411's UFC 82: Pride Of A Champion Roundtable Preview

Posted by Caleb Newby on 02.29.2008

UFC 82 is finally here and it is loaded. Headlining the card we have a middleweight unification bout between UFC champion Anderson Silva and PRIDE champion Dan Henderson! Also Heath Herring faces Cheick Kongo while Evan Tanner makes his much anticipated return against a very tough Yushin Okami. 411mania’s MMA crew is here and ready to break down all that and much, much more!



Hey hey hey, I can't tell you how excited I am for this pay per view. This card is so jam packed with quality fights and capped off with the fantastic bout that is Silva vs. Henderson that I keep forgetting that one of my favorites is making his return, a Mr. Evan Tanner. Here's to hoping that some of you who checked out MMA for the first time for the Lesnar fight are back to see this one.

Before we get to the guys, remember we have our pick'em contest going on in the forums again. This one is just for pride and bragging rights, but I'll try to come up with some more prizes and gear for our next ones. Other than that, feel free to use our comment section to tell us how you see these fights going. I must say, I am really interested in how everyone sees the main event going down in particular (but feel free to talk about the awesomeness of Evan Tanner too).

On with the show!


John Halverson vs. Jorge Gurgel

Dustin James: Ahh, John Halverson! I believe I have seen him fight once, which was at UFC 67 and he got knocked out by Roger Huerta in like 20 seconds. That fight was over a year ago and since then Halverson has won 3 in a row, but is he good enough to take out Jorge Gurgel? Gurgel is 2-2 in the UFC so far and is suppose to be a pretty good fighter.....this fight does nothing for me, sorry.
Winner: Jorge Gurgel - Decision

Randy Harrison: Gurgel has shown me jack and SQUAT in his UFC fights up to this point, and he's just hanging onto his spot by a thread as far as I'm concerned. He needs something big to happen in this fight and I highly doubt that he's going to make it happen. He'll more than likely just use his jiu-jitsu and grappling to control from the top position and ride out a decision. YAWN.
Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: Welcome back to the UFC John Halverson! Most well-known for the knee he didn't take to the head, Halverson comes into the UFC for his second go-around in much the same way he did his first. Of course the opponents are of VASTLY different skill sets as Roger Huerta will more than likely get a title shot in 2008 and the same can't be said for Jorge Gurgel. I'd like to read the analysis of any MMA "pundit" with strong feelings of any kind in this one. It's a battle between lightweights who haven't done anything to establish themselves. Gurgel hasn't done much of anything to show he CAN'T beat Halverson. So let's go with Gurgel.
Winner: Jorge Gurgel

Morgan Marx: I understand Gurgel's value as a coach, and the important role he has played for the likes of Rich Franklin and Marcus Davis. As a fighter, it seems like he's best suited for warming up hometown crowds with semi-exciting fights. To his credit, Gurgel gives each fight his all. If claims that Gurgel made a disastrous change to his weight cutting before the Alvin Robinson fight are correct, perhaps he'll have a much better performance this time out against Halverson, a sub-UFC competitor.
Winner: Jorge Gurgel (Submission, Rd 1)

Matt McEwen:: While Gurgel has looked less than stellar in his last few Octagon outings, he still has the talent to handle most fighters. Just as long as his last beating isn't way too much on his head, I think he should be fine in this one against an overmatched Halverson. Halverson will be looking for redemption after a controversial/embarrassing loss to Roger Huerta in his UFC debut last year, but I think he'll come up short thanks to Gurgel's sound submission game...that, and if I pick against Jorge, my wife hits me.
Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Submission, Round 2

Leland Roling: Snoozefest that nobody cares about, but there is probably a guarantee that Gurgel will go to the hospital after the fight. Halverson was only brought into the UFC to lose to Huerta, and this may be a bout to keep Gurgel going in his hometown.
Winner: Gurgel via decision

Jeremy Lambert: They're in Ohio, which means it's not a complete card without Jorge Gurgel. If Halverson is smart he'll just takedown Gurgel and pound on him because Robsinson had great success with that considering Gurgel's lack of defense. Jorge will probably want to be on top so I suspect he'll shoot early and work a decision.
Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision


