7 Bold Predictions for UFC on FOX 4

The UFC on Fox is usually an event that fans throughout the MMA community are buzzing about. For the upcoming Fox card, headlined by Mauricio Rua and Brandon Vera, it seems like not much is being made of the card.

Going into the event, many people are going to be making predictions on who they think will win and who will come out of the event as the top contender to Jon Jones' belt. For this article, I am going to make seven bold predictions that will seem out of the ordinary.

Keep in mind, these are bold predictions, not normal predictions. The ride begins here.

John Moraga and Ulysses Gomez Have Best Fight, Don't Get FOTN

A pair of flyweights are set to make their respective debuts on the card, kicking off the Fuel TV portion of the event. These two men are Ulysses Gomez and John Moraga.

If there has been one thing true about the flyweight division, it's that the fights have been nothing less than stellar thus far. The 125-pounders have gone out and proven that they should not be overlooked by the masses with their fan-friendly affairs.

Gomez is a former Tachi Palace Fights champion in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. The pankration specialist is noted for his submission and wrestling abilities, though he is no slouch on the ground, either.

Moraga is a Rage in the Cage champion in the bantamweight division and his dropping to flyweight for his UFC debut. Similarly, Moraga is a submission specialist, which could make this bout a standup war.

Whatever the outcome, this fight may be the best of the night. Just don't expect it to take home "Fight of the Night" with the main card holding bouts such as Joe Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner.

Josh Grispi Goes from Almost Top Contender to Unemployed

Remember when Josh Grispi was the initial top contender for Jose Aldo's newly-acquired UFC Featherweight Championship? That seems like a distant memory for a man who may be fighting for his job come Saturday night.

Grispi's fall from grace came after Aldo pulled from their fight and the American decided to fight anyway. Unfortunately, he would fall to an unknown named Dustin Poirier and lose his claim for the top prize.

After that, Grispi was dominated by George Roop in his latest bout. Roop peppered a seemingly unprepared Grispi, finishing him with a brutal body shot that would have crippled a T-Rex.

Grispi is set to face submission ace Rani Yahya. No matter what, Grispi must win or he will likely be let go. Unfortunately, Yahya has a good chance at submitting the former contender.

Wagner Prado Shocks Phil Davis in Debut

Phil Davis is looking to rebound from his first career loss against Rashad Evans at the second Fox event in UFC history. It may be a tougher fight than many realize, as he takes on debuting late-replacement Wagner Prado.

Davis is a dominant wrestler and has rag-dolled many men. It would be foolish to bet money against him, especially against an unknown.

But, Davis is taking on a Nogueira-trained grappler with high level Muay Thai. Now, the grappling may not make a difference, because Davis has already outgrappled a Nogueira, but it may play into Prado's takedown defense.

If he is able to fend off Davis' attempts to get the fight to the mat, he should pick Davis apart. Seeing as Prado has knocked out all but one with knees, kicks and punches, there is the possibility he catches Davis.

Hey, it could happen.

This Event Is the Best UFC on FOX so Far

Despite what some people say, I have been generally pleased with the Fox cards so far. 

The first Fox card was good, even though the main event was "disappointing." In my eyes, it was a great knockout victory and exciting.

Yes, the second Fox card was boring, but what do you expect when you put that many wrestlers on a card?

The third card was easily my favorite, as it provided many exciting moments and great fights. The main event was a great topper.

Now look at the fourth card. It does not have the potential as the first three cards, but the cards that fans usually pan beforehand end up being the better cards. 

With knockout artists like Mauricio Rua and Lyoto Machida, as well as submission ace Joe Lauzon and an interesting matchup between Cole Miller and Nam Phan, this card could end up being the best.

Mike Swick's Layoff Hurts Him in Comeback Fight

Mike Swick's long road to the Octagon could either be a blessing or a hindrance.

I am going to have to side with the latter. 

Swick was a talented fighter several years ago, but since then, injuries and ailments have prevented the former Ultimate Fighter contestant from entering the cage.

It's been over two years since Swick fought his last bout, a loss to Paulo Thiago, but now his only enemy is DaMarques Johnson.

Call me cynical, but that type of layoff may be a factor in Swick's downfall on Saturday.

Jamie Varner Continues Resurgence, Gets Top Name After Beating Joe Lauzon

Joe Lauzon is one of the most exciting, creative lightweights in the UFC. In fact, had it not been for Anthony Pettis, Lauzon would probably be considered one of the top contenders. 

His opponent, Jamie Varner, made his return to the UFC in amazing fashion, as he knocked out Edson Barboza on very late notice. It was a shocker and has put his name in the upper-end of the UFC landscape.

Lauzon is facing a wrestler with solid striking. Though he has handled this before, Varner is riding a hot hand right now.

Maybe Varner will pull out the win and get himself a top-level opponent, maybe a guy like Pettis.

Neither Lyoto Machida nor Mauricio Rua Earn Title Shot

Dana White has gone back and forth on who will receive the next shot at the light heavyweight championship this week. First, it was just the winner of Rua-Vera, but now it's whoever looks the best out of the main and co-main events.

Imagine if Ryan Bader is to beat Lyoto Machida, while Mauricio Rua wins in lackluster fashion over Brandon Vera. Or better yet, Vera defeats Rua.

In that case, neither Machida nor Rua would earn the next title shot, like most people think they should.

It is a possibility, especially if Bader wins his fight. Don't count out "Darth."