ECW SyFy Results (02/02/10) Savannah introduced Vince McMahon, who came out wearing a pink and black tie. He stopped at the stage. He immediately said that ECW would be...
The welterweight matchup between British fighter Dan Hardy and Mike Swick, who's been around since graduating from the first season of the Ultimate Fighter, should prove to be a real bash-up. Hardy and Swick have been going at it in the media. Hardy has no love for his opponent and Swick thinks the whole thing is disrespectful. This has had good pre-fight built up.
UFC 105 Odds: Hardy is listed at +185 at this online sportsbook, with Swick at -225. The odds tell the story. Swick's rise was quick and decisive. He's only lost one fight as a signed UFC fighter. That was a 2007 UD loss against Yushin Okami at UFC 69. Even though Swick rattled Okami near the end of round two, Okami won by getting Swick to the ground and beating on him.
Since then Swick's been a quick study and has come back to amass an impressive 9-1 UFC record out of a 14-2 career record. With half of his wins by KO or TKO, I think Swick should get respect for his hands and his speed. He's also proven his fitness having gone the distance 4 times for a victory. With a few submissions in there as well, he's certainly capable of choking you out. His favorite flavor is the guillotine. Swick has consistently impressed me even after dropping down to welterweight from middleweight. The majority decision against Josh Burkman was a good fight. After gaining a 9-1 record, Swick called for his title shot. It looked like the fight against Kampmann at UFC 103 would decide who was next in line for GSP's title. When a training injury forced Swick out, Paul Daley stepped in and ended up defeating Kampmann. That threw the whole line-up into disarray. Swick will get his chance to prove his worthiness this Saturday in Manchester, England against a national Brit.
The crowd will certainly favor Dan Hardy. He's been competing since 2004 and is the current Cage Warriors welterweight and light-welterweight champion. He's put together an equally impressive 22-6-1 record. It's obvious he's been around and used to winning and being the champ. Even if the shows are not as big as the UFC, he's got a taste of the champion's mind. Remember Paul Daley? Hardy trains at the same club ��" Rough House Gym. He's also logged time with Xtreme Couture and the Wildcard Boxing Gym. He's even rolled in Eddie Bravo's world and received his purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu.
You have to remember the great and controversial pre-fight fiasco between Marcus Davis and Dan Hardy for UFC 99. If you don't, it's good homework and will get you caught up with how Hardy is willing to get personal with opponents in order to throw them off their game. It seems to have worked against Davis. I don't necessarily condone it, but it is worth noting. To me this confirms that Hardy will use all weapons available to him in order to win. This makes him exciting to promote and to watch. Davis wants a rematch. A personal rematch. How's that for effective head games?
Hardy's not afraid of much, and will stand right in front of Swick to prove something. This could turn into a real stand up battle or become a technician's game with the edge going to Swick. Hardy can also go the distance, so we could have a decision if both fighters end up giving each other too much respect after they start swinging or if Swick picks the smart game and out points the dangerous Hardy from the outside.
One thing is for sure, this is one of those fights where we will see the winner rise instantly and the loser will circle again. GSP is right above them. This is an important fight. I'm more excited about this one than the Couture vs. Vera match up.
UFC Betting Odds: I'm putting my money on Swick for technical edge and well roundedness.
