25 Bold Predictions for MMA in October

October is here, and with the leaves changing colors, comes a big month for mixed martial arts fans.

On the schedule will be two major UFC events with a total of three title fights.  Champions Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo will be facing challengers Gray Maynard and Kenny Florian this Saturday at UFC 136 in Houston, Texas.

At the end of the month, champion Georges St-Pierre will be putting his belt on the line against challenger and former WEC champion Carlos Condit at UFC 137.

Accompanying these exciting title fights will be a host of amazing matchups that will surely ignite the passions of fans. Not to mention, Bellator will be holding four events, one a week, this month.

Here are 25 bold predictions for the sport of MMA in the month of October.

25. Anthony Pettis Will Defeat Jeremy Stephens in Spectacular Fashion

On the Spike TV televised portion of UFC 136's preliminary card, former WEC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will be looking to rebound from a loss to Clay Guida as he faces Jeremy Stephens this Saturday.

Pettis was smothered by Guida in his UFC debut and lost an opportunity to gain the top contender spot. Looking to make a better impression in his second fight for the promotion, Pettis should be able to implement his game plan against the striking-oriented Stephens.

Look for the former champion to bring his wide array of creative techniques to the Octagon and take the win either by knockout or his deadly triangle choke.

24. Mirko Cro Cop Will Retire

Taking on the Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights winner Roy Nelson, Mirko Cro Cop will have one last shot inside the Octagon at UFC 137. 

That one shot may not end in favor for the Croatian striker.

With age catching up with the former Pride champion, Cro Cop just isn't as adept with handling the well-rounded games of the younger heavyweights. Although Nelson is nearly the same age as Cro Cop, his game is tighter on the ground and should exploit the legendary striker.

I hate to see another legend go out in such a bad fashion, but Nelson will unfortunately bring Cro Cop his walking papers at UFC 137.

23. Tiequan Zhang Will Submit Darren Elkins

Chinese featherweight Tiequan Zhang is a dark horse in the UFC's 145 lb. division and will have a coming out party against Darren Elkins.

Set to face off at UFC 136, the Zhang is a dangerous submission artist that will pose a huge threat to Elkins on the ground.

If the Chinese fighter can get the fight to the mats, he may be able to take Elkins out as one of his two career losses by submission.

22. Rene Nazare Will Make a Splash in Bellator's Lightweight Division

Bellator's lightweight division may have an up-and-coming star in their midst with Rene Nazare.

"The Brazilian Bomber," 3-0 in Bellator and 10-0 overall, is set to face Jacob Kirwan at Bellator 54 in Atlantic City.

Nazare decimated veteran Juan Barrantes at Bellator 48 in August, stopping his opponent in the second round.

A win over Kirwan will definitely make lightweights throughout the sport take notice of this hard-hitting Brazilian.

21. Demian Maia Will Submit Jorge Santiago

Demian Maia has truly been advancing as a mixed martial artist, breaking out of his mold as just a jui-jitsu fighter.

Facing Mark Munoz at UFC 131, Maia showed much improved striking and was getting the better of the former NCAA All-American wrestler on the feet in the first round. Despite showing a better all-around game, Munoz bounced back in the second and third round to take the decision win.

Now facing former Sengoku Middleweight champion Jorge Santiago, expect to see an even better Maia at UFC 136. 

If Maia can use his striking to set up his ground game, then I see no reason why Maia cannot tapout Santiago.

20. Flyweights Will Get a Debut Date in the UFC

Recently, UFC President Dana White announced that the addition of the 125 lb. flyweight division was on the horizon for the UFC, possibly in 2012.

Looking at all the big announcements White has been making over the past few weeks; an official debut date for the flyweight division should happen soonmaybe even this month.

Talk of the addition has been swirling for over a year, with White making numerous statements about the plans all the way back to the UFC Fan Expo in Boston in September of last year.

These 125 lb. warriors should be on the biggest stage in MMA in no time.

19. Roy Nelson Will Look Leaner and Meaner

Coming off back-to-back losses to two top heavyweights, Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights winner Roy Nelson will look to get back to his winning ways as he takes on Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137.

Criticized heavily for his lack of conditioning, Nelson should come into this bout with a better outlook—and hopefully physique—as he tries to stave off a third straight loss.

Now that his job is possibly on the line—as three losses usually end with a pink slipNelson should have a better physical conditioning when he enters the Octagon at the end of the month.

Maybe fans will see a slimmer Nelson for the first time on October 29.

18. Bellator Will Make a Big Push To Move to Spike TV

As the final few months wane on the UFC's longtime partnership with Spike TV, look for Bellator to swoop in on this break-up.

Already airing preliminary bouts on the network's website, Bellator looks like they are coming closer and closer to making the transition to Spike TV.

All of this hinges on whether the UFC will by back the rights to past fights and programs that the networks currently retains the rights too. If they do in fact buy back the rights, then it should be no problem for Bellator to make the move.

