Randy Couture (16-9) vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1)

Zach Krantz: As with everyone else I wish this fight was two or three years ago.  However, I do not believe that Nogueira has aged 20 years in 9 months.  While his chin and resolve may not be what it was I do not buy into the rumors that his camp is going horrible and he is getting knocked out time and time again.  All that being said, I think Randy will win this fight.  Despite not getting the win he gave Brock more trouble than any of his previous fights (including the Mir loss).  Age somehow has not caught up with Randy yet.  I expect him to use his strength to bully Nogueria and Couture will win via unanimous decision.

Nick Becker: This dream bout is destined to have a nightmare finish for one of these two legends.  Couture's ring generalship will be the main factor in this fight as he dictates where it takes place.  After an elongated feeling out process, look for Couture to close the distance and employ his trademark dirty boxing and Greco skills to control Nogueira against the cage.  While Randy hasn't been threatened with a submission in eons, Big Nog is still dangerous enough to pull off the "Mirko finish."  Expect Couture to carefully pick his spots on the ground and then go for the kill when he sees Nogueira hurt.  Couture via TKO Round 2.

E. Spencer Kyte: If Nogueira can get knocked out standing with Frank Mir, I guy who has never been considered a stand-up powerhouse, "The Natural" will have the ability to do the same. Couture by TKO Round 2.

Zak Woods: The rumors about Nogueira's poor camp and the lack of respect towards Randy's overhand right makes this decision easy. Randy via TKO Round 2.

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira coverage

Keith Jardine (14-6-1) vs. Thiago Silva (13-1)

Zach Krantz: Since Jardine lost his last fight I guess that means he is going to win on Saturday.  Seriously is there a more consistently inconsistent fighter?  In some ways I consider Jardine a poor man's Machida.  He has similar strengths as Machida except at a lesser level.  He has an awkward/different striking style, good takedown defense, and both are good at keeping their distance (Machida with good footwork and defensive striking, Jardine with sharp legs kicks).  My prediction is that Silva struggles to get Jardine to the ground for his patent ground and pound.  The fight stays upright and Jardine wins via unanimous decision. 

Nick Becker: Bull, meet china shop.  Although Thiago paid dearly for rushing Machida his last time out, don't expect him to reign in his aggressive style against Jardine.  "The Dean of Mean" wilts under pressure like flowers in an oven and Thiago will come out fast and furious wanting to erase memories of his previous KO loss.  Jardine has his awkward, unorthodox style going for him but this time he won't be able to maintain enough distance to put those vicious leg kicks to good use.  Be forewarned: This is not the fight you want to take a bathroom break during as it ends with Silva by vicious KO Round 1.

E. Spencer Kyte: I know Silva has knockout power and Jardine has been dropped early a couple times in his career against big hitters. That being said, Silva's been shaken against much weaker opponents. Jardine has fought Top 10 guys in his last seven fights; Silva got dropped the first time he tested the waters. Jardine by Unanimous Decision.

Zak Woods: If Jardine gets through the first 180 seconds he can pull off the decision victory. Keith Jardine via Unanimous Decision.

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira coverage

Chris Leben (18-5-1) vs. Jake Rosholt (5-1)

Zach Krantz: I think the Chris Leben of recent is what we will continue to see.  He is opening a new gym, coming off a suspension, and been losing his previous fights.  Rosholt Achilles Heel is his submission defense and that is not a concern in this fight.  Chris still is tough as nails (I hate that saying) so I do not see a knockout.  Despite an early attack from Chris, Rosholt will win via unanimous decision.

Nick Becker: This is my upset pick of the night.  Rosholt has shown deficiencies in the stand-up game but he more than compensates for that with his tremendous takedown ability.  Rosholt should be able to take Leben down at will and frustrate him on the ground with lay-and-pray smothering top control.  As long as he's able to avoid the desperation haymaker that "The Crippler" will have three rounds to try and land, Rosholt wins via Unanimous decision.  

E. Spencer Kyte: Rosholt could certainly drag Leben to the ground and wrestle him for 15 minutes to earn the win. Or he could get caught with one of Leben's haymakers and put to sleep. I can't believe I'm actually picking Chris Leben, but I see Rosholt walking into one. Leben by TKO Round 1.

Zak Woods: I really believed that Rosholt was going to win this fight with a slow methodical decision. Then I listened to The Low Blow on Fightlinker and remembered how bad Jake is as a fighter. It was then that I begrudgingly picked Chris. Leben via TKO Round 3.

