"UFC 84: Ill Will" Final Card Announced

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

Courtesy of MMAJunkie.com

The UFC today confirmed a handful of fights for "UFC 84: Ill Will" and finalized the televised main card, which airs May 24 on pay-per-view.

The 11-fight event, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, features a main event between UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn and former champ Sean Sherk. In a couple key light heavyweight bouts, Wanderlei Silva takes on Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz meets Lyoto Machida.

Also on the main card is Wilson Gouveia, who goes for his fifth straight UFC victory, and Thiago Silva, who goes for his fourth straight.

The televised card will feature at least five fights.

The full card includes:

MAIN CARD (TELEVISED)

Champ B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk (for lightweight title)
Keith Jardine vs. Wanderlei Silva
Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic
Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz
Thiago Silva vs. Antonio Mendes

PRELIMINARY CARD (NOT TELEVISED)

Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry
Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Rob Emerson vs. Terry Etim
John Koppenhaver vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Dong-Hyun Kim vs. Jason Tan
Shane Carwin vs. Christian Wellisch

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

I really have a problem with the Croatian Goran Reljic and Wilson Gouveia on the main card instead of Nakamura and Sokoudjou.

First of all, Reljic hasn't ever fought in the UFC, and Gouveia?? Sure he beat Jason Lambert, but Gouveia was getting his ass whooped before landing that lucky punch in that fight.

Sokoudjou has the type of style and physique, granted he brings it, to be a very marketable fighter for the UFC.

 

[rawli007]

Any thoughts on this Lyoto Machida/Tito Ortiz matchup??

Ive considered taking Ortiz at +160, but am sort of looking for someone to talk me out of it... mostly b/c Machida is so elusive.. he reminds me of nightcrawler -- every time an opponent tries to counter strike hes off bouncing around the cage somewhere.. he makes guys look stupid cuz hes so hard to tag.

With that said, I feel like the way Machida charges at his opponents could hurt him in this fight b/c his advances could lead to an easy takedown by Ortiz...

No plays as of yet, but the Wanderlei line is growing on me.. he is sitting at -160 right now..

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

Any thoughts on this Lyoto Machida/Tito Ortiz matchup??

Ive considered taking Ortiz at +160, but am sort of looking for someone to talk me out of it... mostly b/c Machida is so elusive.. he reminds me of nightcrawler -- every time an opponent tries to counter strike hes off bouncing around the cage somewhere.. he makes guys look stupid cuz hes so hard to tag.

With that said, I feel like the way Machida charges at his opponents could hurt him in this fight b/c his advances could lead to an easy takedown by Ortiz...

No plays as of yet, but the Wanderlei line is growing on me.. he is sitting at -160 right now..

After watching Machida dominate Sokoudjou, you know he's legit. Sokoudjou's hands are like throwing quick bolders at you. However, Tito's ground game is an elite level, just like Machida's. HOWEVER, nobody can convince me that Tito is as focused, and training as hard as he used to. Tito's been caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle since meeting Jena.

Honestly, if you're not confident in your picking on this fight, don't pick it. However, I would suggest taking Lyoto.

 

[rawli007]

HOWEVER, nobody can convince me that Tito is as focused, and training as hard as he used to. Tito's been caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle since meeting Jena.

See, this is another part im worried about. I feel like he should be more motivated than ever, b/c i think hes looking to start his own fight promotion after this fight (the last on his UFC contract) or if not sign with another promotion... and a win would be huge to keep Tito in good standing w/ his fans and other organizations....

however....... he has been spending a lot of time with the media lately and i just cant trust the guy. he doesnt always seem to have the brightest of game plans, either

gonna have to pass on this one.

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

Good luck Rawli007- You do bring up good counter arguments that would make one think so. He's going to walk, he's already stated so. You would think that he'd be motivated and trying to go out on a bang, prove to the UFC, etc...

But, Tito isn't the old Tito. Tito also isn't a normal person who would typically think the way we do.

