UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Main Card Preview and Betting Lines

Added on Jan 19, 2011 by Brian Blake in

UFC & MMA

This Saturday evening UFC Fight Night 23: UFC Fight for the Troops 2 takes place at Fort Hood (which will be holding its third UFC event) in Killeen, Texas. The UFC along with Spike TV, which is televising the event, will be partnering with the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund which provides support for men and women in the United States Armed Forces who suffer from traumatic brain injuries. The main event will feature Melvin Guillard as he takes on the Evan Dunham who looks to get back to his winning ways after dropping a split decision to Sean Sherk back in September. Guillard, on the other hand hasn’t suffered a loss since being submitted by Nate Diaz in September of 2009. Originally, Dunham was to have faced Kenny Florian in the main event, but Guillard was asked to step in to fill the void after Florian suffered an injury. The televised portion of the card starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Evan Dunham (-225) vs. Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (+185)

It should come as no surprise that Guillard is the underdog in this one as he was called on to replace Kenny Florian. Florian and Dunham would have been an intriguing fight. Dunham and Guillard, not so much. With Guillard having 12 fights in the UFC he’s no slouch, but at the same time he’s no Kenny Florian. Florian would have been a much tougher test for the fast rising Dunham. But it is what it is. Guillard is most threatening while staying on his feet and striking. Dunham on the other hand would be best served to take the fight to the ground and attempt to submit Guillard. Most likely Guillard loses another fight via submission, but he always has a puncher’s chance if the fight stays on their feet.

Tim “The Thrashing Machine” Hague (+210) vs. Matt “Meathead” Mitrione (-270)

Fight fans can expect fireworks in this heavyweight clash. Both Hague and Mitrione throw bomb after bomb expecting to take their opponent’s heads off. Mitrione, the former Ultimate Fighter contender, has looked increasingly impressive since his KO win over Marcus Jones at the Ultimate Fighter finale. The former NFL player has gone on to stop Kimbo Slice and then went the distance for the first time in his career when he scored a unanimous decision over Joey Beltran. Now he looks to take his stand up game to the underdog Tim Hague. Hague, a former King of the Cage Heavyweight Champion, has eight KO’s under his belt as well as three submission wins. Don’t expect this one to go the distance. It’ll be a fun one as long as it lasts.

George Roop (+190) vs. Mark “The Machine” Hominick (-250)

With Roop and Hominick we have an intriguing featherweight match-up with possible title implications. If it were up to Hominick he would keep the fight on their feet and utilize his superior striking to break Roop down. Roop on the other hand happens to be the taller fighter and should work the jab to keep Hominick from picking him apart. Roop’s best chance of snagging a win is to take the fight to the ground where he has an advantage. Bottom line: If they stand and trade, Hominick wins. If it goes to the ground, Roop just might be able to pull it off.

Patrick “HD” Barry (-250) vs. Joey “Mexicutioner” Beltran (+190)

Expect a war of attrition in this heavyweight clash between Pat Barry and Joey Beltran. They both throw kicks and punches and they don’t stop until the bell rings. Both men will be hungrier than usual as they are both coming off of tough losses and are looking to get back into the win column. Barry will most likely press the action but Beltran has proven time and time again that he can take a shot. I see this one going the distance and possibly winning Fight of the Night honors.

Cole “Magrinho” Miller (-170) vs. Matt “Handsome” Wiman (+140)

The final preview involves lightweights Cole Miller and Matt Wiman. If I were a betting man I’d put my money on the favorite in Miller. Both guys like to start of striking and eventually will attempt to take their opponent down to the mat. That’s where Miller holds the advantage. Look for Miller to submit Wiman in the second round to win his fifth fight in the UFC.