My <i>UFC 98: Evans -VS- Machida</i> Picks & Predictions

MAIN CARD:

Evans -vs- Machida (LHW Championship) - This is an interesting fight because both fighters are counter-strikers. You'll rarely see them go to the ground but if they do I give the advantage to Evans for his ground and pound skills and power. However, Machida is great for frustrating opponents and luring them in to his striking advantage. As much as I want Evans to win this and beat the hell out of a boring fighter like Machida, I just think that Evans' impatience will cost him his belt. I give the slight edge to Machida. Machida wins via Unanimous Decision.

Hughes -vs- Serra - This is the fight that I'm looking forward to tomorrow night. These two basically HATE each other. They will be looking for blood. Hughes has said that he has one last fight left in him left, perhaps a win against Serra will finally put the finishing touch to his Hall of Fame career. But do not count Serra out, he can still shock the world for the second time. Serra's advantage is his power behind his punches on the feet, and if the fight ends up in the ground he can also utilize his black belt jiu jitsu on Hughes. Serra wins via Submission in 2nd rnd.

Sherk -vs- Edgar - A lightweight match that has potential to bump each fighter into title contention with a win. Sherk is coming off a win against Joe "Daddy" Stevenson in his last fight and is looking to bounce back to get his belt back. Frankie (Edgar) however is looking to climb up the ranks and show he can bang with the big boys and may catapult him into his title shot. Both have incredible punches and wrestling background. Frankie has been training with Professor Ricardo Almeida to improve his jiu-jitsu skills so it'd be interesting to see if he puts it to use against Sherk. This fight could go all 3 rounds. Edgar wins via Unanimous Decision.

Sonnen -vs- Miller - Sonnen will make his second trip back to the UFC as he faces Jersey's own Dan Miller. Sonnen has pretty good takedown skills and will most likely like to put a hurting on Miller via ground and pound. However this will play into Miller's gameplan as he tries to submit Sonnen exposing his Sonnen's lack of submission defense. Miller wins via Submission in 2nd rnd.