David Bielkheden vs. Diego Sanchez

Dustin James: Oh Diego, how the mighty have fallen. He was on a great win streak with wins over Karo Parisyan, Nick Diaz, Kenny Florian, & Joe Riggs, but then he faced two of the UFC's best welterweights in Kos and Fitch and he lost by decision to both of them. Now it's time for Diego to get back on track! It's time for him to take out one of the UFC's best welterweights and get his name in title contention again! That's right! He's going to fight......David Bielkheden? I gotta admit I have only seen Bielkheden fight once. So sorry for the enthusiasm. Bielkheden is making his UFC debut against a pretty big name guy. If he does happen to score a win, I'd look for Sanchez to drop weight and Bielkheden to gain a little rep. But that's not gonna happen......nah.
Winner: Diego Sanchez - Decision

Randy Harrison: Diego, welcome to Fucktown, population you. After riding high on a huge winning streak that took him to an Ultimate Fighter crown and nearly to the top of the 170 pound class, he's dropped his last two in fights where he looked overwhelmed and overmatched. Now he's in against a newcomer and could rapidly find himself holding a spot as the gatekeeper for the division if he doesn't somehow find the old, aggressive, ultra-quick Diego Sanchez. Bielkheden will be looking to work his jiu-jitsu on the wrestler Sanchez, but I think that Diego will be able to avoid the submissions and stay on top for most of the fight. The good news for Sanchez is that Bielkheden is a smaller welterweight as well, so this is looking like the UFC trying to give Diego one to get back on the horse. It won't mean anything in the grand scheme but in terms of getting back on the winning track, he will.
Winner: Diego Sanchez, Decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: Hey remember when Diego Sanchez was on the brink of a UFC welterweight title shot if he beat Josh Koscheck? Yep, now he's not getting a sniff at that belt this year and might not in 2009 either. I know things can change but with losses to Koscheck and Fitch on his record, Diego is at the wrong end of a long line of contenders for that strap. So while he's waiting, lets have him face David Bielkheden shall we? He (Bielkheden) shouldn't pose too many problems for a guy like Sanchez who is still a great ground fighter. This bout goes along with a theme of putting all your chips in one basket with these bouts on the undercard.
Winner: Diego Sanchez

Morgan Marx: All European fighters are somewhat suspect, and I don't think Bielkheden has the credentials to upset Sanchez, no matter his time in Shooto and Pride. While Sanchez isn't the UFC goldenboy that sustained the long unbeaten streak, his losses to Koscheck and Fitch weren't devastating. There's no shame in dropping a tight decision to Fitch, a probable title contender. If Sanchez has fixed his training regimen, figured out his strength issues, and feels more confident with his gameplan, he should tear through Bielkheden.
Winner: Diego Sanchez (Unanimous Decision)

Matt McEwen: After being overwhelmed by two stronger welterweights en route to a two fight losing streak, Sanchez gets a bit of a break here in that the newcomer Bielkheden is also a bit small for the 170lb division. The bad news for Diego is that Bielkheden has a strong jiu jitsu game and could very well negate Sanchez's submissions, which is the only part of his game that looked good against Jon Fitch. That means he'll have to use his wrestling and striking to grind out a win and get himself back on track. Win or lose, some advice for Sanchez: Go, go, Diego....down to 155.
Winner: Diego Sanchez, Decision

Leland Roling: Sanchez should come in stronger as he's claimed that his powerlifting has increased. He's also got the skills to counter Bielkheden's best skills in wrestling and power in the ground and pound. Their jiu-jitsu games should neutralize one another, but I'm gonna look for the stronger Sanchez to squeak out a win.
Winner: Sanchez via decision

Jeremy Lambert: Diego Sanchez is a weird dude but much like Clay Guida, Sanchez sets a crazy pace and never seems to get tired. Because of that, he beats a lot of guys who may be more skilled than him. Fortunately, I don't think Bielkheden is more skilled to the skill advantage plus the pace should equal for a good night for Sanchez, who looks to climb back up the Weltwerweight division.
Winner: Diego Sanchez, Submission, Round One


Dustin Hazelett vs. Josh Koscheck

Dustin James: Hazelett is a pretty scary fighter with the greatest first name in the world, however, he is fighting the KOS! The KOS is becoming the king of the decision fights. In his last five fights, FOUR of them have been decision fights. I don't see this one ending up any differently.
Winner: Josh Koscheck - Decision

