"The Best Fights Left in 2008"

Today, in the middle of eating lunch, my friend and I started talking about some of the fights that are yet to come in 2008. Of course Silva vs. Cote came up, as did the Nogueira vs Mir fight, but some other "non-main event" fights started to grab our interest, so I thought I'd give you guys a list of the fights that I think could become classics, and my opinion on them.

Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva

So for me this is an absolute no-brainer.  This is a continuation of their memorable fights in Pride with a slight difference. This time it's in a cage. Rampage is a better fighter then those previous fights, and with a win, either figther will jump into the title shot.  I think that this fight will be similar to the Silva-Liddell fight with Silva being the victor once again.

Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

The reason this fight looks good to me is that Josh Koscheck will not like being pushed around which I think Yoshida can do.  I feel this fight will be a stand-up battle because they will neutralize each others take downs.  Kos will more then likely win by a tough split decision.

Bobby Southworth vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral (for Light Heavyweight Title)

If ever there was a time that I ever wanted anyone to send someone to the hospital this is that time.  Southworth is way too cocky for my liking and I really hope Babalu makes him pay. That and I'd love to see Babalu with a belt. Sobral will win by which ever submission he feels like putting on Southworth.

Eddie Alvarez vs. Nick Diaz (for Lightweight Title)

This looks like an epic battle on paper and I think it will deliver.  Alvarez looked unstoppable in Japan and Diaz has been on a role lately. I think that Alvarez will end up winning the stand-up war and become the new lightweight champ

Paulo Filho vs. Chael Sonnen (for Middleweight Title)

I really want to see if Paulo Filho has come back completely.  If he is mentally at 100% this could be a long night for Sonnen.  If he is not ready then Sonnen will do everything to not get caught.  It will be a war, but Filho will win.

Leonard Garcia vs. Jens Pulver

This fight will produce some non stop action from the opening bell to the final bell.  The fireworks will make for the fight of the year, and add to Jens's legend and make Garcia the next big star in the WEC.  My hope is that Garcia will win to set up a Garcia-Faber fight in 2009, but I won't be surprised if Jens wins.  Regardless I'm glad I got Versus.

Thales Leites vs. Goran Reljic

This is your typical Brawler vs Grappler, however both are a lot more skilled to leave it at that. Reljic looks to be as skilled standing as Cro Cop in his first fight, and Leites is an above average BJJ practionar. This fight may steal the show in a couple of weeks.  

Keith Jardine vs. Brandon Vera

Both men need, not just a win, but a convincing victory over each other. Jardine needs a good win to keep his name in the title picture and Vera need to just show he is still an important figure in any division.

In addition to these great fights, the main events make the rest of 2008 look very promising.