UFC 78: Validation Preview

A preview of what to look for on the main card at "UFC 78: Validation" this weekend...

Michael "The Count" Bisping vs. Rashad "Sugar" Evans

This is a matchup between two of the winners of The Ultimate Fighter.

Bisping won the show's light heavyweight division. Rashad won the heavyweight division.

Both fighters are undefeated, and both are coming off lackluster showings in their last fights.

Bisping won a very controversial decision over Matt Hamill—which many thought Hamill should have won. Evans barely squeaked out a similarly-disputed draw with Tito Ortiz.

Both men have a lot to prove if they hope to move up in the division.

Over the past few weeks, the two fighters have been battling on their UFC.com blogs, building some much-needed hype for the fight. Neither fighter is the type of big name we're used to seeing in a main event, so any media coverage surrounding them will be dearly appreciated.

This is a battle of striker vs. wrestler. Bisping has good striking abilities, and will look to stay standing up at all costs. He also likes to use flying knees, the threat of which will keep Rashad guessing when he's looking to score.

Rashad is a true wrestler, and a very good one at that. He was criticized earlier in his UFC career for not finishing his fights. He changed that reputation with back-to-back knockout wins, which launched him up the ladder in the 205-pound division.

Rashad will look to put Bisping on his back and punish him. However, his standup game is constantly improving, and he won't be afraid to stand in this fight to set up a takedown.

There's no love lost between these men—they simply don't like each other.

I predict Rashad Evans to win this fight by decision.

Thiago Silva vs. Houston "The Assassin" Alexander

Blink and you might miss this one. These guys like to get into the Octagon, drop bombs, and go home.

Alexander has disposed of Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara in less than two minutes in his two previous UFC appearances. He's an enigma—no one has seen him anywhere but on his feet, and never for more than one minute in each of his fights.

Does Alexander have a ground game? How is is stamina? Is he the real deal? Many fans think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread—but this weekend will show just how good he really is.

Thiago Silva is a well-rounded fighter out of the Chute Box camp in Brazil. He holds a BJJ Brown belt, with a perfect 11-0 record. He's 2-0 in the UFC, with both wins coming on knockouts.

Although Silva comes from the BJJ school, he likes to stand and trade punches. He has stated in interviews that he will come in and punch with Alexander...and see who falls first.

Silva wants to keep his perfect record intact, so expect this to be a good one. Fireworks will fly from the opening bell.

I predict Alexander will win by first-round KO.

Ryo "Piranha" Chonan vs. Karo "The Heat" Parisyan

This could be the fight of the night.

Chonan is making his UFC debut against a very tough and hungry opponent in Parisyan. Chonan is an exciting fighter who can handle his opponent anywhere. He scored a win over current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva with an unforgettable flying-scissor heel-hook in 2004.

Parisyan is one of the top fighters in the 170-pound division, and is looking to move up. He has waited a long time for a big fight to launch him to the top. He's a very exciting fighter with great judo throws and a terrific ground-and-pound technique.

Parisyan is very aggressive—as is Chonan—and this will be an exciting fight.

Look for this matchup to be all over the place—up, down, punches, throws. You won't be disappointed.

I predict Parisyan to win by ground-and-pound in the second round.

Joe "El Dirte" Doerksen vs. Ed "Short Fuse" Herman

Doerksen is making his return to the UFC on short notice as a late fill-in for David Terrell. He's a well-rounded fighter with a lot of experience, and will be ready for wherever this fight goes.

Doerksen is looking to get back in the win column and possibly secure another UFC contract. He posted a win over Herman via submission in 2004, and will try to do the same this weekend.

Herman comes into this fight with two wins in a row, and is looking to improve his record to 3-2 inside the Octagon. He has a good ground game, and likes to finish with a ground-and-pound.

How will the 2004 fight affect Herman's mental preparation for this fight? We'll find out Saturday night.

I predict Doerksen to win by decision.

Frankie "The Answer" Edgar vs. Spencer "The King" Fisher

Frankie Edgar comes into this fight with a 7-0 record, and is 2-0 in the UFC. He beat highly-touted lightweight Tyson Griffin in his debut, in a match many considered an upset.

Edgar is an aggressive fighter and a good wrestler. He will likely try to take the fight to the ground against the heavy-handed Fisher.

That said, Edgar won't get a takedown without taking some punishment—and his chin will be tested early and often.

Fisher is a veteran with a 21-3 record, and has been in some wars over the years. His most recent battle was a three-round slugfest with Canadian Sam Stout, which Fisher won by unanimous decision.

Fisher likes to fight on his feet and hit his opponent hard, and is never in a boring fight. He has very heavy hands and will look for the knockout in this one.

This should be a great fight—as it always is when Fisher steps in the Octagon.

I predict Fisher by KO.

UFC 78 may not have the biggest names on the card, but it certainly has some great matchups. All told, there should be some exciting fights to watch Saturday night.