Heading into Legacy FC 7 on Friday July 22, 2011 we’ve gathered some of the top media experts in Houston MMA to provide you with their thought on the action and who they thing will win or lose. Joining our panel this time is Justin Trapp (FighterPortraits.com), Lance Edwards (TheCageDoor.net), Mike Calimbas (TXMMA.com), Eric Hofstetter (TheCageDoor.net), AJ Hoffman (TheCageDoor.net), Barry Laminack (TheCageDoor.net) and Rich Burmaster (1560 AM’s “The Mount“).
Instead of keeping our experts record like we did last year, this year we’ll be keeping track of their point total. For every correct pick they get +5, for every correct round picked they get +2 and for every method they pick right they get +3. If they pick the correct award winner they get +5 for each. If this sound familiar it’s because we are using the same scoring system for our Fans Pick’em Contest. You can play along and when the fights are over, we’ll compare your score to our experts! Plus, if you score the highest, you get to be on our NEXT experts panel!
Do you agree with them or do you think they are crazy? Either way, let ‘em know! When you’re done reading all the pics, feel free to leave your comments below and let our experts and Houston know who you think is going to win and why.
If you can’t make it out to the Arena Theater and you won’t be near a TV you can follow along with our live round by round play by play HERE.
PREDICTIONS
David McClung vs Tony Orozco
 |
David McClung | Name | Tony Orozco |  |
| Nickname | ||||
| 5’9″ / 172lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’8″ / 170lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | Not Ranked | ||
| 1-4-0 | Record | 0-1-0 | ||
| Brazos Valley MMA | Gym | Silverback Fight Club | ||
| Justin | Picks | AJ, Barry, Eric, Justin, Lance, Mike, Rich |
AJ:
Prediction: Tony Orozco via TKO (Rd 1)
Barry: Cardio will be the primary factor in determining who wins this one. I the end, I think Tony will have enough in the tank to pull out the victory.
Prediction: Tony Orozco via TKO (Rd 1)
Eric: I think Coach Tony is going to look to come out of the chute with intentions to finish this fight early and in a flurry. Hopefully his shoulder injury that he sustained in his match against Machado has recovered fully.
Prediction: Tony Orozco via TKO (Rd 1)
Justin: I think we see the first match of the night turn into a grappling match with David edging out a decision with wrestling.
Prediction: David McClung via Unanimous Decision
Lance: I’ve never seen David fight, so it’s a hard one to pick for me, Tony brings it to a fight and Im sure david will too…my pick is a guess really based on that
Prediction: Tony Orozco via TKO (Rd 2)
Mike: If the fight goes the distance, I think both of them should win by default. Seriously though, both these guys are warriors and this should prove to be a really entertaining fight. I don’t know who wins. It’s going to depend on whether one gasses, the other’s body breaks down, or vice versa. Anything could happen but the coin flip said Orozco so that’s who I’m going with.
Prediction: Tony Orozco via TKO (Rd 2)
Rich:
Prediction: Tony Orozco via TKO (Rd 2)
Jared Chaffee vs Alex Black
|
Jarred Chaffee | Name | Alex Black |  |
| Nickname | ||||
| 5’10″ / 145lbs | Ht/Wt | 6’0″ / 143lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | #5 | ||
| 0-0-0 | Record | 1-2-0 | ||
| Gracie Barra North Houston | Gym | Bushi Ban | ||
| AJ, | Picks | Eric, Justin, Lance, Mike, Rich |
AJ:
Prediction: Jared Chaffee via Unan. Dec.
Barry: This one is my dark horse candidate for fight of the night. I also think this will be the closest fight on the card. I think because he’s a little flashier, Black may catch the eye of our infamous TDLR judges, thus getting a slight bump in scoring and winning the fight.
Prediction: Pick ‘em
Eric: War to the Black Flying Armbar/Triangle!
Prediction: Alex Black via Split Dec.
Justin: This should be a really fun fight. Ultimately I think experience plays a key role. I think this fight will be one of the closer fights of the night but I believe the Black man edges out a decision.
Prediction: Alex Black via Unan. Dec.
Lance: Chaffee has been out a while, but with a win over the tough Gerzan Chaw if I remember correctly, hes a tough kid facing an equally tough kid in Alex Black.
