411’s MMA Roundtable Preview: UFC 87 – Seek and Destroy

Posted by Larry Csonka on 08.08.2008

Three big fights highlight the latest UFC offering!



WELCOME:
Welcome back to another edition of the 411 MMA Roundtable Preview! This time around we're back to the UFC as we preview UFC 87 – Seek and Destroy! The card is headlined by three big matches as Kenny Florian battles Roger Huerta for a possible Lightweight Title shot, Brock Lesnar tries to erase the memory of his first UFC defeat as he takes on tested veteran Heath Herring and in the main event the UFC Welterweight Title is on the line as champion Georges St. Pierre goes to war with Jon Fitch! Lets meet the staff and breakdown the full card!


THE STAFF:

411 Rankings GURU Dustin James!

WEC, PRIDE and UFC TV Reporter Jonathan Solomon!

The Cardio Freak himself Jeremy Lambert!

From The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Scott Kuczkowski!

And finally I am your humble editor Larry Csonka!



UFC 87 – Seek and Destroy

THE UNDERCARD:
Andre Gusmao (5-2) vs. Jon Jones (5-0)
Dustin James: First off, let me express how disappointing it is that I will be in Las Vegas at the time of this card....which just happens to be in Minnesota! Talk about your bad timing. Oh well, you can't really complain seeing that it's LAS VEGAS and all. Oh yeah, there's a fight to discuss. Both fighters are newcomers to the UFC and Jon Jones is a relative newcomer to the sport of MMA. Jones made his debut back in April of this year and guess what, he's already 5-0! That means the dude has fought 5 times in the past 4 months. Talk about impressive. Not only that but he has finished off all of his opponents in the first round, minus his last bout where he finished Moyses Gabin via TKO in the second round. Jones is an accomplished wrestler who has been finishing opponents via KO. He's a dangerous guy, bottom line. But guess what, his opponent Andre Gusmao may be just as dangerous. The big knock on Gusmao is the lack of fights under his belt since making his debut in 2006. He hasn't fought in almost a year, but when he was active he looked very impressive dominating opponents in the IFL. Just like a lot of the fights on this card, this one is extremely hard to pick.

Winner: Andre Gusmao, KO, Round 2

Jonathan Solomon: On the surface, this looks like just another pre-show fight for the live crowd. However, both men are interesting prospects. Gusmao went undefeated in the IFL and is a BJJ fighter. Jones is literally new to the sport but has looked great in his short time in the cage/ring. Jones is a wrestler with power. Gusmao has shown the ability to stand and has a submission win on his record. If this fight goes to the ground, I'm not sure who will have the advantage. An interesting side note is the fact that Jones reportedly took the fight on just three weeks notice. Jones really has nothing to lose and everything to gain at this stage of his career. That spells a dangerous man, but I'll go with the BJJ fighter.

Winner: Andre Gusmao, Submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: Andre Gusmao is one of the few IFL standouts that UFC managed to secure. Both these guys are well rounded and I expect this to be a fun fight. Gusmao has the experience advantage and I think that's going to lead him to victory. Don't sleep on Jon Jones though, he's a really good prospect for the 205 division.

Winner: Gusmao, TKO, Round 2

Adam Tool: Jones has some potential, but then again so does Gusmao. We could be in for an interesting fight as the wrestler (Jones) will meet the grappler (Gusmao), and that usually creates an good dynamic. Of course these two could also be looking to stand and bang, but should Jones try for the takedown he'll have his work cut out avoiding the submission. This is pretty much a coin flip but I like Gusmao to pick up the win.

Winner: Andre Gusmao, Submission, Round 1

Larry Csonka: I saw Gusmao in the IFL and he was an impressive fighter going undefeated. They both have the potential as mentioned, but I think Gusmao has much better ground skills and will show them off here.

