195 lbs Catchweight - Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva

This matchup offers an intriguing back-story for both men. Franklin is on his way up to light-heavyweight while Wanderlei is moving down to middleweight and both are meeting at 195 en route to their new division homes. This fight is critical for both, as they are looking to re-establish themselves as contenders to make a run at their respective division titles. For Wanderlei Silva, a KO loss would be his fourth in his last five fights, so he has added motivation there to not follow the path of Chuck Liddell and risk a demand for retirement.

Meanwhile, Rich Franklin is looking to wipe the taste of defeat from his mind after losing a close decision to former champion Dan Henderson.

My Prediction: This bout offers such a contrast in styles. Rich Franklin has always been a disciplined fighter. He has strong technical striking skills and fights in a southpaw stance, which can be difficult for fighters to adjust to. Wanderlei Silva is the most violent fighter in MMA and throws every strike with the intentional to put down his opponent. To me, this is really a toss-up fight, but I will pick Wanderlei on the basis that he has more at risk for this fight. Franklin’s loss to Anderson Silva via those crushing knees back at UFC 77 doesn’t help his case either. Wanderlei Silva by KO in the 1st round.

Heavyweight - Cheick Kongo vs. Cain Velasquez

With respect to current champ Brock Lesnar, AKA product Cain Velasquez is being billed as “the next big thing” in the UFC Heavyweight division. Boasting a record of 5-0, the Mexican fighter has already been labeled by some of his trainers as the best MMA fighter in a camp that includes John Fitch, Josh Koscheck, and many others. His opponent, Cheick Kongo, is no slouch himself with a record of 14-4-1 and 3 wins in a row via TKO.

My Prediction: In yet another contrast in styles, Kongo will look to keep the fight standing and use his vaunted striking skills to put Cain down. On the other hand, Velasquez, a former ASU wrestler, should look to take this fight to the ground and pound out Kongo there. The result of this fight depends on who will be able to dictate where this fight takes place. I think that man will be Cain Velaquez, who should win this fight the same way he’s won the rest of them, TKO via punches on the ground.