IT'S TIME!
(That is, here are my predictions for UFC 100).
SPOILERS! (Click to view)
Akiyama over Belcher by Submisison (armbar?) in 1st Round
There aren't many judokas as decorated as Akiyama in the world, let alone int he UFC. I've talked at length in the MMA group about how I feel upper-body grappling styles have an advantage in a league filled with collegiate wrestlers who are always shooting for single and double-leg takedowns.
Hendo over Bisping by Decision
I really wish I could say Hendo will murder Bisping, but somehow I have a feeling Bisping's elusive tactics will be enough to keep him from getting his block knocked off. Hendo won't get submitted, and he certainly won't get knocked out. After all, he has a rock for a head.
Fitch over Thiago by Ref Stoppage in 3rd Round
I've observed a great many BJJ aficionados do well early in their careers in the UFC and hit a wall. I'm not convinced after his *very iffy* win over Koscheck that he can keep up with Fitch, whereas I'm pretty sure Fitch can bloody this guy up.
St. Pierre over Alves by Stoppage in 4th Round
St. Pierre will have a great gameplan, which will include wearing Thiago out, as he's never seen the 4th round, wherein he will finish it, like he tried to with BJ Penn.
Mir over Lesnar by Submission in 1st Round
This is my underdog pick. I want Frank to win. Brock is just so big, and so strong that he's so hard to predict. That said, I give Frank reasonable odds - his jiu-jitsu is getting cranked up a notch, and nobody who trains with Lesnar has as big a bjj black belt for him to train with. I'm betting on Brock's inability to prepare.
