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Tonight's card offers some interesting matchups. Here's another instalment of the always dangerous Scrapyard predictions:
- B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez. The smart money's on Penn, but Sanchez is looking better than ever in the cage. His striking is crisp, his takedowns are effective and his conditioning should eclipse Penn's. Prediction: An unpopular choice -- Sanchez by decision.
- Cheick Kongo vs. Frank Mir. A fight of opposites. Kongo is a lethal striker with suspect submission defence; Mir is not known for his striking, but can pretzel an opponent from any spot on the ground. Each says he has trained to the other's strengths. Prediction: Mir's submissions are too strong. Mir by second-round submission.
- Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce. Like Fitch, Pierce is a tough welterweight with knockout power. Unlike Fitch, his resume doesn't include the likes of Thiago Alves, Georges St. Pierre and Sanchez. Prediction: A dominating decision victory for the tenacious Fitch.
- Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida. Any fight involving Guida is a contender for fight of the night. Florian, however, has a deeper toolbox. Coming off a loss to Penn, Florian is looking to remain near the top of the lightweight rankings and will have plenty to prove. Prediction: Florian by decision.
- Paul Buentello vs. Stefan Struve -- Buentello the headhunter is back in the UFC, looking to make an instant splash against the 6-foot-11 Struve. Both are accomplished heavyweights, although Buentello might have a better resume. Prediction: Buentello by second-round KO.
