UFC 78 doesn't have a title fight, and it doesn't have Chuck Liddell, and that means it's not going to get much mainstream media attention. But it does have two popular Ultimate Fighter winners going against each other in Rashad Evans and Michael Bisping, and that means it'll be a good show as far as most UFC fans are concerned.
Here are the details of Saturday's event:
What: UFC 78: Validation
Who: In addition to the Evans-Bisping main event, the fights on the main card are Karo Parisyan vs. Ryo Chonan, Houston Alexander vs. Thiago Silva, Spencer Fisher vs. Frank Edgar and Ed Herman vs. Joe Doerksen.
When: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
Where: Prudential Center, Newark
How: Follow along for free with the FanHouse live blog, or watch it for $39.95 on pay-per-view ($49.95 in HD).
Predictions after the jump.
Rashad Evans vs. Michael Bisping
Evans fought Tito Ortiz to a draw at UFC 73, and everyone seemed to agree that his next fight should be a rematch with Ortiz. Instead, he gets Bisping, who won The Ultimate Fighter 3 and has a perfect 15-0 record in his MMA career. Evans is a pretty big step up in class for Bisping, though, and his undefeated record ends here.
Predicted winner: Evans
Karo Parisyan vs. Ryo Chonan
Parisyan had a very impressive performance at UFC 71 and I really thought it was going to make him a star, but I haven't heard a lot about him since then. He should beat Chonan decisively.
Predicted winner: Parisyan
Houston Alexander vs. Thiago Silva
Speaking of fighters who had very impressive performances at UFC 71, Alexander absolutely destroyed Keith Jardine that night, knocking him out in less than a minute, and he made similarly quick work of Alessio Sakara at UFC 75. Look for him to make it three straight Saturday night.
Predicted winner: Alexander
Spencer Fisher vs. Frank Edgar
Edgar is 6-0 and is getting his toughest test against the much more experienced Fisher. I think he passes the test.
Predicted winner: Edgar
Ed Herman vs. Joe Doerksen.
The Canadian Doerksen has an MMA record of 39-10, which makes him one of the sport's most experienced athletes. I think he'll get his 11th loss against Herman, though.
Predicted winner: Herman
More information:
Official web site
UFC 78 at Wikipedia
UFC 78 at MMA Mania
UFC 78 at MMA Junkie
Full betting odds
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