411’s MMA Roundtable Preview: UFC 91 – Lesnar vs. Couture

Posted by Larry Csonka on 11.14.2008

Lesnar vs. Couture: WHO YOU GOT?



WELCOME:
Welcome back kids to another MMA Roundtable Preview! It's time kids, it's time for a show that MMA fans have been salivating for, anticipating, going crazy while they wait for. It is time for UFC 91: Lesnar vs. Couture in what could be the biggest fight in the history of the UFC. Not only that, but it is the official kick off of the UFC "Final Four" to crown the UNDISPUTED Heavyweight Champion of the UFC. Sure there are other matches on the show, but it is all about Couture vs. Lesnar. Let's meet the staff and break down the show!


THE STAFF:

From Tapping Out With Tberg, Todd Bergman!

The Ultimate Writer, Dustin James!

The Cardio Freak, Jeremy Lambert!

From Hit the Mat, he's Matt McEwen!

New daddy as well as the man behind the Fighting Stance News, Adam Tool!

He's the Juggernaut bitch, Jonathan Solomon!

From the Greatest MMA Column, Dan Plunkett!

And finally I am your humble editor, Larry Csonka!



UFC 91 – LESNAR vs. COUTURE

THE UNDERCARD:
Lightweight Bout: Mark Bocek (5-2) vs. Alvin Robinson (10-3)
Todd Bergman: UFC 91 starts off with a showdown between two great BJJ fighters. A loss here will more than likely warrant one of these fighters an exit from the UFC. Both have identical 1-2 records inside the Octagon with Robinson having the advantage due to fighting opponents of better caliber than Bocek's. I think that Robinson will avoid the numerous takedown attempts that Bocek will try and will pepper him with big shots. Alvin should then be able to control the fight on the ground due to him being more powerful than Bocek. Robinson gets his hand raised in the end due to his ability to outwork Bocek on scrambles and strikes.

Winner: Alvin Robinson, Decision

Dustin James: In his last fight at UFC 83 against Mac Danzing, Bocek put on a damn good performance before being submitted in the third round. He is 1-2 in the UFC and really needs a win here to remain with the company. His opponent, Robinson, has the exact same UFC record. This most definitely has a "loser leaves town" feeling to it. Both fighters are great at submissions and I personally see this one going to the ground and staying there until somebody taps.

Winner: Alvin Robinson, Submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: The loser of this fight is likely out of the UFC so both guys are essentially fighting for their lives. Neither fighter is going anywhere in the Lightweight division and they're both coming off submission losses to former TUF winners. This has the potential to be a solid grappling contest as both guys are known for their submissions. I think Bocek is just flat out better than Robinson and that's why he'll win this fight.

Winner: Bocek, Submission, Round 2

Matt McEwen: Both guys have some pretty good ground skills, but Bocek is the better all around fighter. His tenacious showing against Mac Danzig shows just how straight out tough he is, and against a fighter the level of Robinson, should be enough to secure the win and even out his UFC record.

Winner: Bocek, Submission, Round 2

Adam Tool: These two have a lot of similarities. Both fighters have a majority of their wins by submission. Both fighters are 1-2 in their UFC careers. Both fighters are coming off of losses to "Ultimate Fighter" champions. This is a toss-up for me but I was impressed by Bocek's performance (even though he lost) at UFC 83, so I'll take him.

Winner: Mark Bocek, submission, round 3

Jonathan Solomon: Many expect the loser to leave the UFC but if this fight doesn't excite anyone, both men could be gone. If you look at both men's sub-500 record in the UFC, it's not as bad as it sounds. Bocek has lost to Mac Danzig and Frankie Edgar while Robinson has lost to Nate Diaz and Kenny Florian. Both men are Jiu-Jitsu fighters so this could be a fight filled with grappling and not a lot of pretty stand-up. They will go the distance and the man who comes the closest to finishing will win.

Winner: Alvin Robinson, Decision

Dan Plunkett: This fight is a must win for both fighters. This fight will take place mostly on the ground, as that is the strength of both fighters. After Bocek's impressive showing in a loss to Mac Danzig, I'll take him here.

Winner: Mark Bocek, Decision

Larry Csonka: Ah yes, the "loser leaves town" bout for the evening. We can't have a UFC show without the possibility of someone losing a job now can we? All joking aside, this has the chance to be a fun GRAPPLIN bout here, which is a great thing when there are skilled guys going at it. Robinson has had loses to Nate Diaz and Kenny Florian, which is no shame in my opinion. Partly a coin toss decision here from me, but I think Robinson's had the tougher road and will take the win here.

