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George St. Pierre vs Nick Diaz

After listening to the conference call, and watching the pre-fight press conference, how can you not be pumped for this fight. Words were exchanged, and I’ve never seen George St. Pierre so aggravated and angry before like this. I truly believe although GSP denies it, that he genuinely does not like Nick Diaz. The fuel has been added, the fire is lit, and this one is bound to be a hell of a fight. Obviously GSP is one of the best wrestlers in mma, if not the best, and he’s continually proven his strength cannot be matched. Although criticized for his lack of finishes recently, and his technique, make no mistake GSP is still winning regardless. The most important aspect in anyone’s career is legacy, which has a lot to do with your record, which boost you in the pound for pound section. GSP is still beating the best guys in the welterweight division no matter how you look at it, and a finish is great, but not as great as win over a loss. Anyways, as for Diaz, he probably will expect to be on his back for a good amount of the fight, and rightfully so, but he is no slouch in his guard. I think he has the ability to possibly submit GSP, or get up. His cardio is insane, and if he can get to GSP, it’s going to be in the later rounds. Which brings me to my prediction that Diaz will dethrone GSP by TKO in the championship rounds. Not to say GSP doesn’t have great cardio because he does, but Diaz is relentless every round, so the pace of the fight is very dependent on if GSP can control him, and I just think Diaz is too good on the ground to be stuck there for chunks of time.

Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

Carlos Condit vs Johny Hendricks

A replacement Hendricks was, and I admire him for taking this fight. Not to say Ellenberger is lesser of a fighter than Condit is, but at this moment, Condit status-wise is a bigger fight for Hendricks. It’s a fight that cannot deny Hendricks of a title shot, if he does win. Hendricks will look to test all of his skills in this fight, as Condit could bring the best out of him. Armed with a murder’s row left hand, and solid wrestling, it was only a matter of time before Hendricks became known in the welterweight division. Condit will look to bounce back after an impressive defeat to George St. Pierre. Usually a loss isn’t considered impressive, but he was persistent throughout the fight, and really gave GSP a run for his money, especially in the 3rd round when he landed a head kick that dropped GSP. This is a tough fight to call because I’m really thinking that Hendricks although we suspect he wants this fight standing, seeing that GSP was able to takedown Condit with ease, and the title shot this close, he could try and play it safe.

Matt Ryerson-US PRESSWIRE

Jake Ellenberger vs Nate Marquardt

After Johny Hendricks replaced Rory MacDonald to face off against Carlos Condit, Nate Marquardt fresh off losing his Strikeforce welterweight belt in the last Strikeforce event, stepped up to face Jake Ellenberger. Marquardt is making his return to the UFC after being cut for pulling out on the day of weigh ins for UFC on Versus 4 because he was not medically cleared. Marquardt whom recently dropped down to 170, is such a big welterweight, and strength could be a factor in this fight. Marquardt can strike on his feet, and is well versed on the ground, his preference would be in top control, so he could unleash his brutal ground and pound. Ellenberger who is dubbed the nickname “Juggernaut” has had a very successful UFC career thus far, going 7-2 with a split decision loss in his debut to Carlos Condit, and of course the recent defeat to Martin Kampmann via TKO (Knees). Ellenberger bounced back from the defeat to Kampmann with a revenge win over Jay Hieron. Ellenberger hasn’t been the same killer that skyrocketed him to the upper ranks of the welterweight division but I believe he is focused, and like he said at the weigh ins, “It’s my time”. I believe Ellenberger is going crack Marquardt a few times, stuff Marquardt’s take downs, and dictate the fight in route to a decision victory. Only concern I have for Ellenberger is his later round cardio, which is suspect as seen in the Diego Sanchez fight. Never the less, I still have Ellenberger winning this fight.

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Main Card Predictions Breakdown:

Now, I am not opposed to women’s mma at all, I actually enjoy it, and I’m happy it’s finally in the UFC. I just don’t think this fight deserves to be the headliner over Dan Henderson vs Lyoto Machida. Henderson entertained us with a five round, fight of the year over Shogun Rua, and this fight with Machida has the elements to be another. Rousey has finished all her opponents very early, which is exiting, but this won’t be going five rounds. Anyways, I still love the card, and I’m just a little bitter over possibly not having another two rounds in the co-main event.

