Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg (Our prediction: Serra split decision.)

We have to remember that there are only two men to ever have defeated Georges St-Pierre and one of those was Matt Serra. And in this fight Serra definitely showed he still has what it takes to be a contender in the welterweight division. It’s undeniable that Serra packs a lot of torque in his short but stocky frame. As predicted, the fight had its slow moments as the fighters looked for counter opportunities. Unfortunately this tactic only applied to Frank Trigg as Serra did not wait. Serra came into the fight as the aggressor swinging his short but powerful arms. Trigg attempted to dodge Serra’s punches and counter when possible but it ended in futility for Trigg. The relentless Serra lands a beautiful right hook that knocks Trigg down. Serra then lands downward punches and knocks Trigg out.

Demian Maia vs. Dan Miller (Our prediction: Miller KO Round 1)

As predicted, these two Jiu-jitsu experts matched up very evenly. For the majority of the fight, as we predicted, very little grappling took place. Miller and Maia exchanged strikes for the entire first and second round. Maia unveiled a new and improved striking game as he was able to deliver accurate hits on Miller. Maia was quick on his feet and timed his strikes accordingly but also absorbed a few counter-strikes from Miller in the process. Halfway through the third round, Maia successfully shoots for a takedown and showed everyone that he is the superior grappler. The match ends and goes to the judges: a unanimous Maia victory.

Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago (Our prediction: Swick TKO Round 3)

We were very surprised to see that 95% of this fight was stand up and all about quick strikes. Swick is one of the most accomplished strikers in the welterweight division, yet the BJJ black belt Thiago kept pace blow for blow. Thiago opened the fight by landing a clean kick to Swick’s head. The two men continued to exchange swift strikes for the rest of the first round. By the second round, most of us assumed Thiago would likely go for a takedown. But Thiago surprised us as he remained on his feet, continuing the stand up war. Thiago then lands a clean punch and knocks Swick down. Immediately, Thiago puts Swick in a d’arce choke and puts him to sleep. A most impressive and unexpected win for the Brazilian.

Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen (Our prediction: Marquardt submission Round 2.)

This bout showed the competitiveness and excitement that is prevalent in the middleweight division. The majority of the pundits had Sonnen as the underdog. Joe Rogan had mentioned that this is the best version of Chael Sonnen seen to date. Sonnen controlled the majority of the fight as he continuously dragged Marquardt on the ground. Marquardt tried to defend himself on his back by keeping a tight guard, but Sonnen continued to dominate with strikes and weaken Marquardt, the Jiu-Jitsu black belt. By the third round, most of the crowd had lost faith in the very tired Marquardt while Sonnen continued to dictate the pace of the fight by pressuring Marquardt. Tables turn when Marquardt momentarily takes the advantage and applies a tight guillotine choke. For a moment, many of the crowd believed this could result in victory for Marquardt. Sonnen’s face begins to turn purple. In a blink Sonnen manages to escape from the tight chokehold. Marquardt attempts to steal the third round by gaining the dominant position during the final moments of the fight.

Sonnen comes away with a unanimous victory.

Randy Couture vs. Mark Coleman (Our prediction: Couture TKO.)

There was no doubt in our minds that Randy Couture would do exactly what he did in this fight. We predicted that Couture would take Mark Coleman to the fence, wear out, and take him down. But before doing so, Couture showed an amazing display of his boxing skill by peppering Coleman for a good portion of the first round. We have to give Coleman a lot of credit though for surviving a punishing first round where was tagged several times with clean Couture strikes. In our prediction, we stated that Couture would go to the mat and ground and pound the weary Coleman. But Coleman gave up his back to defend heavy blows, Couture took advantage putting a rear naked choke on Coleman; and Coleman goes to sleep.

Another impressive win for the ageless, ‘all natural’ Randy Couture!