Winner: Alvin Robinson, Decision

---

Welterweight Bout: Matt Brown (10-7) vs. Ryan Thomas (13-2)
Todd Bergman: To some this fight appears to be a classic "Striker vs. Grappler" contest, but Ryan Thomas can hold his own when it comes to the stand-up war. Matt Brown on the other hand is looking to punch out his opponent before this fight can hit the ground. I truly believe that Brown is extremely overrated, and this fight will prove that. Thomas would be wise to use plenty of body kicks to keep Brown off balance. From there he can take down Brown and work his solid submission game. Brown won't have a huge reach advantage like Thomas's last opponent, Ben Saunders, did. Thomas will finish Brown midway through the 2nd round with a textbook armbar.

Winner: Ryan Thomas, Submission, Round 2

Dustin James: Matt Brown is having a much better UFC career than I ever thought he could. While I saw some potential in him on "The Ultimate Fighter", I couldn't get past his record, which is an even .500 at 7-7. He looked good in his TKO victory over Matt Arroyo and he looked good in his split decision loss to Dong Hyun Kim. Will a short training camp hurt Brown seeing as he is a fill-in here? I can tell you this much, you won't knock Brown out so you had better be damn good at submissions. It's a good thing Ryan Thomas is. Thomas came into the UFC and fought Ben Saunders off just a month's rest and ended up losing via an armbar. Let's just say it would be a bad thing for Thomas to start out his UFC career 0-2.

Winner: Ryan Thomas, Submission, Round 3

Jeremy Lambert: Matt Brown impressed me in his last fight. He showed good takedown defense and of course his good stand up. I still think he's feared for no reason but I expected him to get run over by Kim and he survived and arguably won a decision. Ryan Thomas has never been knocked out and he has good submission skills but I think Brown will be able to keep the fight standing and eventually hand Thomas his first loss via TKO.

Winner: Brown, TKO, Round 2

Matt McEwen: Brown's coming in on short notice, so that could have an effect, but really, both these guys are at the bottom of the 170lb division. Equal skill levels often make for good fights, so this could be fun.

Winner: Brown, TKO, Round 2

Adam Tool: One thing we've learned about Matt Brown since season seven of "The Ultimate Fighter" is that he is a better fighter than his .500 record indicates. I picked against him when he fought Matt Arroyo, and I was proven wrong. I didn't give him much of a chance against Dong Hyun Kim, and Brown took the fight to a decision (and in some people's eyes, he won too). Here he is the favorite, despite the fact that he's taking this match-up on extremely short notice. As Amir Sadollah once said, I predict Matt Brown by…murder.

Winner: Matt Brown, submission, round 1

Jonathan Solomon: Thomas has submission wins on his record and that may be the best way to beat Brown. Brown has a big heart and will go down swinging so this could be a fun fight for the live crowd. Note that both of Thomas' losses have come via submission. There's a first time for everything.

Winner: Mike Brown, KO, Round 2

Dan Plunkett: Matt Brown has shown that his weakness is submission defense, Thomas will take advantage of that and take this fight straight to the ground. Brown is going to fight his heart out every time he gets in the octagon, while that may keep him in the UFC after this fight, I think taking the fight on short notice and lack of submission defense will cost him here.

Winner: Ryan Thomas, Submission, Round 2

Larry Csonka: Brown has stepped up recently, but I just have a bad feeling that his submission defense won't be up for the challenge in this one.

Winner: Ryan Thomas, Submission, RD2

---

Lightweight Bout: Jeremy Stephens (15-3) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (11-2)
Todd Bergman: I believe that this will be the 2nd best fight of the night, of course falling behind the main event. Stephens has long-been known as an explosive fighter who struggled against good BJJ guys. Anjos is a strong BJJ fighter with good takedown abilities and average striking. This is the exact match-up that would give the OLD Jeremy Stephens fits. The NEW Jeremy Stephens has been working with Hermes Franca on his submission defense and has been spending time in Florida with various camps working his wrestling game. I believe that Stephens will get back on the winning side of things as he takes this fight on a vicious slam followed by big strikes.

Winner: Jeremy Stephens, TKO, Round 2

Dustin James: Welcome to the UFC Rafael dos Anjos! dos Anjos comes to the UFC on a very impressive 9-fight win streak. He has only lost twice in his MMA career, and both have been by split decision. My point? The guy's got skills and they will finally be on display on the biggest stage in MMA. As for Stephens? If he can avoid dos Anjo's submission attempts, he may be able to drag him to a decision.

Winner: Rafael dos Anjos, Submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: The last "dos" to make his Octagon debut knocked out a top contender with one uppercut. Jeremy Stephens isn't quite a top contender and Anjos has never shown KO power. Stephens has shown KO power and I think this "dos" doesn't quite live up to the previous one. Stephens has a submission weakness but I don't think he allows this one to reach the ground and this one is over quickly.

