UFC 136 should be one of the most entertaining MMA events all year, with several of the sports’ most exciting fighters meeting inside the Octagon at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Here are my predictions for the UFC 136 fight card set for Oct. 8:
Frankie Edgar versus Gray Maynard
The last bout between these two kicked off the year 2011 with a bang for the UFC. The third match between these two MMA fighters should be just as entertaining. In the end, Edgar should be able to avenge the only loss in his professional MMA career and retain his UFC lightweight title. Edgar wins by decision.
Kenny Florian versus Jose Aldo
Florian had a strong run in the UFC’s lightweight division, and I expect him to go all the way in the featherweight division. With losses to only BJ Penn, Gray Maynard, and Sean Sherk since the “Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale,” Florian should be able to beat the odds and capture UFC gold for the first time. Florian wins by submission.
Chael Sonnen versus Brian Stann
Sonnen will finally make his return to the Octagon since giving current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva a run for his money at UFC 117. Stann is as tough as they come, but Sonnen has the right tools to beat him. Sonnen wins by decision.
Melvin Guillard versus Joe Lauzon
Submission defense has been Guillard’s biggest weakness in the UFC, getting submitted in all three losses in the promotion. Guillard’s submission defense will be in for a tough test when he faces Lauzon at UFC 136. Melvin seems to be a different fighter under Greg Jackson, and I expect him to walk away with the win at UFC 136. Melvin wins by TKO.
Nam Pham versus Leonard Garcia
Pham got robbed in the first encounter between the two MMA fighters, and I expect him to look for the finish this time around. Given how good Pham looked against Garcia at the “Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale,” he shouldn’t have any problems securing the win. Pham wins by TKO.
Undercard
Demian Maia defeats Jorge Santiago
Anthony Pettis defeats Jeremy Stephens
Stipe Miocic defeats Joey Beltran
Tiequan Zhang defeats Darren Elkins
Aaron Simpson defeats Eric Schafer
Mike Massenzio defeats Steve Cantwell
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