Randy Harrison: Koscheck and Hazelett lock it up in another undercard fight. Koscheck had his brush with fame, getting spanked by GSP, and now he's more than likely going to be moved down the card unless he manages to get a LOT more exciting in a hurry. He's going to wrestle, he's going to use the top position and he's going to win a somewhat slower, somewhat boring decision.
Winner: Josh Koschek, Knoc....BWAHHHHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA, I mean, Decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: For one it's the opportunity of a lifetime. For another it's a BIG drop coming off a loss that probably shouldn't have dropped him that far. Here's a bout that carries some very interesting ramifications for both fighters. If Hazelett wins, well the welterweight division has one more top tier fighter to go at it. If Koscheck wins, his next fight will be against another big name in the welterweight division. Koscheck's obviously the favorite here and he should be. He has incredible wrestling and the rest of his MMA game is coming into focus. He's 1-1 in big fights now and will probably be on the right side of that number by the time he reaches his prime. The question here is Hazelett. Wins in seven of his last eight put him in this bout but the biggest win came via armbar against Jonathan Goulet. I don't know if you could get good enough odds on Hazelett to pick him here. Koscheck's too good and picking Hazelett here would just be stupid more than anything.
Winner: Josh Koscheck

Morgan Marx: I like Hazelett, and I think he's entering this fight with a great gameplan. But Koscheck, like Sanchez, is coming off a loss that at least showed he belonged in the cage against a top 5 fighter. GSP couldn't submit Koscheck from the top, and I don't think Hazelett has the striking to set up a submission from anywhere else. Sure, Hazelett could definitely catch Kos in a triangle at some point during a transition, but I think Koscheck has the strength to power out of any attempts the longer Hazelett throws up.
Winner: Josh Koschek (TKO, Rd 2)

Matt McEwen: Remember when Koscheck vs Sanchez was a semi-main event and the winner seemed destined for a title shot? Not even a year later and they're both relegated to the undercard. Crazy world. As for this fight, Hazelett and his good submission game should give The Kos some issues in the cage, but his real opponent here is going to be his ego. After getting schooled in the one area of the game he thought was unassailable, how Koscheck comes into this fight mentally is going to tell the tale here. He was on the right track before running into the GSP buzzsaw, and as long as he hasn't let the loss derail him totally, he should right the rails in this one. And I promise, no more locomotive metaphors.
Winner: Josh Koscheck, Decision

Leland Roling: Koscheck's wrestling and overall power should be able to maintain top control for most of this bout and defeat Hazelett. Hazelett does have some very dangerous jiu-jitsu skills, but Koscheck hasn't shown a weakness to being submitted. Koscheck should take it.
Winner: Koscheck via TKO, Round 3

Jeremy Lambert: Sucks for Koscheck, who fought GSP in a high profile fight his last time out and is now reduced to a dark fight. Hazelett is good off his back, where Koscheck will likely put him, but Koscheck has some good submission defense so I don't suspect that he'll be caught. Like most Koscheck fights, I expect him to toy around on the feet, and then go for the takedown, where he'll likely control all 3 rounds en route to a decision.
Winner: Josh Koscheck, Decision


Luigi Fioravanti vs Luke Cummo

Dustin James: Fioravanti is currently 2-3 in the UFC. Cummo is currently 3-2 in the UFC. My interest in this fight is currently: 0.0%. My chances of picking this fight correctly: 50%. The chance that you are still reading what I'm writing: 24%.
Winner: Luigi Fioravanti - Decision (It's seems like a theme)

Randy Harrison: Cummo showed his knockout power in his last fight, somewhat surprisingly so, and he's going to be looking to continue his winning streak that stands at two. I don't think he'll score another KO or TKO, but I do think that this fight will end the streak of decisions that have been running over the course of the evening so far. I fooled you there for a second didn't I? Cummo and Fioravanti are going to grapple on the mat and it's going to end up with whoever gets the top position the most and does the most with it. I think that Cummo is going to do just enough with his unorthodox style to eke out the win.
Winner: Luke Cummo, Decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: Not every bout on every card is going to carry interest and intrigue with it. That's all I got.
Winner: Luigi Fioravanti

Morgan Marx: Cummo's biggest improvement in recent fights is that he's now believing what his trainers are telling him. He feels like he belongs in the UFC and that his striking is better than most welterweights. Fioravanti will be a great test for the TUF star. If Fioravanti has troubles with the cut to 170, or decides to strike with Cummo, we could see another quick KO for the Longo trained fighter. Even if Fioravanti tries to ground Cummo with wrestling, we shouldn't forget that Cummo survived against Joe Stevenson (and Koscheck for that matter). Despite his record, I think Cummo is on the rise.
Winner: Luke Cummo (Unanimous Decision)

