Rarely does the UFC put on a freak show fight, but this Saturday they’re going against the norm. For the first time in UFC history a world champion boxer, James Toney, will be taking on an MMA legend in Randy Couture.

In a strange way, this is the UFC getting back to it’s roots. Two styles going against one another to see which is the best. Only, instead of it being a boxer vs a wrestler, it’s closer to a boxer vs an MMA stylist.

This is a fight that, at first seemed like a terrible fight for Toney, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder just how much damage just one of his punches can do. Odds are, we won’t find out, but it is still a very real possibility. I may be trying to make this fight more exciting than it probably will be, but as they say, the fights all start standing and anyone has a punchers chance.

To cap the whole thing off, the UFC light weight title will be defended in a rematch from a few months ago. BJ Penn lost a close fight which cost him his belt, but he’s motivated to get it back. A motivated BJ Penn is one of the most exciting fighters you will ever see.

I can not wait for this one.

Frankie Edgar vs BJ Penn

Steve: The rematch.  Edgar is a great fighter, it is obvious.  He has a style that gives BJ troubles.  But I guarantee BJ will not take him lightly this time.  And, I trust that he will come back stronger than ever.  BJ Penn, 4^th submission.

Josh: I don’t know if I will ever root against BJ Penn. When this man is on, he’s the best fighter in the world. He’s had a few lack luster showings, but he usually comes back stronger, faster and meaner. BJ Penn by 2^nd round KO.

Randy Couture vs James Toney

Josh: This is a bizarre match. If I were in Vegas, I’d put a couple hundred down on Toney on the off chance he wins. There’s a reason he’s a 5-1 underdog. If he plays it smart, which I don’t doubt he will, Randy Couture by submission in the 2^nd.

Steve: This is a joke.  It really comes down to how long Coutrue wants to play with him, or if Toney can get lucky and get a quick shot in.  I have to go with Couture, 1^st submission.

Demian Maia vs Mario Miranda

Steve: I have always felt that Maia was over-rated.  Miranda is a better striker than him, and he won’t be foolish enough to get on the mat with him.  Miranda, 2^nd KO.

Josh: Interesting. It looks like Miranda has a big chance here, but I’m going to give the edge to Maia because of his slick submission game. If he actually uses it, Maia by submission in the 1^st.

Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard

Josh: Florian is one of the most improved fighters in the UFC. He’s a beast and is constantly getting more aggressive  in finishing his fights. Florian by cut stoppage in the 3^rd.

Steve: This one intrigues me.  Maynard is bigger and stronger and undefeated.  Kenny has lost to superior wrestler Sean Sherk, but it was a while ago.  I think Kenny’s active guard will be Maynard’s kryptonite and it will be his first finish.  Florian, 3^rd submission.

Nate Diaz vs Marcus Davis

Steve: Another tough fight and I love it.  Davis is a great fighter, prone to cuts and bleeding.  Diaz is lanky and a great submission guy, but he loves to stand and bang.  If Davis can find an opening, he can make this happen.  Davis, decision.

Josh: Davis is an exciting fighter and he’s in Boston, which should provide extra motivation, but I don’t see him clawing his way to the top. Diaz by submission in the 3^rd.

Joe Lauzon vs Gabe Ruediger

Josh: Lauzon has a great ground game and a ton of heart. He’s someone I pick often and will again. Lauzon with a 1^st round submission.

Steve: Lauzon is a solid gatekeeper and Ruediger is the chump who couldn’t make weight on TUF.  I know he is going to try to make his best showing seeing that he made it back to the big show, but I don’t believe it will be enough.  Lauzon 1^st round submission.

Andre Winner vs Nik Lentz

Steve: I liked Winner on TUF and I have never been too impressed with Lentz.  So… Winner by decision.

Josh: I’ll go with Steve on this one. Winner by decision.

Dan Miller vs John Salter

Josh: The Millers are tough guys and always work hard. Dan Miller by 1^st round submission.

Steve: Salter’s win against MacDonald was a freak occurrence and Dan really needs the win.  Miller is a superior wrestler and should be able to ground and pound out a victory.  Miller, 2^nd KO.

Nick Osipczak vs Greg Soto

Steve: I really don’t know either of these guys well enough to make an educated guess, so I am left with simply MMA math.  Osipczak beat Matt Riddle, and Riddle beat Soto… so one has to assume, Osipczak, decision.

Josh: No real solid reason for this pick, but I’ll go with Osipczak by 1^st round submission.

Mike Pierce vs Amilcar Alves

Josh: I’ll give the first round finisher the nod, but it’ll take him a bit longer due to this being his debut in the Octagon. Alves with a submission in the 2^nd.

Steve: Alves is a highly touted first round finisher making his octagon debut.  Pierce has had middling success leaving it in the judges hands.  I have to take a chance on the untested Alves with a first round submission.

I was choked out for the first time in Jiu-Jitsu this week. I’ve been asked a few times what it was like and what happened, so I suppose it makes an interesting story.

“Rolling” is what they call sparring in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Monday night, I was rolling with my instructor, George Yulee. He had been working on using his uniform as a weapon all night and at this particular time, he had the lapel of his jacket wrapped around my neck. It was tight, but I wasn’t ready to tap.

“Are you stupid? Just tap.”

A couple years ago I was training at The Edge in Pennsylvania and that’s where I ran into the toughest person I’d rolled with. He wasn’t just tough in his skill set, but he was mentally tough. What really stuck out to me was when I’d have him in a choke. He’s gurgle, snort and gag, but he wouldn’t give up. He was going to find a way out.

