UFC80 RapidFire: The Undercard is a One Deck Shoe

UFC80 is upon us and we're expected to get excited about seeing BJ Penn smack up someone else. Before we get to the main event, let's take a look at some of the action that the folks across "the pond" will be seeing up close and personal. At least this UFC event doesn't have so many fighters coming off long breaks from the Octagon. So, here goes:

Per Eklund vs Sam Stout: Eklund hails from Sweeden and Stout from Canada. For us in the Newbie ranks there's nothing but shrugs from our shoulders. This will be Eklund's first fight in the UFC but he has a MMA record of 14-2-1 which isn't bad. Stout has a few matches in the UFC already but hasn't won for a while. I think the Swede will take out Stout in 2.

James Lee vs Alessio Sakara: These two 205 pounders are going different directions. Sakara has lost three out of four UFC fights and is ready to call it quits at this level and go down a weight class where the pickings may be easier. Jame Lee is working on an 11 fight unbeaten record in MMA. This will be his first UFC fight. I don't think this will save Sakara who's just asking to say "uncle" in this match. Look for Lee to end it quickly.

Paul Kelly vs Paul Taylor: This will be an aggressive fight between two punch and kickers. It's almost a shame that this isn't a main carder but not everyone can be on the top. Kelly is the UFC Newbie in this match. Hmm... I'm seeing a trend in UFC80, "Newbies." At least this is better than UFC79's "Off the Couch-ers." Kelly has been training with a good crew and is well prepared but I think Taylor will pull out the win in this one.

Antoni Hardonk vs Colin Robinson: This fight features two UFC veterans for a change. Both of them aren't on Pay Per View because they haven't won in a while. Robinson has shown a little more "moxie" in his defeats while Hardonk was handled fairly quick in his last two bouts. They both need to step it and man it UP for this match, otherwise they might get their walking papers to the WCO! Judging by the non-event that happened this last weekend in San Diego, they'd better bring it!