Antonio Minotauro Nogueira VS Cain Velasquez

Darren Avery

A really intriguing, legend versus young pretender matchup, this is Velasquez’ biggest test having dispatched some of the gatekeepers in the Heavyweight Division.

Velasquez is an explosive athlete who makes up for his lack of size at this weight with his tremendous work rate and excellent wrestling. ‘Big Nog’ however is a different animal. His boxing against Couture was outstanding last time out – an area where Velasquez struggled against Cheick Kongo – and if taken down he also has excellent submissions even off his back.

A learning curve for Velasquez, I think Nogueira’s experience and skill set will be just too much for him at this stage in his career.

Result – Nogueira via submission

Griff

I don’t think that this fight is going to be as close as most people think. The simple reality of this matchup is that one fighter is on the way up while the other is on a sharp decline.

Let’s not get too carried away with Nog’s win over Randy Couture, sure it was impressive but I don’t think that result will factor into tonight’s fight at all.

Against Velasquez, Nogueira finds himself up against a freak of nature. The way Velasquez man-handled bigger men in Kongo and Rothwell is perhaps a good indication of how this fight will play out.

If Kongo and Rothwell, two heavyweight giants, couldn’t keep Velasquez from throwing them around like ragdolls then what chance does Nogueria have?

In my opinion; none.

Velasquez is an intelligent wrestler, he’s simply too smart to get caught by an armbar or whatever Nogueira tries to pull out of his admittedly deep bag of tricks. I see a referee stoppage here.

Result – Velasquez via TKO

Wanderlei Silva VS Michael Bisping

Darren Avery

Really exciting matchup and two fighters with much to prove, with the legendary ‘Axe Murderer’ at 1-3 in his last 4 UFC fights and Bisping still trying to win over those who say he doesn’t belong in the upper echelons of this division.

In the Bisping corner there’s the argument that a fighter as durable as him could give Silva problems by sticking and moving as he did against Leben. He can then score points with takedowns if the fight goes any distance, especially as Wanderlei is fighting at Middleweight for the first time and the weight cut may affect his gas tank and power.

The biggest issue for me though, is that Wanderlei doesn’t fear Bispings power – and this lends itself to his almost reckless striking style and relentless openings. He’s worked with a lot of big wrestling based fighters such as King Mo Lawal in his camp for this fight so his takedown defence should be sound – i just see a fast start and a fast finish.

Result – Silva via TKO

Griff

I hate having to pick against one of my favourite fighters but I’m afraid that after the way Bisping’s been talking about his plans to trade bombs with Silva I’m going to have to go with a TKO win for The Axe Murderer on this one.

Sure, Bisping could be lying and his plans could actually be to outscore Silva in much the same way he did against Chris Leben but a big part of me thinks that after the way Bisping got knocked out by Henderson at UFC 100, he’ll want to prove to himself that that KO was a fluke.

And therein lies the problem.

Fuelled by a misplaced sense of bravado I think Bisping will go head hunting and to head hunt against Wanderlei Silva means that your head has to be within range of Silva’s windmills.

I see this fight ended early, very early. Silva will have little if no respect for Bisping’s striking and after a brief stand-off period will cut the octagon off and unleash his onslaught.

Result – Silva TKO 1

Joe Stevenson VS George Sotiropoulos

Darren Avery

This is a huge opportunity for Sotiropoulos, fighting perennial contender Stevenson on home soil – a fighter who incidentally has lost on his only two previous fights outside the U.S, here in the U.K. A dangerous submission fighter with an amateur boxing background, I think Sotiropoulos will try to utilise his boxing in the way that Spencer Fisher tried against Stevenson, and rely on his ground game to get him out of trouble if and when he’s taken there.

This is a big step up in quality for Sotiropoulos though and Stevenson has never looked so good since joining Greg Jacksons camp. He himself has worked on his boxing, which is much improved, and he seems more focussed and well rounded than ever right now.

This fight I’m sure will be won on the ground and i expect Joe Daddy to be too strong, imposing his will on his opponent and finishing with some ground and pound.

Result – Stevenson via TKO

Griff

I foresee another with for The Daddy.

I cannot for the life of me see Stevenson slipping up against Sotiropoulos (Man, that’s a hard name to spell). From what I’ve seen of Sotirwhatsisnamopolus he seems a pretty decent fighter who on his day could very well get the nod over Joe but I just can’t see that day being tonight. (does that even make sense?)

Joe Stevenson is on a roll after beating Nate Diaz and Spencer Fisher since dropping back to back defeats to Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez and you can be confident that Stevenson is not going to lose his momentum against GS.

I expect Stevenson to grind out a solid win.

Result – Stevenson via decision

Ryan Bader VS Keith Jardine

Darren Avery

Another up and comer being given an opportunity to make a name for themselves is TUF 8 winner Ryan Bader.

Up against him is the dangerous, unorthodox striker Keith Jardine who’s aforementioned striking and lethal leg kicks can pose a problem for anyone. I really like Bader though and think he’s a real prospect. He likes to stand, has a decent left jab and a big heavy overhand right reminiscent of Chuck Liddell; he also has a strong college wrestling background having competed alongside headliner Cain Velasquez so if he eats too many leg kicks don’t be surprised to see him shoot for one of those legs.

I can see Bader taking this one, I think his striking is more technical, has heavy hands, and can rely on his wrestling if in trouble.

Result – Bader via decision

Griff

I think this fight will play out almost exactly as the Jardine – Rampage fight back at UFC 96. Jardine will want to keep the fight standing as long as possible and while it does, it will be an extremely tight affair but every now and then Bader will shoot for the takedown and score.

That will be enough for the judges to give the decision to Bader.

Of course, with Jardine, you never know how he’s going to respond to being clipped but I think he’ll be able to utilize his unusual style to keep the fight at range and avoid the haymakers.

Result – Bader via decision