From my perspective, it was demoralizing. He sounded as if he were going to die, I knew I’d have him in check mate, but he wouldn’t give up. After a little time, my grip or my arms would burn out and he’d escape. I started doing the same thing. Just hang in, stay patient and you’ll probably find a way out.

George’s choke was in good, but I thought I had room. I was trying to find a way out. When I posted my hand on his hip to scoot out, it must have felt week because he asked if I’d tapped.

“No, keep going.”

The choke got tighter.

“Okay, now I’m done.”

The next thing I know, I thought I was waking up in bed, thinking about what things I wanted to get done that day. Then I realized I didn’t remember going home. How did I get home?

My vision and hearing were like I was riding on the end of a giant springy door stopper that a little boy had just flicked.

“Am I drunk or something?”

As the blurring came slowly came to a stop and the buzzing in my ears faded I saw George kneeling over me.

“Josh. Josh, are you okay? Josh.”

It all came together what had happened. With my attitude about finding a way out, being choked unconscious had to happen eventually, and really, it was kind of cool.

Due to the Texas Hell Trip, this is in a bit late, but I don’t want to miss putting the picks in. This is a huge card and I’ve got to find a sports bar that will be showing it.

I won’t say much more, but judging by the trash talked in the press conference yesterday, this thing is exciting simply because of the tension between the two main even fighters.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Chael Sonnen is probably the best trash talker in MMA:

Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen

Steve: It isn’t hard to pick a winner… Anderson, by whatever he wants.  But that is the problem.  He often screws around with people who disrespect him.  If Chael brings it like he claims he will, it should be a quick finish for him.  I figure Anderson 2^nd RD KO.

Josh: The smart money is on Anderson Silva. I’ll have to put mine there as well. Chael is in great shape and probably has the type of style that could beat Silva. Unfortunately, I think he may have over-motivated Anderson with by running his mouth. Silva by KO in the 1^st.

Jon Fitch vs Thiago Alves

Josh: Thiago Alves is one of my favorite fighters. I hope the weight cutting issues haven’t hurt him because if not, I’m expecting a 2^nd round KO for the Thiago.

Steve: These two should be tied for 2^nd place in the welter-weight division.  However, Alves has something that Fitch does not… finishing power.  He also probably has ring rust, since he hasn’t fought since GSP punished him for 5 rounds last year.  But an in shape Alves destroys an in shape Fitch.  Lets go Alves, decision.

Clay Guida vs Rafael Dos Anjos

Steve: Guida is ultra popular in the UFC, but he has lost his last couple fights.  He needs to justify his name on the roster, and I think he knows that.  Dos Anjos is no gimmee though… it will be a battle.  Just the way he likes it.  Guida 3^rd KO.

Josh: I say Guida sets the pace on high and keeps it there till he comes out with the decision.

Matt Hughes vs Ricardo Almeida

Josh: Something about Almeida has earned him my support. I don’t know what, but he’s definitely been a guy that hasn’t let me down. Almeida by 3^rd round Submission.

Steve: 5 years ago, Hughes takes this easy.  Hughes has gotten real old in the last two years, though, and Almeida is seeking vengeance.  I go Almeida 2^nd sub.

Roy Nelson vs Junior Dos Santos

Steve: Roy asked for a top ten opponent… he is gonna regret it.  Dos Santos, 2^nd KO.

Josh: I’m going to go against conventional MMA bandwagoning and pick Roy Nelson to take this by TKO stoppage in the 2^nd.

Dustin Hazelett vs Rick Story

Josh: Hazelett by 1^st round submission.

Steve: I like both these guys.  Hazelett has him with experience and a killer ground game.  Rick is a tough opponent and won’t go lightly, so it could be a fight of the night.  Hazelett 2nd submission.

Phil Davis vs Rodney Wallace

Steve: Black on black crime!  When in doubt, I try to go with the undefeated one.  I will go with Davis, 2^nd KO.

Josh: I’ll take Davis by 2^nd round KO as well.

Tim Boetsch vs Todd Brown

Josh: All right, fine, I’ll pick Tim Boetsch. I’ll even give him the KO in the 2^nd.

Steve: Boetsch has had some success in the UFC, and Brown is a newbie who hasn’t fought anyone of any significance.  I am not sure which way to go, but I will go with the guy who has fought in the big leagues.  Boetsch, decision.

Johny Hendricks vs Charlie Brenneman

Steve: This one is tough to call, but I am going with my undefeated rule again.  Hendricks, 3^rd KO.

Josh: Okay, I know we’ve agreed on almost every pick and I know it’s annoying, but I’ll do it again anyway. I like Hendricks by decision.

Struve vs Morecraft

Josh: Struve is difficult to deal with. Any Jiu Jitsu fighter with long limbs is dangerous, and being a sky scraper, it’s not hard to say Struve by 1^st round submission.

Steve: Struve is the future of the heavyweight division, maybe always a gate keeper, but he gets better and better.  He is nearly 7 feet tall and hard to deal with.  Struve, 2nd submission.

Ben Saunders vs Dennis Hallman

Steve: Hallman was once a pretty spectacular guy who finished Matt Hughes twice, once in 20 seconds.  However, 80 fights has their toll.  Saunders and his killer knees smash out a 1^st KO.

Josh: Ben Saunders really impressed me when he went the distance with John Fitch on short notice. He’s a tough guy who’s on his way up meeting a guy who’s on the back end of his career. Saunders by KO in the 1^st.

Jonny “Bones” Jones is this event. He came into the UFC with an amazing amount of hype and has crushed everyone he’s been put up against. The only loss for Jones is due to a disqualification because, in his excited face smashing state, he connected with an illegal elbow that wasn’t even necessary to finishing his fight.

Every one of his fights has had a “Holy Shit!” moment and I’d expect this one to be no different.

