Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort – this should be an even match-up between the 2 well-rounded veterans. Belfort was picked up by the UFC after Affliction went down. Belfort is a great striker, but is unwilling to push the pace once the fight turns against him. On the other hand, Franklin is a tenacious fighter that will push till the end. Losing or not, Franklin is a versatile fighter that just won’t quit. Both fighters will stand and bang it out for the majority of the first round, Franklin’s stand-up defense is good enough to weather Belfort’s storm. I see Franklin pushing the pace in the second and third round to win via JD.
Franklin via JD.

Mirko Crocop vs. Junior Dos Santos – I guess the UFC really sees something in Crocop, he has been unimpressive for the last 2 years. He gets beaten by mid-level fighters, then goes on to beat a can via eye poke. But, things can still turn around, I hope. When in top shape, Crocop can be an impressive fighter to watch. Now, he faces an up-comer in Dos Santos. Dos Santos was placed  into the map after he KOd Fabricio Werdrum, Crocop’s former Jiu-jitsu coach. Dos Santos has a solid chance against Crocop because he’s quicker, younger, and more motivated. This is a hard fight to call, because so much of it depends on which Crocop will show up. Either way, Crocop can beat Dos Santos because he has better striking skills, and has more experience.
Crocop by TKO – Rd. 1

Martin Kampmann vs. Paul Daley – This should be a good fight as both fighters like to bang. This is Daley’s first UFC fight, but with 31 fights under his belt, Daley is not a novice. Kampmann defeated Carlos Condit (WEC champ) in his last outing with an impressive TKO, so Kampmann is on a good streak. I think that Kampmann will stand first, but will eventually take this fight to ground, where Daley is most vulnerable.
Kampmann by choke – Rd. 2

Josh Koscheck vs. Frank Trigg – This is Koscheck’s first fight after getting brutally KOd by Paulo Thiago. Koscheck is a great wrestler, with a decent striking skills. Trigg, is also a great wrestler but with no striking skills. This fight has the potential to be a borefest. I see Koscheck taking this fight to the ground, and laying n praying for the win.
Koscheck via JD.

Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca – This could be the fight of the night. Both fighters are explosive, and are always willing to engage. This fight will be three rounds of great action. Griffin is a solid wrester, and Franca is a Black Belt in BJJ. Both fighters are always active, and always try to finish. Franca’s strking is a little bit better than Griffins’. So, I see Franca controlling the stand-up, but will get taken down and lose via ground control.
Griffin via JD.

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