Two writers, two fighters, two opinions.

Fighting Words pits two of our Generation Iron MMA writers against each other in a heated debate on big fight predictions. Jonathan Salmon: OK, this is the one I was waiting for. We pretty much saw eye to eye where the Aldo-McGregor fight was concerned, but this is the one where we can actually trade some verbal barbs. Now don’t get your feelings hurt with this one, but where this Chris Weidman vs Luke Rockhold fight is concerned, I see the challenger pulling off the upset. Weidman is great, don’t get me wrong. I don’t doubt his talent and abilities, but I do think that he’s fighting a man possessed in Rockhold. Lionel Harris-Spence: This is probably the only one we’re going to agree on but Luke is definitely focused. He knows this is his chance to take the strap and he’s coming for it. Unfortunately for him he’s facing the immovable object called Chris Weidman. While I think Rockhold’s immensely talented Weidman has just got “it” factor that makes him incredibly hard to beat in these situations. Whether it’s the forearm heard round the world against Mark Munoz or the random swing that caught Anderson Siva, Weidman continues to beat guys he shouldn’t, and this fight is no different.

JS: Weidman may have that “It” factor as you put it, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s facing the larger and equally skilled opponent. I’m giving Rockhold the edge mostly due to his kicking game as well as his ground skills, determination, and team. The biggest threat in this fight for the challenger is undoubtedly the champ’s wrestling and simple yet effective footwork. Weidman was able to corner Lyoto Machida and trap him by the cage because of that very subtle footwork, no easy feat. But I think Rockhold’s team has prepared him in the wrestling department and as far footwork goes, Rockhold is much more of a pressure fighter than Machida which means cornering him will prove more difficult than against the Brazilian karate master who prefers an outside game. LHS: Very valid points, but I disagree against the trapping against the cage. Weidman’s going to pressure him against the cage and cut off the ring. He may not always be successful but when he does he’ll land some heavy shots against a very hitable Rockhold. I know you’re not going to agree on this one but Chris might even take him to the ground for some heavy ground and pound though. He’ll have to be clever though and mix it up with his stand up to catch the jiu jitsu black belt slipping.

JS: Rockhold is indeed hittable, but despite that fact he has a better grasp of distance control when it comes to striking. He’s longer and rangy and that’s going to greatly help his chances in this fight. If it comes down to grappling I see it being a bit of a stalemate, but if anyone pulls off the submission in this fight it’s Rockhold. You also have to consider cardio in this fight as well. I believe Rockhold has the better gas tank and will end up being fresher should this fight head into the championship rounds where I believe the winner will be decided. I see the challenger punishing the body with kicks, countering with that heavy right hook and wearing down Weidman. LHS: I can definitely see Rockhold having the better tank. If he proved nothing else in the Tim Kennedy fight, is that he can go all day. However, I think Weidman’s going to lay that body on him up against the cage and take him into deep waters. He’s going to think it was Daniel Cormeir in there, that’s what a high caliber wrestler can do to you. Chris’s striking is also under rated. On paper he doesn’t beat Anderson or Machida but we know how those fights turned out. At the end of the day Chris is a winner. Call it fight IQ or call it luck, he seems to pull out something everytime he needs to. It may not be pretty but he’ll might this fight dirty and come out with the W! Final prediction – Weidman either by 4th round stoppage or decision. JS: Training with monsters like Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez is going to give Rockhold a major edge. I think he’s mentally prepared and is looking to prove a point in this match. I think Luke Rockhold wins the belt by decision in an entertaining, back and forth battle.