savage Truth, I can hardly replace him. Let me clear something up: Its not that Savage is running short on time hes got plenty, trust me its that hes content batting .666. What that means, Ill leave for you to decide.
But since Im doing this, Im happy to stick your face in the mud one more time. Sorry Mike, youre on the wrong side. It starts with this whole weight-cutting thing you alluded to it in your opening salvo.
Quick, whats 205-185? And dont answer 20?
The short of it (because I dont want to blow my argument-winning wad this early) is that Tanner at 185 is a lot better than Tanner at 205. As far as Franklin, I cant say the same. Hes got one middleweight fight under his belt and struggled to put away Jorge Rivera, a tough fighter but not someone of Franklins pedigree.
The lesson here: An explosive light heavyweight isnt always better for shedding 20 pounds to battle middleweights.
Tanner was always undersized and, despite that, managed a good measure of success at 205. At 185, however, hes been great, improving in each of his four division wins. Finally, he enjoys the fruits of size and strength, instead of suffering opposite men that cut 10-15 pounds to make the weight.
Franklin isnt like a lot of these guys than can get away with cutting. He hasnt wrestled his entire life and to start working the weight off at this stage of his career hes 30 elicits a heavy price.
So, reason No. 1 in this little conversation of ours, Mike, clearly goes to me. You really want to continue this charade?