As for the predictions, I think Rousey will take this fight at some point with a submission. I’m going with first round because usually that’s when the armbar takes place, but I think Carmouche has the ability not to get caught early, and take this into deeper waters. But, I do not believe she can fend it off for long, ala Marloes Coenen. The co-main event, I already expressed how great this fight is, and the winner gets the next shot at either Jon Jones or Chael Sonnen. I weighed this fight back and forth, before I predicted who I thought would win. Machida will look to use his timing, and speed to counter the rather aggressive Dan Henderson. But, Henderson has some chin, and I think being over aggressive could work. Machida is good at picking his angles, but I really think if Henderson can land one clean shot, it’s going to set the precedent for how Machida engages. Although, he usually waits for his opponents, it hasn’t always worked like against Rampage Jackson, which I do believe “Page” won. I think Henderson at age 42, has a lot of fight in him still, and we will see it, I’m taking Henderson via decision.

A briefer run down of the other fights on the main card, Faber will dominate Menjivar. Faber is too well rounded, and quick for Menjivar to do anything. That Mike Easton fight, proves that this fight won’t even be close in my opinion, Faber takes it early. Court McGee makes his welterweight debut against a tough gritty veteran in Josh Neer aka the other Diaz brother. I think McGee controls this fight with his wrestling, and I think gets the submission victory at some point. Neer wants to stand and bang, but in order to do that your wrestling needs to neutralize your opponents, which is usually doesn’t do. And to start off the main card, a fun fight between Josh Koscheck vs Robbie Lawler. Now, Lawler packs a punch, but Koscheck has stood in the pocket with some of the best, and taken shots. I think he can do the same here, but I think he can overpower Lawler with his wrestling, and work in some ground and pound. I think we might see some of the old Koscheck here with the recent UFC cuts. Koscheck via decision.

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Main Card Breakdown:

Frankie Edgar (right) looks to dethrone long reigning champion Jose Aldo

(C) Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar

Now, the Main Event, and I can’t wait. This dubbed “Superfight” has all the ingredients to be an early favorite for the fight of the year. Two of the pound for pound best fighters will clash, with the belt on the line, and the rights to be crowned the best 145 ponder on the planet. I’m absolutely pumped for this one, and I’m back and forth who I think will win. Aldo is one of the best fighters to grace the Octagon, and has one of the better striking games I’ve seen. A big part of that striking game, is the destructive kicks he lands. I mean if you haven’t seen what Urijah Faber’s leg looked like after there fight, than you have no idea how effective they are. He is an all around fighter though, and is very hard to takedown. Edgar is a technical striker, and utilizes his speed to implement a guerilla warefare like style. Also Edgar’s wrestling is top notch, and I’m sure we will see multiple shots at a takedown. One of the edges Edgar has in this fight is his cardio, and never ending pace to a fight. We have seen Aldo look human in the championship rounds before, and Mark Hominick was able to take him down and beat him up the entire fifth round. This will be Edgar’s featherweight debut, and unsure what his gameplan will be. I mean he got screwed over twice to Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson by the judges, more so known in the second fight. I’m wondering if that is something on the back of his mind, and he is going to be more aggressive for a finish. There is a lot of if and buts to this fight, and like I mentioned before I have been back and forth with this prediction. I’m going to go with the upset here though, and I believe Edgar will dethrone Aldo, and end a reign of terror that has lasted for years. 