If you’re not a fan of the sport, but still don’t mind watching the more exciting fights, tune into the main event of this thing on VS this Sunday.

Steve: 202 - 137 (42 perfect picks)

Josh: 186 - 153 (49 perfect picks)

Jon Jones vs Vladimir Matyushenko

Steve: Jon Jones 1^st KO– Jones has been on a tear lately, beating all comers.  Bonnar, Hamill, Vera… all fell to this newcomer.  Matyushenko does not have the boxing of Bonnar, the wrestling of Hamill or the Muay Tai of Vera… this should be a quick, dirty nasty victory.

Josh: Jon Jones has to be the most exciting up and comer in the UFC. He is amazingly explosive, unorthodox, and has the build to that makes him difficult to get to. Matyushenko has a wealth of experience, but that only means something to me if he’s fighting anyone other than Jones. Jon Jones by 1^st round KO.

Mark Munoz vs Yushin Okami

Josh: Yushin Okami by decision. Okami is a huge step up in competition for Munoz. Mark’s been on a tear, but I think Okami puts a stop to it. This should be a battle.

Steve: Okami 3rd submission– Munoz has been doing some good things in the octogan. Okami, however is too strong and smothering to be taken out by him. Okami is one of the best in the weight class, and he will show it tonight.

John Howard vs Jake Ellenberger

Steve: Howard, decision– this is one of the more even fights in my mind, which is why I took it to decision.  It really could be a toss up.

Josh: Tough call. I don’t want to look like we’re just agreeing on everything, but I’ll give it to Howard by decision as well.

Tyson Griffin vs Takanori Gomi

Josh: Gomi by decision. I think he’s looking to show that he’s still a force and will win this with sheer grit.

Steve: Griffin by decision– Griffin can beat just about anyone in the lightweight division… but he just doesn’t finish fights.  Gomi is still a solid fighter, but he has fallen from the ranks of the elite to one of middling performances.

Paul Kelly vs Jacob Volkmann

Steve: Paul Kelly 2^nd KO– I like Paul Kelly.  He is one of those “Battlin’ Brits” I like watching.  Volkmann needs to show me much more for me to put money on him.

Josh: Paul Kelly has the better record. I’ll give it to him by decision.

DaMarques Johnson vs Matthew Riddle

Josh: I don’t really care for Matt Riddle, so I’m picking DaMarques Johnson out of spite. Pure ugly spite. Johnson by KO in the 2^nd.

Steve: Matt Riddle, decision– DaMarques likes to swing for the fences and that style has worked for him in the past.  Riddle is a solid ground and pounder who should smother this to a victory.

James Irvin vs Igor Pokrajac

Steve: Irvin 1^st KO. Irvin hasn’t looked good since Anderson Silva made him look like a chump.  This may be his last ditch effort to stay in the UFC.  Back to 205 after looking like a corpse at 185.  He should make this an exciting match.

Josh: James Irvin is a guy the UFC likes and I think they’re setting him up for a win. Irvin by KO in the 1^st.

Brian Stann vs Mike Massenzio

Josh: Stann by KO in the 1^st. I’m watching Futurama and I don’t care to explain.

Steve: Stann 3rd KO. Stann is not the most impressive fighter out there.  He is slow and stiff and doesn’t have the flashy KOs or subs.  But, he has a good story, was a champ in the WEC and has enough skills to finish off Massenzio, if not in a flashy way.

Darren Elkins vs Charles Oliveira

Steve: Oliveira 1st submission. Oliveira is a solid fighter looking to make an impression.  He hasn’t lost and won’t be beat by Elkins.

Josh: Elkins by KO in the 1^st. He did it to Duane Ludwig, why not again?

Rob Kimmons vs Steve Steinbeiss

Josh: Kimmons by submission in the 1^st. His record shows a pattern of this being a win for him. It’d be a shame for that to be messed up.

Steve: Kimmons 2^nd sub. Steinbeiss hasn’t looked too solid and though they both lost their last fight, Kimmons has the experience to pull off the victory.

This is another UFC where I can’t put into words how excited I am to see. This is King Kong vs Godzilla. Killer Whale vs Giant Squid. Just watch the damned video:

Steve: 195 - 133 (42 perfect picks)

Josh: 181 - 147 (48 perfect picks)

Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin

Steve: A lot of people think Brock is unstoppable, but he has never faced someone like Shane Carwin.  Shane has more experience, more power, more ways to win.  Assuming Shane has enough wrestling to keep Brock from taking him down, I see it being Shane Carwin, 1^st round KO.

Josh: While Steve makes a good point about Brock having never faced someone like Shane Carwin, the truth is, Shane Carwin has never faced a man like Brock Lesnar. On top of that, I think Carwin is a tad overrated. One third of Shane’s wins come from opponents who have a losing record. Until Carwin beat Gonzaga and Mir, he hadn’t fought anyone impressive.

First, let’s not forget, before Carwin KO’d Gonzaga, he was rocked. We’ve never seen Brock even phased by a punch.

People like to point out that Carwin beat Frank Mir faster than Brock did. True, but a lot of that had to do with Frank Mir himself. Frank was far to overconfident in his striking and his newly found “strength” and was also looking past Shane.

I think Brock can take this fight to the ground and pound his way to a TKO victory in the 2^nd round.

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs Chris Leben

Josh: It’s hard to say. I can’t find a real reason to go either way. Akiyama wasn’t very impressive in his UFC debut, but I don’t know if Leben is ready for a guy like him either. I’ll say Akiyama by decision.

Steve: This could honestly be a tough one to call.  I thought Alan Belcher beat Akiyama when they fought, and I think Leben is a better all around fighter.  I say Leben decision.