Winner: GUSMAO, SUB, RD2


Steve Bruno (11-3) vs. Chris Wilson (13-4)
Dustin James: Let me state that I may be a little biased here due to the fact that Chris Wilson is a Team Quest fighter and is from my neck of the woods (Portland, Oregon). Wilson made his debut back at UFC 82 in March, but it just happened to be against Jon Fitch. However, he was able to take Fitch to a decision and proved to the World that he could be a legit contender in the welterweight division. Steve Bruno is a SpiritMC veteran who is making his UFC debut here. He has a record of 11-3 and since his loss to Bart Palaszewski back in 2006 has compiled a 4-fight win streak. However, it's my opinion that he's just a little over matched here.

Winner: Chris Wilson, Unanimous Decision

Jonathan Solomon: Two of Chris Wilson's past three losses were against Jon Fitch and Nick Thompson. So this guy has faced some top competition. You can't say the same for UFC newcomer Steve Bruno. Chris Wilson has made some solid points about Bruno; he has not had a fight in over a year and he has lost at 155-pounds in the past. He does come from the American Top Team camp however, so you can't expect him to be a cakewalk.

Winner: Chris Wilson, TKO, Round 3

Jeremy Lambert: Chris Wilson made his UFC debut and took Jon Fitch to the limit. Steve Bruno is making his UFC debut here. Both guys are good strikers so this could be a fun stand up battle. Wilson is more well rounded and I think he could be the real deal at 170 so I'll go with him. Don't overlook the Team Quest factor though, we all know Dana pays Team Quest opponents extra to win so he can make Matt Lindland look bad.

Winner: Wilson, Decision

Scott Kuczkowski: Bruno has amassed some international experience by fighting in Korea and Canada. Wilson was the SportFight champion. If I had to go by records alone, I would give the edge to Wilson as he appears to have had some better wins over more quality opponents than Bruno. That doesn't tell the whole story of course, as Bruno doesn't appear to be a slouch either. I think both of these guys are going to look to stand and trade, but I still remember how good Wilson looked in his last fight with Fitch. Wilson should have a reach advantage and I like him in this fight.

Winner: Wilson, TKO, Round 1

Adam Tool: Chris Wilson was giving Jon Fitch all he could handle when the two faced off at UFC 82. He impressed a lot of people (Fitch included), even in the loss. I know little about Bruno and even less about the guys that's faced. So yeah, I'm going with the guy I know.

Winner: Chris Wilson, Submission, Round 2

Larry Csonka: I agree with Tool that Wilson looked great against Fitch at UFC 82, and it is that reason that I think that he'll be able to dominate Bruno and take the win rather quickly.

Winner: WILSON, RD1


Tamden McCrory (8-1) vs. Luke Cummo (6-5)
Dustin James: Little known fact about Luke Cummo....the dude is weird! I won't go into details here, but let's just say that he has a very interesting diet and game plan going into his fights. Not only that, but he has one serious uni-brow. Cummo is 3-3 in the UFC with 4 of those fights reaching a decision. One thing about Tamden McCrory, he doesn't know what a decision fight IS! Hell, he hasn't even reached a 3rd round since making his debut back in 2006. It's hard to pick against somebody like that. However, Cummo has never been finished in his MMA career. All 5 of his losses have come via decision. Will McCrory become the first guy to stop Cummo?

Winner: Tamden McCrory, Unanimous Decision

Jonathan Solomon: Cummo is one interesting cat. Some say weird, I say interesting. His opponent here is McCrory who is 1-1 in the UFC. Both of those ended via submission, which is something Cummo hasn't seen in a fight in nearly five years. There's no doubt McCrory will be looking to finish this fight early but Cummo always seems to pull something out even with the loss to Fioravanti.

Winner: Luke Cummo, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: Cummo is a TUF alumni who has had mixed UFC success. He's a good striker, trains jiu-jitsu with Matt Serra, and has no takedown defense. McCrory is a good striker as well and was doing well against Gono before getting caught with a submission. Cummo is a technical striker while McCrory just comes forward, gets hit, and punches back. If Cummo can move in and out and pick up McCrory while avoiding the big punch, then he's probably going to win this fight.

