Zach Kratnz: I hope Brandon Vera is like coca-cola.  First we had the solid coca-cola then we had the gross new coke and hopefully we will be rewarded with Coca-Cola Classic.  This is the fight for him to do it.  Couture is the favorite and Vera has looked poorly recently, but we all know the potential is there and while Randy might be the MMA version of Satchel Paige, but age will eventually catch up.  I think this is a perfect opportunity for Vera and he comes out with nothing to lose which goes in his favor as Vera wins via TKO in Round 2. 

Nick Becker: This fight obviously means a lot for both men and I expect to see them perform at the top of their games.  Couture represents an opponent that Vera is forced to take seriously and "The Natural" knows that a title shot is just over the horizon if he can beat Vera in convincing fashion.  I suspect we'll see vintage Couture in the cage Saturday night, roughing up Vera in the clinch with dirty boxing before eventually getting the takedown and ground and pounding his way to another age-defying victory.  Couture via TKO Round 2.

E. Spencer Kyte: I can't stick with one decision on this fight for the life of me. On one hand, Couture is older than dirt and has showed signs of slowing down, but am I really going to let myself pick Brandon Vera? That being said, he looked crisp against Soszynski and has the tools to beat Couture just about anywhere this fight goes, but he's had those same tools in some of his less-than-memorable performances too. Dammit! Head over heart on this one - Vera by Unanimous Decision.

Zak Woods: Yesterday, I was watching Fox Fight Game and I was told by the new editor of the UFC Magazine that this would be a great and interesting fight. I am sorry to have to disagree with that lunacy but when was the last time Brendon Vera was in a good fight? It was 2006, three years ago! Since then Vera has looked out of place every time he steps into the cage. I know this next comment might get me labeled as a heretic but Couture looked old when he fought Nogueira. Yes, it was entertaining but the fight was in old people slow motion. Vera vs. Couture will be a dirty boxing clinch-fest with Couture being the aggressor, which will earn him the split decision victory.

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Dan Hardy (22-6, 1 NC) vs. Mike Swick (14-2)

E. Spencer Kyte: I don't particularly like Mike Swick, though I have no real reason as to why. He's just not a fighter I have a lot of interest in. Maybe it's because the game plan is 100% the same each time and he normally executes it pretty well against a guy he should execute pretty well against. Seriously, this guy is stumping for a title shot based on his resume of wins over Gideon Ray, David Loiseau, Josh Burkman and Jonathan "Dinka Donka Dinka Donka Your Phone is Ringing" Goulet? But then again, Dan Hardy could beat you at a game of Pacman and he'd tell you that's enough for him to get a title shot. Both beat Marcus Davis, both have good hands and both are talking some trash. Close call, but gimme the guy with the mohawk in an upset. Hardy by TKO Round 1.

Nick Becker: When this match-up comes to mind all I can think of is World War III.  Both guys love to stand and bang and will be looking to make a statement that they can be competitive against the monolithic GSP.  Since I can't see either man getting the finish, I'm going to have to go with Hardy by Split Decision in the Fight of the Night.

Zak Woods: I am nowhere near as excited for this fight as Nick is. In my mind it will closer to the trench warfare of WWI then some super high-tech, bad ass WWIII (I have been playing a lot of Modern Warfare II, give me a break). I think Swick will want to secure a win and as a result will take the fight to the ground and grind out a decision. Swick via Unanimous Decision.

Zach Kratnz: It is amusing that Swick and Hardy's best wins are against Marcus Davis.  Swick won more handily than Hardy plus Swick's ground game is significantly better than Hardy's.  My guess is that Mike Swick plays it smart and takes the fight to the ground to win ground and pound in round 2.  Maybe he cannot finish though and he takes a decision (I'm indecisive). 

