Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez – This should be a solid main event. After being beaten by Mir, it seemed like Nogueira just didn’t have it anymore. But, he came back strong with his fight against Randy Couture. But, Velasquez is no Couture, he is younger, faster, and stronger. Nogueira has been in fights with stronger men, but Velasquez is a different animal. He throws guys around almost 30 -40 lbs heavier than him. He has a good chin, and will dominate his opponents on the ground. However, Velasquez’s submission defense is suspect, and Nogueira’s only chance in this fight is to pull off a submission, which is his specialty. I have a feeling that this is the perfect match-up for Nogueira, a strong opponent with untested submission defense.
Nogueira by Triangle – Rd. 3

Wanderlei Silva vs. Michael Bisping – Another test to see if Silva has it. After leaving Pride, Silva’s career has gone downhill, losing to Liddell and Franklin. Bisping is good opponent for Silva, as both fighters are struggling to make a come back. This fight should be back and forth on the stand-up. Bisping will try to take Silva down, especially after getting brutally KOd by Henderson in his last outing. Silva needs to sprawl out from the takedowns, and throw his infamous caveman combos at Bisping. This fight will drag to the 3rd round, with both fighters exhausted, but I see Silva winning.
Silva by UD

Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropoulos – Sotiropoulos will get outclassed in this fight in every aspect of the game. Stevenson is a strong wrestler with a mediocre stand-up. His biggest weakness is his stand-up, but George doesn’t have what it takes to capitalize on that. If in trouble, Stevenson can always go for his wrestling takedowns and control the fight there. Although, I don’t think that Stevenson can finish off George, he will ride this fight into the Judge’s scorecard.
Stevenson by UD

Keith Jardine vs. Ryan Bader – Bader is a solid fighter, but Jardine is way more experienced. This is a bad match-up for Bader as he is pitted against the very tough, Jardine. Jardine’s performance has been very inconsistent lately. One night he defeats Brandon Vera; another night, he gets KOd almost without effort by Thiago Silva. Bader will try to take Jardine down. But, come Saturday night, he will punish Bader with his infamous leg kicks, and finish the fight in the 3rd.
Jardine by TKO – Rd. 3

Mirko Crocop vs. Ben Rothwell – I hate to say this, but Crocop is done. He gets bullied around by almost anybody he steps into the Octagon with. Rothwell will be no different. Rothwell’s size will deter Crocop from attacking with ease. As long as Rothwell keeps pressing the fight, Crocop will lose heart by the end of the Rd. 1. After that, it will be Rothwell’s game.
Rothwell by UD

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