UFC 137: 5 Predictions You Can Take to the Bank

UFC 137 was previously regarded as one of the most anticipated events of the year, but a slew of injuries have hit the card hard and, save for the main event, it is now rather mediocre.

But still, the show must go on, and since the UFC always puts on a great night of fights, fans are still looking forward to this card as much as any other.

Since I’ve been known to call a few things correctly in my day, here are five predictions that you can be sure will happen this weekend. 

BJ Penn Will Earn Another Shot at Georges St-Pierre

Chael Sonnen recently predicted on ESPN that the winner of Penn and Diaz would get a title shot over Carlos Condit once the smoked cleared on this weekend's event; and I’m going to have to agree with him.

Penn has been pining for a third chance at St-Pierre for almost three years now (since his rematch loss in January '09), and if he beats Diaz as convincingly as I think he will, it will be decision time for Dana White and Co.

Chieck Kongo Will Prove His Status as the Ultimate Heavyweight Gatekeeper

This is one of my favorites, because I’m actually right no matter who wins this fight.

If Kongo does happen to pull off a win here, people will just assume that Mitrione was never as good as we thought and that he deserves to be lumped in with the Stefan Struves and Pat Barrys of the world.

If Mitrione takes out Kongo, then suddenly he’s a top 10 heavyweight in the UFC and is going to get a massive step up in competition. (Shane Carwin, anyone?)

Mirko Cro Cop Will Retire

After a historic career, UFC 137 will be the day that Cro Cop decides to hang up his gloves.

The man really has nothing left to prove, and win or lose it is time for him to step away from the cage on Saturday.

A win would let him end his career on a high note and against a formidable opponent, while a loss would be his third in a row—with at least two of those coming by way of brutal knockout.

He’s one of the best of all time, but this weekend will likely (and hopefully) be the last time we see him compete.

Scott Jorgensen Will Prove His Status as a Top Five Bantamweight

Jeff Curran isn’t the most high profile name Scott Jorgensen could face while trying to climb his way to a UFC title shot, but MMA fans know Curran isn’t an easy opponent.

With almost 50 career fights, Curran is one of the most experienced bantamweight fighters in the world, and a win for Jorgensen would be a nice boost for his resume.

Expect Jorgensen to come out victorious in this one, and he will likely even finish the incredibly durable veteran in order to make a statement to the rest of the bantamweight division.

George Roop Will Take out Hatsu Hioki

Hatsu Hioki almost feels like the forgotten man going into this weekend, which is sad considering he is currently ranked in the top five in the featherweight division.

However, since he has never fought in the UFC, he is a relatively unknown commodity to American fans and doesn’t get the respect he deserves—and sadly that isn’t going to change this weekend.

George Roop has earned a reputation for taking out fighters who are supposed to be future contenders in the division, recently knocking both Chan Sung Jung and Josh Grispi back down to the mid-tier of the 145-pound division, and I think he continues the trend this weekend, when he beats Hioki by decision.