Winner: Stephens, TKO, Round 1

Matt McEwen: Stephens entered the UFC amid a bit of hype, but his performances haven't quite lived up. He is quite skilled on the ground though, which is where a lot of this fight should take place. Dos Anjos is a Gracie student, which in modern parlance means weak stand up and a good ground game. If Stephens can't keep the fight up, despite his own ground skills, he's in trouble.

Winner: dos Anjos, Submission, Round 1

Adam Tool: I'm always glad to see a fellow Iowan on the fight card, so I'll definitely be rooting for Stephens here. He's had two losses in the UFC, but both times (against Spencer Fisher and Din Thomas) he has come out looking like a champ. "Lil' Heathen" is still young and getting better all the time, so I see no reason he can't get the win here. Sure dos Anjos is on a nine fight win streak, but do you know any of the names on that list? I didn't think so.

Winner: Jeremy Stephens, TKO, round 2

Jonathan Solomon: Rafael dos Anjos makes his UFC debut after a career of fighting in Brazil and Japan. He has a ton of submission wins, which is the way to beat Stephens. Stephens will likely look to inflict damage with his hands and strikes instead of grappling. A KO could happen but I see Anjos getting the better of Stephens on the ground and taking advantage from there.

Winner: Rafael dos Anjos, Submission, Round 2

Dan Plunkett: Jeremy Stephens has an advantage in striking, while Rafael dos Anjos has an advantage in grappling. Unless Stephens keeps this fight standing, dos Anjos should be able to take him down for the submission.

Winner: Rafael dos Anjos, Submission, Round 1

Larry Csonka: Stevens is good when he stands, but I am not sure he can keep this fight on the feet long enough to take advantage. If he can't keep it standing, it could be a very long night for him.

Winner: Rafael dos Anjos, Decision

---

Lightweight Bout: Jorge Gurgel (15-4) vs. Aaron Riley (26-10-1)
Todd Bergman: I generally have a rule in which I won't pick a fighter who shaves his beard into cute little designs. However, I think that Gurgel's recent work with Mark DellaGrotte will pay off in this fight. Riley is a strong wrestler who at times has shown an ability to be taken and held down. I think that Gurgel has improved his striking enough to be able to keep Riley off balance. If the fight does hit the ground, Gurgel should be able to weather the storm and counter Riley's wrestling and maybe even pull off a submission. Gurgel does have a warrior's spirit, but in the past, he has shown an ability to deviate from his game plan, and that scares me in this fight. However, I trust that DellaGrotte has gotten into his head and Jorge will hold Riley at bay long enough to earn the decision victory.

Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision

Dustin James: Jorge Gurgel was reportedly "in depression" after his loss to Cole Miller at UFC 86. What does that mean for this fight? Absolutely nothing at all. Riley makes his first appearance in the UFC since his loss to Spencer Fisher at UFC Fight Night 3. What does that mean? Once again, absolutely nothing......which is what I have for you when it comes to this fight.

Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: I'm not going to spend much time on this fight. It doesn't matter who his opponent is, Jorge Gurgel will find a way to lose this fight. He never fails at winning for 14 minutes and then losing in the 15th. Aaron Riley isn't a top-level fighter but most of his losses have come against top-level guys, something Gurgel is not. Gurgel is a scrapper and he'll make this fight exciting but he'll come up short like usual.

Winner: Riley, Decision

Matt McEwen: Aaron Riley? Seriously? I didn't even realize he was still fighting. He's a tough bugger, to say the least. He'll have the advantage on the feet, if only because Gurgel doesn't have the power to hurt him. If it gets to the ground though, Gurgel is always a threat to finish. Of course, as he showed last time out, he can get over confident enough to get finished himself. Both guys are probably fighting for their UFC lives here, so expect a fair bit of caution in what could be a sleeper for fight of the night.

Winner: Gurgel, Decision (and because my wife would make me sleep on the couch if I didn't pick him)

Adam Tool: Rich Franklin's BFF gets another fight on the undercard. I have little reason to care about Jorge Gurgel and I have even less of a reason to care about Aaron Riley. It's basically a given that this one will end on the judge's scorecards, and I'll take Gurgel to win it and continue his mediocre UFC career.

Winner: Jorge Gurgel, decision

Jonathan Solomon: MMA Vet Aaron Riley is back in the UFC and looking to improve on his 26-10-1 record. He's previously 0-2 in the UFC with losses to Robbie Lawler and Spencer Fisher. More recently he has losses to Eddie Alvarez and Ryan Schultz while beating Thiago Minu and Steve Claveau. Jorge Gurgel looks to get back on the winning side of town after losing to Cole Miller this past summer. Gurgel's fights either end with a submission or last until the end. Riley has not finished a fight in over two years.

Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision

Dan Plunkett: At least we know the judges will be needed on November 15, because ladies and gentlemen, Jorge Gurgel is fighting! This could be the fight of the night, since Gurgel seems to be more focused on pleasing the fans then winning fights.

Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision

Larry Csonka: This one could be ugly, since Gurgel has the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Not only that, I feel that like almost every one of his UFC fights, this goes the distance.

Winner: Jorge Gurgel, Decision

---

THE MAIN CARD:
Welterweight Bout: Dustin Hazelett (13-4) vs. Tamdan McCrory (11-1)
Todd Bergman: The "Barn Cat" and "McLovin" square off in this who-has-the-coolest-nickname battle. It's a shame that most fans won't be able to see this fight because it will truly be a jiu-jitsu clinic. I think that Hazelett will have the advantage wherever this fight goes and will just have to avoid the McCrory takedowns in order to win this fight. Tamdan is a very talented fighter but he won't be the victor on this night. I look for Dustin to control rounds 1 and 2 and then lock on a tight side armbar for the victory midway through the 3rd round.

Winner: Dustin Hazelett, Submission, Round 3

Dustin James: Woo hoo! It's the return of Dustin "McLovin" Hazelett! I have actually been clamoring to see this guy fight again since his awesome armbar victory over Josh Burkman at the "Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale". Standing up, I give the advantage to McCrory, while on the ground I would give it to Hazelett. How can you not love fights like this one?

Winner: Dustin Hazelett, Submission, Round 2

Jeremy Lambert: I'm excited that this fight made it to the main card because I'm really looking forward to it. Both guys are young, exciting, and well rounded. I expect this fight to win the FOTN award (barring Couture/Lesnar going five rounds with the crowd reactions it will get) and since I've been driving the Hazelett bandwagon, I expect him to win this thing. I think Hazelett can get it to the ground and from there work his submission skills en route to a victory. McCrory has a bright future but Hazelett's future is brighter.

Winner: Hazelett, Submission, Round 2

Matt McEwen: Am I ever glad this one got bumped to the main card. This will be the fight of the night. Both guys are exciting, well rounded fighters, so the action should be in ever conceivable position. Hazelett will have a bit of an advantage on the ground where his jujitsu game has hit a remarkably creative level.

Winner: Hazelett, Submission, Round 2

Adam Tool: While I was looking forward to seeing Amir Sadollah fight again, I have no problem with this fight getting the bump up to the main card. Everyone seems to have developed quite a man-crush on Hazelett following his tremendous submission of Josh Burkman at "The Ultimate Finale," with some people calling him a future title contender. I'm not quite on the "McLovin" bandwagon yet, but should he get past McCrory here he'll have a better chance of living up to the hype. Hazelett has some sick jiu-jitsu and I look for that to be the difference-maker here.

Winner: Dustin Hazelett, submission, round 2

Jonathan Solomon: McCrory is looking to improve his UFC record (2-1) with this PPV bout. Hazelett is 4-2 in the UFC and known for his propensity for the submission aspect of the fight game. McCrory was forced to submit by Akihiro Gono last year and while it would not be a surprise, I think his striking will be able to keep Hazelett at bay. If McCrory can control the fight on the feet, this is his fight to lose. Otherwise, Hazelett will be in control.

Winner: Dustin Hazelett, Decision

Dan Plunkett: Dustin Hazelett is coming off a sick armbar win against Josh Burkman, while McCrory is coming off a win against the urine drinking Luke Cummo. Hazelett has very good BJJ, which will be the difference maker in this fight.

Winner: Dustin Hazelett, Submission, Round 2

Larry Csonka: This is a fight that made many people upset, because it was on the under card. But due to an injury, it is now on the PPV portion of the show and that seems to have made many people happy. Dustin Hazelett's submission game is pretty sweet, and I think once he gets it to the ground, it is all over.

Winner: Dustin Hazelett, Submission, RD1

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Heavyweight Bout: Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3) vs. Josh Hendricks (18-4)
Todd Bergman: Didn't we see a similar match up on the UFC 90 card? A big-name heavyweight goes up against an unknown striker. Well, while this fight might have the same make-up as the Werdum/Santos fight, this one will end differently. Look for Gonzaga to test the waters by standing with Hendricks before taking the fight to ground and pounding out a TKO victory. This will also give us an opportunity to see the many mean faces that Gonzaga can make into the camera after the fight has been stopped. Hello man-bear-pig!

Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, TKO, Round 1

Dustin James: Back in early-2007 Gabriel Gonzaga was considered the "up-and-comer" in the UFC's heavyweight division. However consecutive losses to Randy Couture and Fabricio Werdum have moved Gonzaga down a few notches in the heavyweight division. Hendricks is making his UFC debut and is bringing a 10-fight win streak with him. However, he hasn't faced a beast like Gonzaga in his entire career. If you need a reminder at how dangerous Gonzaga can be, go back and watch his fight with Mirko Cro Cop back at UFC 70.

Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, TKO, Round 1

Jeremy Lambert: If Hendricks can survive the first round while taking everything Gonzaga can dish at him, he'll win this fight. Gonzaga has a tendency to wilt when things don't go his way and considering Hendricks doesn't have the MMA credentials of Gonzaga, I figure Gonzaga believes he should roll right through him. Of course I think that Gonzaga is still a top 10 fighter and a very well rounded Heavyweight and he'll be able to submit Hendricks relatively early in the fight. Then we'll have to deal with him yelling into the camera like he just won the World title when he only beat a guy that no casual fan has heard of.

Winner: Gonzaga, Submission, Round 1

Matt McEwen: This is a BIG step up in both exposure and level of competition for Hendricks. He hasn't fought in a year, and now he steps into the Octagon with a guy who, when on, is one of the better talents in the division. He might get lucky and catch Gonzaga on one of his many off days, but with his contract likely hanging in the balance, Napao is probably going to have more of an "on" day.

Winner: Gonzaga, TKO, Round 1

Adam Tool: The show that features Randy Couture's first fight in over a year also features the last man he beat. Gonzaga has yet to live up to the hype that developed around him following his head kick KO of Mirko Cro Cop, but he's still a very dangerous opponent for any UFC Heavyweight. Hendricks gets his UFC debut on the main card of one of the biggest shows of the year, but he could be rusty since his last fight was 12 months ago. Both guys like submissions, but Gonzaga is on a different level.

Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, submission, round 1

Jonathan Solomon: Hendricks debuts in the UFC with this fight and takes his 15-4 career record with him. He has a tall task in Gabriel Gonzaga who can smell another shot at the UFC Championship. With Fabricio Werdum's loss, that role is wide open. Hendricks has ten submission wins to his credit with a few knockouts to boot. Gonzaga is one tough fella who has only lost to Randy Couture and Werdum in his career. This should be an interesting heavyweight fight with both men using the striking game to set-up the ground game.

Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, TKO, Round 2

Dan Plunkett: Josh Hendricks hasn't lost in 3 years, that will come to an end on Saturday. Gabriel Gonzaga is going to do what Fabricio Werdum was supposed to do to Junior dos Santos. After this fight, Gonzaga will take a step up in competition and look for another title shot after the undisputed heavyweight champion is decided.

Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, Submission, Round 1

Larry Csonka: Let's hope Gabriel Gonzaga watched the Werdum vs. dos Santos fight. I say that because he shouldn't take Hendricks too lightly. Hendricks is taking a very large step up in competition, and while he may be game, I just don't see him defeating Gonzaga.

Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, STRIKES, RD2

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Middleweight Bout: Demian Maia (9-0) vs. Nate Quarry (16-2)
Todd Bergman: Nate Quarry certainly has his hands full in this fight against the unbeaten Demian Maia. Quarry has struggled in the past against fighters that have a style similar to that of Maia. However, this will be a different Maia than we have seen in the past. Maia's continued work with Wanderlei Silva has improved his striking game and he should be able to work in and around the slow, robotic moving Quarry. While Nate is certainly a tremendous fighter, Maia's ability to take the fight to the ground and control the top game will be the deciding factor in this fight. He won't be able to submit Quarry but he will be able to win the decision.

Winner: Demian Maia, Decision

Dustin James: I mentioned a few months back that Demian Maia was one of the guys I refuse to pick against until he loses. The dude is 8-0 as a pro and 3-0 in the UFC with some nice wins over Ed Herman and Jason MacDonald. The guy is a submission expert, which may be a bonus for Quarry considering he has never been submitted, but has he ever really faced someone as skilled as Maia in that field? Quarry doesn't fight that often and REALLY hasn't fought since Fight Night 11 in September of 2007 (c'mon, we don't count that Kalib Starnes fight.....do we?). This one is actually quite difficult to pick...but you have to remember what I said earlier!

Winner: Demian Maia, Submission, Round 3

Jeremy Lambert: I'm a fan of Maia. I think he's the type of fighter with the skills to defeat Anderson Silva. He's competent on the feet, his wrestling is decent enough to get by, and his grappling is second to none. Nate Quarry on the other hand has never really impressed me. He's a powerful striker with good wrestling but has never been much on the ground. I think Maia finds a way to get this fight on the ground (look for him to pull guard) and then gives Quarry a lesson in high level BJJ.

Winner: Maia, Submission, Round 1

Matt McEwen: Classic striker vs. grappler deal here. Maia is probably in the top five of all mixed martial artists in terms of his jiu jitsu, but has admitted he doesn't much care for the stand up portion of the sport. That could be a problem against Quarry, who has really heavy hands and should be a physically strong enough wrestler to fight off takedown attempts. Maia will eventually get the fight to the ground, but the real question is how much damage he takes getting it there.

