![[SPORTS] UFC 231 MAIN CARD/PRELIMS PREDICTIONS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8817-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 6, 2018 | SPORTS
UFC Featherweight Title Collision Could Be A Barnburner
UFC 231: Holloway-Ortega
The UFC returns back to Canada live on PPV this Saturday with two huge title fights.
In a highly anticipated showdown, No. 1 ranked featherweight contender Brian Ortega will put his undefeated record on the line when he challenges UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 231 at the Scotiabank Arena.
The co-headliner will be a UFC women’s flyweight title fight between No. 1 ranked flyweight contender Valentina Shevchenko and former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
Before then, we’ll dive into the two title fights as well as predict the rest of the main card and prelims.
Let’s get started!
Max Holloway (-130) vs Brian Ortega (EVEN)
This fight was cancelled back in July when the two were scheduled to face off in the co-main event of UFC 226.
It marked the third time Max Holloway pulled out of a fight in 2018 and it will mark a year since he’s been inside the octagon.
While Holloway has put together a run of dominance in the featherweight division since losing to Conor McGregor ages ago, one has to wonder if “Blessed” will show some rust.
Max Holloway (19-3, 15-3 UFC) won the UFC featherweight title in June of last year by 3rd-Round TKO over long-time featherweight king Jose Aldo at UFC 212 in Brazil. He went on to do it again last December in Detroit, but has not fought since.
This is a terrible opponent to have rust against, as Brian Ortega might be the scariest Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in the sport right now.
Ortega (14-0, 6-0 UFC) last competed on March 3rd at UFC 222 when he stunned Frankie Edgar with a 1st-Round TKO victory on short notice. That victory further showed the diversity in Ortega’s game, something that could lead to a fire fight between he and Holloway.
As great as Max Holloway has been, there’s something special about Brian Ortega and his pursuit of the UFC featherweight title seems more like destiny for him. Max Holloway has only been finished once in his UFC career, a submission loss to Dustin Poirer in his UFC debut.
He’ll be submitted once again here after Ortega takes advantage of Holloway getting too creative with his striking.
Prediction: Brian Ortega By Round 3 Submission
Valentina Shevchenko (-360) vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk (+270)
When Valentina Shevchenko (15-3, 4-2 UFC) and Joanna Jedrzejczyk (15-2, 9-2 UFC) lock horns on Saturday night, it won’t be the first time these twon have met in combat. Valentina Shevchenko holds three wins over Joanna Jedrzejczyk in kickboxing competition.
That may play a psychological role in this one, but Jedrzejczyk taking this fight shows that she believes in her ability to win this fight now that its inside of the octagon. Between the two, Shevchenko is the better wrestler, but Jedrzejczyk showed in her last fight vs. Tecia Torres she can do that, and she’s all also improved in her takedown defense from her first fight with Claudia Gadhela.
This fight will likely be on the feet throughout, and I have to give the edge to Shevchenko due to her countering ability. Jedrzejczyk’s boxing and jab should provide some interesting moments in her quest for history, but with Shevchenko’s excellence in fighting with range and in the pocket, she’ll fulfill her dreams of becoming a UFC world champion.
Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko by unanimous decision
Jimi Manuwa (+175) vs Thiago Santos (-225)
A rescheduled bout that was set to be a main event a few months ago in Brazil, Manuwa has the punching power to cause Santos trouble that others have.
In his first fight at 205 pounds, however, Santos looked as good as he’s looked in years in a dazzling display vs. Eryk Anders, a fight in which he forced Anders body to quit as he won by 3rd-Round TKO.
Can Manuwa close the distance without taking punishment? That’s the question for this fight, and while it’s a toss up, I’ll take the Englishman here.
Prediction: Jimi Manuwa by Round 2 TKO
Gunnar Nelson (-140) vs Alex Oliveira (+110)
Cowboy Oliveira is one of the most exciting guys in the sport because he promises violence one way or another. We all remember his classic war with Yancy Meideros last year (Can we get a rematch of that fight?) when they blew the roof off of Little Caesars Arena in the Motor City.
He faces a fighter in Gunnar Nelson who will look to get this fight to the ground as quickly as possible. Oliveira has underrated Jiu-Jitsu, but when it comes to positional grappling, there’s few in the welterweight division who can handle Nelson’s.
Coming off a knockout loss, Nelson also needs to prove to himself he can win on the feet against a dangerous striker in Oliveira.