Black hasnt had the most successful start to his pro career but fought well against Snyder, Against Jimenez he was outweighed by a guy who is strong at the higher weight class he fought at.
i think this will be a war, but tip my hat to Black.
Prediction: Alex Black via Submission (Rd 2)
Mike: This is an evenly-matched fight on paper with both of these guys being well-rounded fighters. Alex has the edge in experience though, especially given that Chaffee hasn’t stepped in the cage since May of 2010. With two losses in a row, this fight can be counted as a must-win for Black and that’s who I’m betting on to win out in what should be another fun battle.
Prediction: Alex Black via Unan. Dec.
Rich:
Prediction: Alex Black via Split Dec.
Shelby Sheehan vs David Armas
|
Shelby Sheehan | Name | David Armas | |
| Nickname | ||||
| 5’0″ / 145lbs | Ht/Wt | 6’10″ / 145lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | Not Ranked | ||
| 0-0-0 | Record | 0-0-0 | ||
| Gracie Barra Texas | Gym | Silverback Fight Club | ||
| Barry, Justin, Lance, | Picks | AJ, Eric, Mike, Rich |
AJ:
Prediction: David Armas via Unan. Dec.
Barry: Both guys making their debut. David is tough as nails and will be Sheehan’s toughest test in the cage. Sheehan is a wiz on the ground and Armas is prone to making mistakes down there and getting caught in compromising positions, so he could be susceptible to the sub. That said David has outstanding submission defense. Armas has the advantage standing, Sheehan has the advantage on the ground.
I think this one comes down to game plan, and nobody in Houston is better at that than Gracie Barra.
Prediction: Shelby Sheehan via Submission (Rd 2)
Eric:
Armas looked very impressive in his last amateur match at Cage Combat 4.
Prediction: David Armas via Unan. Dec.
Justin: David is riding high straight off his exciting win just a few weeks ago. Both guys are making their pro debuts. I didn’t know much about Shelby so I did some research. It appears that he has some legit BJJ background coming into to this fight. David appears to be well rounded in all areas so this match-up is tough to call. I am a huge Armas fan mainly because of his life story so if I went with my heart I would say Armas but my head says Shelby catches him in a submission.
Prediction: Shelby Sheehan via Submission (Rd 2)
Lance: This should be a good fight, Armas is a tough guy, and Sheehan is a member of Drac’s Gracie Barra, and a former Guy Mezger student. I think this one could go either way with Armas ending it via strikes or Sheehan getting the sub
Prediction: Shelby Sheehan via Submission (Rd 1)
Mike: It’s been a long time since we last saw Shelby “Two Guns” Sheehan in the cage but I do remember him being a really good jiu-jitsu player. Not surprising at all considering he’s a Draculino guy so look for him to try and make a name for himself in this fight. As for David Armas, he’s been active heading into his pro debut and is someone I’d consider a scrapper. Again, another tough fight to call but I’ll go with Armas via decision.
Prediction: David Armas via Unan. Dec.
Rich
Prediction: David Armas via TKO (Rd 2)
Jermaine Anugwom vs Larry Crowe
|
Jermaine Anugwom | Name | Larry Crowe |  |
| Nickname | ||||
| 6’1″ / 205lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’11″ / 205lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | #3 | ||
| 0-0-0 | Record | 3-1-0 | ||
| Wind Sport and Fitness | Gym | Silverback Fight Club | ||
| AJ, Justin, Lance, Mike | Picks | Barry, Eric, Rich |
AJ:
Prediction: Jermaine Anugwom via TKO (Rd 2)
Barry: Larry Crowe grinds. Period. His fights are not pretty, but nothing is prettier than a W. Anugwom is explosive and can end the night with one punch (or kick for that matter). I see this one being a slug fest in round one but turning into a grinder if it makes it out of the first. If it’s a grinder, that favors Crowe.
Prediction: Larry Crowe via Split Decision
Eric: This is either gonna end early fast or go all the way. I’m gonna go with the latter.
Prediction: Larry Crowe via Unan. Dec.
Justin: Had the pleasure of meeting both guys for the first time at our Legacy photo shoot. Extremely nice guys. I think Jermaine takes this one late.
Prediction: Jermaine Anugwom via TKO (Rd 3)
Lance: I’m not sure about this one, I think it will be a slugfest, if its not finished early i can see the fighters tiring and it going to decision.
