by:  Kinohi Abaro

Anderson “Spider” Silva (22-4) vs Patrick “Predator” Cote (13-4)
After beginning his career in the UFC 0-4, Cote has rebounded with 4 straight victories to earn his shot at MW King and consensus P4P #1, Anderson Silva. Underdog Patrick “Predator” Cote will look to test his granite chin against the sledge-hammer like fist, knees, and shins of the “Spider” Anderson Silva. Many fans and experts believe Cote doesn’t deserve a title shot, nor does he stand a chance. Anderson Silva does not share the same sentiment as fans, the humble Brazilian respects Patrick Cote and the skill set that he brings to the table and will not make the mistake of looking past his opponent. Patrick Cote is an awesome striker that can take a punch, unfortunately for the “Predator”, Silva, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is THE BEST striker in the game today and has shown the ability to KO guys with granite chins (i.e Chris Leben).
Anderson Silva via TKO 1st round.
Editor’s pick: Anderson Silva via TKO 1st round.

Josh Koscheck (11-2) Vs. Thiago “Pitbull” Alves (15-3)
If Thiago Alves can relay the success he’s been having in the Octagon to the weigh-in scale, it is possible that the aggressive Muay Thai fighter can one day become champion of the UFC’s 170 lb division. Originally scheduled to fight Diego Sanchez in a #1 contenders match-up, Alves will now face late minute fill-in Josh Kosckeck. Having shown devastating striking in previous Octagon appearances, the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt Alves, will pose just as much danger on the ground as he does on his feet. The “Pitbull” is ready to take a big chunk out of the former All-American wrestler. With an ever improving stand-up game, the American Kickboxing Academy product Koscheck will look to utilize his superior wrestling to get this fight to the ground. If he can close the distance and get the takedown on the elite striker without taking significant damage, avoid the many submission attempts on the ground, Koscheck with his impeccable top control and vicious ground and pound will grind this fight out for a decision victory or a late TKO.
Josh Koscheck via TKO 3rd round.
Editor’s pick: Josh Koscheck via decision.

Thales Leites (13-1) Vs. Drew “Massacre” McFedries (7-4)
Coming off a disappointing loss to Mike Massenzio, the heavy-handed Militech fighter Drew Mcfedries will look to bounce back against Thales Leites. Thales originally tapped to face injured Croatian Goran Reljic, will now have to devise a different game plan to stop the “Massacre”. As long as the fight remains on the feet, with KO power in both hands McFedries will have a “Puncher’s Chance” to put away Leites. The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu phenom Thales Leites should be well-advise to get this fight to the ground where he possess a tremendous advantage, once there he will exploit any holes that McFedries has on the ground. Either way someone is going to sleep.
Thales Leites via Triangle 2nd round.
Editor’s pick: Thales Leites vis TKO 1st round.

Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (11-3-1) Vs. Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos (6-1)
Prior to Randy Couture’s return to the UFC, Dana White had tapped Fabricio Werdum as the #1 contender in the Heavyweight division. Now with the current tournament to decide the division’s Champion, “Vai Cavalo” will be taking on UFC new-comer Junior Dos Santos. Holding a (6-1) record in seven professional fights, “Cigano” has yet to see a decision with 4 wins by T(KO) and 2 by submission. Dos Santos will pose a threat on the feet with great striking, but I see Werdum imposing his will on the ground for a submission victory cementing his status as the #1 contender to the Heavyweight title.
Fabricio Werdum via TKO 1st round.
Editor’s pick: Fabricio Werdum via submission 1st round.

Sean “Muscle Shark” Sherk (34-3-1) Vs. Tyson Griffin (12-1)
Xtreme Couture fighter Tyson Griffin tries to break into the top-tier of the Lightweight division in a bout with former title holder Sean “Muscle Shark” Sherk.  Sherk still looking for a victory since his 6-month suspension for steroid use, has the unenviable task of facing the highly touted Griffin. It will be interesting to see the game plan that each fighter takes with both having similar strengths. I would give the wrestling edge to Sean Sherk, and the striking edge to Tyson Griffin. Winner of this fight should be closer to a title shot against “The Prodigy” BJ Penn. I believe that this will be an explosive match-up of dynamic lightweights that will garner Fight of the Night honors.
Sean Sherk via 3rd round Decision.
Editor’s pick: Sean Sherk via decision.

Rich “No Love” Clementi (32-12-1) Vs. Gray “Bully” Maynard (5-0)
With the recent rejuvenation of his career by dropping from 170 lb to 155lb, Clementi can paint himself into the 155lb title picture with a win in Chicago against undefeated lightweight prospect Gray Maynard. These TUF veterans look to climb the ladder of the Lightweight division and since finishing their respective TUF seasons both fighters have been successful. The crafty well-rounded veteran Rich Clementi will try to take advantage of his Octagon experience to avoid being bullied by “The Bully”. While Maynard with knockout power and a strong wrestling pedigree will hope to control this fight. Tough fight to call, chalk this one up to experience.
Rich Clementi via RNC 1st round.
Editor’s pick: Gray Maynard via decision.

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