UFC 85: Bedlam Predictions

Regarding my UFC 84: Ill Will picks—I was five-for-five regarding fight winners, and I got a good number of the details correct as well! Let's see how I can do this time!

UFC 85: Bedlam Predictions:

Mike "Quick" Swick vs. Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis:

Marcus Davis is somewhat true to the sound of his name. He is a boxer first, and is certainly willing to stand and bang it out. He has displayed solid submission/grappling skills, and is quick to jump on a downed opponent to finish them via ground-and-pound.

Mike Swick is an explosive striker using both punches and kicks, though he hasn't finished a fight via TKO/KO since August of 2005. An intelligent fighter, Swick effectively utilizes his reach advantage in picking spots to land strikes.

Prediction: Both fighters are explosive and will look to come out and land some shots in the early going. Davis has finished his last several fights in a more impressive fashion than has Swick. Swick will truly want to make a statement here. I see Swick utilizing his reach to keep the fight at a safe distance, and eventually finding an opening to exploit and explode on.

End Result: Look for Swick to win via TKO-strikes in the middle to late first round, with a possibility of the fight going to the second round with the same end result!

Nate "The Great" Marquardt vs. Thales Leites:

Thales Leites possesses a world-class ground game. Crafty at controlling his opponents on the ground, he is adept at using ground-and-pound to either finish a fight or set up a submission. He is also an underrated striker in the stand-up.

Nate Marquardt has a wealth of MMA experience under his belt. His truly is a well-rounded fighter who is equally as comfortable standing and striking as he is taking his opponents to the ground. Nate is a highly intelligent fighter who recovers well from awkward situations and doesn't often let an opportunity to take it to his opponent slip by.

Prediction: In the early going, look for Leites to hang with Marquardt in the stand up, but eventually look for the takedown. Look for Marquardt to win the stand up and avoid being taken to an awkward position on the ground. If the fight goes to the ground, Nate the Great will likely control and eventually implement some good old ground-and-pound.

End Result: Look for Marquardt to win late in the first round via TKO-strikes (ground-and-pound)!

Michael "The Count" Bisping vs. Jason "Dooms" Day:

Michael Bisping is a clever fighter. He is a well fit fighter who adapts well to any given situation. He looked phenomenal in his last fight, absolutely dismantling Charles McCarthy. Bisping is an excellent striker who finds openings and doesn't give in.

Jason Day is also a well-rounded fighter, holding eight wins via TKO/KO and eight via submission. He is a well-conditioned fighter and has finished many of his fights in the first round.

Prediction: Jason Day will really look to put on a good show for the fans, and if he isn't extremely careful this is where he could run into some real trouble. Both fighters will come out aggressively, with Bisping eventually establishing control of the fight. Bisping will avoid the takedown and will impose his will in the striking battle.

End Result: Look for Bisping to win via TKO-strikes late in the first round.

Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs. Fabricio "Vai Cavalo" Werdum:

Fabricion Werdum is a Jiu-Jitsu World champion, has battled it out with some of the best heavyweights in the world, and continues to be underappreciated. His strength is the ground game, but he has displayed some solid striking skills (esp. in his last fight against Gabriel Gonzaga). His fights, whether win or loss, have ended in a variety of ways: six submissions, three TKO/KO's (he has never been knocked out), four decisions, and one draw.

Brandon Vera is a more slightly built heavyweight, but that hasn't normally been a problem. He is an excellent and explosive striker (kicks, knees, and elbows) who possesses more than adequate grappling skills. Tim Sylvias' length seemed to be a problem for Vera, but that shouldn't be as much of a problem against Werdum.

Prediction: Vera will come out hard and fast looking to overwhelm Werdum with his kicks, knees, and elbows. Werdum will weather the storm and look to take the fight to the ground. I see Veras' quickness and agility being problematic in Werdums' quest to take it to the mat.

End Result: As a credit to Werdum having never been knocked out, look for Vera to win his first ever (unanimous) decision.

Matt Hughes vs. Thiago "Pitbull" Alves:

Matt Hughes is a sure-shot UFC Hall of Famer. He has a wealth of MMA experience and has posted victories against some of the best of all-time. Matt is a dynamic wrestler whose grappling skills still seem to be somewhat underappreciated. He also possesses an ever-improving striking skill set.

Thiago Alves is a UFC up-and-comer. He is a strong and agressive striker who utilizes a dangerous Muay Thai game. He is also a solid Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He has won five straight, and the last four have come against strong competiton and all via TKO.

Prediction: Alves will look to stand and bang with Hughes. He will likely win the stand up battle, but look for Matt to hold his own and eventually score a takedown and be able to effectively control the ground game. Matts' pure strength and conditioning will likely prove too much for Alves to handle.

End Result: Look for Hughes to win via submission in the middle to late second round!