UFC 103 Predictions

Ok, prediction time again. Let's see if I can do better than on the Fight Night this week.

Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort

Belfort is making his much-anticipated return to the UFC. The "Phenom" is trying to recapture some of his previous glory, but the UFC is not making it easy for him. Franklin may not seem super dangerous, but you can't knock the fact that he wins. Sure, he looked bad against Anderson Silva (twice) but who hasn't? The Dan Henderson fight was close, and Hendo certainly didn't dominate Franklin. Can Vitor knock out Franklin? I don't see it. As a result, I see Franklin getting a decision win.

Mirko Cro Cop vs. Junior Dos Santos

Dos Santos has looked dangerous while Cro Cop has been lacklustre to say the least in his UFC fights. As always, if Cro Cop can get the KO, he wins, but if it goes to a decision, I wouldn't bet on him. Hate to say it, but I'll take the younger Dos Santos to get the nod and the questions to heat up as to the relevance of Cro Cop in the UFC.

Martin Kampmann vs. Paul Daley

Don't know much about Daley. He's taking the fight on short notice, replacing the injured Mike Swick. Kampmann has been impressive, except in his loss to Marquardt. At welterweight? I'll take Kampmann nine times out of ten - except against GSP.

Josh Koscheck vs. Frank Trigg

I can't believe I'm gonna do this. I'm taking Koscheck. The guy comes off as a complete douche, but he's younger and faster than Trigg and I see Trigg getting a rough welcome in his UFC return. Trigg will be used as a stepping stone after this.

Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca

Can't say I have much love for Franca after his positive drug test. Griffin has been impressive. Good speed and big heart. I'll take Griffin.

UNDERCARD

Efrain Escudero vs. Cole Miller - Efrain is undefeated but Miller is a tall, smart guy and has beaten some big names while Escudero is unproven. I'm picking Miller.

Drew McFedries vs. Tomasz Drwal - McFedries is dangerous as hell...for one round. Then he runs out of gas. Drwal is dangerous as hell, too, with many short fights on his resume, including some submissions. I'll take Drwal by submission in a short one.

Jim Miller vs. Steve Lopez - Don't know much about Lopez, other than he's been out of action for a while and this appears to be his UFC debut. That means nerves. That means a win for the more experienced Miller.

Rafaello Oliveira vs. Nik Lentz - Who? Oliveira has an impressive record, but Lentz has the better fight experience, I'd say. I'll pick Lentz.

Rick Story vs. Brian Foster - Foster has a good record, but Story has been a champ and has fought in the UFC at least once. I'll take Story.

Eliot Marshall vs. Jason Brilz - I like Marshall. Seemed like a decent talented guy on TUF. Brilz has a crazy record, though and has beaten some impressive names. This is tough. Marshall is much taller and should enjoy a reach advantage. Both are submission guys. Both have UFC experience. Against my better judgement, I'm gonna pick Marshall 'cause I like him.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Igor Pokrajac - Both guys have great records, but Vlad has faced the tougher guys and has been inside the octagon. I'll pick Matyushenko.

Rob Emerson vs. Rafael Dos Anjos - The loser may be out of the UFC. Or, rather, should be. Dos Anjos has lost both of his UFC fights, while Emerson has a less than impressive record and is getting face time thanks to his TUF appearance. Sure, he won a couple of UFC fights, but not impressively and has been dominated more often than not. I'll pick the unknown Dos Anjos.

Holy crap that's a lot of fights. Thirteen! I can't imagine ALL of the prelims will be shown in the one hour pre-PPV free telecast on Spike. It's a good move by the UFC, though.