Prediction: Jermaine Anugwom via TKO (Rd 1)
Mike: Both these guys are big, strong guys with a good striking background. I don’t foresee this one going to the ground unless Larry Crowe gets accidentally kicked in the nuts again or someone gets dropped from a strike. With that being said, Anugwom’s got the better striking pedigree and that’s the basis for this pick.
Prediction: Jermaine Anugwom via TKO (Rd 2)
Rich
Prediction: Larry Crowe via Split Decision
Justin Reiswerg vs Marc Ramirez
 |
Justin Reiswerg | Name | Marc Ramirez |  |
| Nickname | ||||
| 5’10″ / 155lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’9″ / 155lbs | ||
| #7 | Rank | #6 | ||
| 2-1-0 | Record | 2-1-0 | ||
| Bam Bam Martial Arts | Gym | Urban Jungle Self Defense | ||
| AJ, Barry, Justin, Lance, Mike | Picks | Eric, Rich, |
AJ:
Prediction: Justing Reiswerg via Submission (Rd 3)
Barry: I don’t see this one going the distance. Both of these guys have explosive hands. The difference in this one will be the ground game and I give the edge there to Reiswerg.
Prediction: Justing Reiswerg via Submission (Rd 2)
Eric: In the last year, Marc Ramirez is easily one of the most impressive fighters I have seen.
Prediction: Marc Ramirez via Submission (Rd 3)
Justin: Both guys are tough but I think that the uber huge Reiswerg will be too much for Ramirez.
Prediction: Justing Reiswerg via TKO (Rd 2)
Lance: Wow, awesome fight… Im not sure, both are tough guys, both have great submissions, both are in great shape and are tough as nails… whoever wins really it will be the fans winning with this matchup
Prediction: Justing Reiswerg via Submission (Rd 2)
Mike: This may just be the most interesting fight and one of the tougher ones to call. Reiswerg is a big 155′er with terrific all-around skills while Ramirez has rounding into form as well while having great power in that right hand. At this point though, I’ll have to pick Justin based on the fact that he’s a threat to finish from everywhere in this fight. As long as he doesn’t get clipped, he should be able to attack enough to catch a hold of a limb somewhere in this fight.
Prediction: Justing Reiswerg via Submission (Rd 3)
Rich
Prediction: Marc Ramirez via TKO (Rd 2)
Rey Trujillo vs Jesus Rivera
 |
Rey Trujillo | Name | Jesus Rivera |  |
| Nickname | ||||
| 5’9″ / 155lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’10″ / 155lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | #5 | ||
| 8-5-0 | Record | 5-2-0 | ||
| Bushi Ban | Gym | 4 oz Fight Club | ||
| Picks | AJ, Barry, Eric, Justin, Lance, Mike, Rich |
AJ:
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via TKO (Rd 2)
Barry: WAR! That’s what this will be. Trujillo is as explosive as they come, but ask anyone that’s been around Houston MMA for a while and they will tell you that Rivera is one of the deadliest strikers in the city. A see a now healthy Rivera winning part 2 of this match up (and that is great for the fans because that means we might get a part 3!)
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via Decision
Eric: One helluva match last time, this won will live up to all of billing and then some.
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via Decision
Justin: These guys will pick up right where they left off in another instant classic. Hello TV world, let me introduce to your Fight of the Year?
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via Split Decision
Lance: Both tough fighters, Rey is hard as heck to stop, and jesus is one heavy hitter, Rey has more of a weakness to submissions it appears from his recent record, so Jesus might be a good choice in opponent as hes known as a standup guy and rey got the win before. Both of these guys will bring it..should be a war.
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via Decision
Mike: Their first fight was a war and I don’t expect this one to be any different despite the fact that Trujillo has been on a losing streak lately. I think Jesus wants to avenge that first loss and I hear he’s injury-free this time so I see him taking this one home.
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via Decision
Rich:
Prediction: Jesus Rivera via KO (Rd 2)
Chad Robichaux vs Jonathan Mackles
|
Chad Robichaux | Name | Jonathan Mackles | |
| Robo | Nickname | |||
| 5’4″ / 131lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’7″ / 135lbs | ||
| #1 | Rank | Not Ranked | ||
| 11-1-0 | Record | 6-2-0 | ||
| Gracie Barra – The Woodlands | Gym | |||
| AJ, Barry, Eric, Justin, Lance, Mike, Rich | Picks |
AJ:
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Decision
Barry: I think Robo gets back to his winning was, in the fashion he is more accustom to hear. I don’t know much about Mackles, but match maker Colin Cantrel said he was ranked 20th in the world by Fight Matrix at 125. Robo will be bigger and stronger and I see him getting the sub in round one, ala old school Robo.
