UFC 93 Predictions!

UFC 93 PREDICTIONS: Welcome to a more sophisticated version of our event picks. UFC 93 is next on the schedule and it promises to be a good PPV to help kickstart the 2009 year, after a fantastic 2008 season. So, without further ado, here is the fight card for UFC 93.

MAIN CARD
Dan Henderson vs. Rich Franklin
Mark Coleman vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Alan Belcher vs. Denis Kang
Jeremy Horn vs. Rousimar Palhares
Marcus Davis vs. Chris Lytle

PRELIMINARY CARD
Alexandre Barros vs. Martin Kampmann
Antonio Mendes vs. Eric Schafer
Thomasz Drwal vs. Ivan Serati
Tom Egan vs. John Hathaway
Nate Mohr vs. Denis Siver

Rich Franklin (24-3) 6’1 205 lbs
vs.
Dan Henderson (23-7) 6’1 205 lbs

Brandon Stephens:
This should prove to be a quality fight. Rich is enjoying his life at 205 as is Henderson. I’d gain weight to avoid Anderson too after I took poundings like they both did. Henderson probably has better power behind his punches but Rich will be the much more polished fighter in the octagon. Rich hasn’t lost to anyone besides Silva since 2003 and I see no reason for this to change now.
Winner: Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision

Jake Winfrey:

This battle between this two experienced LHW’s promises plenty of fireworks. This is a very difficult fight to pick, because both of these fighters are very even. Many factors come to my mind when I try to predict this fight. For Franklin, I believe that he needs to keep this on the feet, because Henderson is the far superior wrestler, and even though Franklin has good submissions and submission defense, he will probably be overwhelmed on the ground. Cardio and motivation play a role in this fight. Franklin’s cardio is proven, while Henderson’s has been shaky his last 3 fights. Franklin might not have a lot of motivation for this fight, because he really has nowhere to go in a stacked LHW division. All in all, it should be an entertaining fight, but I will give the nod to Dan Henderson.

Winner: Dan Henderson via Split Decision

Phil Hill:

Franklin-Henderson should be a straight stand-up war! I hate when Joe Silva puts two fighters I like against each other because I don’t know who to pick. But I’m taking Dan Henderson due to the fact he has a Muhammad Ali haymaker for a right hand. Given Henderson’s wrestling background he also has an advantage if the fight goes to the floor. But don’t get me wrong Rich Franklin is a great fighter who has knocked out his fair share of opponents but I think Dan Henderson will take this one.
WINNER: Dan Henderson via knockout. 2nd Round.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (16-3) 6’1 205 lbs.
vs.
Mark Coleman (15-8) 6’1 205 lbs.

Brandon Stephens:
Ah, the ol’ grudge match. You got to love it. Coleman won their 2006 PRIDE fight when Rua landed awkwardly on his arm dislocating his elbow only 47 seconds into the fight. Coleman has been on a 2 year hiatus with only a loss to #1 heavyweight in the world Fedor Emelianenko also in 2006. He is, however, 1 of the 5 fighters to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Rua comes in wanting to prove the first fight was a fluke. He’s won 4 of his last 5 fights after he faced Coleman.
Winner: “Shogun” Rua via TKO in Round 1

Jake Winfrey:

A rematch from a 2006 Pride event marred with controversy, Coleman and Rua look to lock horns again. In the first fight, Rua dislocated his elbow trying to stop a takedown, losing a fight that most figured he would win. I look for this fight to be over rather quickly. The only strength Coleman has is his wrestling. He is also coming out of retirement, which doesn’t always bode well (See Shamrock, Couture). Rua has the edge in striking, submissions, and overall game. This shouldn’t make it out of the first round, but if it does, it will be because Rua got tired of smashing Coleman.

Winner: Shogun Rua via TKO in Round 1

Phil Hill:
Shogun vs. Mark Coleman is a grudge match from back in the Pride days. Coleman broke Shogun’s arm with a big slam and continued to beat on Shogun while he was writhing in pain. That eventually, led to both corners nearly fighting each other. But that was then this is now and sorry Mark Coleman you’re going to get mauled by Shogun like a pack of Rottweilers attacking a prime rib.
WINNER: Shogun Rua via knockout in the first minute of the 1st Round.


