Clifford “Big Cat” Starks vs. Ed “Short Fuse” Herman
 
  I firmly believe that Herman will be able to either keep this fight standing, or submit Starks in some way, shape or form.  Starks is a skilled wrestler, but Herman’s sheer experience should win him this fight.  I can see Herman avoiding the takedowns and outstriking Starks to a decision.
 
Prediction: Herman via Unanimous Decision
 
Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen vs. Renan Barao
 
  Both Jorgensen and Barao are well rounded in their own right.  Although I believe that Barao holds an advantage in the grappling department, I’m going to be taking the upset here.  Jorgensen is quick on his feet and sets up his takedowns really well.  It may be a longshot, but I can see Jorgensen taking a close split decision victory.
 
Prediction: Jorgensen via Split Decision
 
Roy “Big Country” Nelson vs. Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum
 
  This matchup is evenly matched almost all of the way through.  Nelson and Werdum’s jiu jitsu abilities will either negate each other, or lean in Werdum’s favor.  For this reason I believe this fight will stay standing and Nelson will catch Werdum early.  Nelson is smart enough to pick his shots and only go in for the finish if he is sure that he has it.  He should be able to land one of those devastating overhand rights on Werdum and put him away in the first round.
 
Prediction: Nelson via First Round KO
 
CO-MAIN EVENT: Mike Pierce vs. Josh Koscheck
 
  Keeping up with the trend, this match is as evenly matched as the previous two fights.  Although Koscheck has the advantage in wrestling, I doubt that Pierce will let himself get taken down.  I think this fight will stay standing and Pierce and Koscheck will trade punches.  Koscheck should be able to get the finish here.  These two will test each other for the first round.  Koscheck will stay calm and put together a nice combination in the second round and finish Pierce.
 
Prediction: Koscheck via Second Round TKO
 
MAIN EVENT: Nick Diaz vs. “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit
 
  It’s very doubtful that Diaz and Condit will provide a boring fight for the fans.  Stylistically this is fight is one of the most appealing matchups of recent history.  Diaz and Condit are highly skilled both standing up, and on the ground.  I’m going to be taking Condit as my second upset of the main card.  Diaz should have this fight in the bag anywhere it will go.  However the reality is that everyone is looking passed Condit, and he is no opponent to sleep on.  With everyone’s sights set on GSP for Diaz’s next fight, Condit will come out on the better end of this war.  This fight will avoid the ground altogether.  Condit will be able to slow Diaz’s pace and land several front kicks and knees that will severely cut Diaz.  Diaz has been stopped by cuts before. I fully expect Condit to capitalize on this and get the better exchanges on the feet.  The ball is in Diaz’s court in this and he has just as good of a chance to win.  Call me gutsy, but I’m fairly confident that Condit will take the five round split decision victory.
 
Prediction: Condit via Split Decision

Photos Courtesy of Zuffa LLC

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