Prediction: Gunnar Nelson by Round 2 submission
Hakeem Dawodu (-185) vs Kyle Bochniak (+150)
This is supposed to be a showcase fight for Hakeem Dawodu in his homeland of Canada, who even with a loss in his UFC debut to Danny Henry projects to be a top prospect in the featherweight division. He gets a stiff test in Kyle Bochniak, who has no fear in getting hit.
The last part of that line is most important, because Dawodu will certainly be wary of that if Bochniak tries to turn this fight into a ugly one in close quarters. Bochniak’s chin is real, and if Zabit Magomedsharipov couldn’t put him away with what he hit him with, Dawodu certainly won’t.
But he’ll still win.
Prediction: Hakeem Dawodu by unanimous decision
UFC 231 Prelims
Claudia Gadhela vs Nina Ansaroff
Prediction: Claudia Gadhela by unanimous decision
Katlyn Chookagian vs Jessica Eye
Prediction: Katlyn Chookagian by unanimous decision
Eryk Anders vs Elias Theodorou
Prediction: Elias Theodorou by unanimous decision
Oliver Aubin-Mercier vs Gilbert Burns
Prediction: Oliver Aubin-Mercier by Round 2 submission
Aleksandar Rakic vs Devin Clark
Prediction: Devin Clark by Round 2 TKO
Brad Katona vs Matthew Lopez
Prediction: Brad Katona by Round 1 submission
Chad Laprise vs Douglas Lima
Prediction: Douglas Lima by Round 3 TKO
Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Jesse Ronson
Prediction: Carlos Diego Ferreira by unanimous decision
What are your thoughts ahead of UFC 231? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] GOLDSCHMIDT TRADED TO ST. LOUIS CARDINALS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8818-1.jpg?resize=656%2C369&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 6, 2018 | SPORTS
Former Diamondbacks First Baseman On The Move
Coming up short of a playoff birth in 2018, the St. Louis Cardinals made a splash here at the beginning of the winter that strongly announces their intentions to contend in 2019.
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a multiplayer deal on Wednesday.
The Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange will receive Luke Weaver, Carson Kelly and Andy Young. In addition to that, the Diamondbacks will also receive a 2019 Competitive Balance Round B draft pick from the St Louis.
Goldschmidt, one of the MLB’s premier sluggers, bolsters a Cardinals lineup that took off in the second half of the season after the team fired World Series winning manager Mike Matheny.
The 31-year-old slugger has been named an All-Star in each of the past six seasons. This past season he batted .290 with 33 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 35 doubles. He also walked 90 times, finishing with a .922 OPS, which ranked third in the National League.
The St. Louis Cardinals went 88-74 last season, finishing in third place behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Team president John Mozeliak and the Cardinals front office believe this move will improve St. Louis’ offense, which finished tied for 10th in runs scored with 759 runs.
Goldschmidt leaves the Arizona Diamondbacks franchise as one of it’s best ever players. Since 2012, he’s been one of the best hitters in the MLB and has a good glove at first base. He ranks sixth in home runs (201), third in RBIs (684) and 3rd in OBP (.400).
He is set to be a free agent following the 2019 season in which he is scheduled to make $14.5 million.
What are your thoughts on the St. Louis Cardinals adding Goldy? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] DARNOLD A FULL GO IN PRACTICE; TO RETURN VS BILLS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8819-1-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 6, 2018 | SPORTS
Jets’ QB Set For First Game Since Week 9
The New York Jets are playing for pride over the final four games, with a number of coaches coaching for their futures even if they are not viewed in the Jets future plans.
In the future plans of the Jets is Sam Darnold, who is inching closer to making a return back to the football field.
Sam Darnold was a full participant for the New York Jets on Wednesday and the Jets expect him to start vs. the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Darnold has missed the past three games for the New York Jets with a sprained ankle and the downward slide for the Jets has continued in his absence.
Gang Green has dropped all three games to fall to a 3-9 mark with six straight losses. Not having Darnold play in all 16 games might be a blessing in disguise, as the 21-year-old quarterback has dealt with losing top targets at wide receiver and tight-end as well as at running back.
Darnold will return coming off the worst game of his rookie campaign as he threw four interceptions in a 13-6 loss vs. the Miami Dolphins on the road back in Week 9.
He has thrown 14 interceptions this season, which are still an NFL-high despite missing the last three games.
