My predictions, which will likely be shot to bits
Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie
Royce is a legend and a deserved member of the UFC hall of fame, but he will have a rude awakening if he thinks Hughes will be an easy go. They'll circle for a bit, whereupon Royce will start to work his shoots and takedowns. Matt will deny and counterstike well. He may want to stay away from his pattented slams, as Gracie could definitely turn one of those around on him. Ultimately Royce can't stand with Hughes, and Matt will be too ground savvy to fall like so many strikers have to Gracie. Matt's excellent striking will wear him down as Royce strives for ground dominance that won't be there.
Winnah: Hughes by TKO.
Vera vs. Silva
Vera is an excellent striker, but I believe Silva is tough enough to weather that and break through his stand up. I see it going to ground, although not necessarily in short order.
Winnah: Silva by submission
Diego vs. Alessio
Ooooo...tough call. Sanchez has been dominant for sure, but he and Alessio have very similar styles. TUF is done for Diego; he hasn't been resting on his haunches, but I feel this fight will lend a lot of credibility to him. I feel it could go either way; I just hope if Diego takes it, John won't whine like Nick Diaz.
Winnah: Alessio by DQ, as Diego picked up the submission, but was axed for product-plugging and generally not shutting-up on the mike during his in-ring post fight interview. I can actually see this happening...
Swick vs. Riggs
Quick Mike Swick! Sorry Joe.
Winnah: Swick by KO at negative 15 seconds into the first round; as the planet gradually catches up with Swick's punches, the recognition that Swick won the fight before it was even started will be recognized. True story
Melvin vs. Davis
Hmmmm....experience is a bit lopsided here. Are they just trying to see if Davis can actually get his fist stuck in Melvin's enormous mouth? Maybe
If not, I don't really see the method behind the madness concerning this fight. I might be surprised, but I feel Melvin's experience will come through for him here. If not, I expect a tantrum of Nick Diaz-like proportions from Buckwheat.
Winnah: Melvin by TKO, if he's careful.
The rest can fall as they will; I have no real strong opinions concerning them, but I'm looking forward to 'em nonetheless. This looks like an excellent event in the making.