Matt McEwen: I like Cummo because he looks - and acts - like the biggest, weirdest nerd imaginable, but he'll kick your ass for telling him that. His striking is clean and crisp, and judging from the camp he trains with, he's got to have a decent ground game. Those two assessment could be said for Fioravanti too, the only difference being that Fioravanti has faltered more often than not on the big stage, while Cummo keeps exceeding expectations.
Winner: Luke Cummo, TKO, Round 3

Leland Roling: Cummo and Fioravanti both have some good power in their hands, and they have the ability to end fights in that fashion. Cummo is a bit bigger if I remember correctly, and his reach should be longer in this matchup. Cummo's chin won't be weak enough for Fioravanti to roll through, so I think Cummo can survive an onslaught early and cruise to a decision win.
Winner: Cummo via decision

Jeremy Lambert: Sadly, I have very little interest in this fight. Cummo wins the award for being a man and drinking his own piss but this is a fight, not a pissing contest. On the ground, Cummo has the advantage but Fioravanti is no slouch. I really like Luigi on the feet and I think he'll catch Cummo with something early.
Winner: Luigi Fioravanti, TKO, Round One


Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake O'Brien

Dustin James: FINALLY, the fighter that EVERYBODY has been begging to see return to UFC action is finally going to fight! That's right, Jake O'Brien will put his undefeated streak on the line against some tomato can named Andrei Arlovski. Sorry Jake, I'm not buying the hype! I'm taking the tomato can.
Winner: Andrei Arlovski - TKO, Rd 2

Randy Harrison:
Dear Mr. "The Pitbull",
Thanks for your years of faithful service to the UFC, and your trilogy with Tim Sylvia which did a lot to rejuvenate a somewhat stagnant and dying Heavyweight division. We're totally through with you and don't want to pay you what you want to get paid, because frankly, you stunk it up against Fabricio Werdum and had to rely on a nearly illegal strike to beat Marcio Cruz. Thanks for the memories Andrei, now take this win on the undercard and get to steppin'.
Signed, Dana White.
Winner: Andrei Arlovski, TKO, Rd 1

Lotfi Sariahmed: We all know the backstory behind this bout so I'll save you the repetition. The situation stinks and that's basically it. As for this bout itself, I UNDERSTAND why everyone is saying Jake O'Brien is a bad match-up for Arlovski. I just don't necessarily AGREE with it. Am I missing the bout where Arlovski was made to look completely inept on the ground (i.e. O'Brien v. Herring)? I think Arlovski has some adequate ground skills to avoid being on his back for any significant portion of time. Don't get me wrong, O'Brien has the advantage on the ground. But Arlovski is no stiff. On top of that I share the similar mindset that this is comparable to a "contract year" fight for Arlovski.
Winner: Andrei Arlovski

Morgan Marx: I just can't shake the feeling that Arlovski dominated an era when the heavyweight division was lacking true superstars. While everyone is fretting about the UFC letting talented fighters go, how many UFC cuts have gone on to star in other promotions? Josh Barnett? O'Brien is certainly an opponent Arlovski can topple, but he has to let his hands go, be aggressive, and not get caught up in the waiting game. Otherwise, O'Brien is going to treat Arlovski exactly like Heath Herring, a far less talented heavyweight. My only hang-up is O'Brien's injury, something I haven't heard a ton about.
Winner: Jake O'Brien (Unanimous Decision)

Matt McEwen: I don't think I can remember a more star studded undercard than this one, ever. Of course, stars doesn't always mean good fights, and I'm not expecting a whole lot out of this one. "Irish" Jake is a strong wrestler, who hasn't shown much else other than that smothering skill in his career yet. Arlovski wants and needs a good showing here, either to look good on the way out the door, or for the UFC to invite him back to the party. He better pray the ref stands them up a lot...
Winner: Jake O'Brien, really boring Decision

Leland Roling: Arlovski's last fight with the UFC should be a knockout victory. O'Brien has stated that his strategy will be to try to work top control for the ground and pound win, but I don't think that'll work well against Andrei. His standup is precise, and his footwork is allows his takedown defense to be fairly good.
Winner: Arlovski via TKO/KO, Round 1

Jeremy Lambert: I really have zero desire to see Jake O'Brien fight, even if it is against a guy I like in Arlovski. O'Brien has very good wrestling but if Arlovski can stop the takedown, which I expect him to do, O'Brien his screwed. Herring rocked Jake the few times he caught him and I think Arlovski has much better power than Herring. I think Andrei will force some clinch situation, get the breaks, and punch his way into a new contract.
Winner: Andrei Arlovski, TKO, Round One


