Ultimate Fight Night January 16th, 2006

Tim "The Maniac" Sylvia vs Ausserio Silva: Both of these heavyweights have good hands with good power. Silva will be much better on the ground if he can get it there. Tim has great sprawl (thanks to the Miletich camp) and can KO anyone in the game. I've got this weird feeling that Silva is going to pull an upset here and enter the rankings of the heavyweights.
Winner-Tim Sylvia: I love the Brazillian fighters and usually pick them to win. Yet, do not be suprised if Sylvia wins this fight. He is very good (underrated in fact) and is fighting a man who should be fighting at light heavyweight (205lbs.) A dangerous fight betting men should avoid, but look for the Maniac to win by KO.
Stephan "American Psycho" Bonnar vs James "Sandman" Irvin: Another very interesting fight. Bonnar will be much better on the ground against James who is a KO artist. The Sandman always lives up to his name and Bonnar must take him down to win this.
Winner-Stephan Bonnar: Bonnar knows that even with his great chin (see the match against Griffin) his best odds are to take this to the ground like his teacher Cesar Gracie would do. I think he will and win via decision. However, he must keep this on the ground and not try to strike with Irvin. Should be a great fight.Chris Leben vs Jorge "E' Conquistador" Rivera: Rivera has fought much tougher opponents though he lost to them. This is a definate stand up slugfest battle. A dream match for Leben. These guys are just going to swing and swing.
Winner-Chris Leben: Leben has a great chin and that will be the defining factor in this fight between to brawlers.
Spencer Fisher vs Aaron Riley Miletich Camp vs American Top Team. Both of these guys are good on the feet and on the ground. The edge goes to Spencer on the feet and to Riley on the ground. Very equal records with good experience on both sides.
Winner-Spencer Fisher: I like this Miletich kid. He has a lot of heart and is a part of one of the best MMA teams today. He'll find a way to win.
Jonathan Goulet vs Duane "Bang" Ludwig: Goulet has one his last ten fights. Another top prospect coming down from Canada. Goulet also trains with GSP, Loiseau, and Cote. Bang trains with legend Bas Rutten. Bang is more known for his K-1 fights than MMA.
Winner-Jonathan Goulet: Bang is a very tough fighter with good stand up skills. Goulet is part of the Canadian invasion of great fighters. His game is just so smooth that I see him winning with a submission.
Drew "The Master" Fickett vs Josh Burkman: Josh won his last bout against Sam Morgan via an accidental headbutt. He has a only six pro fights with one being a loss to Jeremy Horn (which there is no shame in a loss there). Drew has much more experience with a 26-3 record. Drew's last match against Josh Koscheck had him losing all rounds until a brutal knee was followed up with a rear naked choke. Drew picked up the win in a big way. Josh is the "next big thing" from The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Injury took him out though he was one of the favorites to win the whole show. He is good but Drew has already disposed of one Ultimate Fighter contestant.
Winner: Drew Fickett: I believe the man with much more experience will again find a way to pull out a victory against a tough rising star named Burkman.
Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard vs Anthony Torres: Anthony has two career fights total. One of his two victories came from the opposing corner's trainer illegally entering the ring. Melvin is another fighter from TUF who left suprisingly early. Melvin has 26 pro fights and amazing speed. This kid is very strong and very fast. Very fast with loads of talent.
Winner: Melvin Guillard: Melvin should win this pretty easily against a weak opponent.
Jason Von Flue vs Alex Karalexis: Alex has one punch KO power though he is normally a lightweight fighter. Von Flue is a natural 17o pounder who also has great hands and trains with Chuck Liddell! Von Flue should have the reach and ground advantage.
Winner- Jason Von Flue: If Jason doesn't stand too long and takes this fight to the ground I believe my favorite fighter from TUF show will win. My only worry is he has been KO'd twice in his career and Karalexis has heavy hands. Hopefully Von Flue will use his ground game to win with a submission.