‘The Ultimate Fighter 8’ Finale Breakdown

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Shane Primm

The bottom line: The outlook’s grim for Primm, as he has no business tangling with the far more savvy and skilled Soszynski. There’s really nowhere for Primm to hide in this one, as the Canadian holds the edge in both the striking and grappling departments and wields far more experience. This one will not be pretty, as Soszynski mauls Primm from the opening bell.

Eliot Marshall vs. Jules Bruchez

The bottom line: In another example of the skill and experience disparity that often plagues “The Ultimate Fighter” Finale, Bruchez’s simply not in Marshall’s league skill-wise. While Marshall does have a bad habit of failing to show up for fights, that typically comes up when he’s faced with an opponent who can test him. He has no such worries against Bruchez, who will be lucky to make it out of the opening frame.

Kyle Kingsbury vs. Tom Lawlor

The bottom line: Finally, something resembling an evenly matched scrap, as Kingsbury and Lawlor make for a solid style clash. While both men can handle themselves standing, Lawlor’s major deficiency was his ground game and seeming inability to execute a gameplan. That’s a significant flaw when you’re heading into an organization where losses can be kisses of death. If I were Lawlor, I’d start calling some local promotions that need headliners.

Shane Nelson vs. George Roop

The bottom line: This one has the potential to be the star of the undercard. Nelson and Roop are solid fighters with an axe to grind after their time on the show was cut short by the two lightweight finalists. With a spot in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division up for grabs, expect Roop’s methodical style to stifle Nelson’s at times unfocused approach. More importantly, if lightweight champion B.J. Penn’s in the audience, expect a close-up of Nelson’s disappointed mentor.

Roli Delgado vs. John Polakowski

The bottom line: The lanky affluent Cuban versus the hug-loving brawler. This is why I love MMA. Do not expect some silky-smooth serenade of stylistic grace, but you should anticipate plenty of fun, as Polakowski’s straight-forward striking style and Delgado’s simian reach and sterile takedowns should make for an enjoyable scrap on the feet. Delgado did far better than anyone thought he would in his quarter-final match against Junie Allen Browning, but count on Polakowski’s wildness working in his favor, as he notches a unanimous decision nod.