Chris Lytle vs Matt Brown

Steve: if this is not fight of the night, I do not know what could be.  These two guys love to bang!  It could easily go either way… but I am going to go Lytle decision.

Josh: This is another one that is so tough to call. I agree with Steve, this one could be fight of the night. I’ll take Matt Brown by decision.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs Stephan Bonnar

Josh: Soszynski by decision. I thought he was winning the first fight and I expect a similar performance.

Steve: I didn’t really feel like this match up required an instant rematch.  It was a very close fight, Bonnar lost from doctor stoppage.  Bonnar really, really needs the win.  So I will once again call Bonnar decision.

George Sotiropoulos vs Kurt Pellegrino

Steve: This fight sucks.  I really like Pellegrino, he is one of my favorites.  But the way Sotiropoulos made Joe Daddy look like an amateur, I have to go Sotiropoulos 2^nd submission.

Josh:10^th Planet Jiu-Jitsu FTW! Sotiropoulos by submission in the 3^rd.

Brendan Schaub vs Chris Tuchsherer

Josh: Tuchsherer just doesn’t impress me. Schaub on the other hand looks like a guy who could be a serious force in the heavyweight division in a few years. Schaub by KO in the 1^st.

Steve: I thought Schaub would win the Ultimate Fighter.  I think he’s got what it takes to put Tuchsherer’s run in the UFC to a close.  Schaub 2^nd KO.

Seth Petruzelli vs Ricardo Romero

Steve: the guy that destroyed Kimbo’s legacy returns to the UFC.  Seth hasn’t fought since then, he will be rusty… but who is Romero?  I will give it to Petruzelli, 3^rd KO.

Josh: Ricardo Romero is an unknown, I’ll give you that. Fortunately you can look up his record and see his only loss is due to an illegal strike he threw. The man looks like a beast. I say Romero finishes this fight by 1^st round submission.

Kendall Grove vs Goran Reljic

Josh: Reljic impressed me in his first outing. Grove on the other hand has been spotty. I’m picking Reljic by 2^nd round KO.

Steve: Goran is a good fighter, but Kendall has always been a handful, with his reach and jui jitsu.  I am going to go with Grove, 2^nd submission.

Gerald Harris vs Dave Branch

Steve: Branch hasn’t lost a fight, but he also hasn’t faced the competition that Harris has.  Harris has two fights and two victories in the UFC… that is enough for me.  Harris, 2^nd KO.

Josh: This could be a beast of a fight. This one’s up in the air to me, so I’ll side with the main event specialties, I’ll take the wrestler and go with Harris by decision. Dave Branch by 2^nd round submission.

Daniel Roberts vs Forrest Petz

Josh: Roberts didn’t do too well in his 1^st UFC fight. Hopefully he’ll avoid the striking match and get down to what brought him to the UFC, grappling. Roberts by 1^st round submission.

Steve: This is an intriguing match up, but I am going to go Petz, based on quality of opponents (he even holds a victory over world ranked Dan Hardy) and he is on a winning streak.  Petz, decision

Jon Madsen vs Karlos Vemola

Steve: In Vemola, you have another guy who hasn’t gotten out of the first round.  That kind of confidence in the heavyweight division is a dangerous thing.  Equally adept at strikes or submissions, I give him the edge over Madsen, who has several decisions on his 5 win resume.  Vemola, 1^st KO.

Josh: Just perusing the record of Vemola and it’s very impressive. I know when guys come to the UFC their old records are exactly indicative of how they’ll perform, but this guy hasn’t gone out of the first round yet. Vemola by KO in the 1^st.

I’ll probably get my ass handed to me for these picks. I haven’t been paying any attention to this last season of The Ultimate Fighter. I’ve just lost my interest.

I don’t care about the arguments in the house. I don’t care about the tensions between the coaches. I don’t even care about the fights and I used to at least record the show and skip to the fights, but I don’t even do that now.

Some great fighters have come out of the house, and it’s cool to see them built up, but I think the format is just tired. I think the show needs a reboot of some sort.

Steve: 189 - 129 (40 perfect picks)

Josh: 178 - 140 (47 perfect picks)

Court McGee vs Kris McCray

Steve: This could be the most even fight since Griffin/Bonnar.  Court is good, and he has that checkered past… but again, I think McCray has the will to win.  I would like to say go for the Irish guy… but that isn’t going to help.  Ok.  Since I have to pick, McCray by decision.

Josh: Very tought call. I’ll just pick the opposite of Steve and say McGee by decision.

Matt Hamill vs Keith Jardine

Josh: I’ll pick Jardine in this fight by decision. In my opinion, Matt Hamill is suffering from the wrestler wanting to be a striker syndrome that’s plaguing MMA. If Hamill plays that game, Jardine will pick him apart with leg kicks and unorthodox striking.

Steve: This fight kinda breaks my heart.  I want both guys to win.  Keith is always good to watch, and Hamill is a workhorse who got SOOO dominated in his Jon Jones fight it was scary. Jardine needs it more… but I still think he loses to a great wrestler.  Hamill, lay and pray decision.

Chris Leben vs Aaron Simpson

Steve: Simpson is undefeated.  He is faster and more well rounded than Leben… but Leben has an iron jaw and an iron will to win… and he only needs one.  Leben, decision.

Josh: Simpson by decision. I like Leben, but he seems all over the place. I’d be happy if he won, but I wouldn’t put money on him.

Spencer Fisher vs Dennis Siver

Josh: Spencer Fisher is a big test for Dennis Silver. He’s faced top competition and always shows up to fight. Both men have fought some of the same competition with similar outcomes, but I think Siver doesn’t have it in the cards. Spencer Fisher by KO in the 2^nd.

