UFC Fight Night 55: B/R Main Card Staff Predictions

At UFC Fight Night 55, Luke Rockhold and Michael Bisping will both look to take one big step closer to a shot at the middleweight championship.

With wins over Costas Philippou and Tim Boetsch in his past two outings, Rockhold has emerged as one of the top contenders in the 185-pound class. Being a former Strikeforce champion, Rockhold is expected to get UFC a title shot at some point in his career, but he could expedite that with a win over Bisping.

In his latest appearance, Bisping picked up a rebound win over Cung Le, stopping the former Strikeforce champion in the fourth round. Despite a recent loss to Tim Kennedy, Bisping is always a big win or two away from battling for the belt because he is so popular.

As usual, Bleacher Report writers Riley Kontek, Craig Amos, Scott Harris, James MacDonald and Sean Smith will provide their takes on the bout between Rockhold and Bisping and the three other UFC Fight Night 55 main card contests.

2014 Staff Records

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Not much has changed in the prediction standings recently.

Craig Amos remains a nose ahead of Riley Kontek at the top. Not far behind them, James MacDonald is looking to make a late run at the best record in 2014.

Sean Smith and Scott Harris continue to bring up the rear, with the latter falling farther and farther behind the former. 

Pos.	Staff Member	Record
1.	Craig Amos	125-66-1
2.	Riley Kontek	124-67-1
3.	James MacDonald	122-69-1
4.	Sean Smith	119-72-1
5.	Scott Harris	113-78-1

Soa Palelei vs. Walt Harris

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Riley Kontek

Walt Harris gets a welcome back to the UFC after a win in Titan Fighting Championship. His victory reversed the two-fight skid that got Harris booted from the UFC. However, on late notice, he gets a tough matchup in Soa Palelei. Palelei is a fast starter and will look to ground the striker early. He will earn a stoppage with his Donkey Kong-like ground-and-pound.

Palelei, TKO, Rd. 1

Craig Amos

Harris returns to the UFC after just one fight away, but I don't like his odds here. Palelei may not be a title contender, but he can really put it on guys. This is likely to be the shortest bout of the evening.

Palelei, KO, Rd. 1

Scott Harris

If you can name a heavyweighter bout than this bout, I'm all ears, because this is the heavyweightest. The difference-maker could be Palelei's move to AKA Thailand, where he has said he is flourishing under Mike Swick. I'll take him at his word.

Palelei, TKO, Rd. 2

Sean Smith

While Harris has to be glad to be back inside the Octagon, he matches up terribly with Palelei. The Hulk's ground-and-pound makes him a handful for anybody lacking in the wrestling department, and Harris' takedown defense is hardly stellar.

Palelei, TKO, Rd. 1

James MacDonald

This isn’t an easy task for Harris on his return to the UFC. Palelei is an absolute brute, and he should be able to get the returning Harris out of there pretty early.

Palelei, TKO, Rd. 1

Robert Whittaker vs. Clint Hester

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Riley Kontek

I am not sure why Robert Whittaker moved up to 185. He looked strong as a 170-pounder. In that regard, he is going to be at a size and power disadvantage to longtime middleweight Clint Hester, who also may be quicker and more athletic. This is a pure striking match. Hester can throw heavy leather and will do more damage, which will be the difference here.

Hester, Unanimous decision

Craig Amos

Neither fighter owns a win over impressive competition, so it's difficult to find any benchmarks on which to base a selection. In such a case, we go to the eye test. Given his reach advantage (77" to Whittaker's 73"), what will presumably be a strength advantage and superior striking accuracy, the pick is Hester.

Hester, TKO, Rd. 2

Scott Harris

I think Hester is going to cut off the cage on him. Whittaker can try to stay mobile, and he'll win some fights at this new weight class with that tactic, but it's not in the cards for him on this one.

Hester, TKO, Rd. 2

Sean Smith

The quicker and more talented striker, Hester should be able to win this potential stand-up battle between up-and-comers. Whittaker has a solid enough chin to take Hester's best, but he won't have the ground game to make necessary adjustments once things go wrong.

Hester, Unanimous decision 

James MacDonald

This is bizarre. Whittaker should really be at welterweight and Hester isn’t exactly a small 185 pounder. Both are excellent strikers, but the size different may be Whittaker’s undoing here.

Hester, Unanimous decision

Ross Pearson vs. Al Iaquinta

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Riley Kontek

I see where Al Iaquinta deserves a step up in competition, but Ross Pearson is a guy whose performances lately should have earned him a Top 15 opponent. Pearson is hitting a stride right now and is going to give Iaquinta more than he can handle. This should be a fun one regardless.

Pearson, Unanimous decision

Craig Amos

This marks a definitive leap in quality of competition for Iaquinta, and while he has showcased a good many skills, I don't see him winning this contest. Pearson is more technically sound on the feet and can rely on a wealth of high-level experience to overcome anything his opponent, a fellow Ultimate Fighter winner, can throw at him.

Pearson, Unanimous decision

Scott Harris

I think Iaquinta can take him down, but I don't think he's actually going to do it, at least not in a sustained manner. If I'm wrong. he'll win. If I'm right, it's a brawl, and Pearson wins that.

Pearson, TKO, Rd. 2

Sean Smith

Pearson is well-rounded and much more experienced, but I think this matchup lends itself to an Iaquinta upset. With the improvements he has shown as a striker under Ray Longo, Iaquinta should be able to hold his own when standing and can steal a couple rounds with takedowns.

Iaquinta, Unanimous decision

James MacDonald

This is a dangerous fight for Pearson. Very little name recognition, yet a fight the Brit could conceivably lose. Iaquinta matches up pretty well with Pearson, but the TUF Season 9 winner should have enough of an edge on the feet to scrap his way to a win.

Pearson, Unanimous decision

Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping

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Riley Kontek

Michael Bisping's performance against Cung Le was very good, but Rockhold is hitting a peak right now that is hard to combat. On the feet, he can match Bisping's technical prowess and power. However, his wrestling is what will likely make the difference here.

Rockhold, Unanimous decision

Craig Amos

Rockhold looks to be coming into his own as a legitimate middleweight contender. Bisping has been on the precipice of that same step for many years now, but with each passing year, and each passing defeat, it seems less and less likely he will ever cement that status. This will be yet another setback.

Rockhold, Unanimous decision

Scott Harris

I don't even like having to make this pick; even Bisping knows he's going to lose. This is just putting Rockhold over, and Rockhold will take advantage. He's really, really good, and if people don't get that now, they'll get it after this fight, I guess.

Rockhold, Submission, Rd. 2

Sean Smith

With his unreal conditioning and underrated takedown defense, Bisping can never be counted out. However, Rockhold should have an edge over the Englishman no matter where this fight ends up. He won't get a third straight finish, but Rockhold should cruise to another victory.

Rockhold, Unanimous decision

James MacDonald

I may have favoured Bisping had this fight been booked a few years ago. However, I fear the Brit may be on the slide slightly, while Rockhold is just hitting his prime. The former Strikeforce middleweight king’s power on the feet could be the difference. Look for Rockhold to earn a late stoppage.

Rockhold, TKO, Rd. 4