UFC 133 Fight Card: Predictions You Can Take To The Bank

When I think of UFC 133, I'm reminded that fighting is fighting. Sure, all those injuries have leeched some air from the balloon, but the night still promises to be thick with MMA action.

There are legends in need of a win, contenders in search of a title shot, young guns looking for a big scalp and veterans looking for a foothold. As always, every fight has a story.

Here are 10 predictions for fight night that you can take to the bank.

10. After UFC 133, Rafael Natal Returns to Tennis

Yeah, I know it’s not the same guy.

But the Brazil-by-way-of-New-York middleweight who settled for a draw against Jesse Bongfeldt will likely be sent packing from the Octagon after losing at the hands of the bruising Paul Bradley, a TUF graduate who is 18-2 in his MMA career.

9. Johny Hendricks and Mike Pierce Will Be the Fight of the Night

Welterweights Hendricks, 27, and Pierce, 30, have a combined record of 22-4. What’s more interesting, though, is that these two accomplished college wrestlers could neutralize each other ground-wise, thus creating a standup war.

Both men appear game for the challenge. Pierce rides a three-fight win streak and has six KOs and TKOs to his name, including an early second-round stoppage of Kenny Robertson in his last contest.

Hendricks has six TKOs of his own, including a Knockout of the Night bonus in his most recent bout.

8. Nick Pace Will Upset Ivan Menjivar

Fire up the sirens. Sound the alarms. Someone let the dogs out. Because the younger Pace will push the pace against the veteran and in so doing pull the upset on Menjivar.

The win gives Pace an undefeated MMA record over opponents not named Demetrious Johnson.

7. Chad Mendes Will Knock Rani Yahya Out

This fight was originally Mendes’ title shot, and for him to remain in good position for such a shot once Jose Aldo returns from injury, he’ll need to end Yahya with a bang.

Money’s ability to stay out of submissions, while swinging a heavy right hand, should help him spark the necessary fireworks. His next fight should be of the main event variety.

6. Alexander Gustafsson Will Finish Matt Hamill

Hamill is a seasoned and powerful wrestler but will have a hard time getting his paws on the wily, frenetic Swede.

Gustafsson, meanwhile, is always looking for the stop, whether upright or horizontal.

5. Rory MacDonald Is Going to Beat Mike Pyle

Yes, Pyle vanquished a phenom when he bested John Hathaway in October. It’s not going to happen again.

MacDonald has the wrestling to go stroke for stroke with Pyle once they reach the deeper waters.

4. People Will Know Brian Ebersole After Saturday

I guess what I really mean to say is that fans will know him for more than just his inventive body hair stylings.

The thoughtful (if strange) Ebersole is fighting for only the second time in the Octagon but has more than 60 total fights under his belt. He is a wild man in the cage (cartwheel kicks, anyone?), but tempers that recklessness with college wrestling pedigree.

That should help him stay clear of Hallman’s clutches and deliver one of the event’s most entertaining bouts.

3. Vitor Belfort Sends Sexyama Packing

Given Yoshihiro Akiyama’s monumental popularity in Asia, you’d think he would be in little danger of Octagon banishment. But if that’s the case, why then did the UFC schedule such a difficult matchup?

Akiyama is fairly well-rounded, but it’s common knowledge that his base is judo. And at age 36, he’s by no means the quickest dog in the pack.

Interesting, then, that they would pair him off with Belfort, a fire hydrant of a middleweight and the owner of MMA’s quickest hands. Belfort will also be looking to get back on the horse after the rude dismount provided him by Anderson Silva.

I don’t see this ending well for the sexy one.

2. Someone Will Be Injured in the Parking Lot on the Way to the Fight

You can’t trust parking lots. They’re flat, they’re paved and they’re usually impeccably well lighted, but at UFC 133, there’s a good chance someone is going to shred his knee on an insidious gravel patch.

You know the story by now. Injuries to champions Jose Aldo and Jon Jones removed the event’s title intrigue. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alessio Sakara, Riki Fukuda, Phil Davis and Vladimir Matyushenko all bowed out with various ailments.

Phenom Michael McDonald was pulled from the card after replacing an injuried Norifumi Yamamoto at UFC 130. Oh, and don’t forget that Lyoto Machida turned down a spot in the main event because they wouldn’t give him “Anderson Silva money.”

So that’s eight fighter injuries and one salary holdout. The phrase “star-crossed” definitely comes to mind.

It should still be a great card. Everyone should just watch where they’re walking.

1. For Tito Ortiz, Here’s Where the Story Ends

Who didn’t love Ortiz’s suddenly Cinderella story after he defeated Ryan Bader at UFC 132? Who didn’t admire his courage when he took this fight with Rashad Evans just a month after that victory, during a time when he should probably still be sipping Cristal at the Bellagio?

No one, that’s who, at least outside the staunch detractors. But against title hopeful Rashad Evans, Ortiz’s exciting run will hit the finish line.

It will be fun to root for Ortiz, no question. However, Evans’ speed, footwork and smooth striking game will keep Tito's takedowns at bay.  Evans should earn the decision.