Steve: Fisher has always been one of my favorite lightweights and it always makes me sad that he can only get so far up the ladder.  Lets hope he starts his climb again.  Fisher, decision.

Jamie Yager vs Rich Attonito

Steve: Jamie was obviously the villain this season.  Everyone wanted to fight him.  Not sure how Attonito got him, but oh well.  Yager, is still a force to be reckoned with, as long as he doesn’t quit.  Yager 1^st KO.

Josh: I don’t like Yager, but he had some of the most impressive victories in the house. He probably takes this via 1^st round KO.

John Gunderson vs Mark Holst

Josh: I dont know anything about either guy…Mark Holst by 2^nd round submission.

Steve: Gunderson should be able to make quick work of Holst.  Lets says Gunderson, 1^st sub.

Brad Tavares vs Seth Baczynski

Steve: These are always hard to call… Tavares, 2^nd submission?

Josh: I’ll take Baczynski by decision. Why? SHUT UP! That’s why.

Kyle Noke vs Josh Bryant

Josh: I’ll take Noke by submission in the 1^st.

Steve: There is no real reason than my random guesswork, but I want to say Noke 2^nd KO.

James Hammortree vs Chris Camozzi

Steve: Hammortree is dumber than a box of rocks, but he has heart.  I give him a via decision.

Josh: I’ll take Hammortree by decision as well. I think he’ll be able to grind the will will out of Camozzi.

James McSweeney vs Travis Browne

Josh: Travis brown by KO in the 1^st. That dude’s last 3 fights put together still won’t fill a minute of video.

Steve: My normal reaction would be to go with UFC vet McSweeney.. but I looked up this Travis and he seems like no joke!  He has only been a pro for a year and has notched 9 victories and no losses… with a huge height advantage… I am going for Browne with a first round KO.

UFC 115 is one of those events I wish the UFC put on a pricing scale. I’d pay $20 or so to watch this one, but it isn’t worth the $49.95 that they’re going to charge. I don’t want to slight any of the fighters on this card, I’m sure they’re all going to do their best to put on a show.

My problem is, none of these fights are exciting hype wise. There’s nothing on the line. There’s no title. There’s no bragging rights. No one moves into number one contender status by winning.

The main event is two guys who like each other fighting to see if Chuck still has it or if Rich has any place in the Light Heavyweight division. At least the original fight of Chuck vs Tito 3 had the tension of the two not liking one another and the added element of Tito having a shot given Chuck’s last performances.

I know that not every event can have a title fight. I know that they can’t all be super stacked. I’m not asking for that. I’m just asking for the cost of the PPV to reflect the perceived quality of the card (Notice I said “perceived quality” because  as I’ve said before some of these cards wind up having the best fights of the year.).

Steve: 183 - 124 (39 perfect picks)

Josh: 173 - 134 (45 perfect picks)

Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin

Steve: Franklin, decision I want to believe the Iceman is back and top of his game.  I wanted to believe that about Rampage too, and where did that get me? Bottom line, long layoffs usually spell disaster, unless you are Randy Couture. Franklin is more well rounded, not a knock out artist, but I see him frustrating Lidell to decision.

Josh: I like Rich, he seems like a great guy and he’s a hard worker. I think he’s going to have a great game plan and he’s going to be incredibly conditioned, but I think Chuck has the X factor. I’ve seen recent pictures of Liddell and he looks to be in phenomenal shape. I’m going with Liddell by KO in the 2^nd.

Patrick Barry vs. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic

Josh: Pat Barry is a vicious kicker and so is Cro Cop so this will be a battle of thick legged strikers. I think Cro Cop’s time is up and I don’t see him winning this one. Pat Barry by 2^nd round KO.

Steve: Barry 2^nd KO. Again, I want to believe Cro Cop is back to form.  But even against a guy who was underweight and under skilled, he looked sloppy and sad. Barry is an animal with power… I see him frustrating and smashing Mirko.  But I hope I am wrong.

Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald

Steve: Rory decision. I used to like Condit, but he has disappointed me in the UFC. I expect the Canadian to have his way, even if he doesn’t have the skill to finish this one.

Josh: I like Carlos Condit in this one. Why? Because he’s Carlos Condit. Not good enough? I don’t care. Carlos Condit by Decision.

Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago

Josh: Paolo Thiago has been on a tear and I think he’ll continue that streak. Thiago by KO in the 1^st. Sorry Kampmann.

Steve: Thiago decision. I really don’t like Thiago, and again, hope he looses. But he beat Koscheck and Swick… two guys who are no joke. If he can pummel Kampmann, he deserves the next crack at GSP.

Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel

Steve: Rothwell 2^nd KO. Another example of a fighter who used to be a beast who is past his prime.  Yvel used to be the most feared fighter ever, due to nut shots and beating up referees. I think he isn’t the same fighter though, and a tough Ben Rothwell is a bad match up for him.

Josh: I’m going to give this one to Rothwell by decision. I don’t think Yvel’s got the gas tank to win all 3 rounds with Big Ben and I don’t think he can knock him out in the 1^st. At the same time, I don’t think Rothwell can stop Yvel.

Evan Dunham vs. Tyson Griffin

Josh: It’s almost like there’s two guarantees when Griffin fights. 1. He imposes his will on his opponents. 2. His will is not to finish the fight. Tyson Griffin by decision.

Steve: Griffin by dec. Griffin almost never loses, he is built like a brick shithouse, but also has a penchant for not finishing fights. Dunham should be outclassed in this one.

Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman

Steve: Wiman 3^rd sub.  There is no reason for this prediction other than the fact that I really don’t like Mac Danzig. Wiman is less experienced but a tough dude, and I hope he destroys the vegan.