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Submission (Rd 1)
Eric: Two very accomplished fighters, probably going to be really close. I’m going with the devil that I know.
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Decision
Justin: The opening minute of this fight could be pretty crazy. Mackles comes out like a bat out of hell. If Robo doesnt get caught early I think he will be able to capitalize on a mistake from Mackles and put him away with the sub.
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Submission (Rd 1)
Lance: Mackles is a tough opponent, Chad’s record has been criticized of late, a win over mackles will show hes the real deal, but Mackles wont be a walk over.
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Submission (Rd 1)
Mike: I don’t know much about the “Mack Attack” other than he lost to Lewis McKenzie. That says it all right there for me. I expect Robo to come out strong, take Mackles down, and submit him en route to his September showdown with Humberto Deleon.
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Submission (Rd 1)
Rich
Prediction: Chad Robichaux via Submission (Rd 1)
Pete Spratt vs Antonio Flores
|
Pete Spratt | Name | Antonio Flores |  |
| Nickname | King Kong | |||
| 5’9″ / 170lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’10″ / 170lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | #4 | ||
| 21-19-0 | Record | 5-2-0 | ||
| Gym | ||||
| Lance | Picks | AJ, Barry, Eric, Justin, Mike, Rich |
AJ:
Prediction: Antonio Flores via KO (Rd 2)
Barry: Flores is a killer. He fights with a controlled aggression few can match in the cage. If anyone can though, it’s Spratt; but as Spratt gets older he gets slower, and I think that will be the difference in this one.
Prediction: Antonio Flores via TKO (Rd 1)
Eric: I am still amazed with Antonio’s TKO win over Brandon McDowell. The guy is probably one of the most powerful welterweights in the city. It will be on display again in this match.
Prediction: Antonio Flores via TKO (Rd 1)
Justin: D Y N A M I T E
Prediction: Antonio Flores via KO (Rd 2)
Lance: A brutal slugfest between two tough strikers. I reckon this will be an exciting fight, with a ko/tko result, although Spratt has been showing an affinity for armbars.
Prediction: Pete Spratt via TKO (Rd 2)
Mike: Convention wisdom says to pick Pete based on all his top-level experience and striking prowess. The guy has been in there with the best of the best without getting beaten easily and even with all the fights he’s had, he’s still improving with his submission game through all the work he’s doing with Rodrigo Pinheiro. He should win this fight BUT… The world hasn’t seen Antonio Flores. He’s a big, big dude at this weight class and he throws with ruthless intentions. That and he’s got that Crazy Dave Jitsu. It would be insane if that were the difference so this is my upset pick of the night.
Prediction: Antonio Flores via Submission (Rd 3)
Rich
Prediction: Antonio Flores via KO (Rd 2)
Daniel Pineda vs Frank Gomez
 |
Daniel Pineda | Name | Frank Gomez | |
| The Pit | Nickname | |||
| 5’7″ / 145lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’10″ / 145lbs | ||
| #1 | Rank | Not Ranked | ||
| 13-7-0 | Record | 8-2-0 | ||
| 4 oz Fight Club | Gym | Jackson’s MMA | ||
| AJ, Barry, Eric, Justin, Lance, Mike, Rich | Picks |
AJ:
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via KO (Rd 1)
Barry: A healthy Daniel Pineda is one of the best fighters in Texas. He stock is high and climbing and I don’t look for him to disappoint the hometown crowd in this one. I think he’ll finish Gomez in the second via TKO.
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via TKO (Rd 2)
Eric: Two out of the three losses Frank has on his record have come via submission, both RNC’s.
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via Submission (Rd 1)
Justin: Ladies and Gentlemen, watch carefully. This may be one of the last fights we get to see Daniel in Houston. He is on the verge of going to the next level very soon.
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via TKO (Rd 1)
Lance: Tough fight to call, bother these fighters are tough, with no give up in them. I suspect Gomez’s submission game is a little more versatile than Pineda, but Pineda keep growing between fights.
