Fightin' Words

By Joe Fernandez

Ok...let's talk fight predictions for tonight's UFC Fight Night on SpikeTV.

Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon (Light-heavyweight)

Prediction: Tonight's main event will feature two strong wrestlers, a perfect time for both of them to improve their stand-up games. I have a feeling when they get tired though, this one ends up on the ground. Evans, undefeated in and out of the UFC, grinds out his fourth decision in his last five fights.

Heath Herring vs. Jake O'Brien (Heavyweight)

Prediction: Someone's getting knocked out. I don't see this one going three. O'Brien has looked impressive over his first two fights in the UFC (both wins). Herring has more experience and has fought in Japan for the past couple of years. I say O'Brien gets tired, drops his hands and Herring wins by KO/TKO in the second.

Hermes Franca vs. Spencer Fisher (Lightweight)

Prediction: Ok...this is my fight of the night. I think this one will be a classic. Fisher had maybe one of the coolest knockout wins I've ever seen, it came against Matt Wiman at UFC 60 (Ok, maybe my favorite because I was lucky enough to be Octagonside in L.A. watching Fisher land this tremendous flying knee). But Franca, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu had a great comeback win against Jamie Varner at UFC 62. I say Fisher dominates for most of the match, then Franca somehow finds an arm from his back and submits Fisher late in the third for another comeback win.

Dean Lister vs. Nate Marquardt (Middleweight)

Prediction: Another great matchup for you Brazilian jiu-jitsu fans out there. Two black belts meet up in the Octagon. The difference might go to whoever has the better stand-up. I think Marquardt just edges Lister on the cards.

Chad Reiner vs. Josh Burkman (Welterweight)

Prediction: I gotta be honest with you guys, I don't know much about Chad Reiner. He's making his UFC debut tonight, but does have a 13-1 mixed martial arts record. Burkman is 3-1 in the UFC and this could be a make-or-break match for him in this extremely-deep welterweight division. His UFC experience takes over and earns him a first-round referee stoppage win.

Ed Herman vs. Chris Price (Middleweight)

Prediction: Herman is coming off two straight losses. We heard a lot about him during The Ultimate Fighter Season 3, and he hasn't shown much yet. I feel the best is yet to come for him. Both of these fighters have losses to Kendall Grove who is a submission machine. Herman also lost to the VERY underrated Jason MacDonald. Herman earns his first UFC victory tonight with a ground-and-pound victory in the second.

Clay Guida vs. Din Thomas (Lightweight)

Prediction: Guida's full of energy and has classic 80s-hair-band hair (check out the hair at UFC.com). He's fun to watch fight, and earned a submission victory in his UFC debut. Din Thomas is a veteran, who's dropped down to 155 pounds. Thomas will be too strong for Guida at 155 and earns the ref stoppage win in the first round.

Ross Pointon vs. Rich Clementi (Welterweight)

Prediction: You know what...both of these guys REALLY need wins. This could turn into a classic slugfest in an attempt to get on the welterweight map. The problem is that we might not see this one because of time constraints. Between both of these fighters, there isn't a win in the UFC. Good luck to both of them.
I say this one goes to the cards with Pointon getting his hand raised.

Let's hear some predictions for these fights, MMA fans. Don't be afraid to chime in. How do you think they'll go?