Denis Kang (31-10-1) 6’2 185 lbs
vs.
Alan Belcher (13-5) 5’11 185 lbs

Brandon Stephens:
Kang makes his octagon debut against a very game Belcher. Belcher has had mixed results since joining the UFC amassing a 4-3 record with wins via KO, TKO, submission, and decision. Kang has been busy fighting in Japan and comes in with a 3-2 record in his last 5 fights but both losses coming by Top 10 Middleweights. This should prove to be a good indicator as to which of the fighters have a stake to a long career in the UFC.
Winner: Denis Kang via Submission (Armbar) in Round 2

Jake Winfrey:

This is an interesting middleweight bout. Belcher is a solid MW, who has plenty of UFC experience. Kang, however, makes his Octagon debut after a long stint with Pride. Kang is known mostly for his good kicks and solid submission game. These Pride guys are hit and miss, but I like Kang and his ability to bring it to Belcher. I give the nod to Kang.

Winner: Kang via RNC in Round 2

Phil Hill:

Denis Kang and Alan Belcher should be a pretty sweet fight. Kang has loads of international experience and Belcher is always a game fighter. Belcher tends to defeat guys he shouldn’t beat and loses to the ones he should beat. Kang is coming off a loss in the middleweight tournament of D.R.E.A.M. so it should be pretty entertaining or super boring but who knows.
WINNER: Dennis Kang via Unanimous Decision

Marcus Davis (15–4) 170 lbs 5’10
vs.
Chris Lytle (26-16–5) 170 lbs 5’11

Brandon Stephens:
This should be a war! Both like to throw heavy hands and have no qualms if their opponent does the same. I’m calling Fight of the Night on this one. Both are becoming very popular fighters and the winner will likely cement his place as a must see for future fights.
Winner: Marcus Davis via TKO in Round 2

Jake Winfrey:

This bout has all of the makings for fight of the night, and possibly fight of the year. Two very experience welterweights square off in this one. The Irish Hand Grenade had been on a tear, until a recent slip-up against Mike Swick. Lytle, known more as a gatekeeper, has very heavy hands and will look to stand and trade with Davis. Davis, however, will whether the early storm, and finish Lytle soon thereafter.

Winner: Marcus Davis via Unanimous Decision

Phil Hill:

Marcus Davis vs. Chris Lytle is another one of those fights that can be really boring or really above average. Both are up there in age and really are just game fighters holding down the welterweight division. Marcus Davis is a good boxer and should be able to control Lytle.
WINNER: Marcus Davis via Unanimous Decision

Rousimar Palhares (8-2) 5’8 185 lbs
vs.
Jeremy Horn (80-18-5) 6’2 185 lbs

Brandon Stephens:
Jeremy Horn’s body has to break down eventually, right? With over 100 pro fights in his 12 year career he averages an unheard of 8.5 fights a year. He fought 13 times in one year back in 1998. Those facts are exactly why I’m picking the young submission tactician to make Horn tapout.
Winner: Rousimar Palhares via Submission (Heel Hook) in Round 3

Jake Winfrey:

Decent fight, and nothing more. It might have the potential for submission of the night. Horn is coming off of 2 one-sided losses, while Palhares is coming off a decision loss to Dan Henderson. I believe that Horn will be overwhelmed by Palhares’s aggression and submission game. This should end early.
Winner: Palhares via RNC in Round 1

Phil Hill:

If things go according to plan then Jeremy Horn/Rousimar Palhares is going to be a technical ground battle. Both fighter are BJJ experts but both are coming off losses and need a much needed win. So if you’re into technical BJJ battles then this is your fight.
WINNER: Rousimar Palhares via rear-naked choke in the 1st round.

Martin Kampmann (13-2) 6’0 170 lbs
vs.
Alexandre Barros (13-5) 5’9 170 lbs

Brandon Stephens:
Kampmann makes the smart move down to 170 where his skills will be much more on display. Barros comes into his Octagon debut on a 9 fight win streak. He’s not known for his KO power as most of his wins come via decision, and all those being against lesser opponents from Bazil. I think Kampmann takes Alexandre down and pounds on him.
Winner: Martin Kampmann via TKO in Round 1

Jake Winfrey:

I am really looking forward to this fight. Kampmann seems to be fully recovered from his injuries and loss to Nate Marquardt at UFC 88. Kampmann brings to the table very good submissions and a chin that is only matched by Ken Shamrock (I kid!). Barros is a very aggressive fighter, who comes in riding a 9 fight winning streak. This is too tough to call, but I will go with Kampmann

Winner: Kampmann via Unanimous Decision

Phil Hill:

I’m gonna go ahead and say I don’t know anything about Alexandre Barros and Martin Kampmann will take him easily.
WINNER: Martin Kampmann via Knockout 2nd Round.

