UFC® 108: Evans vs. Silva, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Former light-heavyweight champ and Ultimate Fighter® season 10 coach Rashad Evans begins his journey back to title contention against the always dangerous Brazilian Thiago Silva. Both of these fighters have recently lost to the current 205 champ Lyoto Machida, and are after the chance to take the belt off him in the near future. Thiago Silva has the advantage of already winning a fight in spectacular fashion since his defeat against Machida, by knocking out Rashad’s pal and team mate Keith Jardine.

Main Card

Rashad Evans Vs Thiago Silva
Dustin Hazelett Vs Paul Daley
Joe Lauzon Vs Sam Stout
Jim Miller Vs Duane Ludwig
Junior Dos Santos Vs Gilbert Yvel

Undercard

Martin Kampmann Vs Jacob Volkmann
Cole Miller Vs Dan Lauzon
Mark Munoz Vs Ryan Jensen
Mike Pyle Vs Jake Ellenberger
Rafaello Oliviera Vs John Gunderson

My UFC 108 Predictions

Rashad Evans Vs Thiago Silva

With many fighters dropping out of this event due to injuries, many fans have voiced their disappointment with this card. Even though we’ve lost some big names such as Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort and Brock Lesnar, in my opinion this fight should be a very tough contest for both fighters and well worth the money. Both have knockout power, even though I give the slight advantage to Thiago Silva. Rashad Evans has world class wrestling and Thiago Silva is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt.

This is a very tough one to predict, as are many MMA bouts, but I will be going for Rashad Evans by decision. Either fighter could end up out cold but if Rashad goes out there pushing his wrestling and clinch game he should be able to wear his opponent down. If the fight gets to the 3rd round I think Evans will have the physical advantage and will push on for the win.

Dustin Hazelett Vs Paul Daley

Paul Daley was scheduled to fight Carlos Conduit until Carlos pulled out due to an injury only a few weeks ago. Dustin Hazelett is a BJJ specialist and has won the vast majority of his fights by submission. We have yet to see how comfortable Paul Daley is on the ground in the octagon, mainly due to the fact that he usually knocks his opponents out before they can get him there!

I don’t think Dustin Hazelett will be able to take down Paul Daley early on in the fight. Lets not forget that Paul is a big 170 and even though he’s relatively new in the UFC he has alot of experience in the UK. My prediction is a win for Paul Daley via KO.

Joe Lauzon Vs Sam Stout

Another good matchup in my opinion. Joe Lauzon is coming off a submission victory against Jeremy Stephens and Sam Stout was also victorious in his last bout against Matt Wiman. I’d give the standing advantage to Sam Stout but I can’t see him knocking out Lauzon. However, when the fight goes to the ground I believe Joe Lauzon has a strong advantage with his BJJ. This is why i’m going for Joe Lauzon via submission.

Jim Miller Vs Duane Ludwig

I’ve been really impressed with Jim Miller in the UFC. His only 2 career losses are against two very respectable fighters, Gray Maynard and Frank Edgar. Duane Ludwig has probably fought tougher opponents in his career and has KO power, but Jim Miller is a great athlete and knows what it takes to win in the UFC and puts on a show doing it. I think Jim Miller will win this fight and he’s overdue a submission victory.

Junior Dos Santos Vs Gilbert Yvel

I think this has all the makings of getting KO of the night. Which fighter will get it? Well, Junior Dos Santos has shown it in the UFC, but anyone who has followed Gilbert Yvel’s career will tell you that he has a massive list of KO’s under his belt. I’m going to have to go for Gilbert Yvel by KO. He’s a world class kickboxer and has mixed it up with the best in the past.

Martin Kampmann Vs Jacob Volkmann – most people will probably back Kampmann, but I was really impressed with Volkmann in his debut against a very tough Paulo Thiago.

Cole Miller Vs Dan Lauzon – I cant say I know much about Dan Lauzon, but I sure training with his brother Joe Lauzon on a daily basis will mean he’s no push over.

UFC 108 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas – 2nd January 2010