Josh: It’s funny that both Steve and I hate the fact that Danzig is a vegan. Ugh. Wiman by decision.

David Loiseau vs. Mario Miranda

Josh: I’ll say Loiseau by TKO in the 2^nd. I think the Crow is still dangerous, especially for a guy like Miranda.

Steve: Miranda, 2^nd KO. Loiseau used to be a feared striker with sharp elbows and fight ending strikes.  But he started to lose the edge, and he is so one-dimensional, that when he fights a better rounded guy, and one who can strike, it spells doom. But again, I hope I am wrong.

Peter Sobotta vs. James Wilks

Steve: Wilks 1^st submission. He may have lost to Matt Brown, but Sobotta is no Matt Brown.

Josh: I’ll pick Sobotta by TKO in the 2^nd. I’m basing it on nothing.

Ricardo Funch vs. Claude Patrick

Josh: I’ll take Patrick by submission in the 2^nd. Taking a look at his record, he’s on a long winning streak and seems to have a knack for choking people. We’ll see if he can pull that on on Funch.

Steve: Funch 2^nd KO. I don’t know Patrick, but Funch lost his first fight the last time he appeared.  Will he bounce back with a victory? I guess we will see.

Jesse Lennox vs. Mike Pyle

Steve: Pyle 2^nd submission. Both guys are coming off losses. I like Lennox, but Pyle has much more experience and has fought tougher guys… so that is where my decision lies

Josh: This’ll probably go to a decision and I’ll say Pyle comes out with the win.

Wow, Steve and I got our asses handed to us with our picks on the last PPV. It just goes to show how wise Joe Rogan is to never give his picks. While I agree with his logic, I also like to speculate.

This upcoming PPV looks to be a decent show with some really good fights.

The main event is a grudge match that just goes to show, with enough drama and tension, a non-title fight can be just as, if not more, exciting as a title fight. I would go into the history of Rashad and Rampage, but I think this video says it better than I could:

Steve: 178 - 118 (37 perfect picks)

Josh: 168 - 128 (42 perfect picks)

Rashad Evans vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Steve: So much goes into this decision.  Rampage’s layoff, will it be ring rust, or will he come back renewed?  Rashad looked less than spectacular in his last fight against Thiago Silva, but he did enough to win.  Bottom line, I don’t think Rashad has what it takes to win this fight… I want to go Rampage, via decision.

Josh: In my opinion, the biggest factor in this fight is Rampage’s layoff. When he came into the UFC he looked rusty, but that quickly improved. I don’t think Rashad can beat a fresh Rampage. With that said, I think the motivation is there for a great training camp and Rampage can win with a 2^nd round KO.

Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller

Josh: As much as I like Bisping and would love to see him win, I’ve been very impressed with the Miller brothers. I think Dan Miller has what it takes to win by decision and make a name for himself.

Steve: I like Miller, I think he is underrated.  But Bisping is a solid fighter, if he can avoid Miller’s wrestling, which I think he should be able to do… Bisping should do enough to eke out a decision.

Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow

Steve: Duffee shot to stardom by having one of the quickest knockouts in UFC history in his debut with the organization.  It is impossible to know how well he will do, and we all know what happened to people like Houston Alexander… too much hype too quickly, too big of shoes to fill.  Still, I want to see him win, so lets see what he does… Duffee 1^st Round KO.

Josh: Todd Duffee is perhaps one of the most hyped fighters I’ve ever seen. There’s people who seem to think this guy could beat a polar bear in a death match. After watching his debut fight where he became the record holder for fastest UFC KO, it’s hard not to pick Duffee with a KO in the 1^st.

Jason Brilz vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Josh: This one should be a showcase fight for Nogueira. Brilz is a good fighter, but Nogueria has a leg up on him on almost every front. I’m not saying Brilz doesn’t have a chance, but I have to go with Nogueira by submission in the 1^st.

Steve: Not that Brilz isn’t a top notch fighter, but why did he take this fight?  Nogeira is better on all fronts, and is in fact top five in the world… should be an easy Nogeira 1^st round submission.

John Hathaway vs. Diego Sanchez

Steve:An interesting match up.  Diego is definitely at his best when he fights at 170, and this is his return to that division.  Hathaway has slowly been making a name for himself… but this should be Diego’s to win.  Diego Sanchez, 3^rd KO.

Josh: Sanchez 2^nd round submission. Diego is back up to a comfortable weight and is relentless against almost everyone he fights. I don’t think Hathaway has fought someone as mentally and physically tough as Diego. I still don’t like him though.

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Amir Sadollah

Josh: Amir isn’t what he seemed to be on TUF and I thing Dong has the style that can beat Sadollah. Kim by decision.

Steve: Amir has impressed me lately, and Kim has not.  His one loss was a premature stoppage.  I see Amir impressing with a 2^nd round submission.

Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon

Steve: Normally, I would go with Lauzon here, but the recent dishevel at his camp, and his brother calling him lazy makes me wonder if he is taking this fight seriously.  So, Escudero, 2^nd KO.

Josh: Dan Lauzon is on a two loss streak and with his recent fallout with his training camp make him a difficult guy to pick to win. What makes this even more sad is that him losing will probably get him cut from the UFC. Escudero by 2^nd round KO.

Melvin Guillard vs. Waylon Lowe

Josh: I dont’ know much about Waylon Lowe and I don’t really care for Melvin Guillard. I’m going to pick the unknown and say Lowe by KO in the 2^nd.

Steve: Does anyone know anything about this Lowe guy?  You gotta go Guillard 2^nd submission.

