Champion Georges St. Pierre vs. Challenger Jake Shields (for welterweight title)
Volkart- I want Jake Shields to sub GSP. I want Jake Shields to sub GSP. I want Jake Shields to sub GSP… That to me is the only way Jake wins. Probably won’t happen, but Caesar Gracie seems to have a way of keeping his champions as champions. Jake will need the grittiest performance of his career to take GSP down repeatedly over 5 rounds and work for subs the entire time. But I do not see a TKO from Shields as a true possibility and I don’t imagine the judges leaning Jake’s way if the fight ends up being a close 5 round back and forth. So submission it is, why not. Jake Shields via Sub, Rd 4.
Pearce- For the past couple of weeks I was sure I would pick Shields, he seems like the best fighter GSP has faced yet. But as I scrolled through each fighters records flashes of memories started popping in my mind. Shields being knocked down by Hendo, then controlling the rest of the fight for the win will always stand out as a great achievement for Shields-y no one can take that away. Then flashes of GSP, and the only images that popped in my mind were of GSP embarrassing just about everyone he has fought. I like the credit Shields has been getting it is good for him, and this should be an exciting fight, but the reality is George wins 9 out of 10 fights against anyone. St. Pierre Unanimous Decision
Champion Jose Aldo vs. Challenger Mark Hominick (for featherweight title)
Volkart - Hominick has a punchers chance, likely a better one than any of the recent title challengers. But he’s not going to beat Aldo. Jose Aldo via TKO, Rd 2.
Pearce- Jose Aldo is building a reputation and an image with his in cage performances, of intimidation through an aura of quiet confidence. The myth was cemented during the demolishing of Urijah Faber and carried on through Faber’s tweets of his purple, black, and blue swollen leg for weeks after their fight. Here is a question to put it in perspective, who wins in a fight Faber or Hominick? That’s up to you but it makes you think. Jose Aldo is Co-main heading the biggest card of the year, and those of you who don’t know you will know! Jose Aldo Rd 4 KO
Jason Brilz vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
Volkart - Brilz isn’t a full time fighter, hasn’t really kept busy in an effort to capitalize on his near upset of Little Nog almost 11 months ago. Vlady is a beast, a favorite of mine. I think this will be a surprisingly competitive fight, I just hope they keep this on the feet for the sake of everyone in attendance. Vladimir Matyushenko via Decision.
Pearce- I like this fight, one thing both guys do is “bring it” which is probably why they were put on the main card in the first place. But the problem is neither bring name recognition, which is the reason you have to explain why this is a good fight. Brilz seems to surprise every fight and Matyushenko is more reliable than sunrise. It’s that reliability I am banking on. Vladimir Matyushenko Rd 2 TKO
Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida
Volkart - Randy’s on a 3 fight win streak, with wins over Brandon Vera (many deem a robbery), Mark Coleman (had nothing left as a fighter), and James Toney (hahahaha) as of recent. Randy has nothing to lose in this fight. Lyoto is on a 2 fight losing streak currently. Lyoto has everything to lose. Machida’s last 3 fights have been top ten guys. Randy’s last 3 were tomato cans. Break out the bagpipes, start the parade. Thanks for everything, Captain America. Lyoto Machida via brutal TKO, Rd 1.
Pearce- Have you ever watched two men play chess in front of 55,000 people with fist and feet instead of pawns and bishops? You can go ahead and count out Randy the man who has won more fights due to game planning than talent. I think Machida is going to need a submission to win, because he will be grappling with Randy a lot, but Couture is so old he has forgotten what submissions are. It breaks my heart this prediction, cause I love me some Lyoto. Randy will grind out a win. Randy Couture Split Decision
Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson
Volkart - I feel like Ben Henderson is a very special human being and I think he’s going to present a lot of problems for a more one dimensional Bocek. But, you can’t overlook the BJJ prowess of Bocek. I’m banking on Bocek having worked heavily on his wrestling and boxing for this fight. I think Henderson finally gets put to sleep in this fight. Mark Bocek via Sub, Rd 2.
Pearce- Damn it Benson! I really wanted to pick Ben for the win, mainly because I don’t like Bocek, dunno why. But Benson showed up at weigh-ins a half pound over weight, already looking skinnier than a worm and looking drawn out and tired, then he still had to go lose that ½ lbs. If Bocek loses this he should be embarrassed, all the chips are on his side of the table. Bocek rd 1 Submission
Prelims.....
