UFC 156 main card predictions and breakdown

MMALivesHere

1) Joseph Benavidez vs Ian McCall – Benavidez (16-3) and McCall (11-3) will both be looking to get back into title contention here. McCall has lost twice in the last five years – to Dominick Cruz in the WEC and Demetrious Johnson in the UFC – the only two fighters to beat Benavidez. This should be a great contest between two well-rounded flyweights, but I see Benavidez out-working “Uncle Creepy” over three rounds. Benavidez UD

2) Jon Fitch vs Demian Maia – One of five brilliant fights on this stacked main card. Unless we see Fitch (24-4) and Maia (17-4) stay away from each other’s ground game and kickbox, this could be one of the all-time ground wars. Fitch has developed some of the sport’s best wrestling, while fourth degree BJJ black belt Maia is a bonafide beast off his back. Fitch hasn’t been submitted since his first fight in 2002, but I think that changes at UFC 156. Maia SUB 2

3) Rashad Evans vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira – Rashad Evans (17-2) is one of the best light heavyweights on the planet. His combination of strong wrestling, heavy strikes and razor-sharp level changes led him to the light heavyweight title in 2008. But he’s got his work cut out for him against the criminally underrated Antonio Nogueira (20-5). Not only is “Lil Nog” a former South American boxing champion, he’s also the highest level BJJ black belt Evans has faced. Nogueira could finish the fight on the ground or standing, but I’m picking Rashad in a 15-minute feast of MMA. Evans UD

4) Alistair Overeem vs Antonio Silva – The returning Overeem (36-11) will look to make a statement against “Bigfoot” (17-4) with a first-round finish. Overeem has just been granted his license by the NSAC, ending a nine-month suspension for testing positive before UFC 146. He’ll go into this bout as a warm favourite, knowing a win over Silva could catapult him into a title fight against Cain Velasquez. Silva is a dangerous prospect, but I think Overeem books himself a shot at the belt. Overeem TKO 2

5) Jose Aldo (c) vs Frankie Edgar (FW title) – Frankie Edgar (14-3) has been given a huge opportunity to win the belt in his first fight at featherweight. “The Answer,” a former UFC lightweight champion, is one of the sport’s busiest fighters, constantly moving and changing angles. He has deceptive strength for his size, as illustrated by his emphatic take downs against Gray Maynard. But standing in his way is a 26-year-old Brazilian wrecking machine. Apparently, Jose Aldo (21-1) has a nasty ground game, but you wouldn’t know it because he hasn’t needed it. His kickboxing is some of the best in the sport, his knees are devastating and his takedown defense is about as good as it gets. Aldo will nullify Edgar’s wrestling and outstrike him in the fight of the night. Aldo TKO 4

Knockout of the Night: Yves Edwards
Submission of the Night: Demian Maia
Fight of the Night: Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar


www.mmaliveshere.com

NewGuy2000

Many people are not giving enough credit to Silva. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with...People forget this guy has a great and methodical stand up - maybe not with the same power as Overeem but similar tactical standup game. If Big Foot survives the first round, any edge Overeem may have had coming into this fight will have gone out the window by the time the second round comes around. With that being said, I predict a late stoppage win for Silva.

On a side note - I have no idea why "the so called heir to the throne" is fighting Silva. Silva lost 2 of his last 3. Surely Overeem deserves a more notable fighter than Silva. This fight does not make sense to me.

NewGuy2000

Imo, it should be Hunt or Struve. These two are due for a title shot.

zaksame

I see 4 of those 5 fights being great but Rashad versus Nog?Geesus i have Nog as barely a gatekeeper,how does Rashad who recently was deemed as a title contender drop that low in competition?I have really no inrterest in that fight,it will be my refrigerator break or NHL surfing time.

NewGuy2000

NewGuy2000 said:

Many people are not giving enough credit to Silva. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with...People forget this guy has a great and methodical stand up - maybe not with the same power as Overeem but similar tactical standup game. If Big Foot survives the first round, any edge Overeem may have had coming into this fight will have gone out the window by the time the second round comes around. With that being said, I predict a late stoppage win for Silva.

On a side note - I have no idea why "the so called heir to the throne" is fighting Silva. Silva lost 2 of his last 3. Surely Overeem deserves a more notable fighter than Silva. This fight does not make sense to me.

lol - someone tagged me a troll for saying this^^^.

What up, bro???