Randy Couture vs Antonio Nogueria
MY PICK: Randy Couture. I like Randy better and I think he is more well-rounded than Nog. The only way I see Nogueria winning is by submission and when is the last time you seen Randy get submitted? I think it’s going to be a close fight but I see Randy winning in the stand-up getting the dominant positions in the clinch and on the ground. Couture by decision.
Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva
MY PICK: Keith Jardine. He has fought with some of the best including Rampage, Forrest, Wanderlei, and Liddell. Some were losses and some were wins but that benefits him in the experience department. I think that will be the difference in this fight. Jardine has fought tougher competition while Thiagos opponents are not up to par. I see Jardine out scoring Thiago with leg kicks using better foot work to move away from Thiago’s power.
Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
MY PICK: Chris Leben simply because I haven’t seen Rosholt fight. Leben has a big heart, heavy hands, and of course experience. Leben by KO.
Demian Maia vs. Nate Marquadt
MY PICK: I really like both guys but if I was to bet I would go with Demian Maia. Demian doesn’t look like much when you see him but he is a wizard on the ground. His Jiu-jitsu is probably the best in UFC right now. Watch some of his old fights. He is a methodical fighter that fights with intelligence. Nate is no slouch either but I think this going to be a classic battle of technique vs. strength and technique will come out on top. Demian Maia via submission.
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brandon Vera
MY PICK: Krzysztof Sosznski. From a biased stand point I’m going with Krzysztof because he trains with Hendo. Vera used to be a top tier fighter but after a year and a half layoff the guy just hasn’t looked the same. Although, his last fight he was really impressive with his leg kicks, his opponent was a nobody. Michael Patt? I see this fight going back and forth. If Vera can get comfy and find his range then the stand up goes to Vera but if he gets tentative in a slugfest then it goes the other way. Both guys have sic jits so its pretty dead even. Krzysztof by decision.