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Main Event
Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Prediction: Cain by decision
I believe that in this fight that wrestling has now become the number one aspect to have in MMA now. Cain should take Big Nog down and be able to control him and be able to stay out of trouble because of his size. Velasquez can keep the fight on the feet if he wants to because his striking is good enough to be effective against Nogueira. The only problem he has to watch out for in this fight is not keeping a strong base leaving space for Nogueira to work his black belt Jiu-Jitsu. Therefore, don't rush Nogueira when you knock him down because BIG Nog falls to get you to drop your guard and leave space for him to work. Still I believe Cain's top control should allow him to win a decision.
Co-Main Event
Wanderei Silva vs. Michael Bisping
Prediction: 1st round KO Winner Wanderei Silva
I believe this fight is similar to the Denis Kang fight except for Silva has the best finishing instinct in all of MMA. When Bisping goes down in this fight don't expect him to be able to get up like in the Kang fight. Bisping has poor footwork and won't be able to avoid Wanderei's superior striking. Bisping has no power and shown in the Henderson fight where Dan dipped his head down and closed his eyes knowing that Bisping can't hurt him. Look for Silva to get inside and fire away at Bisping and knock him out early.
Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropoulos
Prediction: Stevenson by decision
Sotiropoulos has look good in his fights lately, but he will struggle will the size of Stevenson. Sotiropoulos has be able to get a winning streak going due to great wrestling and a great ground game to match. Stevenson has been able to get a winning streak going much the same way as Sotiropoulos, but preferring to ground and pound than get submissions. Everything aspect besides jiu-jitsu Stevenson is far superior than Sotiropoulos and Stevenson has enough jiu-jitsu to not get caught. Stevenson could even keep the fight on the feet and use his striking to win a decision, but I think he takes George down and stays on top to gain a decision.
Keith Jardine vs. Ryan Bader
Prediction: Bader by decision
This is the toughest fight to call on the card. This is Bader's 1st real top flight opponent since winning the ultimate fighter. Bader struggled on the feet with Eric Schafer in his last fight. Bader's striking is to load up for one punch blast and his combinations never really look smooth. Bader has to get the fight to the ground which I believe he can do fairly easily, but can he keep Jardine on his back. Rampage took Jardine down with ease, but could not hold Jardine down. Bader has a strong top game and should control Jardine more on the ground. If Bader does not try to strike with Jardine he should ink out a decision
Mirko Cro-Cop vs. Ben Rothwell
Prediction: Cro-Cop by decision
I believe that this fight goes much like the Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell fight where Arlovski battered Rothwell until the fight was stopped. I believe Rothwell can not keep up with the top strikers in the world. Cro-Cop will not be timid like in the Dos Santos fight and Mirko will get his kicks and punches off and punish Rothwell, but Ben will be able to survive enough to not get knocked out. Cro-Cop should keep the fight standing and punish Rothwell in a decision win.
Betting Card
Jardine has a good chance if he can avoid takedowns and as underdog I would throw money down on Jardine to win.
Dolloway is also an underdog to place a small bet I believe he can take Goran down and ink out a decision.
My recommendation: Parlay
Lytle, Silva, Stevenson, Soszynski
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