Winner: Cummo, TKO, Round 1

Scott Kuczkowski: We have "The Silent Assassin" against "The Barn Cat". I didn't even have to make those nicknames up folks; this column just writes itself sometimes. I like Cummo, but success in the UFC has eluded him thus far in his career. I'm not certain this will be the fight where he can turn things around as he will be giving up four inches and presumably a good bit of strength to McCrory. I look for McCrory to take this fight to the ground and control Cummo. I think Luke will try for some slick submissions, but I don't think he will be successful against McCrory's power. I think it will only be a matter of time before Cummo gets tired and McCrory catches him.

Winner: McCrory, Submission, Round 2

Adam Tool: I have never been a fan of Luke Cummo, but the guy is a decent fighter. He's got a purple belt in jiu-jitsu under Matt Serra, and he's not too bad with his punches either. However in terms of pure aggression, McCrory wins hands down. I think Tamden will be ready to take it right to Cummo, and he'll get a nice win as a result.

Winner: Tamden McCrory, TKO, Round 1

Larry Csonka: As many have said, Cummo is a crazy dude for many reasons. He's odd in that he looks great at times, but other times I wonder how he keeps getting fights. I think the actual fight will be a pretty good one but that McCrory eventually catches him and takes him out.

Winner: McCRORY, STRIKES, RD3


Ben Saunders (5-0-2) vs. Ryan Thomas (9-1)
Dustin James: Little is known about Ryan Thomas besides the fact that he's making his UFC debut here. A lot of people will remember Ben Saunders as the guy who smiled all the time on the sixth season of "The Ultimate Fighter". I will make it clear here that I'm no fan of Saunders. While the dude can take an ass beating and keep on going, I just don't see a lot of potential there. Thomas has fought 5 times in 2008. He lost back in January, but since then has finished 4 opponents ALL IN THE FIRST ROUND. Hell, he just beat John McElroy in the first round back on July 17. It's my opinion that Saunders could be a little over matched here. Especially due to the fact that he was expecting to faced Jared Rollins, who was taken off the card for whatever reason. Either way, I'm pulling for Thomas here.

Winner: Ryan Thomas, Submission, Round 2

Jonathan Solomon: Another fight to come about on short notice. Jared Rollins was scratched and Ryan Thomas makes his UFC debut on about two weeks notice. Thomas is 4-1 this year alone (9-1 overall as a pro), riding a four-fight win streak. This will only be Saunders' second UFC fight, after beating Dan Barrera on the TUF 6 finale. Thomas does have a lot of submission wins but I don't see any real names for his opponents (not that Saunders has any either). Really, this is a pick'em.

Winner: Ben Saunders, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: Ryan Thomas is making his UFC debut, Ben Saunders is a mediocre fighter who gets by on his personality. Thomas has never gone to a decision so that's a good sign. Thomas is versed is jiu-jitsu so if he gets the fight to the ground then he probably has the advantage. Saunders is a largely boring fighter so he'll probably be boring in this fight.

Winner: Saunders, Decision

Scott Kuczkowski: I like Ben Saunders, and if he were still facing J-Rock, then I would probably pick him in this fight. Ben demonstrated some great standup skill during his stint on TUF and I liked his style. Thomas has 9 victories, 8 of which came in the first round, 6 of those were from submission. I think Thomas is going to try and rock Ben early and then set him up for a submission. If Ben can keep this fight on the feet and keep the distance between himself and Thomas, then he will probably pull out the victory. I don't see that happening. I think Thomas is going to overwhelm Saunders early and win this fight.

Winner: Thomas, Submission, Round 1

Adam Tool: The entertaining Ben Saunders makes his return to the octagon, but he's had an unfortunate stroke of luck in regards to his opponent. Saunders was originally slated to face Jared Rollins, a fighter he was very familiar with from their time together in the "Ultimate Fighter" house. Now he has to go up against a virtually unknown competitor in Ryan Thomas. Thomas' strength seems to be submissions, but he'll have a hard time getting Saunders down. If this one stays standing I think Saunders will take it.

