UFC 121 Predictions

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UFC 121 is live tonight on pay-per-view and has one of the best fight cards in recent memory.  Let’s get to my predictions:

  • Patrick Cote vs. Tom Lawlor

This should be an exciting, close fight.  I’m a Cote fan, but Lawler is no pushover.  Lawler needs to get this to the ground where he would most likely have the advantage.  That advantage coupled with the fact that Cote has only fought three times in two years makes Lawlor a tempting pick.  But, as I said, I’m a Cote fan.
My prediction: Cote for the win.

  • Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub My guess is this one will end early.  Either man has the ability to do the job.  If you think experience is the key, then Gonzaga is the fighter to pick.

My prediction: Gonzaga by TKO.

  • Paulo Thiago vs. Diego Sanchez

This should be another exciting fight.  At one point Diego was my favorite fighter, and although Frank Mir has moved into my top spot, Diego not too far behind.  Thiago is a slight favorite.  I think that they’re pretty equally matched, but the smart money will be on Thiago.  Since I’m not betting, it makes my decision pretty easy.
My prediction: Diego by decision.

  • Matt Hamill vs. Tito Ortiz

Another interesting fight.  Despite the fact [as MMA Fighting points out] that “that the last time he [Ortiz] finished someone not named Ken Shamrock was in 2001,” many folks think that he’ll beat Hamill.  I don’t see how.  Hamill can wrestle and should be able to stuff any of Ortiz’s takedowns.  Hamill is stronger than Ortiz.  He’s younger than Ortiz.  Of course Hamill is coming off of a brutal loss to Bones Jones and that may play mind games with him for this first fight back.
My prediction: Hamill by decision.

  • Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampman

This is Jake Shields’ first fight since his dramatic upset of Dan Henderson.  Shields’ game plan will be to dominate via ground and pound.  Kampman will want this to be a standup war.  I think at some point the fight will go to the ground and Shields will do enough to win.
My prediction: Shields via decision.

  • Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez

The fight that will get everyone to tune in.  And it should be an exciting one.  Lesnar is a beast.  He improves with every fight.  Cain is undefeated with punching power, wrestling ability and stamina.  But will all those attributes be enough to stop Lesnar?  We saw the chink in Lesnar’s armor when he fought Carwin.  Of course Lesnar saw it too.  Has he had enough time to shore up his boxing defense?  We’ll find out tonight.
My prediction: Velasquez via TKO.

This should be the best card in recent memory.  Every fight has the potential to be “fight of the night.” I’ll post the results tomorrow.