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UFC Welterweight Division Fight
“The Peoples Warrior” Josh Burkman (18-7-0) vs. Pete “Drago” Sell (7-4-0)
Josh Burkman has been a fighter who is always on the verge of becoming a contender in the UFC Welterweight Division, but never grasps the opportunity. After becoming a contestant on the UFC Ultimate Fighter 2, Josh Burkman pulled out victories over Sam Morgan and Drew Fickett before losing to Jon Fitch. This was a pattern who would continue during Josh Burkman’s current UFC run with a few victories followed by a big fight loss. Josh Burkman will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with eight career victories coming by submission. Pete Sell shocked the world when he made his UFC debut at UFC 51 when he defeated then top rated fighter Phil Baroni. Then Pete Sell would become a cast member of the UFC Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback, but then would lose three fights in a row to Scott Smith, Thales Leitas and Nate Quarry following his stint on the reality program. This could be a defining fight for Pete Sell in the UFC because a loss would possibly have him released from the promotion. Pete Sell will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with three career victories coming by way of submission.
My Prediction: Josh Burkman
UFC Lightweight Division Fight
Hermes Franca (18-7-0) vs. Marcus “Maximus” Aurelio (16-6-0)
Hermes Franca had the biggest fight of his career at UFC 73 when he challenged Sean Sherk for the UFC Lightweight Title, but lost the fight by decision. After that loss, Hermes Franca tested positive for steroids and was suspended from MMA competition for a year. Hermes Franca would return from his suspension and lose his next fight to Frankie Edgar at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 14. This could be a key fight for Hermes Franca, because a third loss in the row could knock him out of the UFC. Hermes Franca will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with eleven career victories coming by submission. Marcus Aurelio has had an interesting run thus far in the UFC with victories over Luke Caudillo and Ryan Roberts, with losses to Clay Guida and Tyson Griffin. Marcus Aurelio is also a PRIDE veteran who has had a series of fights with top ranked Japanese fighter Takanori Gomi. Marcus Aurelio is a former training partner of Hermes Franca and the two have been on the outs for awhile now. Marcus Aurelio will also be looking to put the fight on the ground, with ten career victories coming by submission.
My Prediction: Hermes Franca
UFC Middleweight Division Fight
Dan Miller (9-1-0) vs. Matt “Suave” Horwich (22-10-1)
Dan Miller, along with brother Jim Miller, were signed by the UFC after the demise of the International Fight League earlier this year. Dan Miller made his UFC debut at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 15, defeating Rob Kimmons by submission in the first round. During his time in the International Fight League, Jim Miller defeated Dave Phillips and Ryan McGivern. Dan Miller will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with six career victories coming by submission. Speaking of International Fight League alumni, Matt Horwich was a premier fighter in the promotion, competing in eleven different fights during his time there. During his time in the IFL, Matt Horwich holds victories over Bristol Murande, Mike Pyle, Brent Beauparlant, Kazuhiro Hamanaka, Brian Foster, Benji Radach and Joey Guel, while suffering losses to Jamaal Patterson twice and Ryan McGivern twice. When Matt Horwich makes his UFC debut Saturday Night, it will be the first time he has fought outside of the IFL in over two years. Matt Horwich will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with eighteen career victories coming by submission.
My Prediction: Matt Horwich
UFC Lightweight Division Fight
Spencer “The King” Fisher (21-4-0) vs. Shannon Gugerty (11-2-0)
Spencer Fisher is easily a few victories away from earning a shot at the UFC Lightweight Title currently held by BJ Penn. Spencer Fisher has had a long run in the UFC with victories over Thiago Alves, Aaron Riley, Matt Wiman, Dan Lauzon, Sam Stout and Jeremy Stephens, but has suffered losses to Sam Stout, Hermes Franca and Frankie Edgar. Spencer Fisher is a fighter know for his incredible striking skills, with eleven career victories coming by knockout. Shannon Gugerty is replacing Melvin Guillard in this fight after Melvin Guillard pulled out of the fight after an injury. Shannon Gugerty made his UFC debut at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 14 with a victory over Dale Hartt by submission in the first round. Prior to coming to the UFC, Shannon Gugerty fought mostly in the Total Combat promotion, where he has fought ten times in his professional career. Shannon Gugerty is currently riding an eight fight winning streak and has eight career victories by submission.
My Prediction: Spencer Fisher
UFC Middleweight Division Fight
Thales Leites (13-1-0) vs. Drew “The Massacre” McFedries (7-4-0)
Thales Leites started off his UFC career with a loss to Martin Kampmann at the UFC Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale, but has since ran through the UFC with victories over Pete Sell, Floyd Sword, Ryan Jensen and Nate Marquardt. Thales Leites is easily a top five fighter in the UFC Middleweight Division behind Patrick Cote, Yushin Okami, Michael Bisping and Nate Marquardt. Thales Leites will be looking to put this fight on the ground with eight career victories coming by way of submission. Drew McFedries is replacing Goran Reljic, who had to pull out of the fight after suffering a back injury. Drew McFedries has had a run in the UFC that has gone one win and one loss in that rotation for six fights in the company. Drew McFedries holds UFC victories over Alessio Sakara, Jordan Radev and Marvin Eastman while suffering losses to Martin Kampmann, Patrick Cote and Mike Massenzio with every single fight ending within the opening round. Drew McFedries will be looking to keep the fight on the feet with four career victories coming by knockout.
My Prediction: Thales Leites
You can contact David Tees at bigtees360@yahoo.com.
