So let's get to it.
Matt Hughes (42-6) vs. Thiago Alves (14-3): Thiago Alves has
won five straight in the UFC, taking his last four by (T)KO. He's a
very powerful and explosive athlete with above average technical
striking skills and ridiculous power. Alves is also better on the
ground than his lone submission victory would seem to indicate.
The last time Alves lost was to a high caliber wrestler in Jon
Fitch, perhaps indicating that if you can get him to the ground?and
that's a tall order considering his strong takedown defense and
athleticism?you may be able to take home the win.
Matt Hughes is coming off of one of the toughest losses of his career
to Georges St. Pierre by submission. That said, this is still Matt
Hughes. In other words, he's one of the strongest men and one of the
best wrestlers in the history of the division. Beyond that, Hughes has
a never say die attitude and outstanding submissions from the top
position.
But if Alves can make Hughes stand with him, and that's a tough thing
to accomplish, than he should be able to take advantage of Hughes's
less than elite striking.
Prediction: Could Alves knock Hughes out? Sure. Will he?
Probably not.
Matt Hughes is a legend for good reason; he's simply that good a
fighter. Expect Hughes to be able to take Alves down and grind him
down. Under such an onslaught Alves should fatigue, which may allow the
former UFC Welterweight Champion to improve his position enough to
bring home a TKO or submission victory.
Michael Bisping (15-1) vs. Jason Day (17-5): Jason Day is
an underrated and very well rounded fighter that is just as likely to
submit you as knock you out. Along with this, he's won his last five
fights over the likes of Alan Belcher, David Loiseau, Ron Faircloth,
Jonathan Goulet, and Shawn Marchand.
Michael Bisping is a very underrated fighter that can also do it all.
There are two differences between the two, however. First, Bisping has
done most of his damage at light heavyweight, not the middleweight
division that he currently resides in. So he's a big fighter. Second,
this bout is going to take place in London.
Who do you think the crowd will be rooting for?
Prediction: All five of Day's losses have come by way of stoppage. With
the crowd in his corner and a size advantage, Bisping should be able to
pull through with a late round TKO.
Michael Bisping wins by TKO in round three.
Mike Swick (11-2) vs. Marcus Davis (14-3): Mike Swick is a
tall and lanky welterweight that tends to utilize a somewhat cautious
stand up style to his advantage, with long reach and a knack for
elusiveness that's hard to measure. He also has solid submission
skills. Swick's takedown defense and takedown skills aren't necessarily
strengths.
Marcus Davis is a former professional boxer that has truly transitioned
from that sport to MMA. His takedowns, takedown defense, and overall
submission skills have improved to above average. Further, the power he
demonstrates on his feet is devastating, and his stand up boxing skills
are as good as they come.
Prediction: First, Marcus Davis likes fighting in England. Though Davis
may have difficulty with Swick's reach and kicks, in the end you've got
to believe that his superior boxing skills will get him inside where he
can do damage. This should be an interesting fight.
Marcus Davis wins a close decision.
Brandon Vera (8-1) vs. Fabricio Werdum (10-3-1): Vera possesses well above average technical striking and jiu jitsu skills. He's a very tough guy that brings the fight to his opponents, but he also hasn't fought in nearly eight months.
Fabricio Werdum possesses some unorthodox striking skills that tend to do the job. He is also a tough guy. But when it comes to jiu jitsu, he's as good as they come. The question is can he get Vera to the ground, as his wrestling is good but not necessarily great.
Prediction: On one hand, Vera probably doesn't have enough on his feet to knock Werdum out, as he is one tough hombre. On the other, he should win the stand up battle. In a five round bout, Werdum might be able to get Vera to the ground. In three rounds, it's going to be hard.
Brandon Vera via unanimous decision.
THE REST
Nate Marquardt (26-7-2) vs. Thales Leites (12-1): This could be one of the best fights of the night. It's a toss up.
Nate Marquardt via a close decision.
Jorge Rivera (15-6) vs. Martin Kampmann (15-2): Kampmann is an unbelievably well rounded fighter and is better than Rivera on the ground. Rivera is better on his feet and a hard hitter.
Tough call. Go with Kampmann via submission in round three.
Matt Wiman (9-3) vs. Thiago Tavares (13-1): Wiman is a good fighter. Tavares may have the potential to be better than that.
Thiago Tavares wins via unanimous decision.
Luis Cane (8-1) vs. Jason Lambert (23-7): Cane may find that Lambert is a dangerous ground and pound kind of guy coming off of a loss. That said, this could be a very good fight.
Jason Lambert wins via unanimous decision.
Paul Taylor (8-3-1) vs. Jess Liaudin (12-9): Taylor is a tough guy. But he can sometimes have trouble staying on his feet, and Liaudin is a strong submission fighter.
Jess Liaudin wins via submission in round two.
Antoni Hardonk (6-4) vs. Eddie Sanchez (10-1): Hardonk can hit and has UFC experience. Most will take Sanchez in this one.
But not here. Go with Hardonk via TKO in round two.
Roan Carneiro (12-6) vs. Kevin Burns (6-1): Carneiro has much more experience against upper level competition.
Roan Carneiro wins via unanimous decision.
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