Winner: Maia, Decision

Adam Tool: This is certainly one of the hardest fights for me to pick. Nate Quarry was one of my favorites from the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter" and he didn't get much of a chance to showcase his skills while chasing down Kalib Starnes at UFC 83. On the other hand you've got Maia, who has been one of my main man-crushes as of late. This fight could have some serious implications for the future of the middleweight division, and it comes down to your basic striker vs. grappler styles clash. Quarry's got the kind of power to test Maia's chin like it's never been tested, but at the same time Quarry has never faced anyone in the octagon with the world-class jiu-jitsu skills that Maia has. I would be happy to see either man win, but I'm taking Maia to remain undefeated here.

Winner: Demian Maia, submission, round 3

Jonathan Solomon: Quarry is back after that atrocious Starnes war. I can almost guarantee Demian Maia will offer a greater challenge than the running dude. Maia is undefeated with a terrific background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This will be Quarry's toughest match-up to date, right up there with his Rich Franklin fight. Maia should be able to dominate the fight if it goes to the ground and submit Quarry for the first time.

Winner: Demian Maia, Submission, Round 3

Dan Plunkett: This is a very tough fight to pick, mainly because we haven't really seen enough of Nate Quarry. Quarry won his first 3 fights in the UFC, all of those in the first round. After that he was brutally knocked out by Rich Franklin. Then Quarry didn't fight for nearly 2 years due to injury, when he came back he beat Pete Sell again, and then he beat Kalib Starnes at UFC 83, in a fight that was only slightly better then the recent Filho/Sonnen disaster. Quarry needs to keep this fight standing, if he does, he holds a clear advantage over Maia. If Maia gets Quarry on the ground he has an advantage, even though we haven't seen much of Quarry's ground game, it is undoubtedly not on the same level as Maia's.

Winner: Demian Maia, Submission, Round 2

Larry Csonka: Demian Maia has been very impressive thus far in his UFC run with wins over MacDonald, Herman and Jensen. Quarry is 6-1 in his UFC run and looking to actually fight someone, sine he didn't get a fight with Starnes. Many are saying that Maia is the next big thing for the middleweight division, but Quarry will be a big test for him. I can see this being a great fight.

Winner: Maia, Decision

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Lightweight Bout: Kenny Florian (12-3) vs. Joe Stevenson (34-8)
Todd Bergman: This is an extremely dangerous fight for Kenny Florian. I believe that Florian is already the #1 contender for BJ Penn's title and he could lose that in this fight. Joe Stevenson has a devastating guillotine choke and uses it more than Hulk Hogan used his leg drop during the 80's. In order for Joe "Daddy" to use that choke his opponent will have to make a mistake, and that isn't Florian's game. I think that you will see "Kenflo" use his almost Machida-style of staying out of harm's way and landing strikes throughout the fight. You will also see Florian get Stevenson down and work his elbows in route to another exciting decision victory for Florian.

Winner: Kenny Florian, Decision

Dustin James: This is a fantastic fight to get us ready for the huge main event. Florian was expecting a shot at the UFC Lightweight Title after his win over Roger Huerta at UFC 87, yet he didn't want to wait on the sidelines. Stevenson is coming off a victory over Gleison Tibau at UFC 86 where he won by (SURPRISE!) guillotine choke. As long as Florian is able to avoid that ruthless guillotine that Stevenson has, I just can't see him losing this fight.

Winner: Kenny Florian, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: Florian may not have finished his last fight but he still won, something he's done a lot of as of late. Florian isn't the flashiest of fighters but he always gets the job done. He's well rounded with an excellent thai and ground game. Joe Stevenson on the other hand is just as good as Florian. Stevenson hits harder and probably has better wrestling thanks to his size but Florian is better everywhere else. The thing I love about Stevenson is that he has a finishing move and that he's constantly looking for and when it's locked in, it's over. That of course being the Daddy Choke (guillotine choke). I think Florian will be able to keep the fight standing though and pick him apart, a lot like he did Roger Huerta in his last fight en route to a decision victory.

Winner: Florian, Decision

Matt McEwen: Anyone who says this card is a one fight pony need only to look at this fight to see why they're wrong. Two of the top fighters in the most exciting division in the UFC makes for a hell of a semi-main event to me. Look for Florian to use his reach and superior muay thai to grind out a decision, but if Stevenson is able to get the fight to the ground and control Florian he's got more than a chance.

