UFC 152 Prelims: Final Predictions

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UFC 152 ends a long drought by the company, bringing us MMA action for the first time in almost a month.

It will be headlined by Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort, with a co-feature between Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez. But before that, the prelims will take place.

Here are the final predictions for the preliminary card.

Kyle Noke vs. Charlie Brenneman

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The first fight being streamed on Facebook will be a welterweight clash between Charlie Brenneman and Kyle Noke. 

Noke will be making his 170-lb. debut against a primary wrestler in Brenneman. In saying that, Brenneman will likely use his superior wrestling to grind out Noke en route to a decision.

Prediction: Brenneman def. Noke via decision

Mitch Gagnon vs. Walel Watson

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The difference in this bantamweight bout between Walel Watson and Mitch Gagnon is going to be size. Watson is going to have a huge height and reach advantage, which will be key.

Expect for Watson to keep this fight standing and use his distance to pick Gagnon apart. He may finish him late in the fight, but I expect it to go to the judges.

Prediction: Watson def. Gagnon via decision

Seth Baczynski vs. Simeon Thoresen

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An intriguing welterweight matchup is afoot as Seth Baczynski meets Simeon Thoresen.

Thoresen's only chance to win is on the ground, but I don't think he has the takedown chops to get Baczynski down. From there, Baczynski will work his striking en route to a decision victory.

Prediction: Baczynski def. Thoresen via decision

Jimy Hettes vs. Marcus Brimage

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In what could be the fight to see on the undercard, Jimy Hettes and Marcus Brimage are set to do battle in the featherweight division.

Brimage is big and strong, but Hettes has great judo and takedowns that could see Brimage on his back. From there, Hettes will earn a tapout from some variation of choke.

Prediction: Hettes def. Brimage via decision

Sean Pierson vs. Lance Benoist

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Canada's own Sean Pierson will meet Lance Benoist in what looks to be an exciting welterweight affair.

I have a feeling this will be a stand-and-bang fight for a while before Benoist brings Pierson to the ground. He will outgrapple the Canadian, but likely will not earn a stoppage. It will be a close win for Benoist.

Prediction: Benoist def. Pierson via decision

TJ Grant vs. Evan Dunham

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Two surging lightweights are scheduled to fight as Evan Dunham meets Canadian grappler TJ Grant.

Grant will want to get this fight down, but Dunham is too skilled and well-rounded to let that happen. Grant will stay on the feet too long and Dunham will eventually clip him for a referee stoppage from strikes.

Prediction: Dunham def. Grant via knockout

Igor Pokrajac vs. Vinny Magalhaes

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The feature bout on the FX portion of the card is a light heavyweight showdown between Igor Pokrajac and Vinny Magalhaes.

Vinny's only chance to win this fight is getting it to the ground. The problem is that Pokrajac has good wrestling and counter-wrestling, which will make it tough on the Brazilian.

An extended period on the feet will spell disaster for the returning Magalhaes.

Prediction: Pokrajac def. Magalhaes via late knockout or decision