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira coverage

Demian Maia (11-0) vs. Nate Marquardt (31-8-2)

Zach Krantz: In my opinion this is hands down the most intriguing fight of the night.  It involves two fighters on winning streaks, a shot at the title, Maia first real test, and will show us if a one-dimensional fighter can beat one of the best in the division.  There are two camps when discussing this fight; one group who thinks Maia's submission game is good enough for him to be one-dimensional and the group that thinks Marquardt's striking and well-rounded approach will prove Maia is not ready.  I am in the ladder group.  How well Maia has utilized his jiu-jitsu in the UFC and MMA has been remarkable to watch, but I think Marquardt (who originally used his jiu-jitsu to win fights) defensive jiu-jitsu and strength are good enough to bring the fight back to the feet if it ever hits the mat.  Nate will prevent the submissions and win the fight on his feet.  I expect Marquardt to win via TKO in round 2.  I would not be surprised with a decision either as I can envision Marquardt stalling on the mat and Maia not engaging while upright. 

Nick Becker: Sure, Marquardt's ever-improving game has been getting a ton of press lately but Maia's jiu-jitsu is so sick the Obama administration has considered using it as an example of why we need Universal Health Care.  Truthfully, I don't envision this bout being as close as many of my colleagues do. If this fight turns into a striking match then Marquardt obviously has the advantage, but, of course, it won't.  As soon as Maia grabs hold of Nate, the finish is academic.  Maia with Submission of the Night Round 1.

E. Spencer Kyte: I say give both these guys a win and each of them a shot at Anderson Silva! I honestly don't care who wins this fight, because I love both fighters. That being said, Nate has a much more complete game and while Maia will certainly drag him to the ground a time or two, I don't see him slapping on a submission as quickly against Marquardt as he has against everyone else. Nate wins this on the feet, TKO Round 2.

Zak Woods: I have oscillated between both of these fighters since this fight was announced. Marquardt will be an upgrade in talent

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira coverage

Krzysztof Soszynski (19-9-1) vs. Brandon Vera (10-3)

Zach Krantz: The first fight on the main card is representative of the rest of the main card (except the title fight).  No huge names to the casual fans, but fights I really want to see.  I am literally intrigued by every fight on the main card, except the Jardine/Silva.  One of two things will happen tonight: Vera loses and completely loses all hype or he dominates Soszynski and shoots up the proverbial ladder.  Once again I am not smart enough to know which one.  I would actually be happy either way as Vera's potential is real and Soszynski has the appeal of someone who fights above his skill set.  I think Vera will weather an early storm from the Polish Sensation and turn the heat up.  Vera wins via TKO in round 3 and this fight wins fight of the night. 

Nick Becker: Potential sleeper fight of the night.  Vera holds the definite striking edge with his Muay-Thai background, while Soszynski is comfortable both standing up and on the ground.  Vera has looked a bit tentative as of late, while Soszynski seems to have all the confidence in the world.  Not really sure how this one will go but either way I'm sure it will be exciting.  There are two fight outcomes I would love to see: a) Vera returns to form with a spectacular KO or b) Soszynski nabs his fourth Kimura victory in his last five pro fights.  That being said, I'm going with c) Soszynski by Split Decision.

E. Spencer Kyte: There might not be a fighter I dislike more than Brandon Vera. For a guy who has beaten nobodies in his last two wins, he sure does talk a lot of shit. I can't wait to see Krzysztof smash him on Saturday night. Soszynski by TKO Round 1.

Zak Woods: Soszynski is a trendy pick but I believe Vera's size will stonewall "The Polish Experiment." Vera via Unanimous Decision.

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira coverage

Gabriel Gonzaga (10-4) vs. Chris Tuchscherer (17-1)

Zach Krantz: 17-1 Tuch goes up against 10-4 Gonzaga.  Clearly Tuchscherer will win the fight.  Except that Tuchscherer's resume is weaker than me and Gonzaga's worst loss was to Shane Carwin, I guess.  This fight is here for one reason, to re-build Gonzaga.  Gonzaga is better on his feet and on the ground.  Tuchscherer is not a bad hail mary at +300, but in reality Gonzaga wins Round 1 via whatever he wants to do. 

Nick Becker: First off, let's make one thing clear: While Tuchscherer trains with Brock Lesnar, Tuchscherer is no Brock Lesnar.  Gonzaga feasts on weaker competition and - despite his 17-1 record - Tuchscherer certainly qualifies.  Gonzaga has the advantage in almost all areas and should dominate from start to finish.  Gonzaga via TKO Round 1.