Eric Schafer (10-3-2) 6’3 205 lbs
vs.
Antonio Mendes (15–3) 6’3 205 lbs

Brandon Stephens:

Schafer is a UFC veteran but not a very memorable one unless you’re a hardcore fan. Mendes comes into to his sophomore UFC event after a loss to Thiago Silva at UFC 84. He was on an 11 fight win streak before that and I look for him to unimpressively get back to his winning ways.
Winner: Antonio Mendes via Unanimous Decision

Jake Winfrey:

Two middle of the road fighters meet in this LHW bout. Schafer is fresh off a submission win over the ALWAYS deadly Houston Alexander, while Mendes is coming off a TKO loss to top contender Thiago Silva. Mendes should keep this fight up for a few minutes with his striking and kicks, but it will ultimately get to the ground, where Schafer will take over.

Winner: Eric Shafer via Armbar in Round 1

Phil Hill:

Eric Schafer is coming off a win against our man Houston Alexander. Antonio Mendes is coming off a loss against Thiago Alves. Schafer is good on the ground and I don’t know much about Mendes due to the fact he got picked apart by Thiago Alves.
WINNER: Antonio Mendes via Unanimous Decision

Ivan Serati (10-2) 6’1 205 lbs
vs.
Tomasz Drwal (14-2) 6’0 205 lbs

Brandon Stephens:
Both fighters present with impressive records and hammers for fists. Drwal could win this by submission or ground and pound if it goes to the ground and if Serati isn’t careful he’ll get beat in the stand up as well. Unless Drwal misses every punch in the first two rounds and gasses as usual in the third he wins by something decisive.
Winner: Tomasz Drwal via KO in Round 2

Jake Winfrey:

Serati is making his UFC debut against Drwal whose only fight in the UFC was a TKO loss to Thiago Silva. Serati is a crafty veteran, who possesses good standup skills. Drwal, however, is a very solid fighter who has only tasted defeat once in the past 4+ years. Give it to Drwal

Winner: Drwal via TKO in Round 2

Phil Hill:

The next match Tomas Drwal and Ivan Serati could have the potential to be good if both jus stand there and knock the hell out of each other. But I’ve seen very little of both, so I’ll take Drwal cause he has more UFC experience.
WINNER: Tomas Drwal 3rd Round TKO via strikes

Thomas Egan (3-0) 5’11 170 lbs
vs.
John Hathaway (9-0) 5’10 170 lbs

Brandon Stephens:

Undefeated fighters clash in the undercard fight and if Lytle and Davis don’t deliver this is my second choice for Fight of the Night. If this doesn’t get aired, I’d be sure to check it out somewhere on the net the next day because I have a feeling it’ll be worth it.
Winner: John Hathaway via TKO in Round 2

Jake Winfrey:

Never heard of these two fighters. I’ll go with John Hathaway, because he has the same last name as Anne Hathaway……and she’s hot.

Winner: John Hathaway via Unanimous Decision

Phil Hill:
John Hathaway is undefeated and I think the UFC gave him a cupcake to beat up on. So he should dominate this bout.
WINNER: John Hathaway 2nd Round Knockout

Nate Mohr (8-5) 5’9 155 lbs
vs.
Dennis Siver (12-6) 5’7 155 lbs

Brandon Stephens:
Mohr will finally get his first UFC stoppage in this fight. His only other UFC win was a unanimous decision. Siver’s submission defense just isn’t polished enough to pull this out.
Winner: Nate Mohr via Submission (Triangle) in Round 1

Jake Winfrey:

Siver record in the UFC is 1-4. If he wants to fight in the UFC, he desperately needs a win. Unfortunately, Nate Mohr is no a push over. His last fight was over a year ago, where he got his knee torn up pretty bad. This should be an easy win for Mohr, as he will give Siver his UFC walking papers.

Winner: Mohr via TKO in Round 1

Phil Hill:
Both Denis Siver and Nate Mohr are coming off losses and both need to win to stay in the UFC simple as that.
Winner: Nate Mohr via Unanimous Decision.