Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell 20-3 vs Quinton "Rampage" Jackson 26-6 The last time Chuck lost was in 2003 to Rampage. Since then, he has only gone on to win 7 straight, all by KO or TKO! Quinton has won 4 in a row after being decimated by Chute Boxe members Wanderlei Silva and Shogun Rua. Now both men are in great shape, and Rampage has his mind right, while Chuck looks to complete his revenge campaign against the men that once beat him. Rampage actually has a better all around game, but can he keep Chuck down on the ground? On the feet, though he might not be KO'd with his hard chin, he will take a lot of damage, which scores points for Chuck, and digs at Quinton's always questionable mind set. This could be a real long fight, but I think Chuck gets the win in the end, with his superior odd angled striking, and takedown defense. Who knows if Rampage can even go the 5 title rounds? Keep in mind this disclaimer, I have picked the Iceman's last 5 fights wrong! *shakes head in embarrassment*WINNER-C.Liddell by decision
Karo Parisyan 24-4 vs Josh Burkman 19-3 My pick for fight of the night with two 170ers on the cusp of the top 5 in the Welterweight division. Karo has that odd every angle possible plus amazing judo skills and a chip on his shoulder from losing his title shot to injury years ago. Burkman has improved since joining Team Punishment and always has good cardi0 and you "can't teach his speed." Karo has heavier hands, better ground skills, and tougher chin, but I worry about his ego causing him to trade punches in a stand up war that he might not be fast enough to win. The ground is Karo's, but expect a good long scrap.
WINNER-K.Parisyan by decision
Terry Martin 17-2 vs Ivan Salaverry 12-4-1 People expect former Middleweight contender Salaverry to win big in his return to the UFC. I do not. Terry hits like a freight train with power not seen at this weight class. He has brutal ground and pound but would be smart to keep this fight on the feet where he can dominate and win quickly. Martin seems to have his weight under control and is reborn at this weight class. Upset pick of the night! Mini-Tyson Martin shocks the lethargic Ivan.
WINNER-T.Martin TKO
Keith Jardine 12-3-1 vs Houston Alexander 6-1 Houston, we have a huge scary black man. Sorry, couldn't help it. Alexander has a scowl that would make most men run, but Jardine seems to be hitting his stride, as a future Light Heavyweight title contender, I doubt he'll let the inexperienced Houston stop that. Still, Houston has a lot of power and Jardine will have to be careful. The Jackson fight camp is currently one of the best in the world, and I expect Jardine's game plan to include his usual brutal leg kicks, and a methodical pace to a victory.
WINNER-K.Jardine by decision
Chris Leben 16-3 vs Kalib Starnes 9-2-1 Last fight on the Leben contract so he is looking to win big. Kalib is good on the ground, but I doubt he gets it there. Hence the oncoming assault of the iron-chinned Leben and his heavy hands earn him a TKO victory. I'm not so sure Starnes is good enough to be in the UFC. Also, look for Leben to sign with ICON after this fight (you heard it here 1st).
WINNER-C.Leben by TKO
James Irvin 12-3-1 vs Thiago Silva 9-0 Welcome the return of the heralded Chute Boxe Academy to the UFC. Its been 7 damn years since a member of the great Brazilian school has stepped in the octagon. Thiago is touted as a rising star for Chute Boxe, but he doesn't have a lot of experience. A slick striker (as all Chute Boxe fighters are) but Irvin has legit one punch KO power. The difference is Irvin has zero skill on the ground, his punching isn't that accurate, and his cardio is always questionable. Still those concrete hands have won for him a lot of times, but surely the overall skill of Silva gets him through.
WINNER-T.Silva
Sean Salmon 9-2 vs Alan Belcher 9-3 Sean is now known for his highlight reel KO loss to Rashad Evans where he was laid out by one of the most brutal high kicks in years. Sean should be known for his ultra-superior wrestling, and submission skill via overpowering opponents on the ground. Alan is coming up in weight for this fight, and has suffered recent losses to top tier Welterweights. He just doesn't have the game or strength to hang with Salmon.
WINNER-S.Salmon by submission
Din Thomas 22-7 vs Jeremy Stephens 13-1 Din Thomas is the very experienced and very well rounded talented fighter who lost on the Ultimate Fighter. In his proper weight class (Lightweight) he has excelled and can win a fight anywhere. Jeremy is a lesser known Iowan, who is almost strictly a striker. His hands are great, but Din just has too many tools in his possession.
WINNER-Din Thomas
Wilson Gouveia 8-4 vs Carmelo Marrero 6-1 Wilson is a decent American Top Team fighter who is back on the winning track. Marrero is the strong former Heavyweight who shocked everyone by beating Cheick Kongo, but then got destroyed by the now feared Gabriel Gonzaga. Marrero has the wrestling skills and cardio, which Wilson lacks, but the fight on the feet should go Gouveia's way. Close fight and very tough to call. I'm looking for Carmelo's powerful wrestling to take this fight on points.
WINNER-C.Marrero
The main complaint about this card, is its lack of stars (save the main event), and weak roster. Upon closer inspection I found some compelling fights here, and with 5 Light Heavyweight fights on the card, I expect the UFC is trying to jockey these guys around to mix up the weak division. With ESPN putting Liddell on the cover of their magazine, and Sports Illustrated also with a cover story for the UFC, I expect huge PPV ratings, and I want to see if the UFC ups the PPV ante with the world watching. Also, though not confirmed, expect another big announcement from Dana White during the show;)
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