Prediction record (UFC 100 and on): 6-16
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Randy Couture
This will probably be one of the historically most boring UFC main events ever, though it will remain close for the same reason: they are too old. Unless something was randomly and crucially wrong with Nogueira in his last fight, a loss to Frank Mir, then he's done long before he ever steps in the cage with Couture. Randy is out of heavyweight title contention in my mind and this should be his last fight in the division. The big guys are just too big for The Natural at this point and he can still draw in some never before seen fights at 205. Couture/Griffin? Couture/Rampage? A loss could end Big Nog's UFC career officially, but I for one think it is already long over.
-Couture by split decision
Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva
One of the most tempramental fighters in terms of his consistency, Jardine needs another highlight reel finish in order to possibly ever get a 205 title fight. Silva can climb several rungs on the ladder with a win while Jardine could establish himself as one of the next contenders in the Division behind Rampage and Rashad Evans. Silva's danger comes in the fact that he really does not have as much to lose as Jardine, but just as much to gain.
-Jardine by Round 2 KO
Jake Rosholt vs. Chris Leben
If Leben wants to remain relevant, he needs this win. He will always be a name because of his Ultimate Fighter time and a bigger name because of those outrageous TUF exploites. But as a UFC fighter, he has been super inconsistent. Leben runs the risk of getting frustrated and caught or frustrated and decisioned if Rosholt wants to just lay around in guard. Leben's best hope is to take the relative UFC newcomer out of his game plan and have Rosholt stand and slug. With Leben's iron chin, this would be Rosholt's worst idea ever.
-Leben by Round 2 TKO
Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia
Snorefest potential here if Maia is too worried about getting to the ground and won't stand with Nate at all. However, he can't stand long or he will get knocked out. I think Maia is just too versed, best BJJ fighter in UFC or not. My hope is that Maia wouldn't go straight to Anderson Silva with a win and would instead face Dan Henderson in a contender fight. Maybe then we'll see Marquardt/Bisping?
-Maia by Round 2 Submission
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brandon Vera
The only time Soszynski has not been underrated is when he was on The Ultimate Fighter and was considered a favorite before an upset loss. Being an underdog suits him so much better and he's stronger when fighting for something, not expected to succeed. And Vera packs a much bigger talk than punch. Forget what we all may think, Vera believes he has this wrapped and that is what will get him caught. Vera stronger throughout but not in the crunch.
-Soszynski by Round 3 Submission
Gabe Gonzaga vs. Chris Tuchscherer
Chris is another debuting heavyweight who is no joke. He is 17-1 and trains with Brock Lesnar. But really, let's not forget that Gonzaga is a legit former world champ. This isn't exactly a crapshoot, but it will be a barn burner.
-Tuchscherer by Round 2 TKO
Mike Russow vs. Justin McCully
The heavywight division is getting thick quick, as seen with the debuting Russow, a winner of his last seven, and veteran McCully. Another crapshoot that will end up showing what experience against the biggest and best can do.
-McCully in Round 3 by TKO
Tim Hague vs. Todd Duffee
I admitedly know little about Hague but Duffee, making his UFC debut, is a beast. In a semi-recent Fight! Magazine article, he was highly praised by one of his trainers Rory Singer and has never dissapointed in his four fights. Quick and painful end to Hague's night ahead.
-Duffee by Round 1 KO
Nick Catone vs. Mark Munoz
This contest could be very boring or highly intense. These two former Division I wrestlers will get boo'd out of Portland if they go to the ground. But in this scenerio, some wrestlers by trade will swing for the fences just for a change of expectation. This is one of the most evenly matched fights on the card.
-Catone by Unanimous decision
Marcus Aurelio vs. Evan Dunham
Is Aurelio going to be on his game? That is the deciding factor here because he is more experienced and plain better than Dunham. If he's not on, I still doubt that Dunham, a finisher by trade, will actually finish him.
-Aurelio by 2nd Round TKO
Ed Herman vs. Aaron Simpson
Quick and easy for me here. I was never THAT impressed with Ed Herman and he is far from even the same fighter he was during his Ultimate Fighter days.
-Simpson by unanimous decision
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