Should the Jets sit out Darnold? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL MVP LADDER: MAHOMES RETAKES THE LEAD](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8815-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 5, 2018 | SPORTS
But Mahomes Has New Competitor For Award
While there are a number of players who can make their case for the award, the NFL MVP race is a tight one between Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees.
Appearing to have control over the lead after a number of outstanding performances in huge wins, Drew Brees and the Saints came back to reality, and his performance last Thursday in Big D was one of his worst in his 13-year career in the Bayou.
Because of that, Patrick Mahomes leaped ahead of him in the NFL MVP race as we near the conclusion of the regular season.
Here are my NFL MVP rankings heading into Week 14 of the NFL regular-season.
NFL MVP Ladder
1. Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes torched the lowly Oakland Raiders for 295 passing yards and four touchdowns in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 40-33 win in Oakland. He now has 41 touchdown passes this season, as he is the youngest to reach the 40-TD plateau.
2. Drew Brees
Even while throwing for 127 passing yards with a interception last Thursday, Drew Brees still has a NFL-high 123.2 Passer Rating, which is on pace to break Aaron Rodgers’ record set back in 2011 when he had a 122.5 Passer Rating.
3. Todd Gurley
He’s leading the NFL in rushing and is a polished pass catcher after not being much of a factor in his first few seasons in the NFL. Without Gurley, Los Angeles’ play-action pass game is not what it is today, making him a top candidate for this year’s award.
4. Philip Rivers
Rivers has been a model of consistency in 2017. He’s on pace for career-highs in Passer Rating (115.7) and completion percentage (69.7)
5. Jared Goff
Goff is coming off a rather pedestrian performance. Still, he’s having a strong season for the team with the NFL’s best record at 11-1.
6. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson has had help this season at running back, but he’s the most valuable player to a Seahawks team that has dealt with major injuries and drastic turnover on defense. He’s once again having a amazing season, throwing 29 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
7. Aaron Donald
The one defensive player deserving of being here, Aaron Donald is a unstoppable machine on the Rams defensive line. In just his past three games he has 6.5 sacks, bringing his total up to 16.5 with four games left in the season.
8. Alvin Kamara
With 1,297 total yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns, Alvin Kamara is the the Saints most important offensive weapon. He had a quiet game in Week 13, but don’t expect that to continue this week vs Tampa Bay.
9. Andrew Luck
Luck’s NFL MVP chances took a major hit when he and his Indianapolis Colts failed to score in a 6-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. He came into the game with eight straight games win at least three touchdown passes.
10. DeAndre Hopkins
He’s a long shot to win the award, but it’s hard to ignore the consistency of DeAndre Hopkins. The Houston Texans have been mostly a balanced offensive team with a heavy focus early on the run game, but that hasn’t effected Hopkins, who ranks in the top 5 in nearly every statistic for wide receivers. He’s also been huge for a team that’s won nine straight games.
Who’s your NFL MVP to this point? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL WEEK 14 POWER RANKINGS: WHICH COACHES SEATS ARE HOT, WARM, OR COLD?](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8803-1-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 4, 2018 | SPORTS
Who’s Coaching For Their Job And Who’s Not?
Through 13 weeks of the NFL season, we’ve already seen two head coaches bite the dust due to underachieving and underperforming teams.
Mike McCarthy is the latest coach to be axed, as he was fired following the Green Bay Packers shocking 20-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at home, which dropped Green Bay to 4-7-1.
While he’s been a popular punching bag by fans in Wisconsin, it’s hard to pin all of the blame on McCarthy. The Packers have dealt with a rash of injuries on offense and defense, and Aaron Rodgers is not having his best season despite only one interception on the year.
Truthfully, it was time for Green Bay to move on from their Super Bowl winning coach. Consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance are where a franchise that expects to contend is headed.
Here, we will be evaluating each head coach’s seat and determine if their seat is hot, warm, or cold.
Let’s get started!
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-1)
Sean McVay is 26-7 over his first two seasons as the head coach of The Los Angeles Rams and has them in position to win the Super Bowl this season. His seat is relatively cold,
2. New Orleans Saints (10-2)
Sean Payton has been in New Orleans for 13 seasons and his Saints have made six times. That number will reach seven in 2018, and with a team in contention for its second Super Bowl, the seat is cold.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (10-2)
Even after going one and done in the past two postseasons, the Kansas City Chiefs were always going to give Reid’s vision with Patrick Mahomes the necessary time. Mahomes is having an MVP season in his first season as a starter, thus, Reid’s seat is cold.