Rashad Evans has Anderson Silva on his mind next

Rashad Evans vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

An interesting co-main event as Rashad Evans take on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira aka “Lil Nog”. Evans returns to the Octagon after being defeated for only the second time in career to Jon Jones in the title fight. Evans has an interesting opportunity if he can win this fight because he will be at the top of the list to fight Anderson Silva at middleweight for the belt. Anyways, Evans has one of the better all around game in the Light Heavyweight division. He can strike, although the power in hands have faded with age. His wrestling game is one of the best, and when he has top control, he can be smothering. As for “Lil Nog”, he’d much rather have this fight standing where he is best suited. Armed with heavy hands, and technical striking, the stand up department is what he is all about. But, make no mistake is adapt to being on the ground, and has the ability to get the fight back up standing. The problem he has had is being up against the fence, and bullied ala Ryan Bader. This fight I really think will be dictated by Evans, and wherever he wants the fight. If “Lil Nog” can shrug off Evans takedown attempts, than this fight will be very interesting. I’m going to go with Rashad Evans though, to win via decision.

Alistair Overeem is looking at a quick finish over Antion Silva, and a title shot. Source: Getty Images

Alistair Overeem vs Antonio Silva

A spice needed to every main card is a heavyweight fight, and boy do we have one here. Alistair Overeem meets Antonio Silva, in what appears to be a quick fight. What I’m implying is that someone is getting knocked out, or submitted because I can’t see this going all three rounds. Overeem is an elite striker, with some of the best Muay-Thai in the Heavyweight Division. The “Reem” hasn’t lost a fight since 2007, and with a win will fight Cain Velasquez for the title, so there are implications besides a win on this fight for him. As for Antonio Silva, armed with heavy hands, but an even better ground game, will look to take this one to the floor where he is most comfortable. Silva’s rise to fame came after beating Fedor Emelianenko, and will be looking to add another name to his impressive career thus far. As far as a prediction, I think Overeem is going to crack and drop Silva. Overeem has the finishing instincts too, so I don’t think Silva will be able to recover ala the Mike Kyle fight. The “Reem” via T/KO in the very first round. 

Jon Fitch is no longer distracted about what he can’t control, and is looking for more bonuses.
(March 26, 2010 – Source: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images North America)

Jon Fitch vs Demian Maia

This next fight I’m excited for because of the grappling display we might see. Jon Fitch meets Demian Maia in an all important welterweight fight. Fitch is coming off a Fight of the Night performance against Erick Silva, and seems to have re-invented himself in the process. Known to be made fun of because his grinding style, Fitch was able to put forth an all out fight, and change some tunes in the process. Maia since dropping down to Welterweight is 2-0, and impressive rag-dolled Rick Story to an early submission victory. This is a tough fight to call, but I believe Fitch has the edge in the striking department, and if he can fend off Maia’s takedown attempts, he will be able to impose his will in the later rounds. I’m going to go on a limb, and say John Fitch wins via TKO, a finish he hasn’t had in a long time.

Ian McCall (red shorts) jabbing Demetrious Johnson (green shorts)

Joseph Benavidez vs Ian McCall

The main card starts out fast with two top flyweights battling it out. I’m not sure what the implications are on this fight but there is no clear number one contender in the Flyweight division. But, these two men recently fought the Champion Demetrious Johnson and lost, so it’s hard to have an idea what would be next. Anyways, I’m a fan of the flyweights, and really think they put forth some exciting fights. Ian McCall will look to use his speed, and unorthodox striking to keep Joseph Benavidez at a bay. Benavidez, perhaps the stronger fighter out of the two will look to use his wrestling to get this one on the ground where he can implement his ground and pound. This is a tough fight, and I think McCall has the striking edge, and Benavidez the wrestling edge. Both have faced off against the Champion Demetrious Johnson, and both were super competitive against him. Styles make fights though, and I think I’m going with Ian McCall and the upset in this fight.