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via TKO (Rd 2)
Mike: This fight feels like you’re putting two carbon copies of the same fighter against each other in there. Gomez is a hell of a fighter but so is Daniel and he’s really on a roll right now having won his last three. Every time I pick against this guy I lose. Not going to do that this time. Pineda by heel hook. Round 2.
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via Submission (Rd 2)
Rich:
Prediction: Daniel Pineda via TKO (Rd 2)
Carlo Prater vs Cameron Dollar
|
Carlo Prater | Name | Cameron Dollar |
|
| Neo | Nickname | Money Man | ||
| 5’11″ / 160lbs | Ht/Wt | 5’11″ / 155lbs | ||
| Not Ranked | Rank | Not Ranked | ||
| 13-7-0 | Record | 10-2-0 | ||
| Metro Fight Club | Gym | |||
| AJ, Barry, Eric, Justin, Lance, Mike, Rich | Picks |
AJ:
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Submission (Rd 1)
Barry: Carlo seems to have rejuivenated his career and is firing on all cylinders. Dollar is hot, but Prater is hotter. Dollar is skilled, but Prater has more skill. I think you see where I’m going with this.
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Submission (Rd 1)
Eric: I was really impressed Carlo when I saw him fight in Strikeforce: Austin. No doubt the fire is back in this man.
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Submission (Rd 1)
Justin: All of the fights on Legacy are poised to deliver and the main event is no exception. Both guys veterans of the sport with Prater having fought for Strikeforce and WEC and Dollar a TUF alum. Tough fight for both but I think Carlo grinds out a W.
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Decision
Lance: Wow what a fight, should be great. Praters subbed his last two opponents in round one, Dollar is no slouch at the subs however and i dont think will give one up as easily. If Prater doesn’t get the early sub it’ll be a war!!
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Submission (Rd 1)
Mike: This is a huge fight for both men and one that should prove to be a back and forth battle. Neither one of these guys will be easily beat and this fight could go into deep deep waters. This one should come down to which fighter is able to execute and maintain top control throughout three rounds for the victory. If not, Carlo should have the better chance at catching a slick submission but we’ll see on Friday night.
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Submission (Rd 2)
Rich:
Prediction: Carlo Prater via Submission (Rd 2)
AWARD PICKS
| Awards | AJ | Barry | Eric | Justin | Mike | Rich |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub. of the Night |
Carlo Prater | Carlo Prater | Daniel Pineda | Carlo Prater | Chad Robichaux | Daniel Pineda |
| KO of the Night |
Daniel Pineda | Antonio Flores | Antonio Flores | Antonio Flores | Jermain Anugwom | Antonio Flores |
| Fight of the Night |
Armas vs Sheehan | Trujillo vs Rivera | Trujillo vs Rivera | Pineda vs Gomez | Trujillo vs Rivera | Black vs Chaffee |
For complete coverage of Legacy FC 7, check out the LEGACY section of TheCageDoor.net.
Antonio with 6 of the 7 votes. Spratt is done for. Team P4P
im surprised at a couple of things: spratt has so few votes…yal have to remember hes faced every kind of fighter there is and doubt King kong will be faster than him. Im pulling for antonio and he can surely ko anyone that breathes air but remember spratt is seasoned. He not gonna fall as easily for the trick so to speak. Spratt has deadly hands and with so much experience its a tuf fight for king kong…i hope kingkong lands one of the big ones..if he does fights over.
Also to write off rey is a mistake. a BIG mistake. If you know him as a fighter you know his kryptonite is training for fights…lol. but when he trains he can compete with just about anyone. Rey is very hard to submit and very hard to ko. Rey never gives up and he is never the man who wears out. So that being said i think that rey is just as tough despite recent losses. He lost to daniel…thats fine…lane was very close….ray blodgett is a stud and that was very close. This guy is dangerous and always could land the KO punch.
I also think yall may underestimate marcs ground game….he doesnt’ use it but remember he with Tony evryday. He sithstood Adams attack and that says a lot. it will be a very interesting fight. Both guys could be on the big stage soon
I asked Mick earlier if he had a bunch of stuff on tap for intermissions because with all of the first/second round endings I foresee, he is going to need them.
thanks for all of ya’ll voting for me on this one, justin when i see again am going to kick you in your nutts lmao fucker. again thanks for everything cagedoor, i love to fight am old “g” it’s in my blood.