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Michael Bisping (18-2) vs. Denis Kang (32-11-1)

Nick Becker: Although Kang's a talented fighter who can beat most middleweights on any given day, I expect him to continue his inconsistent streak. Lately Kang's looked like an entirely different fighter than the guy who went undefeated in 23 straight matches from 2003-2006.  Meanwhile, Bisping's back on his home turf and has assuredly learned from the mistakes he made against Hendo.  I expect a cautious Bisping to play it safe, keeping his distance and utilizing crisp striking to earn the judge's nod.  Bisping by Unanimous Decision.

Zach Kratnz: Overhyped fighter against underachieving fighter.  Similar to Brandon Vera this is an opportunity for Kang to live up to his potential.  Kang is more skilled, but he makes mistake and Bisping can make a mistake your last.  However, I think Kang comes ready and grinds out a decision against the count. 

Zak Woods: I am very interested to see how Michael Bisping bounces back after being exposed defeated by Dan Henderson. Bisping has the reach and size advantage and the last time Kang fought a bigger fighter, in Alan Belcher, he gave the fight away. Though it pains me to do it I will pick Bisping by unanimous decision.

E. Spencer Kyte: Honestly, I have a Michael Bisping voodoo doll that I've been doing bad things to all week, that's how much I want him to lose this fight. He's just too mouthy and lippy for a guy whose greatest accomplishment is beating Chris goddamn Leben. He may not be scared of any aspect of Denis Kang's game, but he said the same thing about Dan Henderson before Hendo slapped the taste out of his mouth at UFC 100. Even if he wasn't fighting a Canadian, I would be picking against Bisping. The fact that he's fighting a guy born on the same tiny island as my grandmother who has a world of talents? Icing... Denis Kang via Submission Round 2.

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Matt Brown (10-7) vs. James Wilks (6-2)

E. Spencer Kyte: Did you know Matt Brown got his nickname by surviving a heroin overdose? Wikipedia may not be the most trusted site in the world (understated for comedic purposes) but it's sure full of potentially interesting information that may or may not have any validity! As for the fight, it could honestly go either way in my eyes and I probably won't know who I think is going to win until about three minutes before the fight, so for right now, I'll arbitrarily take Wilks via Submission Round 2.

Zak Woods: Right now on WKR there is very little faith in James Wilks. Readers are picking against the TUF 9 winner by more than two to one. Would the UFC really sacrifice both of their U.K. TUF winners right off the bat? I don't think so. Wilks via Submission Round 1.

Nick Becker: Wilks had a great showing against an overrated DeMarques Johnson but I don't think that will translate to a win against "The Immortal" one.  I see Wilks having a difficult time dealing with the ferocity that Brown brings into the cage and eventually wilting against the pressure.  Brown by TKO in Round 2.

Zach Kratnz:  I like Matt Brown.  For someone who struggled to find consistency in smaller promotions he appears to be a decent gatekeeper in the UFC.  I also thought DaMarques Johnson was overrated the whole season.  Brown will be too much as his brawler striking is too much for Wilks as Brown beats Wilks via KO in Round 1. 

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Ross Pearson (9-3) vs. Aaron Riley (28-11-1)

Zach Kratnz: Pearson is tenacious and fiery, but we are yet to see the skill level.  Riley is probably the more skilled fighter and we will see a decision win for Aaron Riley. 

Nick Becker: Talk about being thrown to the wolves. Pearson certainly isn't being handed a pushover in his first post-TUF Finale bout as Riley is tough-as-nails and will be going full force from the opening bell.  In one that's likely to go the distance, I see Riley's experience being the deciding factor.  Riley via Unanimous Decision.

E. Spencer Kyte: Look - Ross Pearson could come out and become a superstar at 155 and I would owe him a massive apology. That being said, nothing he did on TUF 9 overly impressed me and Aaron Riley is tough as they come. You're sure as shit not going to knock him out and if you think anything Ross Pearson can bring to the table hasn't already been thrown at Riley over his 40 pro fights and training with Team Jackson, you're mistaken. This is a bad homecoming present from Joe Silva and the UFC for Ross Pearson. Riley by Unanimous Decision.