Jon Fitch vs. Chris Wilson

Dustin James: I'm totally jazzed for this fight. Fitch is currently one of the best welterweights in the UFC, and Chris Wilson is a Team Quest guy from my home state of Oregon. Team Quest bias says I need to pick the upset here and go with the former IFL fighter, Wilson. However, Fitch is currently on an amazing hot streak in the UFC that looks like it might not stop. Sorry Chris, hope you forgive me.
Winner: Jon Fitch - Submission , Rd 3

Randy Harrison: There's good news and bad news on this one. The good news is that I get to see Jon Fitch fight again, and he's one of my absolute favorite fighters going today. The bad news is that Akihiro Gono got hurt and had to pull out of this fight, thus depriving up of the DJ GOZMA entrance that would have rocked my face off. As it is, this should be a good tune-up for Fitch before he makes the big jump to fighting the top guys in the weight class or possibly even getting a title shot. Wilson is a Team Quest fighter that I just saw in my video review of the SportFight DVD, and he looked impressive, but Fitch will more than likely eat him alive, Team Quest or no Team Quest.
Winner: Jon Fitch, Decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: Jon Fitch v. Chris Wilson= The UFC protecting Fitch the best way it knows how until it can slide Fitch in for a title shot v. GSP or Serra. You hope it blows up in there face. But lets be realistic.
Winner: Jon Fitch

Morgan Marx: Fitch is fighting as a prohibitive favorite (and known commodity) for the first time. Wilson is a solid opponent, so if nerves get the better of Fitch, or if his training camp wasn't up to par, we could see an upset. However, Fitch doesn't seem like the kind of competitor that would allow him to slip up. It should be a good fight, and Wilson will probably earn himself a return to the octagon. But it's Fitch's fight to lose, and he rarely loses.
Winner: Jon Fitch (Submission, Rd 2)

Matt McEwen: Wilson is a semi-late fill in for Gono, so I think the biggest question in the fight will be how well prepared Fitch is for him. If he overlooks the Team Quest product, he could be in trouble. Wilson has looked good in his bigger fights, and has beaten most of the tougher opponents he's faced. Of course, he's never fought anyone on Fitch's level. Of course, you could make a case that the only way to fight anyone on Fitch's level at 170lbs right now would be to get a title shot against GSP. Look for the traditional slow start by Fitch as Wilson shows what he's got in the first round before a quick dismantling in the second.
Winner:Jon Fitch, TKO, Round 2

Leland Roling: Wilson makes for an interesting matchup. He's a Team Quest guy who has much better wrestling credentials than Fitch, but Fitch seems to put his entire game together in a hard to pass package. I don't see Fitch being beaten by Wilson, so I'll take Fitch.
Winner: Fitch via decision

Jeremy Lambert: Jon Fitch is a great all around fighter who should get a title shot with a victory in this fight. Wilson has some good wrestling but I think Fitch is the better wrestler and holds a vast advantage at every other area. I can see the first round being a feeling out process but in the second I expect Fitch to turn up the heat and finish Wilson by putting him on his back and pounding him out.
Winner: Jon Fitch, TKO, Round Two


Yushin Okami vs. Evan Tanner

Dustin James: Evan Tanner's big return to the UFC, and he's not messing around when it comes to an opponent. He's fighting Yushin Okami, who's only loss in the UFC happens to be against some guy named Rich Franklin. That's a pretty good resume. Tanner is making his return to the UFC for the first time in nearly 2 years, however I believe his competition might be a little too tough for him this time around. If Okami wins, I'd expect him to get a shot at the winner of Silva/Henderson.
Winner: Yushin Okami - TKO, Rd 3

Randy Harrison: Tanner sure didn't do himself any favors with his comeback fight, that's for certain. Okami is an absolute beast at middleweight and Tanner hasn't fought in over 20 UFC's. Tanner's too smart to get submitted on the ground, and he might be able to get the better of Okami in the stand-up, but I think that Okami is going to be just too strong for the returning Tanner. On a personal note, it's going to be great to see Tanner in the Ocatgon again after such a rocky road that he's been on for the past couple of years. On a professional note, it's going to be sad to see him lose his comeback fight.
Winner: Yushin Okami, Decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: Talk about a bout that won't get near the attention it deserves. Welcome back Evan Tanner (and Yushin Okami too technically). A win for Okami coupled with a win by Silva over Henderson will probably put Okami in line for a title shot. The big question mark here of course is Tanner. There's something wrong with you if you're rooting against Tanner but there is a question of what is he bringing to the table? He does benefit from fighting a guy like Okami in this first fight back because both guys need a round or so to get going. This is a fight that won't be decided until late and Okami will pose Tanner too many problems.
Winner: Yushin Okami

