WKR Staff Picks UFC 108

Rashad Evans (13-1-1) vs. Thiago Silva (14-1)

Zach Kratnz: Evans claims to be going back to his wrestling base and if he does then things are looking good for him.  He may have the quickness, but his striking is not crisp enough to exchange with Silva.  I am feeling a Silva upset, but with Jackson in Evans corner then I think he will gameplan correctly.  Evans via unanimous decision.

Nick Becker: Perhaps it's the after-glow from Rashad's stellar coaching gig on TUF, the persistent rumors about Thiago's (possible) ankle injury, or simply the fact that Evans is the better all-around fighter, but I see Rashad handily winning this bout. No matter where the fight takes place, Rashad has the advantage. Rashad's striking is crisper, his hand-speed is faster and his wrestling is too good to permit Silva to maintain top control if the fight ends up on the mat. Silva's penchant for getting into brawls will eventually be his undoing as he'll get caught by an overhand right during an exchange and will go down hard late in the second round. Evans by KO (of the Night) Round 2.

Spencer Kyte: Rashad needs this fight more than Silva does, since his lost to Machida was more recent and more memorable. Over his last few fights, Evans pulled a Josh Koscheck and fell in love with his boxing and counter-striking ability. This time around, I expect him to dance with the girl he came with, his tremendous wrestling, to mix things up and keep Silva guessing. Evans by (T)KO Round 2.

Zak Woods: For all the talk of Rashad Evans going back to his wrestling he is still a very solid counter-striking. Even if a wrestling dominant gameplan fails Rashad should be able to land some effective counters against the aggressive Silva. Evans via unanimous decision.

SBN coverage of UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva

Dustin Hazelett (12-4-1) vs. Paul Daley (22-8-2)

Zach Kratnz: This fight is an extreme traditional match up with a grappler vs. striker.  Except we have one of the most exciting submission artists against one of the most dynamic strikers.  Hazelett claims this is a great test for his improved kickboxing, but I am under the assumption he watched Kampmann do the same thing and is simply bluffing.  The layoff from his injury is the real key to the fight.  I'm hoping Hazelett's strength is there and he can take Daley to the floor.  Hazelett wins via submission Round 1.

Nick Becker: Feel free to ignore the pre-fight hype about Hazelett being willing to stand and trade with Daley. If Hazelett's brain is half as big as his beard he'll be looking to take this fight to the ground immediately. I believe "Semtex" will tag him with a vicious combination which will send "McLovin'" to the canvas, after which he'll immediately follow up with some nasty ground-and-pound that ends this bout in the first. Daley via TKO Round 1.

Spencer Kyte: Everything hinges on whether or not Hazelett can get this fight to the ground. Daley's ground game is suspect at best, so if Hazelett can get the fight to the floor, it should be academic. Unfortunately, if he can't, it's academic the other way, as "Semtex" is a straight-ahead banger with more than enough power to stop McLovin. Daley, (T)KO Round 1.

Zak Woods: Another flip-flop by me from my MMA Moneyline picks but I just can't shake the feeling this fight will go exactly the same way as the Daley-Kampmann fight with Daley out muscling Hazelett in the clinch before finishing him with some power punches. Then again if Hazelett gets this fight to the ground Daley has zero submission defense. Daley via TKO Round 1.

SBN coverage of UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva

Joe Lauzon (18-4) vs. Sam Stout (14-5-1)

Nick Becker: The fact that this bout is on the main card speaks volumes about how snake-bit UFC 108 has been. As long as he avoids the dangerous strikes of Stout, Lauzon has more than enough tools to win this bout. Truth be told, I'm also hoping "Hands of Stone" loses in order to more quickly facilitate Fisher-Stout III. Lauzon via Unanimous Decision.  

Zach Kratnz: Stout takedown defense appears to be improving, but Lauzon will do whatever he can to get the fight to the mat and I do not think Stout will last forever.  Expect Lauzon to take some damage as he works close Stout before eventually occupying the takedown and getting the submission.  Lauzon via submission Round 2.

Spencer Kyte: If Lauzon wasn't coming back off an ACL repair and been out of the cage for nearly a year, this would be easy pickings, despite my affinity for Sam Stout. The ring rust makes me a bit hesitant, but Lauzon is just too good on the ground to not find a submission somewhere inside of 15 minutes. Lauzon by Submission Round 3.

Zak Woods: A fighter returning from an ACL injury for the first time is usually a good reason to pick against him. While a pick against Lauzon might be a smart value bet for an underdog I trust in Joe's ability to rehab his knee and come back strong against Sam Stout who is just 3-4 in his UFC career. Lauzon via submission Round 1.

Jim Miller (15-2) vs. Duane Ludwig (19-9)

Spencer Kyte: Duane Ludwig can certainly light Jim Miller up; they don't call him "Bang" for nothing. He's got a world of experience, trains with an outstanding team and has been in the cage with some quality opponents over the years. That said, Miller is a smart enough fighter to know this fight needs to take place on the ground, and from there, he should be able to find a submission or wrestle a decision away from Ludwig. Miller by Unanimous Decision.

Zach Kratnz: Simply put Ludwig is too one dimensional and lacks a strong takedown defense.  His luck, he is fighting a takedown and grappling machine.  Unless Miller tests his boxing and tries to trade with Ludwig expect Miller to take the fight with some ground and pound in the first.

Nick Becker: If Ludwig can be submitted by Lyle Beerbohm, I don't see any way he'll be able to survive the brilliant ground game of Miller. Miller by Submission (of the Night) Round 1.

