my predictions for tonights UFC 76 (remember i'm 100% correct 60% of the time:laugh: )
Liddell vs. Jardine: if Liddell is focused he takes this easy. Jardine is a solid fighter but nowhere near the level of skill that Liddell has. Jardines best hope is to leg kick Liddell early and often and try to drag him into the 3rd round.
Liddell by KO 1st round
Shogun vs. Forrest Griffin: Griffin is a decent fighter. i don't like him too much, but he definitely has some skills in the ring. That being said, Shogun is better in every aspect of the game. Shogun is an elite fighter and Forrest is just outside the top 10. Jardine beat Forrest, i really have a hard time seeing Forrest pull the upset. Forrest's best chance to win is if Shogun has a Pride flashback and starts to stomp his dome in. Shogun will take 1 round to get used to the cage and finish Griffin in the 2nd.
Shogun by ref stoppage due to strikes 2nd round
Diego Sanchez vs. Fitch: even matchup here. If fitch takes the Koscheck route, he'll win easy. Fitch is a much better striker than Sanchez and a better wrestler. Fitch is also good enough on the ground to stay out of Sanchez's subs. That being said Fitch is not Koscheck, he actually cares about being exciting for the crowd. He will push the pace, even if he doesn't have to. Sanchez does best against guys who come right at him. Still i think Fitch has enough tools to beat Sanchez in the end.
Fitch by UD.
Tyson Griffin vs. Thiago Tavares: this has fight of the year potential. Of all the fights tonight, this is one i want to see most. Tyson Griffin is always in wars. Tavares showed a complete set of skills against Jason Black. I thought that Guida actually should've gotten the decision he fought Griffin, and Tavares is ground wizard. Tyson has better striking. I see this being an absolute war with Tavares catching Griffin in a sub in round 3.
Tavares by sub 3rd round
Machida vs. Nak: Machida will be a tough matchup for anyone at LHW because of how technical his striking is. He knows how to stay away from danger. this will ultimately be his downfall as he isn't the most exciting of fighters. I like Machida but if he wants to get a title shot in the future, he has to start finishing some of his opponents, or at least be exciting while dominating them. He's a great fighter, and he will decision Nak.
Machdia by UD