Morgan Marx: It's certainly possibly that Tanner has found the fountain of youth and regained his desire for the sport. But no objective analysis could lead a person to pick Tanner as the victor. Hopefully, Tanner shows enough so that his next fight will also be PPV quality. But I'm not sure how Tanner's cardio will hold up, something you don't really want as a question mark heading against Yushin "Thunder" Okami. Because when I think of the conservative, stoic Okami, I think of Jushin Liger, anime hero!
Winner: Yushin Okami (TKO, Rd 3)

Matt McEwen: Well, at least we won't have to wonder too long about how much Evan Tanner has left in the tank. The old veteran is a great story and a MMA legend, but he's stepping in against probably the strongest man in the 185lb division, who should be coming in looking to make a statement and get a title shot. Tanner's only real advantage here is his submission game, but I think Okami might be too strong for him to really do anything too. I just can't see any way for Tanner to win this one.
Winner: Yushin Okami, TKO, Round 3

Leland Roling: Tanner is coming off a long layoff, an alcohol addiction, and will be facing a very tough Yushin Okami. Okami's wrestling and strength will be tough to overcome, and Tanner's triangle choke probably won't work on Okami. Look for Okami to control.
Winner: Okami via decision

Jeremy Lambert: In his prime, Tanner matched up very well with Okami. Now that he's years removed from fighting and half his mind is gone, Tanner is a toss up. I think that everything Tanner did well, Okami does just as well today. Even in his prime it would have been tough to pick Tanner in this fight but with all the circumstances surrounding him, I like Okami to put on an Okami performance. Meaning he'll clinch, he'll hold down Tanner, and he'll get the decision.
Winner: Yushin Okami, Decision


Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Leben

Dustin James: Didn't Sakara just fight like yesterday? Not only that, but he is also dropping a weight class to fight Leben! Sakara will be looking to start a new win streak, but so will his opponent, Chris Leben. Now, Leben is also from my home state of Oregon, and yes I do have a little home town bias for the Crippler. I expect punches in bunches to be thrown in this fight and it's basically going to come down to who hits the other in the chin first.
Winner: Alessio Sakara - KO, Rd 1

Randy Harrison: This one is going to be fireworks people. Sakara stands and bangs with anyone, be it to his advantage or detriment, and so does Leben. Leben has a bit of a stronger chin so he's got the advantage to me in this fight, but Sakara has a bit of size and is a stronger technical fighter standing, so he might be able to avoid Leben's crazy haymaker punching style. This is going to be the middleweight equivalent of Alexander and Silva in the light heavyweight division, and Leben is going to be Silva. "The Crippler" continues on his way through the UFC and pads his record with another win, in impressive fashion.
Winner: Chris Leben, TKO, Rd 2

Lotfi Sariahmed: This is a less than riveting bout. The UFC is going to squeeze everything they can out of it after Leben's last second KO of Martin his last bout. He was on his last legs going in and the UFC wanted Martin to keep building momentum. Sakara's stunk ever since he's been in the UFC and I can't say two good things about his game. If you push me I could get three out of Leben's.
Winner: Chris Leben

Morgan Marx: Leben is a tough opponent for Sakara in his middleweight debut. Leben has the ground game to trouble Sakara (because, frankly, who doesn't) and Leben's hard head makes a flash KO unlikely. I'd love to see Sakara show a marked improvement due to his work with ATT, but you can't bank on that. If Leben regresses to the immature fighter we knew and loved (kinda) and Sakara has really upped his game, he could score an impressive victory. If not, Leben continues to tread water in the middleweight division.
Winner: Chris Leben (Submission, Rd 2)

Matt McEwen: While I'm sure the move to American Top Team will continue to pay dividends for Sakara, I think that new contract and pay raise will pay bigger dividends for Leben. Obnoxious as he can be, you can't deny that Leben has looked good in his last few fights. I don't think Sakara's ground game has advanced enough to submit Leben, and if Terry Martin couldn't put him out with the shots he landed, what chance does Sakara have?
Winner: Chris Leben, KO, Round 2

