MMA HQ - Mixed Martial Arts News and Analysis

Just two weeks removed from UFC 84, the UFC returns to England for this Saturday’s UFC 85: Bedlam event. The UFC 85 fight card has undergone more changes than an Elton John concert. Originally, the event was scheduled to be headlined by a Chuck Liddell vs Mauricio Rua fight which turned into a Liddell vs Rashad Evans fight which ultimately gave way to the current Matt Hughes vs Thiago Alves headliner. The UFC has loaded the fight card with 11 fights, most of them solid, but none of them outstanding. Let’s take a look at the fight card now.

Matt Hughes vs Thiago Alves - In my mind, this main event fight is one of the more interesting fights we have seen in the UFC in a while. We all are familiar with Matt Hughes’ career and his credentials. Hughes enjoyed a nearly 3 year run as UFC welterweight champion dominating the best fighters in the world along the way. In recent fights, Hughes’ definitely seems to have slowed however, nearly losing to BJ Penn at UFC 63 and then losing to current UFC champ Georges St. Pierre twice.

Thiago Alves has been a rising star in the UFC since losing his debut against Spencer Fisher at UFC Fight Night 2 in 2005. Alves has won 8 times since then and only lost once to current #1 contender Jon Fitch. Alves is an energy machine and has explosive, overwhelming striking.

My guess is that Matt Hughes is already looking well past this fight against Alves to his upcoming fight with Matt Serra. As much as he claims his heart is still in fighting, it’s evident that is not the case and Hughes even admitted as much after his last loss to GSP. Alves will attack Hughes with much the same energy that St. Pierre did and I think we will see a second or third round KO of the former champ. Winner: Thiago Alves

Marcus Davis vs Mike Swick - Marcus Davis has been on an absolute tear lately and seems to be the UFC’s European poster-boy. Davis’ last three fights have all been overseas and all three fights ended in first round victories for the “Irish Hand Grenage.” Mike Swick is making his second appearance at welterweight after defeating Josh Burkman in a boring, close fight at UFC Fight Night 12. It will be interesting to see how Swick looks this time around and if he can regain any of that power and quickness he possessed while fighting at middleweight. My guess is that Swick will struggle just the same and Davis will be able to overpower him both on the feet and on the ground. Swick will have the reach advantage which could play a big role if he uses it wisely, but I see a second round KO for Davis in the cards. Winner: Marcus Davis

Michael Bisping vs Jason Day - Unlike Mike Swick, Michael Bisping looked excellent in his debut at a lighter weightclass when he defeated Charles McCarthy at UFC 83. Granted he was fighting Charles McCarthy, but Bisping looked extremely sharp and light on his feet at 185 lbs. Bisping’s strength continues to be his standup game and if he can keep the fight standing he is at a huge advantage. Jason Day is not a fighter to be taken lightly. Day made his debut at UFC 83 with a victory over Alan Belcher and will be looking to make a huge statement against Bisping. Day most likely holds the edge in grappling and submission, but I don’t think he will get to spend much time working on the ground. If “Dooms” Day’s defense is not sharp, it could be an early first round exit for him against Bisping. Winner: Michael Bisping

Nathan Marquardt vs Thales Leites - Nate Marquardt is another one of those fighters who has put in the time but never seems to get over the hump. A long time King of Pancrase, Marquardt was stymied in his attempt at the UFC middleweight title when he lost to Anderson Silva at UFC 73. Don’t let that loss cloud your view of Marquardt though, Nate “the Great” is a top-level middleweight and has the edge in experience and physical strength. Since losing his UFC debut to Martin Kampmann at the TUF 4 finale, Thales Leites has won three straight to improve his record to 12-1. Leites does have the big edge in the submission game and that could be where he gains the upper hand against Marquardt. I think Marquardt has good enought standup skills and takedown defense that he should be able to keep most of Leites ground attempts at bay. Look for Nate to score a decision victory or late third round KO. Winner: Nathan Marquardt

Fabricio Werdum vs Brandon Vera - I expect this to be a very fast paced fight. I know judging by Werdum’s last few fights, you might not think so, but I just have a feeling. Brandon Vera knows how good of a fighter Fabricio Werdum is and will come well-prepared. I expect Vera to try and keep the fight standing and test Werdum’s sloppy striking. Don’t underestimate Vera’s striking and clinch game for a second as he has both the speed and power needed to KO an opponent. I give the advantage to Werdum on the ground, of course, but Vera is skilled enough to hold his own there. I just think Werdum is going to continue to try to use his standup game as he did against Andre Arlovski and Gabriel Gonzaga and I don’t see it ending in a victory for him. Winner: Brandon Vera

Jorge Rivera vs Martin Kampmann - Winner: Martin Kampmann
Matt Wiman vs Thiago Tavares - Winner: Thiago Tavares
Roan Carneiro vs Kevin Burns - Winner: Roan Carneiro
Luiz Cane vs Jason Lambert - Winner: Jason Lambert
Paul Taylor vs Jess Liaudin - Winner: Paul Taylor
Antoni Hardonk vs Eddie Sanchez - Winner: Eddie Sanchez