B.J. Penn vs. Jon FitchWith title implications on the line this fight could help shape the future of the welterweight division should Georges St Pierre make a permanent move to one hundred and eighty five pounds. BJ Penn is the fresh off the quick decimation of Matt Hughes while Jon Fitch has lost once in eight years to the reigning champion in "GSP". Fitch is known for being a grinder in the truest sense of the word while Penn is known for his flashes of brilliance as an athlete and fighter. While Penn has a clear advantage striking it is unclear as to whether he will be able to knock Fitch out. Fitch has proven to have a chin just as hard as Penn's over the last eight years and has only been knocked out once in his career. Wrestling could very well be a wash but it is more likely that Fitch will prove to be the better man in that department. The real question will be whether or not Fitch can hold Penn down or against the fence and grind out a decision. With a size advantage Jon may be able to "fitch" BJ Penn but only if he can get past the crisp striking and speed advantage the Hawaiian possesses.
Prediction: BJ Penn by Submission
Michael Bisping vs. Jorge RiveraThis matchup would appear to be tailor made for Michael Bisping. However Jorge Rivera is no pushover for anyone who prefers to strike. He is a seasoned veteran who hits like a truck. Rivera seems to be a represent the kind of threat Wanderlei Silva did for Bisping in that while giving up the edge in speed and technical striking holds the ability to flatten Bisping with only one shot if given the chance. It is very possible that Bisping spends fifteen minutes avoiding Rivera's shots while peppering him with his own. It is also entirely possible that Rivera lands a punch that knocks out or stuns Bisping long enough to be finished.
Prediction: Michael Bisping by Decision
George Sotiropoulos vs. Dennis SiverTwo up and coming fighters in the Lightweight division square off in this fight. One is a former professional kickboxer while the other is an especially slick jiu jitsu ace. Dennis Siver has made a name for himself as being a tough striker who's spinning back kick is the stuff of nightmares. "Aussie" George Sotiropoulos has become known for his exceptional ground work. Siver appears to be at a significant disadvantage almost anywhere in this fight. George's length could prove problematic for Siver, who has experienced problems before with fighters longer than himself yet still not as rangey as Sotiropoulos. However that said Dennis still owns the striking advantage both in power and technical ability, whether he can overcome the length of George to use it is another story altogether. George has the grappling edge by far as well as the takedown ability to get it to the ground if he wants it there. I think this fight will consist of Siver trying to fend off takedowns before fighting for his life on the ground shortly before he is submitted there.
Prediction: George Sotiropoulos by Submission
Chris Lytle vs. Brian EbersoleA matchup born on short notice due to Carlos Condit dropping out from injury. Chris Lytle will face Brian Ebersole in a fight few people are giving Ebersole any kind of chance. Ebersole's striking is nowhere near that of Lytle's. While Chris' striking has been called less than technically perfect the fact of the matter is he hits with intent to finish fights. Ebersole is just as tough as Lytle having taken a four round beating from the hands of Hector Lombard before finally surrendering that fight. This fight could easily still be a candidate for fight of the night. I expect Ebersole to humor Lytle early striking while he tries to set up a takedown. However Ebersole is no Josh Koscheck as far as wrestling goes. It is unlikely he can keep Lytle down if he can even get him there.
Prediction: Chris Lytle by Decision
Kyle Noke vs. Chris CamozziTwo TUF11 Alumni square off here in Kyle Noke and Chris Camozzi. With both fighters having less than stellar striking games this should come down to a ground war. Noke is the Jiu Jitsu grappler while Camozzi is the wrestler. Expect a short feeling out process before Camozzi shoots and eventually snags a takedown or two. Noke should be able to get back up or even reverse Camozzi and work his positional game before setting up the sub.
Prediction: Kyle Noke by Submission
Ross Pearson vs. Spencer FisherRoss Pearson appeared to be on the fast track to becoming top ten in his division until a setback suffered at the hands of Cole Miller took place. He has a chance to redeem himself against seasoned veteran Spencer Fisher. Fisher has looked pretty good of late despite losing to Dennis Siver. I expect this to be primarily a standing affair in which Pearson uses his speed to get the better of "the King". He will likely use kicks and takedown attempts to keep Spencer off rythim all fight long.
Prediction: Ross Pearson by TKO
Alexander Gustafsson vs James Te HunaA hometown(or close to it) hero against an up and comer. This could be a barn burner where both men are closely matched with one edging out the other. Gustafsson is an interesting character, being 6'5" with what appears to be a decent grappling game. He had owned some of the standup against Phil Davis before going into retard mode and trying to take him down. He could have similar success here against James Te Huna. Gustaffson brings his length to the table as far as striking while Te Huna brings arguably more power. I expect back and forth action between these two until the final bell.
Prediction: Alexander Gustafsson by Decision
Nick Ring vs. Riki FukudaNick Ring was forced off the show of TUF11 due to a knee injury, however while there he made a bit of a splash and some say he may have won the show if he hadn't gotten injured. Riki Fukuda has made himself known in Japan, becoming the middleweight champion of the DEEP Promotion there. Will Fukuda be able to do what few japanese fighters have been able to in they're first fight stateside? Or will Nick Ring prove his well wishers right and show everyone why he deserved to be in the UFC at all?
Prediction: Nick Ring by Decision
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