UFC 107! Prelim Picks

The Prelim fights are easily overlooked. There aren't many big names on the cards usually, but some of the most exciting fights come from the least unexpected people.

Kevin Burns VS TJ Grant... I'm not a fan of Kevin Burns after the win by TKO (eye poke) over Anthony Johnson, but after watching the kid battle with and take Chris Lytle the distance, he has gained my admiration as a fighter. TJ Grant has had two bouts in the UFC and holds a record of 1-1. Defeating Ryo Chonan and then getting picked apart by Dong Hyun Kim. He did take the always tough Kim the distance though. I see Burns using his strking to TKO Grant in the second.

Damarques Johnson vs Edgar Garcia...Damarques is a tough guy, but he only really had one entertaining fight on The Ultimate Fighter and that was a victory of Nick Osipczak...And then he was absolutely demolished against James Wilks on the Finale, losing by rear naked choke. Edgar Garcia is coming off a los as well, to Brad "Bad" Blackburn and I think he's going to come out with a chip on his shoulder as if he has something to prove...unfortunately, it won't be enough to get by Johnson... Johnson by TKO...2nd

Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares... I haven't heard much of either fighter, but Linhares is making his UFC debut and has fought two fighters that have at one time been in the UFC. He defeated Sean Salmon, we all know him from that devastating Headkick by Rashad Evans... and Thales Leites, who took Anderson Silva the distance. So Linhares is ready for war. Palhares has had some wars in the UFC, going the distance with Dan Henderson and Jeremy Horn...based on experience Palhares wins by Unanimous decision

Ricardo Funch vs Johnny Hendricks...Johnny Hendricks beat the crap out of Amir Sadollah, so of course I'm gonna take him by KO in the first

Shane Nelson vs Matt Wiman... Shane Nelson didn't impress me on The Ultimate Fighter and he hasn't impressed me inside the Octagon yet either, but still, I like the guy. His fight against Aaron Riley was a very controversial stoppage. Matt Wiman is a UFC vet with a pretty good stand-up game. He's lost to Spencer Fisher, but then he KO'd Thiago Tavares...WIMAN by TKO in the First

Alan Belcher vs. Wilson Gouveia...Belcher is highly motivated and has a very good ground game, coming off a loss at UFC 100, in which I thought he looked very impressive, I'm interested to see how he will fair against the always dangerous Gouveia. Gouveia is also coming off a loss to Nate Marquardt...He likes to swing, Belcher likes to wrestle and use BJJ. Who will come out victorious?...Gouveia KO