Luiz Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate

Steve: An interesting fight.  Diabate is highly touted, but Cane is considered top ten.  Maybe a little high for him, but time will tell.  I go with Cane 2^nd KO.

Josh: This is a tough fight for Diabate to debut in. I think he has the advantage in the striking. But Luiz Can has the advantage everywhere else. For some reason though, I’m going with Diabate by 1^st round KO.

Joe Brammer vs. Aaron Riley

Josh: Aaron Riley is up for another decision win.

Steve: I like Riley.  He has heart and always comes to fight.  I know nothing about Brammer, so for no real reason I go Riley, decision.

Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen

Steve: I could go either way… lets go Jensen 2^nd sub?

Josh: Both guys look like a loss could be their way out of the UFC. Because Jensen actually has a win in the Octagon, I’ll give him the win by TKO in the 1^st.

Hi everybody! I’ve not done much writing lately because I now have 2 children and am preparing for a show on May 18^th in New York with the great people at Cringe Humor.

Still, that’s no excuse for not checking in and it’s certainly no excuse for not putting in my picks for the next UFC, so here we go.

Steve: 175 - 110 (36 perfect picks)

Josh: 166 - 119 (42 perfect picks)

Lyoto Machida vs Mauricio Rua

Steve: I am one of those who believe that Shogun got robbed in the first fight.  That being said, I believe Machida will step up his game and shut up all the naysayers. Machida, 3^rd KO.

Josh: I agree with Steve about Shogun getting robbed, but we’re in good company because Dana White himself said he thought Machida lost. I believe Machida is the smarter of the two fighters and he’ll come in with a game plan that will neutralize Shogun this time. I think Machida takes it but like in the current title fight trend, it’ll be by decision.

Josh Koscheck vs Paul Daley

Josh: I think Koscheck will do the smart thing and drag this fight to the ground as quickly as possible. He’s got the advantage there, and after a few well placed eye pokes, he should be able to dick-tate where  the fight goes. Koscheck by 2^nd round submission.

Steve: This one is tough.  Kosheck has been talking shit lately, saying he is not opposed to this being a stand up battle.  That would be a huge mistake.  He has improved boxing, for sure, but not at Daley’s calibre.  Kosheck wants another shot at GSP… I hope he doesn’t get it.  Daley, 1^st KO.

Sam Stout vs Jeremy Stephens

Steve: I like both these guys.  Hate to see them fight, because that means someone will lose.  I predict a stand up war.  Stout, decision.

Josh: Two guys in a slugfest and both have a solid chin and a puncher’s chance. I’ll go with Stout by 2^nd round KO.

Kimbo Slice vs Matt Mitrione

Josh: Kimbo shocked me in his last fight at how much he’s improved. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kimbo wins this one with a 1^st round KO.

Steve: Assuming this will not go to the ground, Kimbo has a lot more going for him in this fight. Though his legend has been tarnished, he is still a force to be reckoned with.  Kimbo, 2^nd KO.

Patrick Cote vs Alan Belcher

Steve: This one seems easy for me to call.  I know Cote hits like a truck, but he is coming off a long loss and a major knee surgery.  Belcher, in my opinion, beat sexyama at UFC 100, and he feels he should be in title contention.  Lets see if that is true. Belcher, 3^rd KO.

Josh: Patrick Cote was on a tear before he got injured. I think he’s looking to prove he deserves a second shot at the title. Patrick Cote by TKO in the 2^nd.

Joe Doerksen vs Tom Lawlor

Josh: How is Doerksen still int he UFC when he’s lost his last five fights? Based on that, I’m giving this to Tom Lawlor by decision.

Steve: Pretty even fight.  Lawlor is coming off a loss, Doerksen is on a winning streak.  I am going to go with experience over youth this time, give it to Doerksen, 2^nd submission.

Marcus Davis vs Jonathan Goulet

Steve: Goulet is the guy who they throw at mid-level fighters in order for them to get a solid win and get back on track.  He is the mid-tier gate keeper.  Davis, 1^st KO.

Josh: As much as I like Marcus Davis, I think he’s slipping. Goulet by decision.

TJ Grant vs Johny Hendricks

Josh: I just like the guy, so Johny Hendricks via TKO in the 2^nd.

Steve: Another fight that I think is a toss-up, so I am going to pick it that way.  Decision… let’s go Grant.

Tim hague vs Joey Beltran

Steve: Hague is another last minute replacement.  Beltran has gotten a few wins against guys he shouldn’t have beat, so he is no joke… but if Hague has had time to get into shape, he should be able to redeem himself from his last two losses.  Hague, Decision.

Josh: Hague by 2^nd round KO. Joey Beltran impressed me against Gracie, but I felt Gracie beat himself more than Beltran beat him.

Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs Mike Guymon

Josh: Yoshida by decision.

Steve: I really don’t care much for either of these fighters.  I think this is one that Yoshida can win though.  Weird that his last fight was the first Machida/Shogun bout.  Although he has most of his wins by KO, he has been working on his submissions lately, so I am going to say Yoshida 2^nd submission.

Jason MacDonald vs John Salter

Steve: I have to say that I am glad to see MacDonald back in the UFC, even if it is just as a last minute replacement.  MacDonald is bigger.  More experienced, and will mop the floor with Salter.  Hopefully, they will end up showing this on the PPV.  MacDonald, 1^st round submission.

Josh: I really felt bad for MacDonald when he got cut. I think he’ll want to prove a point in this fight that he belongs in the UFC. MacDonald by 1^st round submission.

If I were to put together a fight card to introduce my friends to the world of MMA and the UFC, well, this wouldn’t be it, but it’s a damn good start. Not only are there two title fights, but there’s also a super fight that, a few years ago, could have been a title fight.