Winner: Ben Saunders, TKO, Round 2

Larry Csonka: Ryan Thomas makes his UFC debut against a still undefeated Ben Saunders. Saunders has looked good and while his opponent is unknown to many, I look for Saunders to keep rolling with a victory.

Winner: SAUNDERS, STRIKES, RD1


Cheick Kongo (11-4-1) vs. Dan Evensen (10-2)
Dustin James: And Cheick Kongo gets regulated to the prelim card. I wonder who he pissed off? His opponent, Dan Evensen, is like the 15th guy making his UFC debut here. He's a BodogFIGHT veteran who earned 4 victories in 2007. However, he's facing a guy who at one time was considered a top contender to the UFC heavyweight title. Can Kongo remind the UFC fans why he's one of the best heavyweight's in the UFC (ya, that's a HARD accomplishment)?

Winner: Cheick Kongo, TKO, Round 1

Jonathan Solomon: Why is Kongo not on the main card? Shouldn't the UFC try everything they can to build up potential heavyweight contenders. It's not like they grow on tree's. The Frenchman's opponent is a BODOG vet in Evensen who has a record filled with wins of nobody important. I think the best bet is a quick dominant victory for Kongo and they can air it during the PPV. Kongo has not finished a fight since 2006 when he defeated Christian Wellisch in the UFC. It's safe to say this fight won't last 15:00.

Winner: Cheick Kongo, TKO, Round 1

Jeremy Lambert: This is pretty much a bounce back fight for Kongo, who they seem hell bent on pushing for God knows what reason. I don't understand why they want to push Kongo so much yet they won't give Melvin Manhoef a shot. Evensen is a striker by nature and he's not going to out strike Kongo. Herring showed that Kongo may have a weak chin so maybe Evensen lands a big KO shot but I'm not counting on it.

Winner: Kongo, TKO, Round 1

Scott Kuczkowski: I look for Kongo to try and use his ever-improving wrestling and takedowns to try and neutralize anything Evensen tries to get going. If they decide to stand and trade for whatever reason, Kongo will have this in the bag. Evensen has a decent enough record, but he hasn't ever fought anyone of note and Kongo will be an enormous step up in competition. I'm not a very big Kongo fan, but I think this fight will put him back on the winning track.

Winner: Kongo, TKO, Round 2

Adam Tool: Kongo's stock in the heavyweight division rose considerably following his win over Cro Cop, but then it dropped right back down when he lost to Heath Herring. Evensen makes his UFC debut and he'll likely have a tough night here. The big question is which Kongo will show up? The wrestler that fought Herring and Cro Cop? Or the kickboxer that knocked out Christian Wellisch? I'm hoping for the latter.

Winner: Cheick Kongo, TKO, Round 1

Larry Csonka: Like many I thought that this would make the main card. Kongo needs a win if the UFC hopes to have someone that can be looked at as a contender. I figure he takes it here as I don't see Evensen as a big threat.

Winner: KONGO, STRIKES, RD1



THE MAIN CARD:
Manny Gamburyan (8-2) vs. Rob Emerson (7-6)
Dustin James: Can I get a big "EWWWW" towards this fight? How the hell are these two guys on the main card while Cheick Kongo is regulated to prelim duty? Rob Emerson may put on a good show for UFC fans, but the guy is a joke. I'm no fan of Manny Gamburyan, but I'm hoping he knocks Emerson out of the UFC here.

Winner: Manny Gamburyan, Unanimous Decision

Jonathan Solomon: Much like Dustin, I don't know why the UFC put these fella's on the main card. Whatever names they two have from being on TUF, doesn't mean they need to be on live PPV. Emerson is infamous for being involved in a pro wrestling-esque double knockout with Gray Maynard. However, he has hardly shown the aggressiveness that Manny has during his UFC stint. Hopefully the paying audience will not have to sit through a decision here. Manny's submission skills will be seen here.