Zak Woods: Jim Miller better win this fight or else his stock as a top lightweight prospect will drop faster than AIG's. Miller should be able to handle Ludwig who is coming in on short notice. Miller via unanimous decision.

Junior dos Santos (9-1) vs. Gilbert Yvel (36-13-1)

Nick Becker: In his previous Octagon appearances Dos Santos has been able to overwhelm opponents with his relentless striking. I don't think that strategy will work against Yvel, who'll love nothing more than to stand toe-to-toe with "Cigano" and slug it out. Both men will get in their fair share of punishment before Yvel lands an out-of-nowhere high kick that will end the night for Dos Santos. Yvel by KO Round 2.

Spencer Kyte: After this fight, expect a whole truckload of people to be talking about how Junior dos Santos is one of the best heavyweight prospects out there and should be in the mix for the interim title... you know... the stuff I've been saying all along. We've seen him knockout Werdum and Struve, and punish Cro Cop into quitting. This time around, I expect to see his ground game, either with a quick submission or some serious ground and pound. Dos Santos by Submission Round 1.

Zach Kratnz: With two big strikers people might expect a quick finish, but Dos Santos will play this smart.  He will pick apart Yvel as opposed to trying to stand and bang.  This will work in his favor as Dos Santos wins TKO in Round 3.

Zak Woods: Dos Santos tees off on Yvel for an easy victory. Dos Santos TKO Round 2.

Martin Kampmann (15-3) vs. Jacob Volkmann (9-1)

Zach Kratnz: Kampmann has to be soooo happy that he has the advantage on his feet.  I actually think Volkmann looked good against Thiago, but similar to most wrestlers his striking needs work.  This will provide a problem as Kampmann wins via TKO in Round 2.

Nick Becker: Plain and simple, this is Kampmann's fight to lose. "The Hitman" has always rebounded well from losses and this bout shouldn't be any different. Even though it's tough to pick against a guy nicknamed "Christmas" during the holiday season - the only logical choice here is Kampmann via TKO Round 2. 

Spencer Kyte: Kampmann - TKO, Round 1.

Zak Woods: Big fan of Martin Kampmann and I am hoping he can get back on track with a win here. Besides, Volkmann's nick name is "Christmas" which reminds me of that damn Mariah Carey song. For the love of god stop playing it! Kampmann via submission Round 3.

Cole Miller (15-4) vs. Dan Lauzon (12-2)

Zach Kratnz: My first upset pick of the night as the Lauzon brothers go 2-0 on Saturday.  Miller will struggle to get/keep the fight to mat where he is comfortable.  Expect Lauzon to win via unanimous decision by winning the stand up.

Nick Becker: This is one fight that has potential to steal the show. Both guys have phenomenal ground skills and there should be plenty of action during the many scrambles that are likely to take place. Miller has shown a vulnerability to strikes in the past but Lauzon doesn't present much of a threat on the feet. In a back-and-forth affair, I'm going with Miller by Split Decision in the Fight of the Night.

Spencer Kyte: Dan Lauzon - Split Decision.

Zak Woods: Initially I went with Miller for my MMA Moneyline picks but I am flip flopping on this one. Lauzon's first run in the UFC was unsuccessful but he was a very green and raw fighter. His time out of a Zuffa promotion has helped him grow as a fighter and Miller is coming off a disappointing loss. Look for Lauzon to win with a decision victory.

Mark Munoz (6-1) vs. Ryan Jensen (14-5)

Nick Becker: Munoz is still wet behind the ears while Jensen has the experience and aggression necessary to pull out the victory. Jensen by Unanimous Decision.     

Zach Kratnz: Do not expect Jensen to head kick Munoz.  Munoz via TKO in Round 2.

Spencer Kyte: Mark Munoz - TKO, Round 2.

Zak Woods: I hope Munoz comes out to the Philippine national anthem like Manny Pacquiao. Just so much fun on so many levels. Munoz via unanimous decision.

Jake Ellenberger (21-5) vs. Mike Pyle (19-6-1)

Zach Kratnz: If Ellenberger is smart he will use his wrestling to keep this fight on the feet and score the KO.  If he plays it aggressive with his wrestling then he will get submitted on the mat.  Here is to playing it smart as Ellenberger wins via KO in Round 2.

Nick Becker: I became a believer in Ellenberger after watching him knock Carlos Condit's head around like a tetherball his last time out. Pyle's very crafty on the ground and there's certainly the chance he could catch him in a submission but I'll take the guy who was beating Condit like a red-headed stepchild before losing a dubious decision. Ellenberger via TKO Round 1.

Spencer Kyte: Mike Pyle - Submission, Round 1.

Zak Woods: How good is Jake Ellenberger? He gave Carlos Condit some serious issues before fading in the third round on his way to a split decision loss. I believe he rebounds with a win here. Ellenberger via TKO in Round 1.

Rafaello Oliveira (9-2) vs. John Gunderson (22-6)

Nick Becker: A quick study of Gunderson's Wikipedia page shows that he has feasted on weaker competition while struggling against top-flight opponents. Oliveira is in the former category, not the latter. Gunderson by Submission Round 2.

Zach Kratnz: Oliveira via decision.

Spencer Kyte: Rafaello Oliveira - Unanimous decision.

Zak Woods: Gunderson is coming in on short notice so I am going with Oliveira. Oliveira via unanimous decision.