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Main Event Breakdown:

Vitor Belfort takes on Michael Bisping with big implications riding on this fight for Bisping. For Bisping, if he wins he is next in line to fight Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight belt. A fight that he has been longing for, and is due for in my opinion. For Belfort, a win would not only derail Bisping’s title chances, but in front of the home crowd, would be a special moment. Overall, this is a really interesting fight because both men are so well rounded. Belfort’s strengths though are his quick powerful hands, and ability to pressure and swarm his opponents. Belfort is also dangerous on the ground, whether it his sweeps, or quick submission attempts ala Jon Jones. Bisping is more technical in his approach, and could be said to be a point fighter. He is not going to overwhelm you with strikes, but he will frustrate you with his jab. Bisping will also throw in some takedowns, and his ground game is underrated. I think the longer this fight goes though, Bisping is more likelier to win. Belfort’s gas tank is nearly as good as Bisping’s, and that is why I think Bisping will finish him at some point in the fourth round. Belfort’s best chance to win this fight is to pressure, and attack early. Bisping will keep his distance, stay on the outside, and his jab will keep Belfort from getting into the pocket. I think we are for a fun one though, and if it does hit the ground, neither man is a slouch. Like I said though, I predict Bisping will win by TKO/KO in the 4th round. 

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MMA Heavyweight Division Rankings

Top 25 HEAVYWEIGHTS (over 205 pounds)

1. Cain Velasquez (11-1, 9-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Antonio Silva #4

2. Junior Dos Santos (15-2, 9-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Mark Hunt #11

3. Daniel Cormier (12-0, 1-0 UFC)

4. Antonio Silva (18-4, 2-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Cain Velasquez #1

5. Alistair Overeem (36-12, 1-1 UFC)

6. Fabricio Werdum (16-5-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira #9

7. Frank Mir (16-7, 14-7 UFC)

8. Josh Barnett (32-6, 3-1 Strikeforce) 

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (34-7-1, 5-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Fabricio Werdum #6

10. Roy Nelson (18-7, 5-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Cheick Kongo #14

11. Mark Hunt (9-7, 4-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Junior Dos Santos #2

12. Travis Browne (14-1-1, 5-1-1 UFC)

13. Stefan Struve (25-6, 9-4 UFC) 

14. Cheick Kongo (18-7-2, 11-5-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Roy Nelson #10

15. Sergei Kharitonov (19-5, 1-1 Strikeforce) 

16. Andrei Arlovski (19-19, 1-1 WSOF)

17. Gabriel Gonzaga (14-7, 9-6 UFC) 

18. Ben Rothwell (32-9, 2-3 UFC) 

19. Brendan Schaub (9-3, 5-3 UFC) 

20. Shawn Jordan (14-4, 2-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Pat Barry #NR

21. Mike Russow (15-3, 4-2 UFC)

22. Stipe Miocic (9-1, 3-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Soa Palelei #NR

23. Damian Grabowski (16-1, 2-1 BFC) *Next Fight: Stav Economou #NR

24. Alexander Volkov (19-3, 3-0 BFC)

25. Vitaly Minakov (10-0, 1-0 BFC) 

*Shane Carwin (11-2, 4-2 UFC) removed for inactivity*

*Cole Konrad (9-0, 7-0 BFC) Removed due to Retiring*

*Brock Lesnar (5-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) Removed due to Retiring*

*Fedor Emelianenko (33-4 MMA) Removed due to Retiring*

MMA Light Heavyweight Division Rankings Top 25 

1. Jon Jones (17-1, 11-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Chael Sonnen #2 at MW

2. Lyoto Machida (19-3, 11-3 UFC)

3. Dan Henderson (29-9, 6-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Rashad Evans #4

4. Rashad Evans (16-3-1, 11-3-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Dan Henderson #3

5. Phil Davis (10-1, 6-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Vinny Magalhaes #25

6. Alexander Gustafsson (15-1, 7-1 UFC)

7. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (22-6, 6-4 UFC) *Next Fight: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira #10

8. Gegard Mousasi (34-3-2, 1-0 UFC) 

9. Ryan Bader (15-3, 8-3 UFC)

10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5, 4-2 UFC) *Next Fight: Shogun Rua #7

11. Glover Teixeira (20-2, 3-0 UFC) *Next Fight: James Te-Huna #14

12. Forrest Griffin (19-7, 10-5 UFC)

13. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-11, 7-5 UFC) 