Honestly, I'll be rooting for Tito. I've never really HATED him, but I do think he's a jackass. I just don't like Lyoto too much. He's too arrogant for his own good. Great fighter with no wow factor. He's so talented that he could honestly bore himself to a title until he wanted to give it up.

 

[layinwood]

I don't think Tito can beat him. Tito is definitely just a shell of his old self. He was way bigger than Rashad and he didn't do crap against him. That was always how Tito beat people was because he was so big.

I've never liked Machida much but I'm starting to respect him. He seems to be as professional as one can be. Plus this fight is very big for him, I think it sets him up for a shot at the belt if he wins here.

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

Machida IMO is P4P one of the best fighters in the world. I think he could hold the title in any weight class from **, LHW, HW. He's just boring, and that's why you haven't seen him get a title shot yet.

 

[rawli007]

thanks fellas..

thanks fellas..

The more i think of this the more Tito sounds like a bad play... i just cant picture him with his hand raised at the end of the night.

First off, Tito doesnt pose any kind of problem on his feet and it's no help that Lyoto is such an elusive target. Secondly, i dont think ive ever seen Lyoto lose A ROUND, much less a fight (hes still undefeated)... This almost seems like a plot by the UFC to make sure Tito leaves the organization with a loss in his last fight. ... and ur both right, there has been no noticeable improvement in Tito's game these last few years.

Im not willing to risk it... wouldnt be surprised if it does go to decision, though.

 

[The Sponge]

I think the Tito fight is gonna be an absolute bore fest. I can't believe anyone is talking about the Vandy /Jardine match. This one could be fantastic. I think it will be the fight of the night easily. Im not to siked about watching Shirk trying to just smother BJ. I hope BJ ends it quick but Shirk has a world class Jaw. If i had to bet any of the three matches it would be Machida in a three round bore fest. 2nd Jardine in an upset, third i can't take Penn and then watch him gas after two but i can't take Shirk either. guys coming off steroids don't seem to fare that well.

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

I think the Tito fight is gonna be an absolute bore fest. I can't believe no one is talking about the Vandy /Jardine match. This one could be fantastic. I think it will be the fight of the night easily. Im not to siked about watching Shirk trying to just smother BJ. I hope BJ ends it quick but Shirk has a world class Jaw. If i had to bet any of the three matches it would be Machida in a three round bore fest. 2nd Jardine in an upset, third i can't take Penn and then watch him gas after two but i can't take Shirk either. guys coming off steroids don't seem to fare that well.

Trust me, I want to. However, last time I did, Wandy didn't fair too well. I haven't seen a PPV yet since he's lost. This one will be the next.

 

[rawli007]

The Wandy/Jardine fight should be incredible.. i dont know what else to say about this one. should be an absolute brawl. :0corn

The BJ Penn/Sean Sherk fight i think will be more competitive than most others think (most people ive heard from arent giving Sherk a chance :scared )..

i see it being primarily a slugfest (and both have good chins)...

...if Sherk is smart he will do everything in his power to keep the fight standing, as he should... If Sherk is dumb enough to take BJ to the ground, sherk's night could end quickly.. i dont particularly see BJ trying takedowns early on.

it's hard for me not to think Sherk wont have the advantage in the later rounds b/c he is such a cardio freak... i know BJ has rededicated himself to his training, but few to 0 people can go five rounds as easily as Sherk can. :SIB

Ok im done.. my vision has no end b/c i dont have a clue when or how this fight ends. :shrug: However, i hope BJ mauls him. BJ is one of my favorite athletes in all of sports right now and i will be pulling HARD for him to win. :0corn :thumb:

 

[The Sponge]

Raw i have to disagree with you about the BJ fight. I think Sherk wants this on the round probably some time in the middle of round one and just maul BJ to death. He will just keep his head right in BJ chest and maul away. As soon as BJ starts to gas he basically gets sloppy and gives up. Sherks standup to me is not even in BJ class. To me this is BJ's to lose. He gases he loses. If he can get the submission early he wins. BJ had to see how Herma Franca got a few of those big knees off on Sherk. BJ has some nasty knees. To risky to bet for my taste.