Zak Woods: Do I believe in Ross Pearson? If you listened to Cage Cast then you know I have as much faith in Pearson's abilities as I have in Michael Bay's directorial skills. Aaron Riley is a scrappy journeyman fighter who won't shit the bed in the middle of the fight, like Andre Winner did. Aaron Riley by Unanimous Decision.

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Nick Becker: I think Etim's technique is a bit better than Gugerty's and his submission skills should win out in a battle that I believe will produce the Submission of the Night.  Etim via Submission (of the Night) Round 2.

E. Spencer Kyte: Terry Etim

Zach Kratnz: Everyone knows Gugerty as a submission fighter, well at least those that know who he is.  However, he has a solid Muay That base and I think that will be the difference.  Gugerty has gone the distance once and that was a loss.  Do not expect that here as Gugerty pulls off the upset and gets a TKO win in the second. 

Zak Woods: Terry Etim

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

John Hathaway (12-0) vs. Paul Taylor (10-4-1, 1 NC)

Zach Kratnz: I know Hathaway is undefeated, but I have not been very impressed so far.  Taylor is too one dimensional to ever be an elite fighter in the UFC, but Taylor will pull off the small upset when he wins via KO late in Round 1.

E. Spencer Kyte: John Hathaway

Nick Becker: The great thing about Paul Taylor is that you can always count on him to engage in an entertaining scrap.  This bout is Hathaway's to lose as he possesses all the tools necessary to defeat the tough Brit.  Hathaway by Split Decision.

Zak Woods: Paul Taylor

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Nick Osipczak (4-1) vs. Matthew Riddle (3-0)

Nick Becker: I was very impressed with Osipczak's performance on TUF and his subsequent destruction of Frank Lester on the Finale.  Riddle has shown some improved skills since his TUF stint but I have to go with Osipczak via Submission Round 1. 

Zak Woods: Matt Riddle

Zach Kratnz:  Riddle uses his superior wrestling to nullify Osipczak's striking and win another boring decision. 

E. Spencer Kyte: Nick Osipczak

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Paul Kelly (10-1) vs. Dennis Siver (14-6)

Zach Kratnz: Siver has struggled with wrestlers and Kelly has good ground and pound.  Kelly finally gets a UFC stoppage as he wins by TKO in the first. 

E. Spencer Kyte: Paul Kelly

Nick Becker: Thinking about this match-up, I just can't get that brutal KO of Denis Siver by Melvin Guillard out of my head.  Analyzing all the possible outcomes of this fight, I have to believe that Kelly will posterize him as well.  Kelly by KO (of the Night) Round 2.

Zak Woods: Paul Kelly

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Alexander Gustafsson (8-0) vs. Jared Hamman (11-1)

Zak Woods: Jared Hamman

Nick Becker: I remember watching Hamman on those ShoXC bouts against Poai Suganuma and thinking that he has serious potential.  I believe Hamman will fold if Gustafsson puts a ton of pressure on him in the early-goings.  If Hamman survives the opening round, I think he'll ultimately earn a decision victory.  Hamman via Unanimous Decision.

E. Spencer Kyte: Alexander Gustafsson

Zach Kratnz: Frontrunner for prelims to get aired on main broadcast.  Both fighters are light heavyweight prospects making their UFC debuts.  Both like stand and trade.  Expect Gustafsson to get the better of it and score a KO in Round 1. 

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera

Roli Delgado (8-4-1) vs. Andre Winner (9-3-1)

E. Spencer Kyte: Andre Winner

Zach Kratnz: Delgado has reach with no power and tells us he has great jiu-jitsu, that's it.  Winner wins via TKO Round 1.

Nick Becker: This fight is a toss-up in my book.  Winner didn't look particularly good in his most recent fight while Delgado looked decent against Paul Kelly his last time out.  Delgado probably possesses the stronger overall skills so I'll go with Delgado by TKO Round 3.   

Zak Woods: Andre Winner

SBN coverage of UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera