Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson
This is a rematch from 2006 where both fighters were in different places. Henderson was one of the best in the world, and Belfort was struggling to secure his spot in the sport. A lot of people never thought his time would be over. If this fight took place a year or two ago, it might have a lot different predictions. The bottom line is the H-Bomb has not been seen in some time, but the knockout power of Belfort has not gone anywhere. Still, the truth is that Belfort is a middleweight now, and Henderson has competed with the best at 205 and not gone anywhere. No one has ever knocked out Henderson, but a lot of people wonder if Belfort may be the one? Belfort needs a knockout in the fight, because if it gets to the third round then Henderson will take it over. Look for Belfort to give the former Strikeforce champion trouble early, but for Belfort to fade in the later going and get TKO’d.
Rafael Cavalcante vs. Igor Pokrajac
Cavalcante seems to be a shell of his former self. He essentially quit in the fight against Thiago Silva, and that is something that Pokrajac has never done. Win or lose Pokrajac is there until the bitter end. Cavalcante will not be able to knockout pokrajac quick, and that is what will cause him to lose before the second round bell ends. Pokrajac takes out Cavalcante in the second for his first win in three fights.
Paulo Thiago vs. Brandon Thatch
Thiago was thought to be a real world beater when he first entered the UFC, but it took a fight against a tough fighter to show that he had a lot to improve. Now, Thiago looks to be the veteran int he sport playing the tough test for up and comer Brandon Thatch. While Thatch has some huge knockouts in his career no one has been nearly as tough as Thiago. Plus, he has never fought a good wrestler. That is going to be the difference in this fight. Thiago will be relentless with his pressure and ground control which will tire Thatch out, and he will win a decision which will only make Thatch that much better in the future.
Rony Jason vs. Jeremy Stephens
Jason is a tough fighter, but no one beats Stephens in the toughness department. Despite only being 27 years old, Stephens has fought a whose who of the lightweight division. Stephens has the wrestling, the submission skills, and the knockout power to beat anyone as long as he puts it all together. Jason may have the ability to submit most fighters he fights, but he has to get it to the ground to accomplish that feat, and it will not happen in this fight. Stephens by decision victory.