UFC 103 Picks, Predictions, and Fight Previews

The UFC comes to Dallas, Texas, with a solid UFC 103 card top to bottom and a main event between legend Rich Franklin and a blast from the past, Vitor Belfort. The capacity crowd will also witness the Croatian Sensation, Mirko Cro Cop.

The Pay-Per-View event will have portions of the undercard shown on SpikeTV at 9:00 eastern, and all UFC 103 results can be found after the fights are official at ProFighting-fans.com, the fans' source for UFC news.

Tyson Griffin (13-2) vs. Hermes Franca (20-7)

Griffin is a powerhouse in the 155-pound division. He has aspirations to fight B.J. Penn for the lightweight title. Hermes Franca has fought off some personal problems and looks to get back into the title hunt.

Prediction: Tyson Griffin’s skills will prove to be too much as he wins via Unanimous Decision.

Josh Koscheck (14-4) vs. Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg (19-6)

Two of the biggest talkers in the sport will do battle in the 170-lb. division. Koscheck is a tremendous wrestler with an improving stand-up game but is only 3-3 in his last six contests, including a loss to Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre.

Frank Trigg is truly a legend in the sport. Trigg has been one of the biggest trash talkers the sport has ever seen. His verbal display was in full force when he faced legend Matt Hughes on two occasions (UFC 45 and 52). Trigg lost both contests, but each are viewed as classics.

Trigg has won four-straight fights, but hasn’t competed in the UFC since August 2005. Expect some great dialogue between these warriors.

Prediction: Josh Koscheck will win a hard-fought duel via KO in the third round.

Paul Daley (21-8-2) vs. Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann (15-2)

A critical matchup in the Welterweight Division for Martin Kampmann, as he was originally scheduled to compete against Mike Swick, who withdrew due to injury. 

Kampmann has successfully made the drop from 185 lbs. to 170 and is looking for a shot at Georges St. Pierre for the title.  Daley has competed for several organizations, but this will be his first test in the Octagon. 

Daley has faced tough competition against the likes of Jake Shields, Duane Ludwig, and Nick Thompson, to name a few.  Although Daley will present a challenge to Kampmann, he is nowhere near the talent of Swick.

Prediction: Kampmann wins in the 2nd round via TKO due to strikes.


Mirko Cro Cop (25-6-2) vs. Junior Dos Santos (8-1)

Mirko Cro Cop is an international MMA legend, competing most of his career overseas. He drew the ire of UFC President Dana White as he verbally agreed to a contract, then planned to fight for the Dream promotion overseas.

White was infuriated, but they managed to work out a deal. Despite being viewed as one of the greatest Heavyweights of all time, Cro Cop is only 3-2 in the UFC.

Mirko desperately wants to prove himself in the famed Octagon, but will have his hands full against the dangerous Junior Dos Santos.

The 25-year-old Dos Santos will get a chance to put himself on the map against a legend. Junior is 2-0 in the UFC, including a victory over Fabricio Werdum. This will clearly be his toughest test.

Prediction: This should be an entertaining fight between two combatants who love to unfurl wicked kicks. In the end, the seasoned veteran will win out. Cro Cop wins via a Split Decision.

Rich "Ace" Franklin (27-4) vs. Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort (18-8) - Catch Weight of 195 lbs

Rich "Ace" Franklin is 3-1 in his last four bouts, with the only loss in controversial fashion against Dan Henderson at 205 pounds. Franklin is coming off an impressive victory against Pride Fighting icon Wanderlei Silva at a catch weight of 195 pounds.

Franklin’s resume is very strong, with his four losses coming to Anderson Silva (twice), Lyoto Machida, and the aforementioned Henderson.

Franklin is the second-best 185-pound fighter in the world, but staying in the division serves no purpose, as he has lost to Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva twice.

Franklin has had a storybook career and now looks to compete in the stacked 205-pound division, but first he will battle quick-handed Vitor Belfort at a catch weight of 195 pounds.

The Phenom was a sensation in the early days of the UFC, starting in UFC 12. He had the body of a Greek God and was as quick as lightning. At that time, Belfort looked indestructible, going 4-0 with the longest bout going 1:17. Belfort then battled a big underdog in Randy Couture.

Couture used his wrestling skills and dirty boxing to defeat Belfort via TKO due to strikes. Belfort bounced back with a string of victories, including one of the most impressive performances in the history of the UFC at Ultimate Brazil, where he decimated Wanderlei Silva with his incredible hand speed.

Belfort knocked Silva senseless :44 into the first round. Belfort has competed against the best of the best in both the UFC and Pride Fighting Championship. His career has been marred by inconsistent performances, but many think his drop in weight from 205 only makes him more lethal.

Now, after knocking out MMA legend Matt Lindland last January, Belfort makes his return to the UFC.

Prediction: Rich Franklin’s footwork and boxing skills should help him keep distance from the dangerous hands of Belfort. Belfort will use his pure athleticism and push the pace, trying to get in range to unload his wicked strikes.

Both fighters prefer to be on their feet, but their styles couldn’t be more different as Franklin is patient, picking his opponent apart, while Belfort is very aggressive and often throws caution to the wind. This is a must-see for all fight fans.

Rich Franklin spoils Belfort’s return, winning via a Unanimous Decision.