I’m going to try to make a consistent effort to “predict” the major UFC events for more own entertainment.

This card looks ridiculously straightforward, but I may be missing something.  Like most good journalists, I’m not going to do any research whatsoever and wing it.

B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez

The main event for the lightweight belt is a crazy matchup.

Penn is so well-rounded and impressive in every skill.

Sanchez is a machine.  His losses are decisions to top-tier guys.

They are both absolutely insane.

Penn’s cardio is always mentioned as a possible flaw in his game.  If that’s the case in a 5 round fight versus a guy who has never been stopped, I’d be surprised.  No way his cardio isn’t way up there for this one.

I’m a homer.  I like BJ Penn.  I fully expect his post fight interview to go something like this:

Joe Rogan: “BJ, awesome performance.  Check out the Mickey’s ultimate replay screen and talk us through the end of the fight…”.

BJ Penn: “I love you god.  I love you fans.  Go to BJPenn.com [Penn jogs out of the cage]”

Penn by decision 48-47

Frank Mir  vs. Cheick Kongo

This seems like the worst matchup in UFC history.  Is there anyone in the world who thinks Kongo can beat Frank Mir?

Mir might box with him.  He might be a better boxer than he is, too. But, on the feet is Cheick’s only hope.

I see ligament damage in the near future.

Mir by submission, round 1

Kenny Florian  vs. Clay Guida

Clay Guida is a tough guy with a high motor.  He gave Diego Sanchez a run in a really interesting fight on Spike.

Florian is on a different level.

It is going to take extra damage to convince Guida to quit, but Florian’s elbows will do the trick.

Florian by TKO round 3

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce

I’m 100% convinced that GSP is the only person who dominates Fitch at 170.

Pierce is kind of an unknown to me, but looking at his fight history tells me he doesn’t have Fitch’s experience.  He is also a wrestler, but I don’t think he has the edge there over Fitch.

Dominating Decision for Fitch.

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan Struve

Welcome back Buentello.  I don’t know if Paul can reach 6’11″ Struve’s face.

I have no idea in this fight, so it’s probably a lock.

Buentello by TKO Round 1

Here is the fast-forward through the rest of the card.

Alan Belcher vs. Wilson Gouveia

Shane Nelson vs. Matt Wiman

Johny Hendricks vs. Ricardo Funch

Rousimar Palhares vs. Lucio Linhares

Damarques Johnson vs. Edgar Garcia

Kevin Burns vs. T.J. Grant

Uneducated, random bolding of names.  That’s how the UFC puts their undercard together, so why not.