Now let's move on to the rest of the card
Chris Leben ( 17 - 4 ) vs. Alessio Sakara ( 16 - 6 - 1 )
A match-up that has the potential to be one of the more exciting fights of the evening, that could end with a "big bang".
Chris Leben is one of the first fighters to achieve stardom from the Ultimate Fighting Championship's Ultimate Fighter reality show. An emotional fighter, Leben hits hard and practices often. He is typically criticized for not using all the aspects of his game, but his wild strikes can any end a fight in a flash.. just ask Terry Martin, who was knocked out cold by the hands of the Crippler at the UFC Fight Night 11.
"Legionarius" Alessio Sakara is a mediocre all rounder, mostly known for stand-up but he also possesses some experience on the ground as he used to train BJJ in Brazil. He wasn't overwhelming impressive in his last performances as he lost three of his last five fights, and didn't show the patience at the stand-up that he'll need to show against Leben.
This match-up could present a highlight-reel knockout, both, Leben and Sakara like to trade blows with their opponents, in which Sakara mostly showed some good power but a lack of technique. Leben shouldn't have too much trouble to handle this, avoid taking too much shots by Sakara and land the big hit on his own.
My Prediction: Chris Leben via T/KO, round 2
Quick Hits:
Evan Tanner ( 34 - 6 - 0 ) vs. Yushin Okami ( 22 - 4 )
After a nearly one year pause for Tanner an opponent as like Okami isn't the best way to get back on track. Will he be able to overcome the "Thunder" or is he simply "outgunned"?
My Prediction: Yushin Okami via T/KO, round 3
Jon Fitch ( 20 - 2 -1 ) vs. Chris Wilson ( 11 - 3 - 1 )
Fitch is the superior fighter and should be able to win this quick and without too many problems, against a still quite unexperienced Wilson.
My Prediction: Jon Fitch via submission, round 1
Andrei Arlovski ( 13 - 5 ) vs. Jake O'Brien ( 10 - 0 )
Even if O'Brien is undefeated till now, he'll face his first one in Arlovski, who'll leave the UFC after this fight and I'm sure he'll leave victorious.
My Prediction: Andrei Arlovski via T/KO, round 2
Luke Cummo ( 6-4 ) vs. Luigi Fioravanti ( 11-3 )
For both fighters, Cummo and Fioravanti it's a significant match-up as it's the perfect opportunity to present themselves to the fans. Cummo will most likely try to take the fight down to the ground where he's clearly the more dangerous fighter, whereas Fioravanti is looking to gain an advantage out of his better striking abilities.
My Prediction : Luke Cummo via unanimous decision
Josh Koscheck ( 11 - 2 ) vs. Dustin Hazelett ( 12 - 3 )
This is the best possible match-up for Koscheck to get back onto the winning streak, even if Hazelett is a pretty good submission fighter, "Kos" isn't too far behind, using his great wrestling skills to take Hazelett down, avoiding submissions and getting another win under his belt.
My Prediction: Josh Koscheck via unanimous decision
Diego Sanchez ( 19 - 2 ) vs. David Bielkheden ( 12 - 5 )
Well, even Bielkheden's biggest supporters have to agree that he's completely out-classed in this match-up and would've to present the best performance of his life to overcome Sanchez.
My Prediction: Diego Sanchez via T/KO, round 1
Jorge Gurgel ( 14 - 3 ) vs. John Halverson ( 16 - 5 )
Gurgel and Halverson are both mainly ground fighters whereas Halverson has an advantage at the stand-up with his solid striking-game.
My Prediction: John Halverson via submission, round 3
written by Blitz
Jeremy Williams wrote March, 3, 2008, 00:24
yes Andre WILL win.