UFC has their biggest event of the year come Saturday. We finally have a good title match and a couple of interesting matches on the undercard. UFC should watch out with boring and predictable events because Elite XC and Affliction are making a hard push into the MMA scene. Without further ado, here are my predictions:
BJ Penn Vs. Sean Sherk
If BJ Penn didn’t have a problem with gassing in his previous fights, this would be a very easy call. Sherk is the opposite, he’s a cardio machine and this is why it’s an interesting fight. If Sherk can weather the first two rounds, he has a great chance of winning the fight by going to decision. In the striking and submission department, BJ definitely has the edge. Don’t forget he stuffed Hughes’ takedowns in their rematch before gassing in the second round. Having said that, he should be able to defend Sherk’s takedown. I’m picking BJ to win because he has too much arsenal for the one dimensional Sherk. I expect BJ to sink in a rear naked choke in the third round.
Prediction: BJ Penn
Wanderlei Silva Vs. Keith Jardine
Will my hero, Silva, lose his fourth fight in a row? From a fan’s standpoint, I hope he stops his losing streak but from an objective point of view, he will lose this match. Silva is a natural light heavyweight, which means he doesn’t cut much weight to meet the 205 lb. limit. Most UFC fighters usually cut about 15 lbs to meet the limit. Just check out Silva’s last fight against Liddell and the size discrepancy. Whether you hate him or not, Keith Jardine is the real deal. His stand up is solid and his ground game is decent. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jardine will take Silva down and just go for ground and pound. Either way, Jardine is too big for Silva and this will be the deciding factor. I hope Silva knocks him out but it’s just wishful thinking. Jardine by decision.
Prediction: Keith Jardine
Wilson Gouveia Vs. Goran Reljic
This should be an easy win for Gouveia. This is Reljic’s first real test and relies on his bjj to win his fights. Gouveia is great on the ground and his stand up is getting better everyday. Gouveia has too much experience for Reljic. Gouveia will win by armbar in the second round.
Prediction: Wilson Gouveia
Tito Ortiz Vs. Lyoto Machida
I like both fighters but Machida will come out on top. Tito has never been the same after his torn ACL. His cardio isn’t the same anymore and that is his biggest strength. Machida can be a bit dull but at least he’s trying to finish his fights now. There’s no doubt this can be a boring match. Machida will push the fight with his superior striking skills – KARATE, baby. Tito will win the first round because he’ll get the takedowns. Machida should be able to defend it in the second and third rounds because Tito won’t have as much energy. Machida by decision.
On a sidenote: I’m getting sick and tired of Tito and Dana White’s feud. It look like a work, so they can have publicity.
Winner: Lyoto Machida
Thiago Silva Vs. Antonio Mendes
This will be an easy win for Silva. After stopping Houston Alexander, I guess UFC decided to give him a break. This is Mendes’ first big fight. He is not in the same league as Silva and will get knocked out in the first round.
Prediction: Thiago Silva
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