Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen

This fight is going to be a WAR, I think that Anderson Silva is going to be a killer this time around because he has completely went Diaz the last few days. I’ve never seen Silva like this before, and although Sonnen might be his kryptonite, I think that Anderson is going to be very aggressive and try to knock Sonnen out. But, the one man to figure out Silva has made strides since falling just short dethroning the the pound for pound best fighter ever. Sonnen will look to utilize his solid wrestling in this one again, and we can be in store for a repeat but I think a better all around Sonnen (one with better submission defense). Although I wouldn’t be shocked to see Sonnen win despite Silva’s dominance in the UFC, I just think Silva is going to put it on Sonnen. And eventually I think Silva is going to put Sonnen away!

Forrest Griffin vs Tito Ortiz

Tito Ortiz will enter the octagon for the last time, and boy has it been an honor to watch him fight. Every fight, he brought it despite going through countless surgeries. The now Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, will take on the future Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, in which should be a great fight to end the trilogy. Both fights were back and forth, and both men have a win a piece, which prompted the ending of a trilogy, and ending of a legend. I expect this fight to be like the other fights, both to stand in front of each other and bang with a mix of takedowns. While I picked Tito to upset Bader, I’m not too high on him in this one after losing his last 2 fights by TKO. I think Forrest Griffin will end this trilogy by decision, but I hope it’s an exciting fight, just so Tito can cap off a legendary UFC career.

Cung Le vs Patrick Cote

My vote for fight of the night, as the return of Patrick Cote will provide sparks in the octagon with the always exciting Cung Le. I love this fight, and I think we are in for a treat. I don’t think one will last the full 3 rounds, as Cote carries heavy hands, and Cung Le has an arsenal of  kicks. Cardio could be a factor in this fight, as Cung’s has been suspect in the later rounds. But, I think that Cung’s style keeps Cote at a distance, and Cote although known for heavy hands just doesn’t have that aggression/killer instinct to go for the kill. This could very well be a decision fight, but I think Cung is going to hit Cote with a plethora of kicks/punches to finish him.

Dong Hyun Kim vs Demian Maia

A fun fight, especially for Maia’s debut at welterweight. Maia has made strides in his striking but he remains a grappling wizard at heart. The problem with this fight for Maia is that his opponent is exceptionally well where ever the fight goes. Kim’s judo looked great last fight, as well as his striking which featured some effective kicks. I think this fight could be a back and forth fight but I like Kim’s overall game more then Maia’s. So on that note, I think Kim takes this one via decision.

Chad Mendes vs Cody McKenzie 

While I did enjoy Cody McKenzie’s 209/Diaz attitude at weigh ins, I don’t see where he has a chance in this fight. He is fighting the former number one contender in his debut at featherweight, and prior he only went 2-2 at lightweight. Mendes should be able to take him down easily, and ground and pound him to a TKO victory.

Ivan Menjivar vs Mike Easton

A solid fight in the bantamweight division in which the winner could very well find themselves in a number one contender fight afterwards. I expect both guys to stand and trade but Menjivar to utilize kicks to keep Easton at a distance. I usually like veterans here but despite maybe Easton’s lack of Fight IQ, he is one hell of a fighter, and the energy he has in a fight is insane! I think Menjivar is underrated but he seeing Albert almost put him away was a bit of a shocker to me, although give him credit for coming back and winning. I just think Easton packs a punch, and will be able to put it on Menjivar. Easton by TKO!