Winner: Florian, Decision

Adam Tool: With any luck, the winner of this fight will be fighting for the UFC Lightweight Championship within the next six months. Florian is starting to put some distance between himself and the rest of the pack at 155, but on Saturday he's got his toughest test since the Sherk fight. Stevenson is a scrapper, and was recently awarded his black belt in jiu-jitsu. The thing is, I don't think this fight will go to the ground. Florian won't shoot in because that creates the possibility of getting caught with Stevenson's patented finishing move (a.k.a. the guillotine choke). Stevenson won't take this fight down because that would leave his head within inches of Kenny's razor-sharp elbows. Florian showed some Machida-like elusiveness in his last fight and I think that will be the game plan here as well.

Winner: Kenny Florian, decision

Jonathan Solomon: Kenny Florian is a great fighter to watch because he is always working. Joe Stevenson is also a fun fighter to watch as he will also leave it all in the cage. The last time we saw him, he had the crimson mask in his valiant loss to B.J. Penn. Florian needs to win to ensure himself a shot at Penn and the UFC Lightweight Belt in late 2009. Stevenson is a strong wrestler, something Florian has had trouble with in the past. However, Florian has improved so much since his loss to Sean Sherk, it's hard to think of how someone can enforce their will on him. Florian's striking game is better and that is where this fight will be won. Stevenson will not be able to get the takedown whenever he tries which will force him to stand and take a ton of shots. Another crimson mask is not out of the realm of possibility. Like the Huerta fight, this should be a war for Florian.

Winner: Kenny Florian, TKO, Round 3

Dan Plunkett: UFC 91 is full of fights that are hard to pick, and this one is no exception. With a win, Florian should become the #1 contender for BJ Penn's title, while a win by Stevenson would put him about 1, maybe 2 fights away from another title shot. Both fighters have very good BJJ, and are well rounded. Florian's Muay Thai has come a long way, and his razor sharp elbows could be a difference maker in this fight.

Winner: Kenny Florian, TKO, Round 3

Larry Csonka: I really have to go the majority here. First of all this is a VERY dangerous fight for Florian. We all know that anything can happen in MMA, and if Florian loses here, slips on the banana so to speak, then his title shot is out the window. Joe Daddy is looking to get back to the title scene, and will be busting his ass, but I am not sure that he has the tools to defeat Florian. This should be one hell of a fight.

Winner: Kenny Florian, decision

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Heavyweight Championship Match: Randy Couture © (16-8) vs. Brock Lesnar (2-1)
Todd Bergman: Words cannot express my excitement to see Couture return to the Octagon. He has an insane challenge ahead of him in his challenger, Brock Lesnar. How can he stop this monster and his incredible wrestling game? Well, first, Randy needs to keep circling around Lesnar and use his boxing ability to keep Lesnar off of him. I don't think that Lesnar will be able to KO Randy, so if the fight does go to the ground, Randy must use the cage to keep Lesnar off-balance and work back to his feet. Brock will probably win a round or two, but this will only result in Brock tiring himself out. Late in the 3rd round, Randy will start mounting his comeback. Brock won't have the stamina to withstand Couture's strikes as Randy takes the win via TKO midway through the 4th round. There are certain people in this world that you don't bet against, and one of them is Randy Couture.

Winner: Randy Couture, TKO, Round 4

Dustin James: AND HERE WE GO! Man, I can't tell you how jacked I'm to see this fight. Of course I was more jacked when I thought it was going to happen in Portland...but I have gotten over that. Brock Lesnar is still such a mystery to me that I can't really force myself to pick him over the LEGEND Randy Couture. If the fight stays standing, we have yet to see how Lesnar's chin holds up....and Couture will definitely test that. As long as he can avoid Lesnar's huge fists, Randy may be able to lay some shots in on Lesnar which could rattle him a little. One thing I can tell you for sure is, if Brock tries to beat Couture in the same fashion that he beat Heath Herring in...the guy has no chance. You can't lay all over the king of the GROUND AND POUND! Still, should be a fantastic fight.

Winner: Randy Couture, Decision

Jeremy Lambert: Boy am I excited for this one. Randy Couture, after a yearlong lay off, returns to face the guy that no one wants to face. I'm a big believer in experience. If I need a QB for one season, I'll take the experienced guy over the rookie. Lesnar may have size and speed on his side, two things you can't teach, but you can't teach experience either. And you certainly can't teach the experience of Randy Couture, a guy who has never fought a meaningless fight in his career. I think Couture shocks the world again and Brock Lesnar by schooling him on the feet and putting him on his back multiple times. It's never smart to doubt Randy Couture and I don't plan on being another dumb victim

Winner: Couture, Decision

Matt McEwen: I'm breaking my cardinal rule of picking fights - I'm betting against Couture. I know he's always at his best when it seems he's the underdog, but I also know that Lesnar is custom built to beat Couture. A big, strong wrestler with top control is exactly the type of fighter who have handed Couture his worst beatings, and for the life of me, I don't know how he avoids that here. Couture is probably going to look to clinch, dirty box and finish it early, but I just don't think he's strong enough to deal with Lesnar. The longer it goes, the better Lesnar's chances, and I think he's going to ground and pound his way to the title.