4. New England Patriots (9-3)
Supposed friction within the organization between Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Robert Kraft could have led to this being the end of the New England Patriots, but here they are, 9-3 and cruising to yet another division title. Belichick’s seat is cold.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (9-3)
Anthony Lynn may win Coach of the Year for his work in Los Angeles this season, and why not. After dealing with the change in cities, a relatively young group and a 0-4 start last season, his Chargers are 18-6. Lynn’s seat is cold.
6. Houston Texans (9-3)
At 0-3, it appeared Bill O’Brien’s seat was warming up, but the Houston Texans have won nine straight and are enroute to a division title. His seat is cold.
7. Chicago Bears (8-4)
Matt Nagy in his first season as Chicago Bears head coach already has them on the verge of a division title. His seat is cold.
8. Dallas Cowboys (7-5)
Jason Garrett’s seat was red hot after a 28-14 loss by the Dallas Cowboys just three weeks ago, but here are the Cowboys, winners of three straight, now in position to win the NFC East. His seat is moderately cold for now.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4-1)
Mike Tomlin in his tenure in Pittsburgh doesn’t have a losing season, even when the team was in transition and having an obvious youth movement. They’re leading the AFC North, but the lead has dwindled to a game. If their struggles continue, his seat may get warm, but for now it’s cold.
10. Baltimore Ravens (7-5)
John Harbaugh’s seat was hot with Baltimore at 4-5, but with three consecutive wins and a clear avenue to a playoff spot, his seat is warm at the moment.
11. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
Pete Carroll has the Seattle Seahawks performing at a level that many didn’t feel was possible after the departures of Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman and also a season-ending Week 4 injury to Earl Thomas, but at 7-5 and a reasonably clear road to a playoff spot, his seat is cold.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-5-1)
The Minnesota Vikings have followed a 13-3 campaign in 2017 by being a team that’s battling just to make the postseason. Still, the front office loves Mike Zimmer, and we won’t forget that he’s still one of the greatest defensive minds in pro football. His seat is cold.
13. Indianapolis Colts (6-6)
The Indianapolis Colts having six wins at this juncture of the season with a chance at the postseason is news to anyone, even in Indianapolis. Frank Reich is going to be here for quite some time. His seat is cold.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-6)
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl win. Doug Pederson could’ve went 0-16 this season and still receive a vote of confidence. His seat is cold.
15. Carolina Panthers (6-6)
Ron Rivera’s Carolina Panthers have lost four straight games, with him having a personal hand in one of those games as he elected to go for two at the end of a 20-19 loss to the Detroit Lions a few weeks ago. It’s safe to say his seat has grown warm.
16. Denver Broncos (6-6)
The Denver Broncos have been in just about every game they’ve played this season, which might be an indictment Vance Joseph. But they have won three straight, with two over AFC contenders. The postseason is a realistic possibility. His seat is cold, for now.
18. Tennessee Titans (6-6)
A 6-6 record is not what anyone would’ve wanted, but Mike Vrabel is doing a solid job in his first year as head coach. His seat is cold.
15. Washington Redskins (6-6)
Washington’s injuries at quarterback as well as on the offensive line and defense, have turned what was once a contending 5-2 Washington Redskins team into a team that will be lucky to finish .500. Gruden may not survive yet another season like that. His seat is warm.
19. Miami Dolphins (6-6)
Adam Gase already has a playoff appearance under his belt. That, along with the rash of injuries Miami has dealt with, should be protection for him moving forward. His seat is cold.
20. Cleveland Browns (4-7-1)
Gregg Williams is serving as the Cleveland Browns interim head coach.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
It seems like the only thing that may save Dirk Koetter’s job is an 8-8 or 9-7 finish for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Neither of those results will make the front office particularly happy, but it would show the team is playing for its head coach. His seat is hot.
22. Green Bay Packers (4-7-1)
Green Bay fired their head coach Mike McCarthy after Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Joe Philbin is serving as interim head coach.
23. Atlanta Falcons (4-8)
Dan Quinn’s Atlanta Falcons were decimated by injuries early in the season and that compromised the team, especially on defense. This might have been a warm seat for Quinn if that wasn’t the case, but it’s hard to put their 4-8 mark squarely on his shoulders. His seat is cold.
