If there's one word to describe the card for Saturdays UFC event, it's 'loaded'. The card features a main event that has the potential to go down as one of the greatest MMA fights in the history of the sport, as well as two fights that promise to be massive slug fests. The event also features a showcase of some of the best talent in the 170 lbs. division, and what could perhaps be an audition for a new contract for one of the UFC's most popular fighters. This card is so loaded that fights on the non televised portion of the event feature bigger names and better talent than the main card of several of the UFC's last events. Let's take a look at the fights that matter, and I'll tell you who's gonna win, and how.
Andrei Arlovski (11-5) vs. Jake O'Brien (10-0): Everyone's been wondering where in the hell Arlovski has been the last few months. The pit bull has easily been one of the most popular fighters in the UFC over the past few years, but now he's on the last fight of his contract, and it's unknown whether or not the UFC will even re-sign him. It's widely believe that Arlovski has lost his edge. This is a great opportunity for him to regain the respect of fans and UFC management. His opponent is an undefeated wrestler, who holds a victory over top heavyweight Health Herring. Although O'Brien is undefeated, his chances of defeating Arlovski seem slim. Arlovski is just simply better, and should be dominate O'Brien.
PREDICTION- Arlovski by TKO in the 1st round.
Josh Koscheck (9-2) vs. Dustin Hazelett (10-3): Koscheck thought he was among the elite in the UFC's welterweight division, but Georges St. Pierre proved him wrong, and shut his mouth. Koscheck's climb to the top will begin again when he takes on Dustin Hazelett who has four fights inside the octagon, with his most recent victory coming against Canadian Jonathan Goulet. Although Koscheck is viewed as a jackass by most fans, it's hard to deny that he's well on his way to becoming one of the most well rounded fighters in the division. He entered the UFC as a wrestler and has developed into a talented mixed martial artist. Unfortunately for Dustin Hazelett, it appears he'll be a stepping stone as Koscheck will show off his ever evolving skills.
PREDICTION- Koscheck by submission in the 2nd round.
Diego Sanchez (17-2) vs. David Bielkhedan (12-5): Diego was about a win away from a title shot, but his championship dreams were derailed with two straight loses to Josh Koscheck and John Fitch. Diego needs a win more than ever, and will hope to take out his frustrations on David Bielkhedan who will be making his octagon debut. If Sanchez can get back to his old form, Bielkhedan could end up in the hospital. If Sanchez shows another lackluster performance however, he could be looking to find a new organization to fight for.
PREDICTION- Sanchez by TKO in the 1st round.
Jon Fitch (15-2) vs. Chris Wilson (13-3): It's been well documented that Fitch has won seven fights in a row. No need to waste your time with more analysis, because he's gonna make it eight in a row, and be first in line for a welterweight title shot.
PREDICTION- Fitch by submission in the 2nd round.
Evan Tanner (32-6) vs. Yushin Okami (21-4): Tanner will step into the octagon after about a year long layoff and hope to rebuild his career against the slow paced Yushin Okami. Tanner is one of the more exciting fighters in the history of the UFC, winning the majority of his fights by knockout. Okami on the other hand has gone to a decision in four of his last six fights. The winner of this bout will be close to the front of the line for a title shot, and don't be surprised to see an upset.
PREDICTION- Tanner by TKO in the 3rd round.
Chris Leben (17-4) vs. Alessio Sakara (12-6): This one could get messy. It would be surprising to see either fighter on their back at any point during the fight as both fighters love to scrap. Leben was a lot different in his last fight, both physically and mentally. Sakara is a big middleweight, who dropped down after getting his head knocked off by Houston Alexander. Leben seems too focused and motivated to lose, but anything can happen when two aggressive strikers are in the octagon.
PREDICTION- Leben by TKO in the 1st round.
Cheick Kongo (11-3-1) vs. Heath Herring (27-13): This is a match up between two of the biggest and best strikers in the heavyweight division. Kongo (who has an incredible name for a fighter by the way) impressed everyone and shot up the heavyweight ladder with a victory over Cro Cop last September, while Herring is 1-2 in the UFC with several exciting performances. Both fighting will be coming hard, as this could turn out to be a number one contender match-up, given the lack of serious competition in the heavyweight division. Kongo has gotten better in each of his previous fights, and this one should be no different.
PREDICTION- Kongo by unanimous decision.
Dan Henderson (22-6) vs. Anderson Silva (20-4): This main event is huge, and will have major implications for the middleweight division. After five straight dominating wins since entering the UFC, Silva is arguably the best fighter in the world. No one has come close to beating him, but Dan Henderson could be the man to do it. Henderson is a former Olympic wrestler who left the Pride organization as both the middleweight and welterweight champ. He holds victories over some of the worlds best, and claims to live in the clinch, which is where Silva has done alot of damage. As dominating as Silva's been, fans are yet to see how he responds to adversity, mainly because no one's been able to gain much of an advantage against him. This one is a real toss up and should go into the late rounds.
PREDICTION- Silva by unanimous decision.
The fallout of this event will help determine some championship fights for later in the year, as well as set up some possible intriguing match ups. With victories by Koscheck and Sanchez, we could see them square off in a grudge match. Also, what will become of the middleweight division with a win by Silva? Will he continue on as the dominant force atop the division, or move up a weight class and join the UFC's most competitive division? Whatever happens this Saturday it will be lots of fun to watch. Events this loaded don't happen as often as they should in the UFC, so have a blast watching it!
-Joe Osborne
