UFC 100 Preview and Predictions

We are just days away from the historic UFC 100 and excitement is starting to build. Leading up to the event Zuffa (owners of the UFC) have gone all out to promote it. A weeklong series on Spike TV, counting down the 100 greatest fights in UFC history. The first ever UFC fan expo in Las Vegas takes place all weekend. A viewing party hosted by fighters at the famed Radio City Music Hall. It is truly a global event! With two championship titles on the line, a grudge match or two and all twenty-two fighters looking to get fight of the night honors, it should be a classic. Lets take a look at the entire card with predictions for the fights.

Under card fights

Matt Grice vs. Shannon Gugerty– A lightweight fight in which both guys are fighting for their jobs. Both are coming off tough losses. Gugerty hasn’t fought since his loss to Spencer Fisher back in October. He did however last 2 1/2 rounds with the very skilled Fisher. He has great submission skills and that should be the edge against the wrestling of Grice. Look for Shannon Gugerty to get the win and keep his job.

CB Dollaway vs. Tom Lawlor– Both are former members of The Ultimate Fighter and both are great wrestlers. They both train with great camps. CB is on a two fight win streak while Lawlor is making his debut at middleweight. Lawlor is stronger and bigger but I think CB has much better submission skills. Expect Dollaway to lock in a choke and secure the victory.

Dong Hyun Kim vs. TJ Grant– A very interesting fight here. Kim is a fourth degree black belt in Judo and has devastating power. Grant is stepping in late for the injured Jon Goulet. TJ last fought and beat Ryo Chonan in UFC debut back in April. He is a submission machine with 12 of his 14 wins ending that way. Kim on the other hand is coming off of two controversial fights. Even though he is still undefeated, I look for Kim to make a statement here and win big. After UFC 100, I don’t think people will remember the controversy. Instead they will remember his domination!

Jon Jones vs. Jake O’Brien– This should be a great fight! Jon Jones may be the most exciting young prospect in the light heavyweight division. His unorthodox, crazy nasty in your face style has caught the attention of a lot of people. Moving from down from heavyweight, this is the second fight at 205 for O’Brien. With a strong wrestling background to match Jones, this should be a war. Look for Jones to win a barnburner.

Jim Miller vs. Mac Danzig– Another fight, in which both fighters are coming off a loss. NJ native, Jim Miller is as tough as they come. He is a well-rounded fighter with excellent submissions. Extreme Couture fighter Mac Danzig is the same. Both fighters are very evenly matched but expect Miller to hand Danzig his walking papers after the fight. Danzig has lost 2 in a row and if he suffers a loss here will surely be shown the door.

The Main Card

Stephan Bonnar vs. Mark Coleman– Yet another fight on the card in which both fighters are coming off a loss. Both feel the pressure to get the win here. Coleman is older now and has always had issues with his cardio. Rumor has it though, that won’t be an issue this time around. Coleman showed signs of his former self in his last fight but gassed at the end. Bonnar may have been beaten in his last fight but it was his first fight after a 14-month layoff from injury. I expect Bonnar to get back on the winning track and send Coleman to retirement. Unless the rumors are true…

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher– The only UFC virgin on the card, Akiyama is a superstar in Japan. He has great judo, fast heavy hands, and he loves to finish fights. He has a tough task in his UFC debut against Alan Belcher, who has played debut spoiler before. Don’t expect it to happen here though as Akiyama starts his climb to a title shot.

John Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago– The first grudge match of the night. Fitch is looking to avenge the loss suffered by his teammate Josh Koscheck, to Thiago. Paulo, a submission wiz shocked the world by KO’ing Kos back at UFC 95. Don’t expect the same to happen here. Fitch is tough as hell and almost impossible to finish. I think Fitch wins by decision here.

Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping– The coaches from the past season of The Ultimate Fighter finally get a chance to go at it. Bisping has been doing lots a trash talking leading up to this fight and expects a win. Henderson has never been much of a talker; he lets his actions speak for him. Bisping may be the younger and faster. He may even be the better striker, but I don’t think he’s at Dan Henderson’s level. Look for ‘Hendo’ to get the late TKO or win a decision.

Georges St-Pierre vs. Thiago Alves– The co-main event is for the welterweight championship. Champion G.SP. is coming off the destruction of BJ Penn and faces his toughest test yet. Alves is stronger, faster and younger then St-Pierre. He is hungry and wants the title, but G.S.P. is a horse of a different color. He is one of the worlds best pound for pound fighters! Alves is tough but I expect St-Pierre to keep his belt.

Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir– The rematch the world has been waiting for. The first fight had a bit of controversy and this time there is more on the line. The heavyweight championship of the world! Many people think Mir got lucky last time (with a little referee help) & I agree. MMA is a sport that size doesn’t matter, but in this case it means everything. Lesnar is too big, too strong and too much for Mir. Frank Mir is great fighter but Brock Lesnar is an athletic specimen. I look for a first or second round stoppage.

Enjoy the fights this Saturday and if you make any money off my picks, share the wealth!