UFC 110 Predictions

For the UFC’s first venture into Australia they have put together a throwback to the days of Pride with a card riddled with former stars from the now-defunct promotion. Tonight’s event features many interesting matchups, title shot implications and a sense of excitement that has been lacking from the last few UFCs.

Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovich vs. Anthony Perosh
Now that Ben Rothwell has dropped out this bout has been robbed of almost all its interest. What would have been a litmus test for Cro Cop against mid-level opposition has turned into a warm-up fight for the Croatian. If he wins, no one will care. If he loses his career is officially over. It makes you wonder why he accepted it at all?

Prediction: Cro Cop by TKO in round 1

Keith Jardine vs. Ryan Bader
Sadly for Keith Jardine, after losing several competitive matches to top-tier opponents he has become something of a stepping stone for young talent. While Jardine can never be counted out, betting on him is a high-risk venture. That being said against a guy whose biggest win to date is against Eric Schafer he might have better luck.

Bader has heavy hands and some semi-decent if not basic striking skills, but one has to give the edge to Jardine in striking, whose herky-jerky style is tough to figure out and he did outstrike Chuck Liddell and went a full 3 rounds with Rampage.

Where this match will be won is on the ground. If Bader can get Jardine down and keep him down the decision win is his. But can he? While Jardine is not a scary grappler, he does have decent wrestling and anyone coming out of Greg Jackson’s camp knows how to fight on the ground.

Prediction: Keith Jardine by unanimous decision

Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropolous

The Aussie, Sotiropolous has the home-crowd advantage and is riding a confidence high due to his 4-fight win streak. Joe Stevenson is experiencing a career renaissance after dropping 3 high-profile fights.

While George has proven to be a slick submission artist his striking isn’t mind-blowing and his meagre frame probably hold up well against a wrestler’s strength. This will be his undoing.

Stevenson has the BJJ credentials to nullify Sotiropolous’ greatest weapon and the power and speed to pretty much pick him up, slam him down and grind the life out of him.

It won’t be that fun to watch, but Joe Daddy should easily pick up his third win a row.

Prediction: Joe Stevenson by unanimous decision

Wanderlei Silva vs. Michael Bisping
This fight is tougher to call than most would think. Years of destroying opponents in Pride have given Wanderlei legend status that will never go away. When MMA fans think of Silva they see a vicious beats KOing opponents twice his size. But that was in 2004. He is no longer that fighter. No one conjures up with image of him getting outstruck by Rich Franklin, or lying lifeless after getting wrecked by Rampage. But that’s who is showing up to the cage tonight (albeit with a nose job). Sure we all want him to win, but those days might be over.

Bisping on the other hand failed miserably the only time he’s gone up against top-tier opposition (though his fight against Rashad Evans could be considered) and is a bit overrated. However, he is young, despite what detractors say, incredibly talented, and he has shown a tendency to learn and grow as a fighter. After his brutal TKO of Denis Kang one has to believe Bisping is better than a mid-level fighter and a win here should pop up into the top rankings.

If Wanderlei mauls Bisping he will win. The Brit will panic and hit the mat. If Bisping is patient, and quick and can get this fight to the ground even if only to steal a round or two he should win.

Prediction: Bisping by split decision

Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez
After years of watching flabby cans battle it out in the UFC heavyweight we should all be thankful that fights like this one are now happening and as non-title affairs no less. This is a great matchup of two incredibly skilled fighters who have a lot to lose and a indefatigable desire to win.

Minotauro will own Velasquez standing up. He hits harder, he has more boxing knowledge, and what he lacks in speed we can make up for with positioning and a solid chin. Velasquez is still new to striking and does not seem to hit with any power at all. Both Rothwell and Kongo took a ton of punches and appeared relatively unscathed.

When it comes to grappling, it’s a whole different story. Minotauro’s submission prowess is legendary but Velasquez is a world-class wrestler. Which martial art will prevail? We’ll find out tonight.

What will probably determine the winner of this fight is whether Big Nog can handle the youthful energy and relentless attack of Velasquez the way he’s weathered many other beatings from guys like Fedor and Cro Cop. If Cain truly does hit with pillow hands chances are Minotauro won’t have much to worry about and can work his submissions. If he’s developed some power he just might shock the world.

Prediction: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by 3rd round submission

- Sam Stilson