Zak Woods: I like Tuchscherer as a future prospect but I believe Gabriel is going to win. Gonzaga via TKO Round 2.

Justin McCully (9-4-2) vs. Mike Russow (11-0)

Zach Krantz: McCully is one of the most under-appreciated Heavyweights in the UFC.  He is not the golden goose, but most people did not expect him to last more than one fight.  He is 2-1 in the UFC with his only loss to the "I'm always wearing a sweater" Gabriel Gonzaga.  Too bad Russow is a horrible match up for him.  McCully's thrilling style of sitting on top of his opponent for three rounds will not work on Saturday night.  Russow is the better wrestler and a better grappler.  McCully will not get top position and I am scared to see him fight from his back.  Expect Russow to take McCully down and secure the submission at the end of Round 1 or early Round 2. 

Nick Becker: This fight should be Russow's coming-out party.  Russow has seven first-round submission wins; McCully was submitted in the first round a year ago by Gabe Gonzaga.  Also, McCully refers to himself in the third-person which is very annoying.  Russow by Submission Round 1

Zak Woods: For those that have seen Justin McCully fight you will know why I am picking Russow. Mike Russow via unanimous decision.

Todd Duffee (5-0) vs. Tim Hague (10-1)

Zach Krantz: I spoke about this fight with my gambling predictions, but this should be a showcase for Todd Duffee.  As I said before, whenever you see a fighter with only 4 fights in the UFC it means he is either there to showcase a prospect or he is the prospect.  Here, Duffee is the prospect.  Duffee via TKO round 1. 

Nick Becker: There's some very strong buzz surrounding Todd Duffee's Octagon debut.  Duffee is a big heavyweight who trains with ATT and is coming off a wicked TKO victory over Assuerio Silva.  Word on the street is that Duffee should steamroll his opponent, but don't sleep on Hague who earned a Guillotine victory over Pat Barry at UFC 98.  Be that as it may, I'm picking Duffee via TKO Round 2.

Zak Woods: Duffe by Unanimous Decision.

Nick Catone (7-1) vs. Mark Munoz (5-1)

Zach Krantz: Fighter "A" uses his wrestling to win fights.  Fighter "B" is a better wrestler.  Sucks to be fighter "A."  Mark Munoz wins via ground-and-pound Round 2. 

Nick Becker: Last time we saw Munoz he was slumped against the cage, the victim of a brutal Matt Hamill head kick.  I think by now the cobwebs have finally cleared and we will begin to see Munoz's potential start to come to fruition.  Catone is no slouch but this is Munoz's fight to win or lose.  Munoz by Unanimous Decision.

Zak Woods: Munoz by Unanimous Decision.

Marcus Aurelio (18-7) vs. Evan Dunham (8-0)

Zach Krantz: In any sport I always root for the young prospect, team, or undefeated fighter. I enjoy witnessing new talent and watching a fighter develop from the ground up.  Dunham fits this mold and a win here would help him gain notoriety, especially among fans who watched Aurelio fight in Pride.  This will not happen.  Aurelio has always been tough to figure out and we are not sure who will show up in the ring, but I feel that he will be ready to go in his return to the UFC to submit Dunham early in the second round.  Aurelio via submission in Round 2. 

Nick Becker: Marcus Aurelio has fought a veritable who's-who of elite-level lightweight fighters.  Evan Dunham has fought Per Eklund.  Aurelio via Something Awesome Round 1.

Zak Woods: Marcus Aurelio makes the most of his return. Aurelio via TKO in Round 2.

Ed Herman (17-6) vs. Aaron Simpson (5-0)

Zach Krantz:  By far the most interesting fight on the undercard.  Herman is a solid, but not extraordinary fighter.  Simpson has dismantled his competition, but his competition has been lacking.  This will be the first real test for Simpson and I cannot wait to see it.  I really have no idea about this fight because it is such a huge jump in competition for Simpson and we are still unsure how good he really is.  I will give Herman the edge due to his experience and resolve.  With absolutely no confidence I'll go with Herman via submission late in Round 2.  Simpson will apply the pressure early, but Herman will withstand the storm and survive. 

Nick Becker: Local favorite Herman has had a rocky UFC career but is on the upswing after a dominating victory over David Louiseau at UFC 97.  Simpson has one-punch knockout power but Herman's submission prowess should serve him well against his relatively inexperienced opponent.  Herman via Submission Round 2.

Zak Woods: Herman wins for the hometown. Herman via unanimous decision.

UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira coverage