Jun 20, 2009 - Two up-and-comers will get six-figure UFC contracts, and the No. 1 UFC lightweight contender may be determined, at Saturday night's Ultimate Fighter Finale. We've got the full preview and predictions below.
What: The Ultimate Fighter: Team US vs. Team UK Finale
When: 9 PM ET Saturday
Where: The Palms, Las Vegas
How: Watch live on Spike
Who: My predictions on the five main-card fights are below.
Clay Guida vs. Diego Sanchez
This is a very good fight, one that would be worthy on the main card of any pay-per-view show. Both Guida and Sanchez have said they expect to win and expect to become the UFC's No. 1 lightweight contender when they do. I actually think the winner will probably have to win one more fight (maybe against Gray Maynard) before getting a title shot, but in any event I like Guida to pull off a big upset.
Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns
Lytle is known as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, a boxer who doesn't hesitate to stand and trade punches but also has excellent Brazilian jiu jitsu skills. This fight could go either way, but I think Burns will take it by TKO.
Joe Stevenson vs. Nate Diaz
Another exciting lightweight fight, this is seen by some as a must-win for Stevenson, who has lost three of his last four. I expect Stevenson to get that win by decision.
Andre Winner vs. Ross Pearson
A pair of Brits will fight for the six-figure contract in the lightweight division, and I believe Pearson will show he's got a superior ground game and win by decision.
DeMarques Johnson vs. James Wilks
Johnson was the only representative of Team US to make it to the finals, and I like him to do his country proud by showing off better stand-up and beating Wilks by TKO.
More information:
Interview with Chris Lytle
Interview with Kevin Burns
Clay Guida criticizes Diego Sanchez
Sanchez responds to Guida
Sanchez says he's already the No. 1 lightweight contender
A look at the four finalists
Coaches Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson talk about each other
Joe Rogan talks about the fights and his upcoming comedy special
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