24. Detroit Lions (4-8)
It would be bizarre for the Detroit Lions to fire Matt Patricia after one full season as coach, but for a team that’s finished 9-7 in each of the past two seasons, it certainly makes you wonder. His seat is cold.
25. Cincinnati Bengals (5-7)
The Cincinnati Bengals just gave Marvin Lewis a contract extension, and after a 4-1 start the Bengals appeared to be on the verge of a breakout. Fast forward six games later, the Bengals aren’t a factor in the AFC playoff picture. His seat is warm.
26. Buffalo Bills (4-8)
Sean McDermott’s defense is what you would expect, and the Buffalo Bills just ended one of the longest playoff droughts in sports last season. He’ll coach on past this season. His seat is cold.
27. New York Giants (4-8)
The New York Giants have won three out of their past four games, and while changes are on the horizon, Pat Shurmur won’t be apart of them. The test will come for Shurmur in 2019, who will likely have a new quarterback at the helm.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)
After a 3-1 start, Doug Marrone’s Jacksonville Jaguars were sitting pretty, but after losing seven straight games, you could begin to hear those whispers. Considering they advanced to the AFC Championship last season, the front office will likely look themselves in the mirror after bringing back Blake Bortles as the starting quarterback instead of offing Marrone. Maybe. His seat is warm.
29. Arizona Cardinals (3-9)
Steve Wilks’ Arizona Cardinals are in the middle of a rebuild, and the Cardinals front office understands that. They’ve been a more competitive team of late if you erase that 45-10 disaster in Week 12 vs the Los Angeles Chargers, and are coming off a victory in Green Bay. His seat is cold.
30. New York Jets (3-9)
The New York Jets once upon a time were 10-5, coming off a win vs. their arch-nemesis New England Patriots. Today, they are 3-9, and Todd Bowles has to share much of the blame. The defense isn’t elite or improving and the team loses close games. His seat is hot
31. San Francisco 49ers (2-10)
Kyle Shanahan is another coach who’s team has been dealt a big blow with injuries, namely losing his starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Because of that, the San Francisco 49ers will he inclined to give Shanahan a actual full year with his franchise quarterback in 2019. His seat is cold
32. Oakland Raiders (2-10)
The Oakland Raiders are the NFL’s worst football team, but after giving Jon Gruden a 10-year/$100 million contract this past offseason, this is year one of a 10-year scope. Gruden’s seat is cold.
What are your thoughts on this week’s NFL power rankings? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] TAGOVAILOA, MURRAY, HASKINS NAMED FINALISTS FOR HEISMAN](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8810-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 4, 2018 | SPORTS
Who’s Going Home Immortalized Forever?
Three players who dominated through the air in 2018 will be in New York City this Saturday for a chance at college football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins were selected as the finalists for the 2018 Heisman Trophy Award, which will be awarded on Saturday at the Marriot Marquis in Times Square in New York City.
During the regular-season, all three of these outstanding signal callers led their teams to new offensive heights,
Tagovailoa, who was named the starting quarterback heading into his sophomore year, dominated throwing the football.
He finished the season throwing for 3,333 passing yards with 37 touchdowns while throwing four interceptions. He also rushed for five touchdowns.
Murray, a two-sport athlete who will make the jump to the MLB following his outstanding season at Oklahoma, has a remarkable season as he finished with 4,053 passing yards with 40 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He also dominated on the ground, as the dual-threat quarterback rushed for 892 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Dwayne Haskins, who figures to forgo a junior year for the NFL Draft after this season, finished with 4,580 passing yards with 47 touchdowns to eight interceptions. He added four touchdowns on the ground as well as he led Ohio State to a Big Ten title.
There is going to be quite a debate over who should win this award. While Tagovailoa’s numbers don’t compare with his competitors, he played less than the two because of how dominant his team was.
Alabama won every game they played in this season by an average of 33.1 PPG, forcing him onto the bench in the second halves of games.
In comparisons with Oklahoma (17.1 PPG) and Ohio State (17.8), it’s not much of a contest. That also could play a role in Kyler Murray, in particular, winning the award as he was such a driving force in a team finishing 12-1 with a Big 12 title.
Murray’s performance allowed a team with a suspect defense to breathe easy throughout the season as Murray had one so-so performance this season.
Whomever wins the award, it’ll be hard to question the Heisman voters decision.
Who should win the Heisman Trophy Award? Leave your comments below!
