UFC 158: Predictions You Can Take to the Bank

The welterweights are on full display this weekend, when UFC 158 comes to you live from Montreal. 

Headlining the card is a 170-pound championship bout between challenger Nick Diaz and long-time chance Georges St. Pierre.

The winner could face a couple of men also featured on the card—Johny Hendricks, Carlos Condit, Jake Ellenberger or Nate Marquardt.

The star-studded card is loaded from the top to the bottom and should be a great night of fights. Here are some predictions you can take to the bank.

At Least Three Fighters Will Be Cut After the Event

With all of the cuts the UFC has been making, it's safe to say there will be more casualties in the aftermath of UFC 158.

The first cut may come from the opening bout—featured on Facebook—when George Roop takes on Ruben Duran in the bantamweight division.

Roop has lost two straight (Hatsu Hioki and Cub Swanson), while Ruben Duran is 1-2 in the UFC.

Issei Tamura needs to win or he will probably walk as well. The bantamweight is 1-1 in the UFC, losing his latest outing to Raphael Assuncao.

A loss for Patrick Cote would also likely cost him his job. He is 1-1, but his win came as a result of a disqualification in a fight that he almost lost.

On the main card, Colin Fletcher and Mike Ricci will battle. Both lost their debuts coming off Ultimate Fighter seasons, so whoever takes the loss here could walk.

Another wild card to get their walking papers is Quinn Mulhern, though he may be safe with a solid performance because of his three-fight winning streak.

Cruickshank vs. Makdessi Won't Be as Exciting as It Is on Paper

I am sure a ton of people will be looking forward to the awesome striking battle that will occur when Daron Cruickshank and John Makdessi meet.

Why not, they both have shown technical, flashy styles on the feet during their time in the Octagon.

However, we should not forget Cruickshank is a wrestler.

Further than that, Makdessi's weakness is his ground game. Cruickshank is a smart fighter and knows he can use his power and size advantage to control the fight.

This will lead to a grinding affair that lets fans down on their expectations of a crazy kickboxing match.

Cote and Voelker Will Put on the Fight of the Night

Patrick Cote is rarely in a boring fight, the same can be said about Bobby Voelker.

Put the two together and the fight could be insane.

Cote is an iron-chinned boxer that is always pushing forward and inflicts as much damage as he takes. He will be in front of a hometown crowd, so he could be even more motivated.

Voelker is vastly underrated and currently on a three-fight win streak.

The knockout artist who has put more than half of his opponents to sleep, Voelker has ended 15 of 24 fights by turning out the lights.

Will Cote's chin budge or will he stand his ground in Montreal. 

Canadians Will Go 4-3 on the Card

There are seven Canadians on the card Saturday night, none of which face each other. That means they could technically go undefeated, I predict they will go 4-3.

As stated, I think Canadian striker John Makdessi will get out-wrestled by Daron Cruickshank and Patrick Cote will out-strike Bobby Voelker for the win.

That puts us at 1-1 for the Canadian lads.

For the other winners, I have Jordan Mein edging Dan Miller, Mike Ricci beating Colin Fletcher and GSP beating Nick Diaz.

Unfortunately for these men, I think Antonio Carvalho will be out-wrestled by Darren Elkins and Nick Ring will fall at the hands of Chris Camozzi.

Condit Will Screw Up the Welterweight Title Picture

Johny Hendricks is on a great run right now. He has beat some top guys and won some quick knockouts that have turned some heads.

Carlos Condit is going to be like no man Hendricks has faced before.

Hendricks will have the wrestling advantage, as well as the power, but Condit is more balanced and technical. His aggression may make Hendricks uncomfortable, which will earn him points.

Condit also has a rigid chin, which will help deter Hendricks's punching power.

If Hendricks chooses to wrestle, he will deal with a tricky guard and sweeps that help Condit get back to his feet.

If Condit wins, the title picture will again be a murky situation.

GSP Will Silence Diaz with Wrestling

We have seen it time and time again.

Georges St. Pierre jabs, grabs a leg and wrestles a guy for the duration of a fight.

We will see it again.

Nick Diaz's biggest hole in his game is his counter wrestling. Yes, he has great jiu-jitsu, but GSP has the best wrestling at 170. GSP has faced great submission guys before and will be cautious of the Cesar Gracie disciple's risk taking style.

GSP will utilize ground-and-pound to soften up Diaz, but likely won't get the finish.

GSP will win and shut Diaz's mouth...for now.