UFC Fight Night 12 goes down tonight, 9pm, live from The Pearl in Las Vegas.
Here are my quick picks for the event.
MAIN CARD
Mike Swick (170) vs. Josh Burkman (170)
This will mark Mike Swick’s debut in the welterweight division and he will not have an easy test going up against Josh Burkman. As a matter of fact, I’m going with Burkman by submission in round three.
Drew McFederies (185.5) vs. Patrick Cote (184)
History teaches us that the only way to defeat Patrick Cote is by submitting him or out pointing him on the judges score card. McFrederies will not be able to do either, so I see Cote by KO in round 3.
Michihiro Omigawa (154) vs. Thiago Tavares (155)
Omigawa is as tough as they come but Tavares is that much better. I see Tavares being a top five fighter by the end of 2008 and he will start by submitting Omigawa in this fight, late in round 2.
Alvin Robinson (155) vs. Nate Diaz (155)
This is a very evenly matched bout. Both guys have great ground skills but the stand up edge goes to Robinson. I see him KO’ing Diaz in round 3.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Alberto Crane (155) vs. Kurt Pellegrino (155)
This will be a submissionfest as both guys have incredible ground games. Provided his ego and zest to submit Crane does not get in the way of his gameplan, I look for the bigger, stronger and better stiking Pellegrino to put a pounding on Crane enroute to earning a unanimous judges decision.
Dennis Siver (154) vs. Gray Maynard (155)
Maynard continues to impress, slowly but surely and will win this bout via TKO in Round 2.
Jeremy Stephens (155) vs. Cole Miller (155)
Another even match up, but I believe the difference here is Miller’s reach. He will frustrate Stephens and will eventually submit him in round 3.
Joe Veres (155) vs. Corey Hill (154)
Hill’s opponent is not just Veres, but his own mind as well. There is alot of pressure on Hill to win this bout, so if he stays focused, calm and sticks to the gameplan, he will knockout Veres in round 1.
Justin Buchholz (155) vs. Matt Wiman (155)
Buchholz is a very explosive fighter but Wiman will slow him down. He will set the pace and win a unanimous judges decision.