The promotion, currently aired on MTV2, will at least have a greater presence on the network in October, if not setting plans in place to make the jump full-time.

17. Nam Phan Will Win His Rematch with Leonard Garcia

Taking Fight of the Night honors, Nam Phan versus Leonard Garcia at The Ultimate Fighter 12 finale was an exciting matchup that ended in controversy.

Many analysts had Phan winning the bout definitively, but the judges awarded the decision for Garcia.

Now set to face each other once again on the main card of UFC 136, look for Phan to keep this fight out of the hands of the judges this time.

Phan should be coming in with a high motivation and intensity to defeat Garcia, similar to that of Chan Sung Jung who did not let his rematch with Garcia go the distance, rectifying his loss by submitting Garcia with a twister submission.

Look for Phan to bring it to Garcia and possibly finish the fight on the feet. 

16. Rashad Evans Title Shot Will Get Delayed...Again

After submitting Rampage Jackson at UFC 135, UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones was recently announced to be on medical suspension for up to six months if doctors do not clear him.

As the champion has fought three times this year and elected not to have surgery on his hand, it is clear that the UFC wants to rest their budding champion.

What this means for Rashad Evans is more time before his long-awaited shot at the light heavyweight crown.

If doctors do not clear Jones, then Evans would not be able to fight for the title until at least next spring. 

Another delay may prompt Evans to take on another fight before going for the titlea risky move that may be a necessity as he has seen in the past.

Although risking his shot is improbable, who knows what White has in store for the former champion if Jones is out of action for a lengthy period of time.

15. Matt Mitrione Will Roll over Cheick Kongo, Enter Title Talks

Ultimate Fighter alum and undefeated UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione will have a huge test in facing Cheick Kongo at UFC 137.

The way Mitrione has been looking, however, makes me inclined to think that he will have no trouble beating the long-time veteran and may even add his name to the title contention list with a win.

Mitrione has finished four of his five opponents and is 5-0 overall.  His latest knock out of Christian Morecraft was on the same card as Kongo's spectacular comeback victory over Pat Barry.

A win over Kongo may not get him a title shot, but Mitrione will certainly have people buzzing if he stops the French striker.

Watch to see this young heavyweight make a case for himself against Kongo at the end of the month.

14. Brandon Vera Will Be Cut from the UFC

After entering the UFC with such promise, light-heavyweight stiker Brandon Vera might be on his way out if he loses to Eliot Marshall at UFC 137.

Vera was initially cut from the promotion after a lackluster performance against Thiago Silva at UFC 125. But the dominant display by Silva was found out to be aided by the use of performance enhancing drugs, prompting officials to change the fight to a no contest.

Now receiving one more shot at UFC 137, I just do not see Vera taking this fightespecially if it ends up on the ground.

I could be wrong, but this veteran of the Octagon may be getting his pink slip after the October 29 bout. 

13. Jose Aldo Will Be Tested at UFC 136

This weekend's UFC 136 does not only boast an exciting rematch between lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and challenger Gray Maynard, but it also features featherweight champion Jose Aldo in his second UFC title defense against Kenny Florian.

Aldo encountered trouble for the first time in his career against Mark Hominick at UFC 129, taking the decision in a harsh fashion as Aldo gassed in the waning rounds of the fight.

Now set to face multiple time contender and longtime veteran Kenny Florian, the Boston featherweight will be a huge test for Aldo.

Florian possesses a great ground game as well as a very technical striking strategy that may put the champion in some bad spots.

Who knows who will take the fight, but there will definitely be a lot of excitement surrounding this battle.

12. Lyoto Machida Will Get an Opponent

There has been a lot of animosity surrounding former UFC champion Lyoto Machida after he asked for "Anderson Silva money" when approached to replace Phil Davis at UFC 133. 

Now apparently on UFC President Dana White's bad side, Machida may not be back in the Octagon until 2012.

Despite this sticky situation, White has been known to change his mind frequently and may alter his decision as to what to do with Machida.

I believe that October will be the month where we see a major announcement with the karate master, whether it is finally getting a date with Phil Davis or maybe even taking on Rashad Evans again if champion Jon Jones does not get the OK to train.

11. Georges St-Pierre Will Finish Carlos Condit

Criticized heavily for not finishing opponents since taking the welterweight title, UFC champion Georges St-Pierre may surprise fans at UFC 137.

Taking on former WEC champion Carlos Condit, St-Pierre has added a new training partner to his camp that might give him the killer instinct to take out his challengerDan Hardy.

Known for his prowess for striking, Hardy should add a new level of intensity to St-Pierre's game and be the catalyst that he needs in order to finally finish a fight.

10. Dennis Siver Will Give Donald Cerrone His First UFC Loss

Dennis Siver has been on a roll lately, winning his last four fights as he sets his sights on the lightweight crown.

Set to face former WEC product Donald Cerrone at UFC 137, look for Siver to put an end to Cerrone's five-fight win streak.