Winner: Manny Gamburyan, Submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: Even though he's 7-6, Emerson has a very misleading record. He fought some really tough guys in his first few pro fights and he's never been finished. He's not really all that good but he's obviously tough to finish. Manny is the cousin of Karo Parisyan, which means I can't stand him and because of that, I hope he loses. Instead, he'll likely takedown Emerson, hold him there, and ride out the decision.

Winner: Gamburyan, Decision

Scott Kuczkowski: I like Gamburyan and I'm not the biggest Emerson fan. Emerson continued on TUF only because that tubby piece of shit Ruediger could manage to make weight. Emerson hasn't really shown me anything since his stint on TUF that indicates he will be a challenge for Gamburyan. Manny on the other hand has two victories since his loss to Nate Diaz and I think he will continue that streak in this fight. The only hope Emerson has is that Manny injures his shoulder again.

Winner: Gamburyan, Submission, Round 1

Adam Tool: It's Team Pulver vs. Team Penn all over again! Emerson has never been too impressive in his fights but he usually keeps things exciting and finds a way to win, so Dana White keeps him around. This is Gamburyan's first fight on a main card since he lost to Nate Diaz at the Ultimate Fighter Finale. I would think he's looking to use his strength and his judo to dominate Emerson and get the win, if only so he can get some mic time to call out Diaz AGAIN.

Winner: Manvel Gamburyan, Decision

Larry Csonka: It's back to a battle of the Ultimate Fighter here as the man that COULD have been champion (if it wasn't for the injury) faces Rob Emerson. I feel that the only reason this made the main card is de to Manny and the fact that they want to see him win, because if Manny wins here, as I think he will, I would expect to see he and Nate Diaz rematch soon.

Winner: MANNY, SUB, RD2


Demian Maia (7-0) vs. Jason MacDonald (20-9)
Dustin James: Now this is what I'm talking about! Demian F'N Maia! Jason MacDonald is a very entertaining fighter who almost always "brings it". However, after watching Maia take apart my boy Ed Herman back at UFC 83, I have put Maia under the "don't pick against this guy" list. Either way, I'm sure we will see a submission here.

Winner: Demian Maia, Submission, Round 2

Jonathan Solomon: A middleweight fight so it's possible the winner could be on the road to a title shot against Anderson Silva in 2009. Maia is an interesting fighter in that he has won five of his fights by submission. Both of his UFC fights saw him win 'sub of the night' and the bonus money that comes with it. MacDonald is solid fighter and usually finishes fights with the exception of the Yushin Okami fight and the Rich Franklin loss. MacDonald says he will have to make this fight an MMA fight, not a BJJ fight to take Maia out of his comfort zone. The experience should win out here.

Winner: Jason MacDonald, TKO, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: This is a fight that's getting overlooked due to the big 3 fights but I'm looking forward to this fight. Maia is the type of fight who could beat Silva while MacDonald is a good fighter who is usually exciting. MacDonald is a much better striker and if he can survive on the ground with Maia then he could win this fight. MacDonald has only had trouble with big Middleweights in his UFC career and Maia isn't a big Middleweight. I think MacDonald is just too well rounded for Maia to handle and he'll win this fight.

Winner: MacDonald, TKO, Round 3

Scott Kuczkowski: You know, old MacDonald does pretty well in the octagon until he goes up against someone that really challenges him. I think Maia is going to be a pretty big challenge. Both of these guys beat Ed Herman via triangle choke to win Submission of the Night, so that does nothing to help the prediction for this fight. I think Maia is going to be a rather large obstacle for "The Athlete" to overcome, and I'm not certain he can avoid Maia's submission for the entire fight. MacDonald definitely has some knockout power, but I don't think we will see that in this fight.

