By
James LaCourseChris Wilson Vs. John Fitch:
Considering Fitch's last fight was a huge win over Diego Sanchez, one has to wonder why the UFC would have him fight a relative unknown in his first UFC fight. Wilson trains out of Team Quest, and has wins in the IFL and Bodog fight, so he no slouch. But Fitch looked unstoppable against a top ranked opponent in Diego Sanchez, and look for him to pick up another win tonight.
Fitch via decision
Yushin Okami Vs. Evan Tanner
Evan Tanner hasn't fought in nearly 2 years. Okami, on the other hand, has been very active, having fought 10 times since January of 2006. And with those 10 fights came 8 victories over tough opponents such as Jason Macdonald, Mike Swick, and Rory Singer. Were this fight to happen a few years ago Tanner would be the favourite, but Okami is going to be a tough comeback fight for him. Look for Okami to end up on top early and control Tanner for most of the fight. But Tanner loves his traingles, so I wouldn't quite bet my life savings on him.
Okami via decision
Alessio Sakara Vs. Chris Leben
This is the toughest fight to call, for me anyway. You've got 2 tough strikers who have had mixed results in their past few fights. Sakara is 3-3 in the UFC and Leben only has 2 wins in his last 5 fights. I would give Sakara the edge in speed, and Leben the better chin. If Sakara trys to swarm Leben like he likes to do, Leben may get the knockout punch he has ended many fights with.
Leben via TKO
Heath Herring Vs. Cheick Kongo
Considering Kongo is coming off the huge win over Cro Cop, and Herring is coming off a convincing loss to Noguera, on paper Kongo may be the favourite. But unless Kongo spent the last 3 months in an intensive wrestling camp, his takedown defense probably won't be able to keep Herring off him. If Herring plays it smart he will shoot in quick and end up on top where he can control Kongo and grind out a win.
Herring via decision
Anderson Silva Vs. Dan Henderson
The title fight some are billing “Pride vs UFC champions”(never mind the fact that both fought in Pride before coming to the UFC...)is another tough one to call. On the one hand you got Silva with an iron jaw, devastating strikes, and a black belt in bjj. On the other hand you got the Henderson's strong chin, world class wrestling ability, and a devastating right hand. But the Lutter-Silva fight showed Silva's weakness against a good takedown. Franklin, Lutter, and Marquardt were all able to do it, although to be fair Silva still was able to beat each of them. But Henderson is without a doubt the best wrestler of all of them, and should have no difficulty taking down Silva and keeping his vicious strikes at bay. As long as he is able to avoid Silva's sub attempts Dan should be able to take this one. If he doesn't, that begs the question: who is left is the UFC's 185 lb division for him to face? Okami? Cote? Either way I think Dan will pull it off and hopefully make a home in the 185 lb division, where he belongs.
UNDERCARD:
Jake O'Brien Vs. Andrei Arlovski: Arlovski via TKO
Dustin Hazelett Vs. Josh Koscheck: Koscheck via decision
David Bielkheden Vs. Diego Sanchez: Sanchez via decision
John Halverson Vs. Jorge Gurgel: Gurgel via submission