That's what friends are for...

After the news that Thiago Alves wouldn't be competing on this Saturday's card, UFC 111, his teammate, Ben "Killa B" Saunders volunteered himself as the replacement.

Saunders (8-1-2) destroyed Marcus Davis is in last outing with a storm of knees in the first round. He was originally slated to face off against the rising Jake Ellenberger, but when the opportunity to fill in for his teammate arose, he jumped at the chance.

Dana White told TMZ.com that if Saunders makes it past Fitch he will be next in line for a shot at the welterweight title. Well that makes it a pretty easy decision, doesn't it? Ellenberger has been promised both the "show" and "win" money for his troubles. That's a pretty easy nights work if you ask me.

Since the Saunders-Ellenberger bout was scrapped, that makes room for another bout on the main card. Enter: New Jersey native, Kurt Pelligrino! Pelligrino is scheduled to face off against Fabricio Camoes.

Now for a little breakdown.

Ben Saunders vs Jon Fitch:

Saunders (8-1-2) is riding high after that brutal beating he put on Marcus Davis. With seven of his eight wins being finishes, and impressive ones at that, he has proven he has what it takes to put opponents to sleep. While he hasn't faced the stiff competition Fitch has, Saunders is a threat if the fight stays standing. He's show strength in the clinch, which could come in handy against the former Purdue wrestler.

Jon Fitch (21-3) is an animal. He sets a high pace for his fights and has no quit in him. Even during his bout with Georges St. Pierre, Fitch hung in there and gave it his all. Since losing, he's picked up three consecutive wins, all by decision. I think his game plan stays very much the same come Saturday night - close the distance, get the takedown, do his damage.

My prediction: Ben Saunders will take Fitch. Filling in for his troubled teammate, bumping up to a higher profile opponent and being promised a title shot if he wins will be fuel in his tank. Fitch is a solid fighter, but I think Saunders will be too aggressive for Fitch to handle. Ben Saunders by TKO, Rd. 2

Kurt Pelligrino vs Fabricio Camoes:

Pelligrino (14-4) is a Jersey native - and I love Jersey natives. Aside from that, the guy is tough as nails. Does anyone remember is fight with Alberto Crane? Pelligrino ate a high kick to start (which literally put a hole in his lip) but he rounded nicely and hammered his way to victory.

Camoes (10-4-1) , a Curitiba native, posted seven straight wins, six being first round finishes before fighting to a draw against Caol Uno in his UFC debut. He has six submission wins but I doubt he his slick enough to catch "Batman."

My prediction: Pelligrino is gritty and he will battle anywhere the fight goes. He's a hard nosed wrestler with good boxing. While I've only seen Camoes draw with Uno, he gassed late, and with an opponent like Pelligrino, that will might be his undoing. Pelligrino will land some heavy shots standing, mixed with strong takedowns and ground and pound. Kurt Pelligrino by Unanimous Decision.