Winner: Maia, Submission, Round 2

Adam Tool: As great as the three fights on the top of card are, I'm also really looking forward to this match-up. Maia is another outstanding Brazilian fighter with some world-class jiu-jitsu skills and very dangerous striking (remind you of any other UFC middleweights?). MacDonald certainly represents the toughest opponent in Maia's short career, as "The Athlete" has a wealth of experience against some big names. However MacDonald's biggest strength has always been his submissions, and I don't see anyway he's going to beat a world champion grappler like Maia should this fight hit the mat.

Winner: Demian Maia, Submission, Round 2

Larry Csonka: I think Maia's submission game will be too much for McDonald to overcome here. McDonald is a good fighter, exciting as well. He'll cause some problems early on for Maia, but in the end Maia overcomes the more experienced McDonald.

Winner: MAIA, SUB, RD2


Brock Lesnar (1-1) vs. Heath Herring (28-13)
Dustin James: AND HERE WE GO! The UFC has put a lot of stock into Brock Lesnar, but has anybody else noticed the little publicity that this fight is getting? Sure the card is in Lesnar's home state of Minnesota, but even the higher ups in the UFC have to be nervous that Lesnar is fighting somebody as experienced as Herring. As a Lesnar fan I REALLY want to see him pull off the victory here. It's my opinion that Herring may be to experienced for Brock. However, I can see the two standing up for a bit with Lesnar shooting in for the take down. I honestly hope Lesnar learned a lesson when he fought Mir, because as long as he can stay atop Herring and ground and pound his ass into submission Lesnar has a VERY good chance to take this. Either way, I'm torn.

Winner: Brock Lesnar, Submission (strikes), Round 1

Jonathan Solomon: This is a pretty strong card when the Brock fight is third from the top. Like everyone else, I believe Heath Herring is a more dangerous opponent for Lesnar than Mark Coleman would have been. Although Herring's last four fights have gone the distance, I can almost guarantee this one will not. If Lesnar loses, is this is final UFC fight? If Herring wins, he is almost guaranteed a shot at the Nogueira/Mir winner next year. As for this fight, Lesnar has tremendous power behind his punches, and you have to assume he will be able to get takedowns at will. However, can Herring avoid his ground and pound and use Brock's lack of experience against him? Herring was able to rock Nogueira and Lesnar's aggressiveness may not help him against a cagey vet. It's possible Brock comes out like a bull, lands some big punches, gets a takedown and ends it with some ground and pound. With Herring, I think he's too smart to let that happen. Plus, we do not know how Brock can do if the fight goes past the first round. He's been an athlete in some form for pretty much all of his life but will his endurance be there?

Winner: Heath Herring, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: It really says something about Brock Lesnar when he's had two professional fights and he's not only fighting a veteran like Heath Herring but people are picking him to win. Herring has seen it all in MMA so Lesnar isn't going to do anything new to him. We also know that Herring can take a beating and if you don't believe me, watch his fight with Fedor. If Herring can drag this out to the later rounds then he has a really good chance of winning because Herring knows how to fight when gassed while Lesnar doesn't. If Lesnar wins, it's going to be quick and painful. Herring can hold his own on the ground when Lesnar takes him there but I just think Lesnar will be too much for him.

Winner: Lesnar, TKO, Round 1

Scott Kuczkowski: I just watched the fight between Kongo and Herring again the other night and noticed Kongo took Herring down and controlled him pretty easily for the first round and a half. Herring pulled out the split decision through his use of knees to the body during the latter part of the second round and during the third. This surprised me because I though Herring had more of a ground game than he demonstrated. I think Brock is going to easily take Herring down (most likely at will) and pound on him. I don't see Herring pulling off a Mir-esque submission and I don't think he will be able to outmuscle Lesnar. The only way Herring can pull this fight off is if he can knock out Lesnar or if he can take Lesnar into the later rounds and hope he gasses. I don't think either of those will happen.

