UFC 153: Predicting the Fight Night Bonus Winners

UFC 153 in Brazil has arrived and with it we have a number of exciting fights fans are eager to see. From top to bottom, the card is stacked and should provide some fun fights.

The card is headlined by Stephan Bonnar and Anderson Silva, but also boasts names like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Glover Teixeira and Erick Silva. With that kind of star power, fight night bonuses are going to be tough to decide.

Here are the predictions for these traditional bonuses.

Submission of the Night: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

I expect there to be a couple submissions at UFC 153, but I believe the old horse Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will win the top honors.

I think he and Dave Herman will strike for a bit, with Nogueira tagging the American at one point. That will lead to Herman falling and Nogueira following him down.

Expect a choke of some sort, but Nogueira should clinch the fight with a submission. It will likely earn Submission of the Night honors.

Also in the running: Demian Maia, Rony Jason, Sergio Moraes, Cristiano Marcello

Knockout of the Night: Diego Brandao

I don't think there will be many knockouts on the night, but I think Diego Brandao will have the tools and brutality to earn Knockout of the Night honors. 

Brandao will be facing an overmatched Joey Gambino in front of Brandao's countrymen. He will not disappoint, putting away the American with strikes somewhat early.

It should be enough for the bonus.

Also in the running: Anderson Silva, Erick Silva, Glover Teixeira

Fight of the Night: Anderson Silva vs. Stephan Bonnar

We may not be getting a featherweight title bout in the main event anymore, but we have a potential fight of the year as its replacement.

Anderson Silva and Stephan Bonnar will put on a show. I don't expect Bonnar to get the Forrest Griffin treatment and get absolutely tooled in front of millions. 

Instead I expect a somewhat competitive bout with Silva winning a clear decision. But, it should be a fun one. 

Also in the running: Glover Teixeira vs. Fabio Maldonado, Rony Jason vs. Sam Sicilia