Siver is a fantastic striker and is known for his kickboxing background. But an improved grappling game has aided Siver on his current run, as he choked out Andre Winner at UFC 122.

Cerrone is a tough matchup for the German fighter, but fans may be treated to "the Cowboy's" first loss in the Octagon as I suspect Siver will come out looking better than ever.

I could be wrong, but Siver has been impressing me on this run and should be able to handle Cerrone at UFC 137.

9. Melvin Guillard Will Become the Top Lightweight Contender

The only other lightweight that has impressed me as much as Dennis Siver as of late is Melvin Guillard.

Guillard has been tearing guys apart on his five-fight win streak and looks to roll over Joe Lauzon at this weekend's UFC 136. 

A win over such a talented lightweight will catapult Guillard to the upper echelon of the division and will hopefully gain him status as the top contender to face the winner of Frankie Edgar versus Gray Maynard III.

With so many top-level lightweights waiting for their shot, there is none who has been tearing through guys as much as Guillard.

8. Ben Askren Will Defend His Bellator Welterweight Crown

Undefeated Bellator Welterweight champion Ben Askren will take on veteran Jay Hieron in his first title defense.

Askren, who was apart of the 2008 Olympic wrestling team, is an accomplished grappler and will look to take Hieron down at Bellator 56.

With such a high level of grappling experience, there are few welteweights in all of MMA that could compete with Askren on the ground.

Look for him to keep the belt for as long as he is with the promotion.

7. Hatsu Hioki Will Impress at UFC 137

One of the top three featherweights in the world, former Sengoku champion Hatsu Hioki will make his UFC debut at UFC 137.

Facing veteran George Roop, Hioki will put his top level status on the line as he enters the Octagon for the first time in his career.

A high-level grappler, Hioki has defeated such notable fighters as Mark Hominick and Marlon Sandro en route to the top of the featherweight rankings.

Look for this Japanese star to make splash and possible tapout Roop at UFC 137.

6. Alexis Vila Will Advance to the Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Finals

Undefeated Bellator bantamweight Alexis Vila made a huge mark on the 135 lb. division by knocking out Bellator Featherweight champion Joe Warren in the opening round of the bantamweight tournament.

Now 10-0 in his career, Vila has finished nine of his 10 opponents and will look to make it 11 in a row as he faces Marcos Galvao in the semifinals this month.

I expect Vila to not only advance to the finals this month but take the entire tournament as well.

Keep an eye out for this exciting 135 lb. prospect.

5. Brian Stann Will Beat Chael Sonnen

UFC 136 features not only two major title fights but also a middleweight bout with big title implications as Brian Stann takes on former top contender Chael Sonnen.

Sonnen, known for his smothering, wrestling base style, will be motivated to win another shot at Anderson Silva, but Stann may prove to be a bigger challenge than people expect.

Stann most recently technically knocked out Jorge Santiago at UFC 130 and will look to extend his winning streak to four in a row over Sonnen.

The former Marine has been looking really crisp in his last few fights and should be able to dispose of Sonnen if he can keep the fight standing.

4. Gilbert Melendez, Other Strikeforce Fighters Will Sign with the UFC

News has been buzzing this week that current Strikeforce Lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will be making the move to the UFC sooner rather than later.

This announcement comes as no surprise as many of Strikeforce's biggest names have already made the transition to the UFC, with more names on the way.

Guys like Antonio Silva and Jacare may also be on their way making it very likely that their additions to the UFC will happen soon and that the next slide is likely to happen.

3. Strikeforce Will Cave

As every big Strikeforce name from Nick Diaz to Cung Le is either in the UFC or on their way to making their debut, it is only a matter of time until Strikeforce goes under.

The promotion, which has lost its welterweight and light heavyweight champions, as well as being on its way to losing its lightweight champion, looks to be on its way out.

A merger or even just a clear disposal of the organization might be on the horizon.  If more and more top names keep changing ship to the UFC, then the time is ticking until Strikeforce goes the way of Pride or the WEC.

2. Frankie Edgar Will Remain Champion

This weekend's UFC 136 will be the final chapter—hopefullyin the Frankie Edgar/Gray Maynard saga.

Looking to take a win for the first time over the challenger, Edgar will be entering the bout ready to finally get this trilogy over with.

Showing the heart of a warrior at UFC 125, Edgar bounced back from the brink of defeat in the first round to take the fight to Maynard. Many believe that Edgar won the match with his performance in the last four rounds.

With his well-rounded skill set and warrior spirit, expect to see Edgar's hand raised at Saturday night's event.

1. Nick Diaz Will Beat BJ Penn, Earn a Title Shot

Originally slated to face Georges St. Pierre in the main event of UFC 137, Nick Diaz was booted from the top contender spot when he failed to show up to numerous media events.

Now taking on former two-time champion BJ Penn, Diaz will look to prove that he deserves that title shot and will come out swinging, as always, bringing the fight to the legendary former champion.

If he can impress Dana White with a big win over one of the toughest guys in the UFC, expect to see his name added to the top contender spot.