Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson
Obviously, this fight will depend on whether or not Thompson can keep this fight standing. H has about three inches of height and six inches of reach on Hendricks and a different level of striking. Hendricks will want this fight on the ground and if he can get it there will he be able to keep it there? Ellenberger could not keep it there, but Hendricks is a better wrestler. Plus, Hendricks cardio if it goes late int he round will be called into question. Still, Hendricks should win this fight, but i have a feeling Thompson will pull off the upset.
Roy Nelson vs. Jared Rosholt
Nelson has been on a slide as of late, but only winning one fight in his last seven. Now, he faces someone you would assume is underneath him in terms of competition but may not be at this point. Rosholt’s only chance of winning is a smothering ground game, but we sometimes forget that Nelson is a high level grappler. He should have the standup game winning as well, but could fall to worse cardio if the fight goes all three rounds. H has looked a little slimmed down and has been working with King mo recently. i believe Nelson picks up a win here by TKO int he second round.
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Rafael Cavalcante
Both of these fighters at one time showed a lot of promise but have had some hiccups in their career so far. Cavalcante has only won one fight so far in his UFC career and that was against the light regarded Igor Pokrajac. OSP seemed to be a lock for potential title contender but a stoppage loss to Glover Teixeira and decision loss to Ran Bader have stalled that momentum. Still his wrestling, punching power and athletic ability should lead him to a win over over Cavalcante by TKO in the third.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky
Makovsky showed a lot of skill in his close fight with John Dodson. Still it will be wrestling skill, ground game and striking matched up with Benavidez will not be an easy fight for the former Bellator champion. Benavidez should and will win this fight due to just being the higher level fighter by decision.
Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer
Pyle has always been a fun fighter to watch fight, but he is very close to losing his job after going 1-3 in his last four fights. Tow of those losses came int he first round, and at 40 years old, his time in this sport may be short lived. Spencer has fallen on rough times as well going 1-2 in his last three fights, but he is not nearly as dynamic as Pyle having not finished a fight in nearly four years. In Pyle’s last fight was a loss which by decision came against an undefeated fighter. Pyle’s ability to finish will bring him to a submission win in the first round over Spencer.
Josh Burkman vs. KJ Noons
Burkman in dropping to 155 after a rough restart to his UFC career after having a good run in WSOF. Three losses in a row, despite one being overturned, prompted the drop in weight. Noons jump up in weight was unsuccessful as he was submitted in the first round but returns to the division where he is currently on a two fight win streak. If Burkman can get the fight to the ground, Noons will have a hard time with it, but if it stays standing this fight will most likely lean toward Noons. It is pretty much a close fight, but based on Noons’ performances at 155 I lean toward him being the victor in this bout.