Scott Smith vs. Ed Herman - UFC 72
By Robert Rousseau, ExtremeProSports.com
When the Ultimate Fighters Reality Television Show first came out, it's hard to imagine that Dana White or the Fertittas really knew how big it would become.
Fact is that former contestants continue to have a huge following after the show airs, and nearly every UFC event- if not every event- has at least one former TUF fighter on the card.
In accordance with this, at UFC 72 in Belfast, Ireland two former TUF fighters are set to take on one another.
Scott Smith vs. Ed Herman at UFC 72
Scott Smith owns an 11-3 overall MMA record with nine (T)KO's and two submission victories to his credit. In short, the skinny on him is easy to speak to. Smith is a very good technical striker with excellent power and athleticism. He also has very solid takedown defense skills and is a genuinely tough guy.
However, ground fighting and submissions are a weakness (though he has improved some in this regard).
Ed "Short Fuse" Herman owns a 12-5 overall MMA record with three (T)KO's and eight submission victories to his credit. The greatest thing about him? Every time Herman steps into the Octagon you can expect fireworks. Simply put, his fights are never boring, primarily because he comes to fight and win. Thus, it's a rare fight of his that goes to decision.
Along with this, Herman has excellent wrestling, ground control, and submission skills. His striking is average. That said, he's never been TKO'd and shows rare toughness.
Breaking this one down is easy, even if picking the winner may not be. If the fight goes to the ground for a significant length of time, Herman will probably win. If the fight stays upright for the majority, then look for Smith to take home victory.
Thing is, Team Quest guys like Herman tend to know how to get things to the ground (Couture, anyone?). But counting out a tough guy like Smith would be foolish. After all, his knockout victory over Pete Sell on November 11, 2006 was one of those highlight reel moments you never forget.
Should be fun to watch.