UFC 98: Evans Vs. Machida

UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena

The main card of the event features the following competitors:

This card features two potential number one contender matchups if Sherk and Okami get pass their opponents. Then we have the light heavyweight matchup rounding out the final bout of the card.

Rashad Evans makes his first title defense agaist Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida. Machida is undefeated and is coming off back to back wins over Tito Ortiz and Thiago Silva. Machida features a Karate style with a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Machida also has shown to possess solid wrestling when needed. Evans will be making his first title defense after victories over the fallen Chuck Liddell and former champ Forrest Griffin.

Evans has powerful hands and solid wrestling. The big question would be what level is his jiu-jitsu on if he's on the ground his a black belt? I'd say it's fairly good on the defensive side as we haven't seen Evans submit very many people. The winner of this matchup will be squaring off against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and it's no secret that Rampage wants Evans. Prediction: Machida by Sub

Further Predicitons:

Matt Hughes

Chael Sonnen

Sean Sherk

Xavier Foupa-Pokam 

Undercard Predictions:

Note: James Irvin,Yushin Okami, Houston Alexander have both been forced to withdraw from their respected bouts due to injuries. Chael Sonnen steps in to face Dan Miller and Irvin is moved to UFC 102 against Wilson Gouveia.