Winner: Lesnar, Decision

Adam Tool: It's hard to accurately predict what we'll see from Brock Lesnar, because he's still so new to the sport. From all accounts though he has been working diligently to improve his game in all areas, particularly focusing on submissions ever since he was caught by Frank Mir earlier this year. Herring is a heavyweight gatekeeper, nothing more and nothing less. His octagon performances thus far have been mediocre at best, as he has gone to a decision in every fight in the UFC. He narrowly beat Cheick Kongo, lost to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in a fight he probably could've won, he needed three rounds to beat Brad Imes, and he lost to Jake O'Brien. I see Lesnar using his brute strength to take Herring down at will, and pounding on him for as long as it takes the referee to stop it.

Winner: Brock Lesnar, TKO, Round 1

Larry Csonka: I have to do it.



Sweet feet on that man. I feel if Lesnar can come out fast and overwhelm Herring that he can take the fight and make it an easy victory. But if it goes past round one, Herring's experience could tell the tale. I am going with Brock and the fast win here.

Winner: BROCK, STRIKES, RD1


Kenny Florian (9-3) vs. Roger Huerta (20-1-1)
Dustin James: This fight is extremely difficult to pick. With the recent negative comments towards the UFC made by Roger Huerta, it's my belief that the UFC itself is pulling for a Florian win here. Either way, you are looking at your possible "fight of the night" right here. The guy who wins this fight SHOULD be next in line for a shot at BJ Penn (whenever that is), unless Huerta has really pissed a lot of people off with his recent comments and doesn't plan on re-signing with the company. I can see this fight going to a decision, it's just a matter of who works more.

Winner: Roger Huerta, Split Decision

Jonathan Solomon: Huerta seems a bit too willing to talk in the two weeks leading up to his fight. In any event, this should be action packed. Florian is the master of the elbow and those will come into play. Two of his losses came from strong wrestlers in Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez. Huerta is hardly in the same class as those guys as far as wrestling goes, but he is well rounded. He has a lot of heart and even the damage he took from Guida wasn't enough to stop him. Both guys love to finish their fights and it will take some big shots to cause either man to stop.

Winner: Kenny Florian, Submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: If you read Cardio Freak (and shame on you if you didn't) then you know that I can't pick this fight and had to rely on a coin to pick it for me. I don't even want to talk about this fight, I just want to imagine how great this fight could possibly be and hope it turns out this way. I expect these two to give it their all, never quit, and just have an epic war that surpasses Guida vs. Huerta.

Winner: Huerta, Decision

Scott Kuczkowski: I think Huerta is the fighter who is going to have to go into this bout with something to prove after shooting his mouth off on the internet. Florian is a very tough fighter and I think he is going to walk into this fight very prepared to give Roger his first loss. I think this fight favors Florian as long as it stays on the feet. I think Roger will be able to outmuscle Kenny if they start wrestling, but I would also have to give the submission advantage to Florian as well. Huerta is going to have to outscore Kenny for the entire fight in order to take the decision win, because I don't really envision him putting Florian away. Florian on the other hand will probably look to finish Roger at ever y opportunity and I think he will outlast him.

Winner: Florian, Decision

Adam Tool: I'm sure I'm not the only one that has had a tough time picking this one. Florian has dangerous striking and some top-notch jiu-jitsu. Huerta also has tremendous striking and excellent wrestling. I don't think Huerta will want to get this one down to the ground, as he's likely to take any number of shots to the head courtesy of Florian's most dangerous weapon: his elbows. Huerta has shown some great submission defense, so I doubt Florian will be able to catch him there either. That leaves these two to stand and bang, and should that be the way it goes I like Huerta to come out on top.

Winner: Roger Huerta, TKO, Round 2

Larry Csonka: This is another fight I am looking forward too. Huerta's contract issues aside, the man is an exciting fighter and is in the rise. Florian could cause problems if they go to the ground with those cutting elbows he has. I expect a slow start for Huerta, but in the end I look for him to take the big win, and with that the drama rises between he and the UFC.

