LightweightGray Maynard vs. Rich ClementiRich Clementi comes into the fight as the veteran, compiling an impressive 32-12 record in his MMA career. However, Maynard has shown overpowering tenacity in his six pro fights, even posting the second fatest knockout in the UFC with a nine-second KO of Joe Veres in September of last year. Expect Maynard to bring more dynamite into the cage and outlast his opponent.
Prediction: Maynard by TKO, third roundLightweightSean Sherk vs. Tyson Griffin
Sean Sherk is coming off a disappointing title match against B.J. Penn where he was picked apart for three rounds. This is his chance to show that he's better than that. Tyson Griffin, however, brings in a four match win streak and looks to take the next step toward a title match in the future. He'll have to step it up a bit from his previous uneventful decision victory over Marcus Aurelio if he wants to be taken seriously in the division, however. Look for him to do it.
Prediction: Griffin by KO, second roundHeavyweightFabricio Werdum vs. Junior dos SantosIt's hard to see how Junior dos Santos is going to handle the elusive and smothering style of Fabricio Werdum. In his previous two matches, including an impressive TKO victory over Brand Vera, Werdum showed he's got all of the tools to compete near the top of the heavyweight division.
Prediction: Werdum by submission, round one
WelterweightThiago Alves vs. Josh KoscheckAn
injury to Diego Sanchez gave Josh Koscheck the opportunity to prove his
mettle in the weight division against potential title contender Thiago
Alves. Koscheck, looking to continue his winning ways, should look to
keep the match standing whenever possible, neutralizing Alves' skills
as a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu and Muay Thai specialist. On the
other hand, Alves has been taking advantage of declining competition,
taking out Chris Lytle, Karo Parisyan, and Matt Hughes in his previous
fights, but he will find it difficult to control the ground game with a
proven wrestling professional in the opposite corner.
Prediction: Koscheck by split decisionMiddleweight championshipAnderson Silva vs. Patrick CôtéIn just over an hour,
the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter will take to the Octagon for what amounts to a gimme match against the overmatched contender Patrick
Côté. While
the French Canadian brings an impressive five bout win streak into
tonight, it's going to be hard for Côté to outstrike a person many consider to
be the deadliest standup fighter in the sport. Expect Côté to stay away from Silva for the first round, but eventually succumb to a vicious right hand in the second round.
Prediction: Silva by TKO, round two
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