Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort - If Anderson avoids an early knockout he will win this in the later rounds. Vitor has never been great at overcoming adversity in fights and I think Anderson’s head movement and footwork combined with the best counter striking in the sport will be to much for Belfort to deal with. This will be an exciting fight regardless because Vitor only knows how to go forward and Anderson is at his best when being pressed by an opponent. Slight chance than Belfort connects with a devastating shot and scores the upset but seeing how Anderson has never been knocked out in his career, I don’t see that happening.
Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin - This is such a toss up because they are so similar in style. I expect this fight to go the distance regardless of who wins it. Neither fighter is really known for his knockout power but I would give the punching power edge to Franklin despite his size disadvantage. Both are very well rounded and can hold their own on the ground but I would be shocked if this ended in a submission. Forrest probably has the better offensive bjj game but both are very good at defensive bjj. I doubt this fight ever hits the ground. I’ll pick Forrest because he is bigger, younger, and uglier but it could go either way.
Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader - Jon Jones wins this fight but it won’t be as easy as some are predicting. Ryan Bader is the real deal and will be a top 5 light heavy weight for years to come. Jones has yet to show a dent in his game though and I don’t think Bader has the striking to expose Jones. I think the person that can beat Jones is someone with great striking and good defensive wrestling. Maybe Rampage or Machida but not Bader. Bader is still very green with his striking although his wrestling is top notch. Jones has holes in his technical striking game but tends to make up his lack of technical skills by being completely unpredictable and creative. Jon Jones may not be unbeatable but Ryan Bader will not be the man to knock his hype train off the rails.
Jake Ellenberger vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha - Rocha is still a relative unknown to many UFC fans, myself included. He is undefeated with all but one of his wins coming in the first round. 8 out of 9 fights have been won by submission. He is taking a huge step up in competition fighting Ellenberger in only his second UFC fight. If he wins he will catapult himself into the middle of a very tough welterweight division. Ellenberger will have the eye of the tiger tonight after the UFC fucked him over by giving him an unknown instead of the Jon Fitch fight that was previously scheduled. Jake Ellenberger may be the most underrated fighter in the WW division and I see him grinding out a workmanlike decision.
Miguel Torres vs. Antonio Banuelos - Banuelos trains at The Pit with John Hackleman which basically means the dude is tougher than shit. He makes up for his lack of technical skills with his all out style and big heart. Torres should be to much for him though and I expect Miguel to secure a submission during a scramble in the 2nd or 3rd round. Should be an exciting fight.
Paul Kelly vs Donald Cerrone - Cerrone is one of my favorite WEC imports and I expect him to win this fight relatively easy. This looks to be somewhat of a showcase fight for one of the UFC’s new lightweight stars.
Demetrious Johnson vs Kid Yamamoto - Kid is one of the biggest stars in Japan and was once the top fighter at 135 pounds. I think he may be past his prime as shown in his last few fights and I expect Johnson to pull off what many would consider an upset. Johnson is so fun to watch and would probably be the best 125 pound fighter in the UFC if they made that division. Kid will be much bigger come fight time but until the Japanese fighters prove they can come over here and perform the same as they do in Japan, I will have to pick against them. I’m racist against asians though so maybe you shouldn’t listen to me.
Other winners tonight include:
Mendes, Taylor, Piece, and Romero.
