UFC 112 Predictions

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UFC 112 takes place later this afternoon live from the Concert Arena in Ferrari World on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.  There are four fights that interest me and here are my predictions:

  • Mark “The Philippine Wrecking Machine” Munoz (7-1) vs. Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (11-6). Munoz is coming in to this fight with a 3 win streak.  Munoz has the better stand-up and wrestling skills.  Grove, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, has a six inch height advantage and better bjj skills.  The question becomes will Grove be able to use his reach advantage to prevent takedowns?  If taken down will he be able to submit Munoz?  I think not.

Prediction: “The Philippine Wrecking Machine” wrecks “Da Spyder.”  Munoz win by TKO.

  • Matt Hughes (43-7) vs. Renzo Gracie (13-6-1)
    Hughes     will have the wrestling, strength and experience advantage.  He’ll also be the crowd favorite.  While it’s true that Hughes is no longer as young as he once was, he won’t have to be.  Gracie is 43 years old, hasn’t had an MMA fight in three years and in the five years before that had won only once while losing six times.

Prediction: Hughes win via unanimous decision.

  • BJ “The Prodigy” Penn (15-5-1) vs. Frankie “The Answer” Edgar (11-1)
    Edgar     is a tough kid with a great record.  He’s a small lightweight, but that hasn’t stopped him from imposing his will in previous fights.  Of course in previous fights, he wasn’t facing “The Prodigy.”  Edgar’s greatest strength, besides his toughness, is his wrestling.  Unfortunately for him, Penn’s takedown defense is legendary.  Penn has not lost a fight at this weight class in eight years and he’s faced the best in the division.

Prediction: “The Prodigy” knows “The Answer” to defeating Edgar.  Penn win via submission.

  • Anderson “The Spider” Silva (25-4) vs. Demian Maia (12-1)
    If Maia can get Silva to the ground things could interesting.  I just don’t see that happening.  Silva is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and although Maia is world class, as in Highlander, there can only be one, and that, at least right now, is Anderson Silva.

Prediction: Silva wins by KO.

We’ll know the results later today.  They’ll be posted here tonight or tomorrow.