Winner: Lesnar, TKO, Round 3

Adam Tool: The differences between these two heavyweights are well documented. Brock will have the advantage in strength, speed, and reach. Randy has the advantage in experience, jiu-jitsu, and boxing. Randy is also the better tactician, as his ability to come up with a winning gameplan has been documented time and time again. The only area with similarity is wrestling, but I don't think the champ is going to try to take this fight to the ground. He'll have a hard time getting Brock down, and an even tougher time keeping him there. So far nobody has offered up a shred of opposition for Brock's takedowns, but Lesnar also has yet to face anyone that can match up with his Greco-Roman abilities. What it comes down to for me is the sizable difference in power. While Lesnar's chin is untested, Couture has shown that he can be put down. If Brock catches Randy with the kind of punch that sent Herring flying across the cage, I think this one could be over before it makes it to the championship rounds.

Winner and NEW UFC Heavyweight Champion: Brock Lesnar, TKO, round 2

Jonathan Solomon: The time is here and this should be a slobberknocker (had to get that in there). It is tough to pick against Randy Couture, but I'm doing it. Logic and sense says to pick the experienced fighter who has been in this spot several times before. However, Brock Lesnar is like no other man. Brock is a beast with freakish skills. Power, balance, agility, speed, POWER, Brock has it all. Brock can take down any man and has not had trouble to date, doing just that. Can Randy stop from going to the ground? No. Brock may not finish Randy with a submission but his strikes are so powerful, and Randy has been knocked out before. However, like most, I see this fight going the distance. The question then becomes, can Lesnar keep up with the pace set by the champ. Perhaps, perhaps not. The item that will play a role in my mind is the damage Randy will take through four rounds. Can you imagine taking twenty minutes of punches from Lesnar, plus having the giant on top of you on the mat? It will become a points game and who can stay active the most. Brock will be able to control Randy for at least three rounds with his wrestling and do enough damage to win. Randy will have to stay quick on his feet and land enough shots to do enough damage and keep Brock at bay. I don't think he can do that throughout the fight. Can Randy stand and turn the fight into a boxing, clinch & dirty boxing fight? I don't see it happening for more than maybe a minute at a time in the fight. Brock is too strong to be handled by Couture at this point in time. Brock Lesnar, the first man in the world to be WWE Champion and UFC Heavyweight Champion. November 2008, a month of firsts indeed.

Winner: NEW UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, Decision

Dan Plunkett: While this fight was scolded at first by some hardcore MMA fans, as the fight grows nearer the anticipation builds even more. This fight has so much hype to it, and deservedly so. Never has a fight had this big a feel since Liddell/Ortiz 2, and it won't be felt again until January 31. Randy Couture, the man, the myth, the legend, and once again, the underdog. Nobody in the history of MMA has defied the odds like this man, he gives Vegas fits after his fights. At 45 years old and over a year removed from his last fight, Couture is looking to defend his UFC Heavyweight Championship against the bigger, faster, stronger fighter in Brock Lesnar. Couture has the advantage in he clinch, standing up, experience, and probably in submissions. While Lesnar has the speed, strength, punching power, and agility advantage. The difference maker in this fight is who has the better wrestling. While both Couture and Lesnar have extremely impressive backgrounds in the sport, Lesnar was the more accomplished college wrestler, winning the NCAA Heavyweight Championship in 2000. But after that he didn't wrestle much until he started training in MMA. Couture on the other hand has been wrestling pretty much nonstop for the past few decades. No matter who has the advantage in wrestling, Randy Couture is the best in the world at coming up with a game plan. I'm sure Randy Couture has seen some hole in Brock Lesnar's game that he will try to exploit on Saturday. While by now it's been said a million times, it's true; you never, ever, bet against Randy Couture. I have made the mistake myself many times, like when he fought Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Tim Sylvia, and Gabriel Gonzaga. While Brock Lesnar is an entirely different animal than those fighters, I think Couture will do what he does best: win when nobody expects him to.

Winner and STILL UFC Heavyweight Champion Of The World: Randy "The Natural" Couture, Decision

Larry Csonka: You never spit in the wind, you never pull on Superman's cape and usually you never bet against Randy Couture. Couture is great and part of me feels that he can pull it out, due to his experience and stand up skills. He used those skills to beat TIMMAH, and he could use them to beat Brock. But then I think about how Liddell KO'd Couture, and how powerful Brock is and the fact that it has been a while since Couture fought. I just think that there is too much against Couture here, and while I would not be surprised to see him win, I have to go with Brock.

Winner: Brock Lesnar, STRIKES, RD3

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