Chuck Liddell is back. That's really what the Ultimate Fighting Championship's promotion of UFC 76 comes down to: Its biggest star is back in the Octagon for the first time since losing his title to Rampage Jackson at UFC 71. He's fighting Keith Jardine, who also suffered a knockout loss at UFC 71. But there is more to Saturday night's show than just Liddell.
What: UFC 76: Knockout
Who: In addition to the Liddell-Jardine main event, other fights on the main card are Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Forrest Griffin, Diego Sanchez vs. Jon Fitch, Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Lyoto Machida and Tyson Griffin vs. Thiago Tavares.
When: Saturday at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California.
How: The pay-per-view is $39.95 ($49.95 in HD), or you can follow along for free with our FanHouse live blog.
Predictions after the jump.
Chuck Liddell vs. Keith Jardine
There are whispers that Liddell isn't training hard enough and that he's ripe for his second consecutive loss, but Liddell is clearly the better fighter here. If Liddell loses, that shriek you hear will be UFC president Dana White bawling. UFC needs Liddell to win. He will.
Prediction: Liddell
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Forrest Griffin
This is the first UFC fight for the former Pride fighter Rua, whom many MMA fans consider the best light heavyweight in the world. The popular Griffin, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, will be the fan favorite, but if he wins it'll be the biggest upset of the night.
Prediction: Rua
Diego Sanchez vs. Jon Fitch
Other than the main event, this is the only fight of the night matching up two Americans. It is also probably the most evenly matched fight of the night.
Prediction: Sanchez
Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Lyoto Machida
The Japanese-Brazilian Machida is undefeated, but he's a little out of place in a show called Knockout, seeing as he's won most of his fights by decision and has never had a true knockout of an opponent. He won't this time, either, but he will win.
Prediction: Machida
Tyson Griffin vs. Thiago Tavares
Griffin's victory over Clay Guida at UFC 72 got him some attention, and he's the favorite to beat Tavares, but I think Tavares will make it a clean sweep for the three Brazilians on the main card.
Prediction: Tavares
More information:
Official web site
UFC 76 at Wikipedia
UFC 76 at UFC Mania
UFC 76 at MMA Junkie
Full betting odds
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