UFC 113 Preview

This Saturday boasts one of the most anticipated rematches of the year when Lyoto "The Dragon" machida takes on Mauricio "Shogun" Rua live in Quebec. Let's have a look at the main card.

Lyoto Machida (16-0) vs Mauricio Rua (18-4)

The first fight could have gone either way. The bout was scored for the champion, Machida, and many fight fans thought "Shogun" had been robbed. Just like the first fight, this fight represents the best opponent to find a hole in Machida's game. Shogun's calculated attack showed the world that Machida is not as untouchable as we once thought, but it wasn't enough to sway the judges opinions.

I expect a similar fight on Saturday. Both fighters have the utmost respect for one another and understand that this bout must be thought out, or else. As much as I like Machida - for his respectful demeanor, his technical acumen and his ability to seemlessly blend "traditional" karate into his style, I'm going to have to pick "Shogun." I think his confidence for this fight will play a huge role. I expect an aggressive game plan, keeping the pressure on Machida with all eight points.

Prediction: Mauricio Rua via Split Decision.

Josh Koscheck (16-4) vs Paul Daley (23-8-2)

I like Paul Daley. There's something about brash fighters who can back it up. His striking is first class. Daley has shown some considerable skill in his first few UFC outings, including a TKO victory over Martin Kampmann (stopped early, but the end was in sight) and cold-clocking Dustin Hazlett (for whatever that's worth). I just don't think Kos is going to let himself go out like that.

Lest we forget, Koscheck came into the UFC as a dominant wrestler. With his only losses being a last-ditch Rear Choke against Drew Fickett, a decision loss to Kingpin Georges St. Pierre, a decision to Thiago Alves and a February '09 KO at the hands of Paulo Thiago - Koscheck has done fairly well for himself. His wins are over better competition and he is more well rounded than "Semtex." He proved his submission skills with a rear choke win over the giant 170 lb. Anthony Johnson (a dangerous striker also) and his stand up is just as dangerous.

Prediction: Koscheck by Rear Choke. Round 2.

Kimbo Slice (4-1) vs Matt Mitrione (1-0):

Slice was originally enlisted by EliteXC to carry the promotion to the top. And Seth Petruzelli destroyed any hope of that when he took the fight on a few hours notice. (For Shame.) But Slice has bounced back, starting from the mailroom and working his way up. A win over Mitrione would be nice, but a loss would hurt him badly. Coming off that Houston Alexander fight, everyone is expecting a better performance.

Mitrione is no slouch. He knocked out Marcus Jones in his fight bout at the Ultimate Fighter 10 finale. A win over Slice is a nice resume addition but nothing to shoot him up the rankings. I'm going with Mitrione on this one. Kimbo's beard will probably have something to do with the outcome.

Prediction: Matt Mitrione by TKO. Round 3.

Sam Stout (16-5-1) vs Jeremy Stephens (17-5):

Sam Stout has some potent hands and likes to put them to work. He's at 4-4 in the UFC and needs to impress someone on Saturday. He'll be in his home country so maybe he can find a finish deep down for his fans. Stephens has heavy hands also and at an even 4-4 in the UFC also, he needs this win to stay relevant. (And employed by Dana White & Co.)

Stout is dangerous but hasn't finished an opponent in nearly three years. (He's never finished an opponent in the UFC) While that well and good for getting a Fight of the Night bonus, it's a dangerous game to play...leaving the fight in the hands of the judges. I predict a bloody mess that goes the distance with Stout staying on the outside picking apart Stephens, while looking worse-for-the-wear.

Prediction: Sam Stout by Unanimous Decision.

Patrick Cote (13-5) vs Alan Belcher (15-6):

Another native Canadian, Cote's last fight was a shot against Anderson Silva. And he made it into Round 3 (first UFC opponent to do so), only to blow out his ACL in an uneventful finish. Belcher is talented all over (hence the nickname - "The Talent") He is coming off a TKO victory over Wilson Gouveia after dropping a decision to Akiyama.

Cote has not fought in almost a year and a half. He made some comments about taking on Silva again, but really...who cares? He needs to get that fire back in him with a win over Belcher. Unfortunately, I don't think it will happen.

Prediction: Alan Belcher by Triangle Choke. Round 2.

That's all for now.