14. James Te-Huna (16-5, 5-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Glover Teixeira #11

15. Anthony Johnson (15-4, 2-0 WSOF) 

16. Muhammad Lawal (9-2-1, 1-1 BFC)

17. Attila Vegh (29-4-2, 5-0 BFC) *Next Fight: Emanuel Newton #20

18. Matt Hamil (11-4, 10-4 UFC)

19. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 5-7 UFC)

20. Emanuel Newton (21-7-1, 4-1 BFC) *Next Fight: Attila Vegh #17

21. Mikhail Zayats (21-7, 2-1 BFC)

22. Renato Sobral (37-9, 0-1 BFC)

23. Ryan Jimmo (17-2, 1-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Igor Pokrajac #NR

24. Jimi Manuwa (13-0, 2-0 UFC)

25. Vinny Magalhaes (10-5, 1-2 UFC) *Next Fight: Phil Davis #5

———————————————–

Rafael Cavalcante (11-3, 0-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva (14-3, 5-3-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Rafael Cavalcante

*NR = Not Ranked*

*The legend Chuck Liddell (21-8, 16-7 UFC) removed from the list due to Retirement*

*The legend Randy Couture (19-11, 16-8 UFC) removed from the list due to Retirement* 

*The legend Tito Ortiz (16-11-1, 15-11-1 UFC) removed from the list due to Retirement*

