UFC 118 predictions

 Lightweight Championship bout: Frankie Edgar (c) vs.  B.J. Penn

Winner: B.J. Penn by decision

The only thing harder than winning a championship is defending the championship and I am going with B.J. getting his belt back.  I also think this fight will go the distance and last all five rounds.

Heavyweight bout:  Randy Couture vs.  James Toney

Winner:  Randy Couture by decision

How well can a boxer do in MMA?  For the last few years, there have been pro wrestlers have ventured into mixed martial arts and they have seemed to adapt well, due to the similarities between the two. 

However, I am taking Couture’s experience over Toney’s power.  It does not mean Toney can’t win.  If he can get the knock out, the fight will be his.  However, I expect this one will go the distance.

Middleweight bout: Demian Maia vs.  Mario Miranda

Winner: Demian Maia by submission

Coming off of a loss against Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva back in April, Maia is looking for not only redeem himself, but also get back into the middleweight title picture. 

He also has an extensive background in grappling, which will give him the advantage if he can get Miranda on his back.  This fight will end early by submission.

Lightweight bout: Kenny Florian vs.  Gray Maynard

Winner: Gray Maynard by knock out

In a bout to determine the number one contender for the UFC Lightweight championship, one of the UFC’s best submission fighters will face an up and comer who is undefeated. 

Although Maynard has won the majority of his fights by decision, this will be his first win by knock out.  Maynard also has a win over current champ Frankie Edgar, which may give him an edge in their up and coming bout.

Welterweight bout:  Nate Diaz vs. Marcus Davis

Winner: Nate Diaz by decision

Both Diaz and Davis have backgrounds in Jiu-Jitsu, Diaz being apart of the famous Gracie camp while Davis is from a gym that is based out of Boston. 

Although I want to root for a fellow Irishman, I am going with Diaz on this one. 

Preliminary Bouts

Lightweight bout:  Joe Lauzon vs.  Gabe Ruediger

Winner: Gabe Ruediger by submission

Ruediger is making his UFC debut on this card and is expected to make quite an impact.  The majority of his wins have been by submission, especially by guillotine or rear naked choke. 

Lightweight bout: Andre Winner vs.  Nik Lentz

Winner: Nik Lentz by knock out

Although Winner was a runner up on the season nine of the Ultimate Fighter, Lentz has more wins on his record and he has won eight of his last ten fights (the other two being resulting in draws). 

This may sound like a shot in the dark, but I think this bout will be finished within the first round.

Middleweight bout: Dan Miller vs. John Salter

Winner: Dan Miller by decision

This is going to be the upset of the night and I say that because Miller is already coming off of a three fight losing streak.  He also has more professional fights than Salter.

Welterweight bout:  Nick Osipczak vs.  Greg Soto

Winner: Soto by knock out

Both men have one loss and both losses were results of decision, yet Soto has doing much to prepare for this fight, including speaking with Osipczak’s past opponents and focusing on strategy.  If anything Soto will have a mental edge coming into this bout and this edge could help attain victory.

Welterweight bout:  Mike Pierce vs. Amilcar Alves

Winner: Amilcar Alves by decision

Alves is not only making his UFC debut but he is also coming into the fight with a seven fight winning streak.  He is also making his debut in the United States and this win could quickly set him on the path towards a Welterweight title shot.