 

[kegray1]

Anyone watch Butterbean get beat down yet again last night.
He needs to give it up.
Oleg looked solid for an old guy.

 

[rawli007]

Raw i have to disagree with you about the BJ fight. I think Sherk wants this on the round probably some time in the middle of round one and just maul BJ to death. He will just keep his head right in BJ chest and maul away.

Sponge, the scenario u describe is very possible.. when it comes down to it my vision is very blurry with this matchup. My last post was what i came up with after a few :drinky: last night. :mj07:

If Sherk does play his usual nursing act and bury his head in BJs chest and pound away... i expect BJ to be very active with submission attempts like a sit-up kimura, etc. And BJs takedown defense is some of the best in the game if he doesnt personally want it to go to the ground.

Overall i will probably let the betting slide for UFC 84. maybe a small play on Wanderlei just b/c i love to have some action on these events... nothing substantial b/c Jardine is very capable of winning and has ssuch an awkward style.

Anybody seen the lines for Penn/Sherk?? just out of curiousity... my book has yet to post.

 

[kickserv]

ummm....why anybody talking about UFC 84....umm GSP baby...UFC 83...GSP..GSP....



odds depending on what book you use:


Wanderlei Silva -155 -180 -165 -160
Keith Jardine +125 +140 +135 +140


Tito Ortiz +185 +180 +160 +180
Lyoto Machida -225 -220 -200 -220


BJ Penn -215 -220 -230
Sean Sherk +175 +180 +190

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

ummm....why anybody talking about UFC 84....umm GSP baby...UFC 83...GSP..GSP....



odds depending on what book you use:


Wanderlei Silva -155 -180 -165 -160
Keith Jardine +125 +140 +135 +140


Tito Ortiz +185 +180 +160 +180
Lyoto Machida -225 -220 -200 -220


BJ Penn -215 -220 -230
Sean Sherk +175 +180 +190

Because it's STAAACKED!

The only fight in this next PPV even worthy of buying the PPV for me is just the title match. Sure, there are other fights I'd like to see, but I need headliners.

 

[The Sponge]

Trust me, I want to. However, last time I did, Wandy didn't fair too well. I haven't seen a PPV yet since he's lost. This one will be the next.

Bucks he lost but when you give an effort like he did it takes the sting out of it in my book.

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

Bucks he lost but when you give an effort like he did it takes the sting out of it in my book.

I would agree as a casual fan, but I'm a die hard. My MMA interest lives and dies with Wandy!!

I really wish he woulda jumped on Chuck, or went after him when he knocked him down.

Wandy's biggest weakness, IMO, is he wants to put on a show for the fans, and I think sometimes that takes away from him putting any sort of gameplan together.

 

[rawli007]

I really wish he woulda jumped on Chuck, or went after him when he knocked him down.

Wandy's biggest weakness, IMO, is he wants to put on a show for the fans, and I think sometimes that takes away from him putting any sort of gameplan together.

I fully agree.. Wandy wasnt sharp enough to learn anything from Chuck's fight w/ Keith Jardine. Leg kicks clearly help to neutralize Chuck's attack. Also, the possum act Wandy played that fight will never fare well against Chuck b/c Chuck is so good when his opponents back is against the cage... and Wanderlei doesnt have the reach to strike while going backwards.

i hope Wandy comes back strong and fights like his old self -- there wasnt really a "feeling out" stage in his Pride fights like there was against Chuck... if ya know what i mean.

STILL, Liddell/Silva in my top two for favorite fights of 2007... i really liked Rampage/Henderson as well.

My favorite Wandy clip: http://youtube.com/watch?v=wN_Bjw90Fdo
notice some of the matches are bareknuckle