UFC 110 Predictions: It's Time for a Changing of the Guard

UPDATE: Rothwell is out, so I have no choice but to go with Cro Cop now.  He's still washed up.

I deleted the Sinosic fight as well since he is not fighting anymore.

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On paper, this could be one of the most memorable UFC pay-per-views in quite some time. Between those who have already written history and those who are sharpening their pencils, UFC 110 will be worth every minute.

Three former Pride champions, one headlining against a two-time all-American and undefeated uber-prospect. The others...well one has a funny head tattoo and the other wears silly shorts, but still they're decent fighters with solid matchups (notice I didn't say matches) so they should come through...again, on paper.

I am currently 92-61-1 with my picks.


Minotauro Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez

The Hype: I really think it is crucial for Velasquez to come away with a clean victory here. If he can improve to 8-0, the UFC would have a guy who appeals to both White and Hispanic audiences, while being undefeated. This is the kind of guy who can keep the UFC's momentum going and help push them into the new decade.

Not to discredit Nog's skills, but he's had his time in the spotlight. He has reached draw status, where it doesn't matter if he wins or loses, he'll still get people talking. And that's part of the reason Cain needs to win. Velasquez hasn't achieved that status yet, and he is one of the people pegged to lead the next generation of UFC stars.

The Match: Luckily for myself and those who share my opinion, Velasquez has a great chance to win this fight. Similarly, Nog does as well, of course. I'm going to look for Velasquez to rely mostly on striking as taking Nog to the ground is a questionable tactic, despite his wrestling pedigree.

Nog has shown that he can be hit repeatedly in fights and this should aide Cain, who keeps showing improvements in this department with each passing fight.

In the end, Velasquez will need to use smarts along with his complete package skills to ensure he doesn't get caught by Nog. Nog on the other had, just needs to play his usual game and he can win on any night.

Prediction: Velasquez, Round Three (TKO - Punches)

Wanderlei Silva vs. Michael Bisping

The Hype: Can someone say "slugfest?" Let's be honest here, Silva is 1-5 in his last six fights. There's no reason to think he has anything left. Given, it's been nine months since his last fight, but that doesn't mean he's been getting better.

Bisping's loss to Dan Henderson still sits in my mind, so I have my reservations about him, especially when it comes to facing someone with the punching power of Silva. Bisping has to win in order to stay relevant, while Silva is hanging on to prove he's not done. Bisping, despite his drawing power to UK fans, has much more at stake here.

The Match: Lot of punching, some knees, couple of kicks—BAM! Someone just got clocked!

Prediction: Bisping, Round One (KO - Punch)

Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropoulos

The Hype: Why ABC's George Stephanopoulos is getting into MMA at 49 years of age I have no idea. What? Different guy? My bad. Nice guy Joe takes on a fighter who has quietly put together a four-match winning streak since appearing on TUF.

The Match: This is a tough (no pun) one for me to predict. Stevenson is coming off some good wins, but his offense still looks sluggish most of the time. George has the skills to defend against Joe's submission wrestling (see his match against Aoki) if he gets taken down. No matter what, this one's going to the scorecards.  So the one keeps the other guy at bay with that extra inch wins.

Prediction: Sotiropoulos (Unanimous decision)

Keith Jardine vs. Ryan Bader

The Hype: Here are two guys on very different trajectories. Bader is getting his first real shot at a known personality, and deservedly so. Jardine is only still around because of wins over popular fighters two-plus years ago. Jardine looked feeble in his loss to Thiago Silva, and I wonder if we've seen the beginning of the end for him.

Still, this is a real test for Bader, so it should be a good matchup.

The Match: I think we're in for a soft match here. This is the one fight that won't drop any jaws with a flash KO. Bader out muscles Jardine in bother striking and wrestling, so he's going to control the pacing and where the fight is taken. I see a lot of smothering attempts to try and wear down Jardine.

Both guys will land a couple of shots, but Jardine will be off-balance and a lot and those shots won't do the necessary damage.

Prediction: Bader (Unanimous Decision)

Mirko Crop Cop vs. Ben Rothwell

The Hype: Yikes! Don't fool yourself, Cro Cop is done, washed up, over. He's 3-3 in his last 6 (1 NC), but when the three wins are over guys who are a combined 15-13 (1 being Hong Man Choi of Jose Canseco fame), I can't take you seriously anymore. This isn't 2004-2006. It's 2010 and Crop Cop's devastating legs are just legs now. Plus I don't think he can reach Rothwell's head that sits about 6'5'' in the air.

The Match: I just gave zero hype to Rothwell, but you can tell I am going to pick him to win this one. We get a good stand up battle to start off the show. Keeps the crowd's energy level up. Cro Cop will leave himself open for a quick jab to the nose, followed up by the shaved bear hooks of Rothwell. Good night.

Prediction: Rothwell, Round One (KO - Punch)

Undercard

Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Brian Foster vs. Chris Lytle
C.B. Dollaway vs. Goran Reljic
Igor Pokrajac vs. James Te Huna