Predictions on UFC 90

So here I go to make another set of predictions. I didn’t do one for last weekends card, because I didn’t have time. That said I interrupting a take home mid term to write this so if you have time to read it then say something about it please. Originally this card look completely different but injuries have been a mother on this card. Missing are Goran Reljic, Melvin Guillard, Ricardo Almeida, and Diego Sanchez. That said the UFC did a good job of finding replacements for them.

Josh Burkman vs. Pete Sell--So this could be an entertaining fight between to middle of the road welterweights. Burkman has shown some promise in interesting fights with Karo, and Mike Swick but has never really panned out. Sell has had some fun wars and will make or break this fight. If Sell comes in aggressive, then it could be fight of the night, if he comes in tentative like he sometimes does then borefest ‘08. My guess he is nothing more then a guess, so I’m leaning towards Burkman. Josh Burkman via decision

Marcus Aurelio vs. Hermes Franca-- Agaiwe have a mach-up of two guys who should have made a bigger splash in the lightweight waters. Franca should have never fought Sherk, and it showed and Aurelio likewise has looked his age as of late. I don’t think this fight goes to the ground so standing Franca has a huge advantage. His heavy hands will end this fight giving a likeable Franca some life in the UFC. Franca via TKO in the first.

Matt Horwich vs. Dan Miller-- A fight between some former IFL guys who have some real upside. Horwich was the first IFL Middleweight Champion who is known for having some serious body odor issues. Rumor has it that people at Xtreme Couture tap-out while rolling with this guy in order to breath fresh air. Dan Miller is a solid fighter with some real good submission skills. 6 of his 9 wins are by submission, and Horwich is no slouch either, with 18 of his 22 wins also by tap-out. My guess is this fight will end-up on the ground with the both of them trying to catch the other. My guess is that experience will play an important role in getting the submission, so I got to go with Horwich. Horwich via RNC in the second.

Spencer Fisher vs. Shannon Gugerty--In only his second fight in the UFC Shannon Gugerty has the daunting task of facing a very good and experienced fighter in Spencer “The King” Fisher. So normally I’d say that Fisher wins this easily, however in doing some background on Gugerty I found out that this dude fights out of a very good camp in City Boxing out of San Diego, home to KJ Noons and part time home of Dean Lister and Brandon Vera. He has a good ground game and some solid stand-up. I still think that Fisher’s experience will give him the edge, but he shouldn’t be looking past this kid. Fisher via decision.

Thales Leites vs. Drew McFedries--Honestly, I hate that this is the fighter the UFC found to replace Gordon Reljic because this fight is the easiest to call. It’s a grappler vs. striker, and unless Drew get really lucky then it’s a easy victory for Leites. Leites will take McFedries to the ground with ease and show the world what world class ju-jitsu is. Thales Leites via any submission he wants. By the way my guess is he will have the submission of the night.

Now for the main card

Rich Clementi vs. Gray Maynard--I really like this fight because both guys have been on a steady rise up the lightweight ladder. Maynard has been said by many MMA fighter to have the most complete wrestling style for MMA. Clementi has been submitting fighters left and right. Oddly enough though, I can easily see this fight on its feet for the better part of round one. On the ground it become a game of chance. Depending who find themselves on top position will determine the winner. My guess is that Maynard will have an easier time of taking down Clementi then the other way around. That said I think it will be a hard time for Clementi to submit Maynard. Maynard via decision.

Tyson Griffin vs. Sean Sherk--Although I’m a huge fan of Tyson Griffin, this will prove if he is on an elite level in the division. Sean Sherk has a size advantage, a striking advantage and a wrestling advantage over Griffin, however Griffin’s largest advantage is his heart. Griffin’s real shot at wining is for him to take Sherk to the ground and keep him there, which is a huge task. Hopefully Griffin has been sharpening his stand-up game as well. That said I think Sherk is going to grind out a decision. Sean Sherk via boring decision.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Junior dos Santos--I hate that Junior dos Santos has to fight Werdum, because of what I’ve seen of this guy he is a solid prospect. Werdum on the other hand was probably taking this fight to keep sharp and what for the winner of the mini heavyweight tourney that is going on right now. If Werdum is smart he isn’t going into this fight to relaxed and isn’t looking past dos Santos, because his stand-up is very good. Werdum will likely work his Muay Thai for half a round and take it to the ground and end it. Werdum via arm bar in the first.

Thiago Alves vs. Josh Koscheck--Some how the UFC has got Josh Koscheck to take this fight in really short notice, and in the mean time made a fight as good as the first option. Alves is top level on his feet and Koscheck is easily the second best wrestler in the division. Koscheck has steadily improved standing up, so my guess is that the first round is a stand-up war. Alves should look to end it as soon as possible, because if he doesn’t he will be taking to the ground and Koscheck will ground and pound him to victory. This is a great fight and could have the k o of the night and fight of the night written all over it when its all said and done. This one is hard to choose but with a gun to my head I think Koscheck could upset Alves’ shot a title. Koscheck via TKO (gnp) in the second.

Middleweight champ Anderson Silva vs. Patrick Cote--First off, I am a huge fan of Patrick Cote. He is humble, charismatic, and a hell of a fighter, but there is know way he is beating Anderson Silva. I have been a MMA fan for quite some time and Anderson Silva could dominant at any weight class if he so chose to. He along with Fedor, and BJ Penn are the most complete fighter in regards to the ground game and stand-up. Yes Cote is heavy handed, and has a punchers chance, but that chance is even smaller when you consider Silva’s ability to not get hit. Silva moves like a boxer with his attacking and his lateral movements. On the ground Silva is light years ahead of Cote, and I know there are some of you who think Cote will win, however if you look at it not a fan of Cote, but at a realistic view then you know in your gut that Silva will win when ever he is ready. My hope is that Cote’s face doesn’t look like James Irvin’s at the end. Silva via however he chooses, more then likely, TKO in the first.

Now let me know what you think.