UFC 93 Predictions

The last UFC event, Ultimate 2008 was about as a good a fight card as MMA fans could ask for. Every fight was finished decisively and some in spectacular fashion. Two new champs were crowned and the UFC once again proved it was the best fight organization in the business. Rather then rest on their laurels and take a break the UFC is putting on two shows in January, the first UFC 93, while not a star-studded affair features at least a couple fights worth watching.

Marcus Davis vs Chris Lytle

Two battle-tested welterweight warriors are going head to head in what will be a stand-up showcase. They both asked for this fight and have promised to deliver a Griffin vs. Bonnar type slugfest. Lytle and Davis are both ex-boxers with great chins and should be able to deliver on their promise. This should surely be fight of the night as long as somebody doesn’t get knocked out too early

Marcus Davis has been on an absolute tear lately other than an unfortunate decision loss to Mike Swick. Lytle on the other hand has been his usual inconsistent self though seems to be improving his skills with every fight.

Neither fighter will spend much time on the ground but if it does go to the mat you have to give the edge to Lytle, though Davis is certainly not helpless when it comes to attempting and defending submissions.

This is just a fantastic matchup but look for Davis to squeak out a decision or late TKO due to his speed advantage.

Prediction: Marcus Davis by unanimous decision

Alan Belcher vs Denis Kang

Canadian Denis Kang is making his UFC debut in this bout after a decent couple of years in Pride.  He got a fairly tough draw with Alan Belcher for his first fight and won’t be able to coast to an easy win here.

Alan Belcher, has mainly faced TUF alumni in the Octagon and seen mixed results. Whenever the level of competition steps up he seems to fail.

Striking advantage goes to Belcher who’s Muay Thai is fairly decent. Kang should own him on the mat though as he is a BJJ black belt.

While on paper this bout looks fairly even, Kang will want to make a name for himself in his debut. He should come out guns blazing and outclass Belcher.

Prediction: Denis Kang by 2nd round submission

Jeremy Horn vs. Rousimar Palhares

Another interesting matchup at UFC 93 is between these two grapplers.  Horn is one of the most experienced fighters in the sport, while Palhares is still very much a rookie. Both have excellent ground games and should be looking to put on a clinic.  These are two very big middleweights who could do some damage with their striking but both will probably avoid spending too much time standing.

Though you can never count out Jeremy Horn he has been looking pretty terrible in recent outings and is on a two fight losing streak. One more and the UFC might let him go again. Palhares on the other hand is something of a rising star, other than a loss to Dan Henderson, he has looked pretty good.

Horn probably won’t be able to pull this one out and will add another loss to this record.

Prediction: Palahares by 3rd round submission

Shogun Rua vs Mark Coleman

Despite being a complete mismatch on paper (young fighter in his prime versus old washed-up second-rate Randy Couture) this match is loaded with a lot of history. Everyone knows about their first matchup that ended in a broken arm for Rua and an all out bum-rushing of the ring by both sides. Although both fighters have played down the bad blood between them, it adds a lot of interest to what is pretty much a foregone conclusion.

Shogun is so much better than Coleman it’s ridiculous that they should fight each other. This is very much like Ortiz vs. Shamrock and will likely end the same way unless Rua’s much-repaired knee blows out again. Coleman hasn’t fought in 3 years and it’s been a decade since he’s been in the Octagon. Ring rust will definitely play a factor.

Shogun will be back in the light heavyweight title picture after this win and Coleman’s freak win last time will be avenged.

Prediction: Shogun by 1st round knockout

Dan Henderson vs. Rich Franklin

In the headlining bout two of the sports best fighters are squaring in what is kind of an odd draw. Henderson a middleweight is hopping up to light heavy for this fight against Franklin who is the definitive number two middleweight who is trying to stake a claim in the light heavyweight division. It’s all a little confusing with the weight class jumping but broken down the fight makes sense. A win for Henderson would allow him perhaps another shot at Anderson Silva. For Franklin a win would prove he can hang with the best at light heavy. Then of course there is the TUF coaching job on the line…something neither fighter seems to care about.

The winner of this fight will be decided by wether it goes to the ground or stays on the feet. Though Hendo has KO power and is certainly no slouch as a striker, Franklin is an absolute master on his feet. Add to this the fact that he is a taller and bigger fighter and he should be able to negate Dan’s punching power.

Henderson needs to take this to the ground and pound Franklin into submission. His wrestling is world class and though Franklin has great takedown defense once down he isn’t all that dangerous from the guard.

This is an incredibly difficult bout to call because both men are fantastic fighters and quite evenly matched here.

Franklin because of his slight size and speed advantage might be able to pull out a decision here if he doesn’t take too much damage when on the ground.

Prediction: Rich Franklin by unanimous decision

- Sam Stilson