Leland Roling: I like Leben here for the mere fact that in his last fight, he fought hard and won in the end after being pummeled by Martin earlier in the round. He seems to have some renewed confidence, a better chin due to a better training program, and hopefully some more big punches to put him over Sakara.
Winner: Leben via TKO/KO, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: This fight has fireworks written all over it. I think they'll both stand and bang and someone will fall. Sakara looked much improved in his last fight but I still think that if he's hit hard enough, he'll turtle up and call it a night. Leben still has the power in his hands and he showed better accuracy in his last fight. I think Leben will want to put on a show and end this one early.
Winner: Chris Leben, TKO, Round One


Heath Herring vs. Cheick Kongo

Dustin James: Heath Herring has fought some of the best fighters in MMA, and besides Cro Cop....Kongo hasn't. I'm calling for the upset here as I can just see Herring getting lucky and connecting with a punch much like in his fight with Big Nog. Kongo will want to stand and Herring will be willing to throw back. Who's going to connect first?
Winner: Heath Herring - TKO, Rd 2

Randy Harrison: Heath Herring needs a win. BADLY. Cheick Kongo might be one win away from fighting for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Kongo is known to have the stand-up but his ground game will always be the big question mark, until he shows that he can handle himself on the floor that is. Herring has some good stand-up as well, as referenced by his high kick that nearly knocked out Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in their fight last year. The difference is that Herring has a ground game, and he will more than likely use it to exploit Kongo's inexperience on the mat. If Herring is healthy, both physically and mentally, he's going to win this fight and finally get off the big squadootch in the UFC. If he shows up to fight like he did against Jake O' Brien, Kongo is on his way to a title match. I think that the highly motivated Herring will come to fight Saturday night, and that he's going to take the win.
Winner: Heath Herring, submission, Rd 2

Lotfi Sariahmed: I'm a huge fan of both fighters so I don't know if I'm supposed to be thrilled or disappointed. I know what Herring's done in his career but Cheick Kongo is a specimen of a human being on the feet. I'm almost completely convinced that if this fight stays standing, Kongo will get the better of Herring. However, Kongo is as good on the ground as I am and even that's only slightly exaggerating. The smart money would be Herring takes Kongo down and takes over from there. I'm saying the fight will remain standing and Kongo will get the better of Herring. It should be a fun fight though for the division.
Winner: Cheick Kongo

Morgan Marx: I want Herring to come out, take Kongo down, and submit him. But how likely is that? There's an even chance that Herring gets caught up in the notion that he has to "entertain" the fans and ends up slugging away with the French kickboxer, a terrible choice. Herring has a bunch of submission wins to his name, but most came earlier in his career. He seems more comfortable standing up, and his decision to train kickboxing as opposed to working on his submission game is slightly baffling. A victory for Kongo keeps the myth alive that he would actually trouble Nogueira for more than a second.
Winner: Chiek Kongo (TKO, Rd 1)

Matt McEwen: The fact that this fight has title ramifications says A LOT about the state of the UFC heavyweight division. That being said, Kongo has done very little to impress in his UFC career, including a decision win over a Cro Cop who is a shell of his former self. His stand up is pretty good, but we've also seen that he has one of the worst ground games this side of Houston Alexander. Herring, on the other hand, knows that if he loses this fight, his UFC career is over. After choking against O'Brien, then hesitating when he could have finished Big Nog, he needs to look good here and, if he takes the fight to the ground, shouldn't have a problem in that regard.
Winner: Heath Herring, Decision

Leland Roling: I want Herring to beat Kongo, and I can't help it. Kongo seems very one-dimensional, and I think Herring's old submission style wrestling can defeat the big man. Herring should win this if his strategy consists of trying to put Kongo to the floor, and submitting him.
Winner: Herring via submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: If Kongo wins, I suspect he'll get a title shot but I don't see him winning this fight. Herring is a good all-around fighter and I think this match up presents a bad style for Kongo. Herring has a good shot and while Kongo has an improved sprawl, it's still nothing special and when he gets to the ground, he's a fish out of water. Herring will probably want to stand for awhile and put on a show but then he'll realize who he's fighting and smarten up. I don't think Heath will finish Kongo but I do think that he'll be able to pound out a decision.
Winner: Heath Herring, Decision


Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson

Dustin James: For some reason, this fight doesn't seem that hard to pick for me. I just don't know, but I can honestly pick Anderson Silva to win this fight and walk away feeling comfortable. I know that Hendo is a scary fighter, and has the ability to beat Silva, but Silva is a dangerous dude (right Joe Rogan!). Either way, the hard part for me is picking how this fight is going to end. I can see it going to decision, because it's Dan Henderson....but on the other hand, I can see it NOT going to decision because it's ANDERSON FREAKING SILVA. Hmmm, what to pick?
Winner: Anderson Silva - Submission, Rd 4

Randy Harrison: This fight is a fight that a lot of people have been salivating over for a long time, yours truly included, and I can't wait to see this one. Silva is going to try to continue his run of dominance that he has been on since he first set foot into the Octagon, while Henderson is going to try to avoid going 0-2 in unification fights, and erase the memories of the fight with Rampage last year. I think that Silva is going to continue his hot streak and put Henderson away, but that it's going to be a lot closer than people think. I realize that Henderson has never been knocked out in his career, but I could think of no one who has a better chance to do it than Anderson Silva. This one will go for a while but Silva will get the duke and legitimize his dominant run as the UFC's Middleweight King.
Winner: Anderson Silva, TKO, Rd 3

Lotfi Sariahmed: If there's a guy that will take the belt away from Silva, it's Dan Henderson. This is just such a close fight to call that I couldn't fault any reasoning for any pick. I don't buy that Henderson will "expose" Silva because the UFC's protected him up to this point. I also don't buy that Silva will rip apart Henderson either. This is possibly the best fight that will take place in MMA this year. I'm leaning toward Silva here because he seems like he's consistently taking another step up every time he fights. He always seems like he's added one more thing or he's become that much more deadly. I think that's the most amazing part of his run to the top so far. Like I said, it'll be a heck of a fight. But afterwards we'll be talking about another Silva title defense.
Winner: Anderson Silva

Morgan Marx: I still think some commentators are dismissing Silva's overall game, but the general consensus is right: there's no decisive favorite. Many are trying to break the fight down systematically, comparing the Thai plum to the Greco clinch, but I think the psychological factors are just as important. Silva is riding a wave of success right now, having catapulted from good UFC signing to pound for pound #1 fighter in the world. Silva seems to have perfect confidence in himself and his abilities. Henderson faces questions about his commitment to 185 and I still think he would rather out-slug an opponent than take a safe route to victory. With everything so even, I think the fact that Silva trains with the Nogueira brothers gives him a tiny edge.
Winner: Anderson Silva (KO, Rd 2)

Matt McEwen: This has to be the least hyped dream fight I can remember, but damn if might not end up being the best one too. Silva is on a roll like no one else in MMA right now, and on the verge of laying claim to the title of "Best Middleweight Ever" in MMA. Albeit, we're not talking about all that long of a history, but still. His stand up is amazing, his submissions from his back are pretty good and he's deceptively strong. His only weaknesses are his wrestling ability where his lanky strength works against him, and in ground defense, possibly for the same reason. So, who does he have to go up against? An Olympic wrestler, who has never been KO'd and only ever been submitted by the Nogueria brothers (who coincidentally are the men who gave Silva his BJJ black belt). This is a toss up fight if ever there was one, but I'm of the mind that no man is unbeatable. If Silva wins, he'll be as close to that at 185lbs as possible, and I just don't see it happening. For the sake of the division, I hope he isn't...
Winner:Dan Henderson, Decision

Leland Roling: After days of looking at this fight, this battle is truly a pick'em. I chose Anderson Silva. I think he has more ways to end the fight, and I've seen Henderson at 185. He seems slower, not faster at lower weights, and his wrestling in MMA has NEVER impressed me. I think Silva has more tools to end this fight, but Henderson's hands are the answer to Silva's power. It should be a great battle.
Winner: Silva via TKO/KO, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: Boy am I excited for this fight. It's #1 vs. #2 and it's a great match up for Henderson. He's never been knocked out and he's up against a guy whose biggest advantage is striking. He's a great wrestler and while Silva has an underrated ground game, it's not a good enough game to submit someone like Henderson. While Silva dominates the clinch, Henderson isn't afraid of it. In fact, unlike his previous opponents, I don't think Henderson is at all afraid of Silva and welcomes taking on the best. So why am I picking Silva? Simple, he's the best. To be the man (woooo) you gotta beat the man and right now Silva is the man. If anyone is going to beat him, it's going to be Henderson but Silva is on such a roll right now and I don't think it's his time to be knocked off.
Winner: Anderson Silva, TKO, Round Two