Minotauro Nogueira (32-5-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (7-0-0):
The winner of this one is next in line for a title shot at heavyweight and it should be a good one. Cain is so explosive and aggressive. He will be tough to deal with. Nog may be the toughest mofo to ever step foot in the cage. He’s incredibly hard to finish, however, Frank Mir recently did it via TKO. I’m wondering if youth and athleticism may pass up experience and grit here. Nog has the advantage in the submission category, but Cain will be incredibly tough to submit. Cain by TKO in the 2nd. Brown Pride reigns supreme (see Cain’s tat on his chest).
Wanderlei Silva
vs. Michael Bisping:
This is a very dangerous fight for Bisping. He was recently ktfo by Dan Henderson who’s a somewhat unorthodox power-puncher. Well, bad news for Bisping: Wandy is about as unorthodox as they come. I think Bisping is a raw cat and a good fighter. I also think that Wandy is on his downhill slide. He still has a few good ones left in him, though. Wandy will knock Bisping from Australia back to England and Bisping’s career will be in serious jepordy. Wandy by KO in the 2nd.
Mirko Cro Cop
vs. Ben “Big Dick” Rothwell:
Rothwell is a huge, surprisingly athletic fighter. He moves well and has a good skill set. He was destroyed in his last fight with Cain Velasquez, but don’t write him off. Cro Cop has been less than stellar since his arrival in the UFC, sporting a 2-3 record, but he has undeniable power and striking ability. If Ben has a prayer, he will need this fight on the ground quickly, which can be done. Cro Cop generally has good take down defense, but I’m not sure he’s entirely comfortable with the cage yet. I still pick Cro Cop by 1st round KO via strikes on the ground.
