UFC 95 Forecast: Sanchez Vs. Stevenson

By: Jordan Small - MMA HANGOVER

  Saturday night's main event from over the pond in London, England will be featuring the winners of season's one and two of "The Ultimate Fighter", as the "Nightmare" Diego Sanchez makes his debut in the lightweight division and his counterpart, Joe "Daddy" Stevenson, kicks off the welcoming party for Diego at 155 in what will be a significant step forward in the lightweight division for whichever former TUF champ that comes out on top.

"Nightmare" has not seen octagon action since June 21st of last year when he finished off Luigi Fioravanti in the third round with a vicious TKO. Diego was then scheduled to step into the octagon with Thiago Alves next, however, a rib injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.

On Saturday, Sanchez should utilize his superior striking abilities over Joe "Daddy" and from there try to set up a solid take down or two. Diego will be hungry for the win but the drop in weight is still vague on how it will effect his performance.

Stevenson is coming off a disappointing first round rear naked choke loss to the number one contender, Kenny Florian. The fight at UFC 91 didn't go Joe's way at all and he looked fairly outclassed against KenFlo.

That loss leading into this bout should motivate Joe "Daddy" to believe this is a do or die situation for him in the UFC. Joe should look to bring the fight to the ground and attempt to lock in a submission over Sanchez, it would also be a good idea for Stevenson to be cautious of the fight turning into stand up striking war as Diego will prove to be a human wrecking ball if he's given the chance to let his hands, knees and feet fly.

MMA HANGOVER's prediction for the main event at UFC 95 in London, England: Joe "Daddy" knows what is at stake if he should lose this bout, that's why he will leave it all on the line and come out with a victory. Stevenson by third round submission.