UFC 92 predictions

We're just about 2 hours away from what many feel is the greatest card in UFC history. The UFC makes it a policy to ensure their end of the year cards of premium caliber, and they have not disappointed with tonight's lineup. The splendor of the bout sheet shines brightest in the fights between Wanderlei Silva vs Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Forrest Griffin vs Rashad Evans and Frank Mir vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Rampage vs Silva
Usually I'm not interested in a trilogy if one fighter has already defeated the other twice. But I'm really excited to see this fight and bet it will be fight of the night for as long as it lasts. Where Rampage's head is mentally is a big factor. He's coming off a big loss, losing his title, losing his senses in his hit and run incident months ago, switching to a new camp, dissolving his working relationship with close friend Juanito Ibarra. Throw that into the mix of him taking on a guy who KO'd him twice and he has a lot of mental hurdles to hop over. But the big mental factor which will override these psychological hindrances is the fact that he wants revenge. He does not want to drop 3 against the same fighter. It burns him inside as he is a true competitor.
As long as he doesn't turn this into a slugfest he has a good chance to win. Rampage will have a tough time if he wants to get into a toe to toe battle once again with Silva. Although he could come out on top in such an exchange he should not risk it and just use his excellent wrestling skills and ground and pound capabilities. If he does he can reduce the lead to 2-1 in this series with Wanderlei Silva.

Mir vs Nog
Frank Mir does not expect anything but a 25 minute fight against Big Nog tonight. That could be a problem based on past experiences where Mir has gassed in fights which have gone 3 rounds. Mir has said he is finally taking things seriously on the cardio end, which he begin doing before his bout with Antoni Hardonk. I hope he comes in tip top condition, but based on past experience we have to go with Nog in terms of cardio, boxing and ability to endure unbelievable amounts of adversity. Nog by decision.

Griffin vs Evans
Forrest Griffin as the more technical striker but Evans has the KO power in his punches and kicks. I don't anticipate either fighter finishing this on the feet. Griffin could potentially score a sub off his back, but I will go with the assumption that Evans will be ready for that BJJ and be able to win by decision. The key factor will be whether Evans can score the takedown and not get subbed. I think he can do both. Evans wins after a close 5 round war to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion.

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UFC 92 predictions

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