UFN Gleison Tibau v. Caol Uno

Gleison Tibau and Caol Uno come from wrestling / grappling backgrounds so this is a technique matchup rather than a striker versus grappler contest. This kind of matchup produces two things: sheer boredom or a thrilling fight. Either someone gets clipped early and this fight ends in a surprise knockout or they will roll like dung beetles trying to get behind each other and squeeze the consciousness clean. I am hoping for fireworks, but Gleison Tibau has been a decision master in the recent past like he can't find the right strategy to win. This indicates a weaker mental strength. Caol Uno rolls for broke sometimes and if he comes in with the right strategy he may surprise Tibau. I think Uno's best tactics will be to explode and look for the opening and gain the back of Tibau for a rear naked choke. Tibau is a larger fighter, so I predict he will use his power advantage to smother Uno and keep Uno in jeopardy. I predict Tibau by decision.

UFN Nate "Rock" Quarry v. Jorge "Conquistador Rivera

This should be one of the best fights of the night, right before Takanori Gomi puts Kenflo's lights out. Nate and Jorge are UFC fixtures with long and violent histories. Each has faced the top tier that the UFC has to offer and only lost by a little. In terms of overall skill, Rivera has a better striker style and that means he does have the advantage. But in the end, Nate Quarry will be the fitter and more durable fighter. I predict Nate Quarry by either a TKO/KO or a unanimous decision.

UFN Ross Pearson v. Dennis Siver

Both Siver and Pearson are up and coming fighters in the UFC, both are hoping to make it into the upper crust of lightweight fighters. Pearson is better known from the ultimate fighter TV show, but I was impressed with Siver's striking skill. Pearson will try and set the pace and grind out this fight. But I think he has bitten off a little more than he can chew or swallow. Look for Siver to punish Pearson slogging in with a pinpoint kick that sets Pearson on his back. I predict a win for Siver, perhaps by TKO.

UFN Stefan Struve v. Roy "Big Country" Nelson

Stefan Struve poses a serious challenge to Roy "Big Country" Nelson. Like Paul Buentello before, Struve's chin is hard to hit from the bottom half of a ladder so this will not be an easy affair. What is going in Roy "Big Country" Nelson's favour is that he is a better grappler that Paul Buentello. Big Country's best strategy will be to make this a wrestling match and look for an ankle lock. Struve will know this, and he should come prepared to circle away and fire jabs into that oncoming mullet. I predict Struve by decision.

UFN Kenny "Kenflo" Florian v. Takanori "Fireball Kid" Gomi

Kenny "Kenflo" Florian is trying to find a purpose since losing to BJ Penn. Takanori "Fireball Kid" Gomi is a real challenge. Florian is well rounded, but Gomi is no stranger to danger and has seen it all. Kenny Florian weakness is punching power; he is not a hip-puncher. Florian does not have knockout power. Gomi, on the other hand, does have dynamite in his hands. BJ Penn ran Florian around with his KO power and look for Gomi to do the same. Gomi will use the threat of a one punch dirt nap to bully Florian and keep him back on his heels. I predict Gomi by KO or Decision to defeat Florian.

UFN Brandon Vera v. Jon Jones

Brandon Vera was Jon Jones 3 year ago when he burst onto the scene and demonstrated talent and arrogance - and he won. Now Vera faces elimination from contention, so his back is against the wall and he needs a win. Jones has a few years to take his time and mature. Jones has shown wild striking that paid off against limited talent. My system predicts Vera to rise to occasion and TKO / KO Jones inside 2 rounds

UFN Eliot Marshall vs. Vladimir Matyushenko

Vladimir Matyushenko is a tough opponent who lost to the top of the MW / LHW divisions. Eliot Marshall has a youth and size and a slight reach advantage which is good for a striker. But Matyushenko can take a punch to deliver a knockout and Eliot has a suspect chin. My system predicts Matyushenko by TKO inside of round 2.

UFN Junior dos Santos v. Gabriel Gonzaga

Junior dos Santos and Gabriel Gonzaga are two fearsome heavyweights. The only thing that separates them is the advantage of help. Santos trains with Anderson Silva and Nogueira at Black house and he has come into every fight prepared to win and win decisively. Gonzaga is not as prepared and when he had the chance at the belt against Couture he looked mentally unready for the challenge. Compared to Couture, dos Santos is more than able to flatten him quick. Santos flattened Fabricio Werdum decisively. Santos will look to keep the fight standing and Gonzaga may as well, but that's a very bad idea for Gonzaga. My system predicts dos Santos victory but it will be close.