UFC 152: Predictions for the Main Card

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Whether or not you are ordering the pay-per-view, the main card is intriguing even for a non-fan of the UFC. With two title fights and a hero-villain showdown, UFC 152 is one of the best cards that 2012 can offer.

Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort headline the card, with Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez taking the supporting role. Add on that Michael Bisping and Brian Stann are set to scrap, and this card could be amazing.

Here are the predictions for the entire main card.

Cub Swanson vs. Charles Oliveira

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This featherweight bout between Charles Oliveira and Cub Swanson could be the fight I am most excited to see, as both men are near contendership and are exciting.

As for the fight, both men will strike until Oliveira sees an opportunity to drag Swanson to the ground. After a little bit of work, Oliveira will sink in one of his flashy submissions for the win.

Prediction: Oliveira def. Swanson via submission

Roger Hollett vs. Matt Hamill

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Matt Hamill is out of retirement, but his return fight will not be a cakewalk, as he faces a tough striker in Roger Hollett.

Hamill enjoys a stand-and-bang fight, but a win is imperative for him. He is the superior wrestler, and that's what he should use to win this fight.

It may be a boring fight, but Hamill needs to get in the win column. I can see a ground-and-pound stoppage.

Prediction: Hamill def. Hollett via knockout

Michael Bisping vs. Brian Stann

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American hero Brian Stann is set to face British heel Michael Bisping in a high-stakes middleweight showdown.

Both men are strikers first, so expect a stand-and-bang war. Stann is a powerhouse and Bisping is a technician, so this will be a nice contrast. 

I can see Stann ending Bisping's night with one punch, but I can also see Bisping avoiding with his footwork and taking the lesson learned from Dan Henderson's fists. The judges will be called upon in this one.

Prediction: Bisping def. Stann via decision

Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious Johnson

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The first flyweight champion is going to be crowned—assuming, that is, we don't have another judging fiasco.

Both men are extremely quick. While Demetrious Johnson is the more technical striker, he uses his strikes to get the fight down.

Joseph Benavidez is the more powerful striker, and he is very good at stunning opponents with his punches. 

Both will strike until Johnson gets uncomfortable. That will force Benavidez to sprawl and brawl, which may earn him a stoppage win. 

In my eyes, though, it will go to the judges.

Prediction: Benavidez def. Johnson via decision

Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort

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Jon Jones is back in the cage, and he will meet another legend in the form of Vitor Belfort.

I can see this being a striking battle for a little bit. After Jones realizes how skilled Belfort is in the boxing department, he will wrestle him to the ground.

After some vicious elbows and punches from top position, I can see him fishing for a guillotine or another choke on the Brazilian.

Expect a tapout in under three rounds.

Prediction: Jones def. Belfort via submission