Winner: HUERTA, STRIKES, RD3


UFC Welterweight Title Bout: Georges St. Pierre © (16-2) vs. Jon Fitch (17-2)
Dustin James: This is one fight that I have been dying to see for MONTHS. Fitch is just one victory away from becoming the first fighter to ever start his UFC career with a 9-0 record! The only man in his way? One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world named Georges St. Pierre. I mentioned earlier that Demian Maia was one fighter I wouldn't pick against right now. It just so happens that Anderson Silva, Fedor, and GSP himself also fall under that category. As good as Jon Fitch has been in the UFC, I just can't seem him beating GSP. Now, go out and prove me wrong Mr. Fitch.

Winner: Georges St. Pierre, Unanimous Decision

Jonathan Solomon: The two times GSP has lost, it was due to being caught in an arm bar and getting knocked out. Does Fitch have knockout power in his hands? GSP may be one of the best pure athletes in the division and is so strong, it will be tough for Fitch to have his way with him if the fight goes to the ground. Despite Fitch's wrestling background, he will look to hurt GSP standing with strikes. If GSP does the damage on their feet, look for the fight to go to the ground. Fitch hasn't been finished in nearly six years and never in the UFC, but there is a first time for everything. They could go close to the fifth round where Fitch could lean and count on winning more rounds, but I have to imagine GSP doesn't want to put his belt in the hands of the judges.

Winner: Georges St. Pierre, TKO, Round 3

Jeremy Lambert: It's weird to think that GSP has dominated the Welterweight division for a few years now and yet he's never defended the belt. The last time he walked into a fight as the champion, he walked out a beaten man. I don't know if that will play into the mindset of GSP but if it does, he could be in trouble Fitch is a well-rounded fighter and probably the toughest test for GSP since BJ Penn. He has good wrestling, has a black belt is jiu-jitsu, and has decent striking. Problem is, GSP is just as good in those areas. He has good wrestling for a guy who didn't compete in high school or college, his jiu-jitsu is good and his submission defense is even better, and his striking is better than Fitch's. I think this fight is going to be a war but GSP just seems poised to put together a long run as UFC Welterweight Champion.

Winner: GSP, TKO, Round 3

Scott Kuczkowski: This is a very hard fight to pick. I think GSP will be stronger than Fitch and he might be a little quicker, but I'm not sure GSP will have as easy of a time as he did against Hughes or Koscheck. I think Fitch brings a lot of credibility to the octagon and there is a chance GSP may be looking past Fitch towards his eventual fight with BJ Penn. I picture this fight being a battle of wills as GSP and Fitch both try to dictate the pace and position of things. Fitch sometimes starts his fights slowly, which can be dangerous for him if GSP tries to bring it right away. I see this fight going the distance with each fighter getting a few rounds.

Winner: St. Pierre, Decision

Adam Tool: For the second time this year, the UFC is giving us a title fight between the two top ranked fighters in a division. While Fitch has the more accomplished amateur wrestling credentials, St. Pierre has slowly turned into the best MMA wrestler in the game. Fitch has good striking, but he doesn't have the accuracy or the quickness that GSP possesses. St. Pierre also has an advantage in the jiu-jitsu, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to finish Fitch off that way. I think the first few rounds will see each fighter working hard for takedowns, with neither man really getting an advantage. Eventually though I believe that GSP will catch Fitch with a well-placed punch or kick, followed by some relentless ground and pound for the win.

Winner and STILL UFC welterweight champion: Georges St. Pierre, TKO, Round 3

Larry Csonka: This should be a great main event battle. GSP has really upped his game since losing the title to Serra. He owned Koscheck and then took out Serra to get revenge. The man is on a roll and has looked amazing. Fitch is a dangerous opponent to be sure, he has the skills to make this a difficult fight but overall I feel GSP will continue to roll here, and keep his title on his way to fighting Penn.

Winner: GSP, STRIKES, RD2

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