MMA HQ - Mixed Martial Arts News and Analysis

After my success with my Ultimate Fighter 3 finale predictions (I went 8-1), I hope I can be as accurate again for this Wednesday’s Ultimate Fight Night event. The UFC is really putting out these shows rapid-fire lately with the TUF 3 finale, this Ultimate Fight Night 5, and UFC 61 next Saturday; three different events in two weeks. The “cast” of the next season of The Ultimate Fighter is also expected to be announced during tomorrow nights Ultimate Fight Night. Now, on to the predictions…

Main Card

Chris Leben vs Anderson Silva - I hope that I am not the only one extremely excited to finally see Anderson Silva in the UFC. When Silva comes prepared to fight, he is close to unbeatable. Silva is one of the few Middleweights that could truly challenge Rich Franklin for his belt. Chris Leben is also turning out to be a very good fighter, and has won his last 6 fights. Leben, however, has not fought anyone with the talents of Anderson Silva. This fight will be a real proving ground for Leben and we’ll see what kind of middleweight he will be after this fight. Winner: Anderson Silva

Stephan Bonnar vs Rashad EvansRashad Evans brings his undefeated 7-0 record into this fight with Stephan Bonnar. Evans most recent fight was a split decision victory of Sam Hogar at the last UFN. Stephan Bonnar has won his last three fights including a unamimous over Hogar as well. Bonnar’s last fight was a very controversial decision over Keith Jardine. I personally am not impressed with either of these fighters. Neither of them are flashy and I don’t feel that either fighter has what it takes to be a champion in the UFC. Does Rashad Evans have the heavy hands he claims too? Is Stephan more than a B-level fighter? Winner: Stephan Bonnar

Jonathan Goulet vs Luke Cummo Jonathan Goulet is a well-rounded fighter who has won 11 out of his last 12 fights. Luke Cummo is a not very well-rounded figher who’s most notable win is against Jason Von Flue (which doesn’t say much). I think Joe Silva thinks that these two will stand and slug it out for an entertaining fight. We can only hope so, because this fight looks like it could be boring. Winner: Jonathan Goulet

Mark Hominick vs Jorge Gurgel We finally get to see Jorge Gurgel in the octogon and if he will live up to his “talent” and “promise.” Mark Homick is a very strong lightweight with a recent victory over Yves Edwards. This could be another very exciting fight to watch. Winner: Mark Hominick

Undercard

Dave Menne vs Josh Koscheck Dave Menne is a former UFC champion with a lot of fight experience under his belt, and some wins over big name MMA fighters; however, he hasn’t won a fight against anyone decent in several years. Josh Koscheck is an up-and-coming UFC fighter with a sole loss against Drew Fickett. Winner: Josh Koscheck

Branden Lee Hinkle vs Jason Lambert Jason Lambert has won 12 of his last 13 fights against some pretty good competition. Branden Lee Hinkle has never beaten any pretty good competition. Winner: Jason Lambert

Jon Fitch vs Thiago Alves This is one of the few fights on this card that I am really looking forward to seeing; hopefully, it will be shown on the televised broadcast. Both of these fighters are fast-paced guys and there could be some great fireworks in this one. I think Alves is really starting to find his place in MMA and I look for him to continue his progress against Fitch. Winner: Thiago Alves

Rob MacDonald vs Kristian Rothaermel Why is Kristian Rothaermel fighting in the UFC at all. What has he done to deserve being on any UFC card? Winner: Rob MacDonald

Justin Levens vs Jorge Santiago Look for Justin Levens to get back in the win column after two tough losses against Scott Smith and Evan Tanner. Jorge Santiago makes his UFC debut and tries to prevent Levens from gaining that win. Winner: Justin Levens