Melvin Guillard vs. Jeremy Stephens - Both men enter this battle with something to prove despite each posting back-to-back victories. They're hoping to escape their spots in 155-purgatory and finally get some recognition.
Guillard has been a forgotten talent at lightweight for the past few years and now the veteran is looking to reignite his career. His judo takedowns and striking are among the best in the division and he’s a high motor fighter to boot.
Stephens is a very well-rounded young talent who is looking to make his mark at 155. If this fight stays standing and slugging, instant advantage to the heavy-hitting Stephens.
Neither man has ever been knocked out before, but this should be a slugfest with one man eventually hitting the canvas hard.
The Pick: Stephens by TKO in Rd. 2
Matt Serra vs. Chris Lytle - This rematch from TUF 4 will be contested under much different circumstances this time around. Back in 2006, a Welterweight Title shot was on the line, now these two veterans will try to re-capture their glory in a rematch. In their first bout, Serra’s split decision victory led him to the biggest upset in UFC history. Serra defeated Georges St. Pierre shortly thereafter to become the UFC Welterweight champion.
Serra comes in looking the best he’s looked since his triumph over GSP. The stakes are lower now though and at 36, another title shot appears to be out of Serra’s reach. Expect some rust from Serra as well who has not fought in nearly eight months.
Lytle has much to prove here. His sudden resurrection at 170 comes as no surprise since he is one of the sport’s most exciting competitors. Lytle now looks to prove his three-fight winning streak is no fluke and take out Serra.
The Pick: Lytle by Submission in Rd. 3
Evan Dunham vs. Sean Sherk - Evan “3D” Dunham remains undefeated in the UFC through his first 11 fights. Dunham, a rare specimen at lightweight looks to embark on a journey that will lead him to the top of the division. The submission specialist Dunham has the edge over the aging Sherk, whose career went to spoils when he was accused of steroid usage in 2007. Sherk never recovered from that ruling and has gone 1-2 since.
Dunham, a newly anointed BJJ Black Belt will attempt to take Sherk to the ground early and often. This task will be easy to plan, but difficult to execute as Sherk is one of the best all-around wrestlers in the sport. Dunham’s difference is his tall frame for a 155-pounder and the fact that he has a clear advantage over Sherk on his feet. Though if this thing gets to the ground, it could be anyone’s fight. Sean Sherk is next to impossible to submit, but Dunham just has too many ways that he can craft to win this bout.
The Pick - Dunham by Unanimous Decision
Ryan Bader vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira - Ryan “Darth” Bader is the fastest rising contender in the UFC. This TUF 8 winner is still undefeated at 11-0 and is on the brink of becoming a serious threat at 205. Bader’s opponent Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will have his eyes set on continuing his torrid pace in the octagon. Nogueira now stands at 2-0 in the UFC with his most recent win coming controversially over Jason Brilz. The winner of this bout will be catapulted into the mainstream and will face Jon “Bones” Jones sometime soon.
Ryan Bader is one of the very best wrestlers in the UFC and can take any 205-pounder down in an instant. This two-time Division I athlete from Arizona St. University is now focused on becoming one of the youngest champions in UFC history.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is always a well-prepared competitor. This man holds Black Belts in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and will not be afraid to use them to combat Bader’s great wrestling.
The Pick - Bader by decision.
Frank Mir vs. Mirko Cro Cop - This should be a very interesting fight that many have wanted to see for quite some time but never expected to. This is a bout that pits two of the most talented heavyweights of all-time. The big, submission specialist Mir and the fleet-footed Cro Cop in the same octagon staring each other down.
Frank Mir’s career is caught between a rock and a hard place as of right now. He’s currently not considered “elite” yet is still too good to be lower on a card. Mir knows that this fight with Cro Cop could re-ignite another journey to the top. The well-rounded Mir from Las Vegas will be ready to bring it this Saturday night as he has the most to prove of anyone on the card.
Mirko Cro Cop’s career as a UFC fighter appeared to be over prior to his last fight. Cro Cop silenced the critics and probably saved his job with a gutsy performance against Pat Barry. He now reverts back to his position in main-event competition and looks to do some more damage there. For Cro Cop, “Mr. Right Kick Hospital, Left Kick Cemetery,” the stage is set to show UFC President Dana White that he can still be a major player at heavyweight.
The Pick - Mir by Submission in Rd. 2
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