MMA Middleweight Division Rankings Top 25

1. Anderson Silva (33-4, 16-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Chris Weidman #4

2. Chael Sonnen (26-12-1, 8-6 UFC) *Next Fight: Jon Jones #1 @ LHW

3. Vitor Belfort (22-10, 11-6 UFC) *Next Fight: Luke Rockhold #7

4. Chris Weidman (9-0, 5-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Anderson Silva #1

5. Michael Bisping (23-5, 13-5 UFC) *Next Fight: Alan Belcher #15

6. Yushin Okami (29-7, 13-4 UFC)

7. Luke Rockhold ( 10-1, 0-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Vitor Belfort #3

8. Ronaldo Souza (17-3, 0-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Costa Philippou #9

9. Costa Philippou (12-2, 5-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Ronaldo Souza #8

10. Tim Boetsch (16-5, 7-4 UFC) *Next Fight: Mark Munoz #11

11. Mark Munoz (12-3, 7-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Tim Boetsch #10

12. Hector Lombard (32-4-1, 1-2 UFC) 

13. Alexander Shlemenko (47-7, 8-1 BFC) *Next Fight: Doug Marshall #NR

14. Mamed Khalidov (26-4-2, 11-0-2 KSW)

15. Alan Belcher (18-7, 9-5 UFC) *Next Fight: Michael Bisping #5

16. Cung Le (9-2, 2-1 UFC)

17. Rich Franklin (29-7, 13-6 UFC) 

18. Brian Stann (12-5, 6-4 UFC)

19. Tim Kennedy (15-4, 6-2 Strikeforce) *Next Fight: Roger Gracie #NR

20. Chris Leben (26-9, 12-8 UFC) *Next Fight: Andrew Craig #NR

21. Ronny Markes (14-1, 3-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Derek Brunson #NR

22. Jorge Santiago (25-11, 1-5 UFC)

23. Maiquel Falcao (31-5, 3-1 BFC)

24. Francis Carmont (21-7-1, 5-0 UFC)

25. Lorenz Larkin (13-1, 0-1 UFC)

—————————————-

Rousimar Palhares (15-5, 8-4 UFC) *Suspended*

*NR = Not Ranked*

MMA Welterweight Division Rankings Top 25

1. George St. Pierre (24-2, 18-2 UFC) *Next Fight: Johny Hendricks #2

2. Johny Hendricks (15-1, 12-1 UFC) *Next Fight: George St. Pierre #1

3. Carlos Condit (28-7, 5-3 UFC) 

4. Nick Diaz (26-9, 7-6 UFC)

5. Rory MacDonald (14-1, 5-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Jake Ellenberger #7

6. Demian Maia (18-4, 12-4 UFC) 

7. Jake Ellenberger (29-6, 8-2 UFC) *Next Fight: Rory MacDonald #5

8. Jon Fitch (24-5-1, 0-0 WSOF) *Next Fight: Josh Burkman #NR

9. Jake Shields (28-5-1, 3-2 UFC) *Next Fight: Tyron Woodley #18

10. Martin Kampmann (20-6, 11-5 UFC)

11. Tarec Saffiedine (14-3, 6-1 Strikeforce) *Next Fight: Robbie Lawler #19

12. Nate Marquardt (32-12-2, 10-5 UFC)

13. Josh Koscheck (17-7, 15-7 UFC)

14. Ben Askren (11-0, 8-0 BFC) *Next Fight: Andrey Koreshkov #26

15. Dong Hyun Kim (17-2-1, 8-2-1 UFC) 

16. Mike Pyle (24-8-1, 9-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Rick Story #21

17. John Hathaway (17-1, 7-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Erick Silva #NR

18. Tyron Woodley (11-1, 1-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Jake Shields #9

19. Robbie Lawler (20-9, 5-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Tarec Saffiedine #11

20. Matt Brown (17-11, 10-5 UFC)

21. Rick Story (15-6, 8-4 UFC) *Next Fight: Mike Pyle #16

22. Thiago Alves (19-8, 11-5 UFC)

23. Siyar Bahadurzada (21-5-1, 1-1 UFC) 

24. Paul Daley (31-12-2, 1-0 BFC) 

25. Douglas Lima (24-5, 6-1 BFC) *Next Fight: Ben Saunders #NR

—————————————————————————————

26. Andrey Koreshkov (13-0, 5-0 BFC) *Next Fight: Ben Askren #14

*NR = Not Ranked*

*Kazuo Misaki (25-11-2, 2-0 Strikeforce) removed due to retirement*

*Matt Hughes (45-9, 18-7 UFC) removed for inactivity*

*Chris Lytle (31-18-5, 10-10 UFC) removed due to retirement*

1. Ben Henderson (19-2, 7-0 UFC)

2. Gilbert Melendez (20-3, 0-1 UFC)

3. Anthony Pettis (16-2, 3-1 UFC) *Next Fight: Jose Aldo @ FW

4. Gray Maynard (11-1-1, 8-1-1 UFC) *Next Fight: T.J. Grant #12

5. Josh Thomson (20-5, 3-1 UFC) 

6. Nate Diaz (16-9, 11-7 UFC) 

7. Jim Miller (22-4, 11-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Pat Healy #23

8. Michael Chandler (11-0, 8-0 BFC) *Next Fight: David Rickels #NR

9. Eddie Alvarez (24-3, 8-1 BFC) 

10. Shinya Aoki (32-6, 1-0 OneFC)

11. Donald Cerrone (19-5, 6-2 UFC) *Next Fight: KJ Noons #NR

12. T.J. Grant (20-5, 7-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Gray Maynard #4

13. Diego Sanchez (24-5, 13-5 UFC) 

14. Joe Lauzon (22-8, 9-5 UFC) 

15. Khabib Nurmagomedov (18-0, 3-0 UFC) *Next Fight: Abel Trujillo #NR

16. Rafael Dos Anjos (18-6, 7-4 UFC) *Next Fight: Evan Dunham #17

17. Evan Dunham (14-3, 8-3 UFC) *Next Fight: Rafael Dos Anjos #16

18. Gleison Tibau (27-9, 11-7 UFC) *Next Fight: John Cholish #NR

19. Jamie Varner (21-7-1, 7-5-1 UFC)

20. Edson Barboza (11-1, 5-1 UFC)

21. Melvin Guillard (30-12-2, 11-8 UFC) *Next Fight: Mac Danzig #NR

22. Takanori Gomi (34-9, 3-4 UFC) 

23. Pat Healy (28-16, 6-1 Strikeforce) *Next Fight: Jim Miller #7

24. Ross Pearson (15-6, 7-3 UFC) 

25. Matt Wiman (15-7, 9-5 UFC)                                                                                                                       

*NR = Not Ranked*

*Removed for Inactivity: Sean Sherk (33-4-1, 8-4 UFC)*