I sort of hate to make predictions before weigh-ins because I feel you can learn a lot from weigh-ins. Especially anytime Anthony Johnson or Thiago Alves are on the card? With weigh-ins only hours away I'm afraid if I don't get to this now, it'll never happen. For those loyal readers of mine, you know the winners are in Green.
Tito Ortiz vs Forrest Griffin: Okay so FINALLY Tito Ortiz is back in the octagon. But is it the same Tito that left the UFC nearly 18 months ago? A lot has happened during that time. There have been contract disputes, a back surgery, even babies born. In April 2006 Tito beat Forrest Griffin in what is still a talked about as a controversial split decision win. Forrest has beat and lost to some of the biggest names in the sport. While I think everyone is anxious to see a rematch I don't expect to see this go the same way as their last fight. As much as I keep going back and forth on who I think is going to win - I'm giving it to Tito. I think he has a lot to prove. He wants to show everyone he's back... And I'm giving it to him by way of Ground N Pound!
Josh Koscheck vs Anthony Johnson: This could be a great fight where we see a wrestler vs a striker with pretty long reach. Anthony is a very big welterweight and has been known to cut massive pounds (or try and in some cases has failed). The interesting tidbit with these two is Anthony is usually cornered by Josh Thompson who also trains out of the same gym as Koscheck (AKA). Will Josh Thompson corner Anthony? Again, as much as it pains me to say this, I'm giving this win to Anthony by way of TKO. I think those long arms are going to give him the extra reach and he'll use it. Oh and I will say I heart Josh. Any fighter that loves to fight as much and as often as he does is RAD in my book! Thanks Josh.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Luis Cane: For those that don't know much about lil Nog, he's very much like his brother but smaller. He has a chin, can take a lickin' and keep on tickin. Both Nog and Cain are great with submissions and BJJ and because of that, I expect to see this one go to the judges. Given their total effed up ability to make consistent decisions, who really knows how this one will go. I just flipped a coin (not really) and I'm giving this win to Cane by overall points.
Phil Baroni vs Amir Sadollah: Oh vay. This isn't even main card worthy in my book. This could either go with Baroni coming out throwing hay makers, and landing one before he gasses out and winning my TKO. Or Amir is able to stay away from the haymakers and goes in to the second round where Amir gets him in some sort of submission. Out of sheer hope, I'm going to pick Amir by submission. I'd like to state for the record in addition to not thinking this is main card worthy, I also think this is a do or die fight for both of these fighters. I can't believe the UFC thinks Baroni is an interesting addition to the roster and frankly Amir has lost a few fights now and should be on his way out with another loss. Sure I know given his history of TUF the UFC will keep him around for a while..but I think he's a better UFC personality than fighter.
Paulo Thiago vs Jacob Volkmann: This fight has been moved up to the main card to replace Karo Parisyan vs Dustin Hazelett. I know next to nothing on Jacob and seeing how Paulo used his brut strength against Koscheck I'll pick him to win by submission.
Karo Perisyan vs Dustin Hazelett: Given Karo's 'issues' Dustin wins by way of Karo forfeiting the fight. Oh and Karo also just forfeited his relationship with the UFC. oopsie. Although if you think about it we all win by not seeing this fight. Yay to Karo finally being out of the UFC. Oh and PS if he does have mental issues as Dana announced I hope he gets help.
