Winner: Manny Gamburyan
In the first round Manny came out on fire. Matt Wiman made attempt after attempt to take Manny down but was thwarted. Then surprisingly Manny started to take Wiman down and dominate. While in the mix Wiman got a cut near his eye. Luckily it was on the side and didn’t affect his vision. The round ended with Manny dominating Wiman and proving that his heart can overcome his size.
The second round started the same way the first ended. Manny got quick take down and burned half the round before Herb Dean made them stand up. Wiman landed a good punch and then made a weak attempt at a take down. In the process of being taken down Manny almost got Wiman in an arm lock, but Wiman came out of it on his back and almost got him in a rear naked choke, but Manny squirmed out of it and nearly landed in an arm bar. Wiman lost it and Manny finished the round pounding Wiman. After the round was over Manny won by a unanimous decision.
Winner: Nate Diaz
As I thought, Nate Diaz came out on top, but was very surprised to see Nate Diaz get dominated by Hill early. Diaz was so focused on taking Cory Hill down and getting a leg lock that he ate some punches and gave Hill the confidence to use his wrestling take down skills. Hill he took Diaz down in the middle of the round but his inexperience was the beginning of the end.
Once on the ground Hill couldn’t figure out how to center himself. Diaz, who has excellent Jiu Jitsu like his brother Nick Diaz, rotated his hips and used his flexibility to flip his legs over Cory’s shoulders. Initially it looked like he was going to go for a shoulder lock, but eventually was able to pull Cory into a triangle choke. Cory almost pulled out but Diaz pulled Cory’s head down and forced Hill’s tap shortly after.
Who we want to win: Nate Diaz
Who we think will win: Nate Diaz
I am big fan of the Diaz brothers. I was disappointed to see Nick Diaz struggle a little bit in his last couple of fights in the UFC, but his huge win over Gomi in PRIDE was really awesome to see. The same attitude and fighting ability comes through with Nick’s younger brother, Nate Diaz. Cory Hill being such an inexperienced fighter is going to get overwhelmed by Diaz. I believe that Hill will get submitted in the second round.
Who we want to win: Matt Wiman
Who we think will win: Matt Wiman
As long as Matt Wiman can keep his head and stay focused he will be able to beat Manny. Wiman’s only fight in the UFC is a loss to Spencer Fisher. It was a very exciting fight and Matt Wiman was probably beating Fisher until he decided to put his hands up for the crowd. When he did that Spencer Fisher came in with a huge flying knee to Wiman’s forehead that put him to sleep. Spencer has good stand up and is a stronger fighter than Manny. Gamburyan is no slouch himself. He is small but tough and has good blood running through his veins seeing that Karo Parysian is his cousin. Manny could pull this fight off, but only if Wiman has a mental lapse like he did against Fisher.
