Devon Larratt vs Alex Kurdecha (Left and Right)
I think Alex learned a very good lesson against Devon first time, but I also think he never should pull Devon twice. You’re not going to be better off the second time pulling Devon, I believe, especially if he comes in ready. With the right arm, Alex will not take a round. If he does, it’s on fouls. I don’t think he will surprise Devon.
Todd Hutchings vs Dave Chaffee
When I was in Jersey, I shook hands with Dave Chaffey, and that was the weirdest hand I’ve ever felt. It’s huge and solid as hell. I believe that since they’re practically doing the same thing, the bigger man would probably be the favorite. Also, Chaffee has a press, and I’ve never seen Todd press. I think that on paper, Dave should be the favorite, but I also see a way for Todd to be able to win. But I have to put my money on Dave.
Riekerd Bornman vs Pavlo Derbedyenyev
I think that Pavlo is stronger pretty much everywhere—cup for cup, rise for rise, pronation for pronation, back pressure. But I do think there is a way for Riekerd to spin out, take the wrist, and if he transitions to a press, it’s going to be hard for Pavlo. But you also saw Pavlo holding Bortolato’s press on his left hand. So, it might be too much. It’s going to be a very interesting match. I have to say Pavlo is the favorite, for strength and experience.
Matt Mask vs Filip Larsson
Matt is the best opponent I could ask for. I feel so much stronger now than I was then when we practiced. If I can’t maintain the hand, my chances of winning just go way down. Hopefully, I can keep the hand and I’ll be fighting with it, and Matt has to be fighting without it, because I don’t have any experience fighting without the hand since I haven’t lost it yet. Speed has never bothered me as long as they’re not strong enough. But that’s the problem with Matt; I don’t know if he’s strong enough. If he is, then the speed will of course be a big problem. I’ve pulled a lot of fast guys, but they just hit themselves out of position.
So, if I can maintain my position and not let him hit me out of it, the speed won’t be that big of a deal. I’ve watched the match with Brad Grundy and Matt several times, and as soon as the strap comes on and Brad can maintain his position, then the speed doesn’t matter. I’m so happy that Matt is willing to pull me because this is one of my dream matches for sure. I will do my absolute best. I have to respect Matt to the highest degree, to the highest level. I like him both as a person and as an arm wrestler, but on the day, I’m going to want to rip your arm off and give you everything I have.
Brian Shaw vs Brandon Allen
Brian has been pulling for a while, so I don’t think he’s going to end up in any weird positions trying to finish Brandon Allen’s King’s Move. Still, I think he has learned his lesson. He’s been training with great guys, so he’s being taught the correct ways. The problem I see with Brian is that he is a strongman, and strongmen love to hold on to things. That’s what he’s been doing professionally for 30 years. That leaves lanes open to expose, and he should stop doing that, in my opinion. You can see his hand trying to grip in the setup, and that will expose the wrist. But if he beats Brandon and moves like an arm wrestler, me next. Then people can’t say I’m only picking on the little guys.
Gabi Vasconcelos vs Jocelyne Brisson
I think there are lanes for Joselyne to win. I hope her side pressure holds up. I believe she will get Gabby’s hand, just frame-wise, and she looks strong as hell. Then it’s just a matter of connecting so she doesn’t get pushed out sideways. If she can control the center sideways or at least just hold it a little bit, I think Gabby is in trouble because Gabby has a much smaller frame. It’s just the leverage. If she can set up a little bit supinated and rised up, I think she will crack the wrist.
Cire Brown vs Derek Smith
I would say that Derek is the favorite. I’ve talked to Cire a little bit. The last match I saw was when he pulled Leroy Walker on the left and he lost. I don’t think Derek would lose to Leroy. But Cire said his right arm is way different. His right is way better than his left. So, I think it could be an interesting match for sure. Cire is huge; it’s insane. I think he can mess Derek up if he gets his lane, but it’s also hard because Derek’s frame makes it hard to get your lane against him.
Sources:
East vs West Armwrestling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfO7v-Vk2nc