First, we’ve got Matt Hughes against Renzo Gracie. This is one of those dream matches that I’ve been wanting to see for a long time. You see, both of these men competed in different organizations and it didn’t look like they would ever meet. I will admit, it didn’t seem as though it were necessary for them to meet either. That is until Matt Hughes beat the crap out of Royce Gracie.

Royce got dominated, but after watching, I wondered how things would have been had Hughes fought a Gracie who was more well rounded, more adapted to MMA. The first one to pop into my head was Renzo. I can’t wait to see how this one goes down.

Then, the co-main event is my absolute favorite fighter, BJ Penn. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d pay to watch BJ fight a chicken. Is his opponent up for the challenge? Honestly, I don’t think so. Frankie’s great, but I think this title shot is happening too soon. This mismatch however could provide some very exciting highlights.

Then in the main event, Anderson Silva returns to defend his title. Anderson Silva is the most amazing fighter I’ve ever seen in MMA. He doesn’t just win, he wins with style. He fights like he’s in a movie, occasionally dodging punches like he’s in The Matrix. Every time he goes out, he gets even better too.

To top it all off, this is outdoors in Abu Dhabi. The chance of a sand storm shaking things up is entirely possible. I’m really psyched to see this one.

Steve: 168 - 107 (36 perfect picks)

Josh: 162 - 113 (42 perfect picks)

Anderson Silva vs Demian Maia

Josh: This will be Anderson Silva’s first fight after having bone fragments removed from his elbows that had reportedly slowed down his punches. If he was slow before, I can’t imagine what he’ll look like now. Does Maia have a chance? Of course he does. He’s got the ability to get the fight to the ground and use his superior ground game to snag a submission win. Unfortunately for him, this fight starts on the feet, so Anderson will have a chance to pick him apart. Silva by 2^nd round KO.

Steve: This should be an embarrassment of a fight.  Maia doesn’t suck; he is a jui-jitsu wunderkind.  But a full rounded fighter? No way.  Silva manhandled Forest Griffin in a round… I would be shocked if this went to two.  Silva, 1^st KO.

BJ Penn vs Frankie Edgar

Steve: Edgar is a decent performer for sure… he is a high end 2^nd tier fighter.  But Penn is in a class of his own, and Edgar couldn’t even beat all the lightweights… so Penn 2^nd sub.

Josh: BJ Penn looked like an unstoppable warrior his last few fights. He’s improving so much each fight, it’s almost scary to think how good this guy could be. I like Frankie Edgar, but I don’t think he possesses anything BJ hasn’t seen. BJ submission in the 1^st.

Matt Hughes vs Renzo Gracie

Josh: Renzo is the most adapted to MMA Gracie of his generation. He’s much more of a threat than Royce ever was. Abu Dhabi is also like Renzo’s third home. I completely believe Renzo can win by submission in the 2^nd.

Steve: Matt Hughes is the American Gracie killer.  Assuming Renzo hasn’t  come up with something new, and assuming a rested and motivated Matt Hughes shows up… we will have Hughes by decision.

Terry Etim vs Rafael Dos Anjos

Steve: This is a pretty even match up.  I fear that if Etim doesn’t take this, he’ll be cut by the UFC.  He has to know that too… I suppose that should motivate him more.  Etim, 2^nd KO.

Josh: I think Etim’s position in the UFC is fine. He’s an English fighter and UFC loves their English guys right now. He’s also won his last four fights, the last 2 by 2^nd round choke. So, I’ll give Etim the nod with a 2^nd round choke.

Kendall Grove vs Mark Munoz

Josh: I like Munoz and Grove is inconsistent. Munoz by decision.

Steve: I think Grove’s experience, when you add in his length and jui jitsu experience… I see him finishing Munoz early. Grove 2^nd Sub.

Alexander Gustafsson vs Phil Davis

Steve: Someone’s “0″ must go!  Gustaffson is a huge beast of a man… but Davis‘ wrestling will be the deciding factor as he grinds out a decision

Josh: I’ll say Gustafsson wins this by 2^nd round KO. If this fight were taking place in the US I’d give it to Davis, but I bet the longer travel distance has a negative effect on him.

Paul Taylor vs John Gunderson

Josh: Taylor’s been on a loss-win-loss-win pattern for a while now and he’s set for a win this time. Taylor by decision.

Steve: I have always liked Taylor and his brawling/fight of the night attitude.  I see him taking this again.  Taylor, 2^nd KO.

Nick Osipczak vs Rick Story

Steve: Oh, the Horror!  That guy is a monkey on crack.  He is one of those guys who has breathed some life into the welterweight division.  I see Story in a 2^nd round sub.

Josh: I’ll take Osipczak by 2^nd round submission.

DaMarques Johnson vs Brad Blackburn

Josh: I have no idea who I favor in this one. Blackburn by decision.

Steve: DeMarques is another guy to watch.  Blackburn is also good, but I don’t think he is good enough.  I say Johnson, decision.

Paul Kelly vs Matt Veach

Steve: This is a really tough one to call!  Veach is a great wrestler… I don’t know.  I like my Brits though, so I am going to go with Kelly by decision.

Josh: Kelly by decision, but don’t hold me to that.

Jon Madsen vs Mostapha Al Turk

Josh: Mostapha’s not been very impressive, but a lot of that has to do with who he’s fought. Unfortunately for him, I think the preceident’s been set and this’ll be his last fight in the UFC. Madsen by KO in the 1^st.

Steve: Al Turk is nothing more than a punching bag in the UFC.  I see Madsen adding to his heartache and handing him his walking papers.  Madsen, 3^rd KO.