5 Predictions for UFC 89 You Won't Hear Anywhere Else

With UFC 89 coming up next weekend, I thought I'd chime in with my predictions for what's going to happen during what looks to be a pretty decent card considering that it's on free tv. Okay, let's jump right in:

1) Brandon Vera Will Dominate Keith Jardine

In my last article, I explained the pickle Brandon Vera finds himself in after three straight disappointing performance in the octagon. There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Brandon’s back is up against the wall and this match will dictate his future with the UFC. Call me crazy, but I actually believe “The Truth” is going to deliver next Saturday night.

Make no mistake, Keith Jardine is a game opponent and trains with a phenomenal camp headed by Greg Jackson. However, I’m going with my gut here and calling the match for Brandon by first-round TKO. This is not a popular view but I think the prospect of being dumped by the UFC is enough to motivate Brandon to live up to his potential – and of course, that recent incident at Lloyd Irvin’s house might give him additional cause to get off his butt and make something big happen in his career before it’s too late.

2) Michael Bisping Will Outpoint Chris Leben, Fans Will Boo

Leben will want to test Bisping’s chin as soon as possible in, but I do not think Bisping will be eager to trade with the Crippler, who has very heavy hands (take a drink!) and an iron chin. Thankfully, Bisping looks a heck of a lot faster and energetic as a middleweight than he did against the bigger guys in the stacked light heavyweight division

I expect Bisping to use leg kicks to keep Leben back while peppering him with jabs and combos, and to set up a few takedowns. The result should be a decision victory for Bisping, and the crowd will hate what will a lackluster fight.

(Note; If the UFC announces that Bisping is one of the coaches for The Ultimate Fighter: US vs. UK BEFORE the match with Leben, than I reverse my position and guarantee a victory for Leben by jinx.)

3) Shane Carwin Will Win Knockout of the Night

Shane Carwin is one of my favorite up-and-coming heavyweights in MMA, and if you saw his stunning knockout of Christian Wellisch at UFC 84, you know why opponent Neil Wain is probably in for a hurting on Saturday night. Wain is making his UFC debut and thus he’s something of an unknown quantity, but Carwin has 6 inches and 23 pounds on the less-experienced Wain so I don’t think Shane will have much trouble.

Immediately after, Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg will get pumped about the potential for Carwin to face Brock Lesnar at some point in 2009.

4) Marcus Davis and Paul Kelly Will Win Fight of the Night

Okay, this isn’t rocket science. These guys are going to stand up and bang, and that will get the fans howling. This match could easily go either way, but I think Marcus Davis is likely to win a decision victory.

and finally...

5) My Predictions for Remaining Fights

Cane > Sokoudjou

Lytle > Taylor

Gono > Hardy

Bielkheden > Liaudin

Etim > Stout

Baron > Miller

Schiavo > Eklund

Okay folks, thanks for reading! If I get a good response I'll do the same for UFC 90. And check out MMAEruption.com!